| The rural landscape to the north west of Sydney was once populated
with impressive timber structures built for the purpose of housing
produce, equipment and animals. These barns and rural outbuildings
are disappearing at an alarming rate for want of care and understanding
of their significance, and the skills to conserve them. This two-day
event aims to raise awareness and elevate technical knowledge about
conserving the surviving vernacular timber and iron structures of
the Cumberland Plain.
Day 1 | technical symposium| Friday 4 July | 9am –
5pm
A technical symposium exploring the traditional construction methods
and conservation techniques for slab barns and timber outbuildings
on the Cumberland Plain.
The day’s activities include a demonstration of timber working
by craftsmen from rural Victoria and an inspection of the rare group
of outbuildings at Rouse Hill House & Farm.
Speakers include: Professors Ian Jack (University of Sydney) and
Miles Lewis (University of Melbourne) and local conservation practitioners
specialising in structural analysis, timber technology, roofing
systems and conservation works.
Day 2 | tour of sites| Saturday 5 July | 9am – 5pm
A tour of significant sites includes an early slab-built vernacular
house, timber barns in the Hawkesbury District and demonstrations
of vernacular timber working at the new Hawkesbury Regional Museum
in Windsor.
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