Environmentally sound, heritage building skills - the theory and the practice of building with Suffolk earth and trees! Hands-on courses held at Orchard Barn



IHBC Recognised CPD Provider


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The practical component of courses contribute towards the reinstatement of our 1580 timber frame Long House. Get hands-on with history!


Timber Frame Restoration Skills


shingle roof


wattle and daub


Repairing an oak timber

Wattle and daub


 

2025 course programme

Need a Concessionary place? Please ask.


Timber Frame Restoration Skills (IHBC CPD)

Discover why old buildings get damp and how to remedy it. Learn about the use of earth as a building materials. Get hands on with Wattle and Daub and Clay Render. Find out about the Lime Cycle and how to use Hot Lime  to lay bricks, repoint brickwork and in a render. Get to grips with the basics of a traditional timber frame. Gain skills in the assessment of old timbers and know how to repair them.

Course duration - 4 days

Dates: Tuesday 24th - Friday 27th June 2025

Timing: 9.30-4.00

Full course fee: £800 PRICE HELD UNTIL January 1st 2025, thereafter £1,000

More information and booking details




Wooden Roof Tiles - Shingles (IHBC CPD)

Learn how to convert coppice logs into shingles using a traditional woodland tools - cleaving with a froe, siding up with a side axe and final dressing using a draw knife. Both practical and theory. Course led by Sarah Partridge, Centre Manager of Orchard Barn

Course duration - 1 day

Date: 2025 TBC

Timing: 9.30-4.00

Full course fee - £250



An Introduction to using Hot Lime (IHBC CPD)

Learn how to work safely with this traditional building material. Led by Adrian Winter, supported by the Orchard Barn Team

Date: 2025 TBC

Timing: 9.30-4.00

Full course fee - £250



An Introduction to Timber Framing (IHBC CPD)

The basics of timber framing spelt out. Terms, traditional techniques using HAND TOOLS and locally sourced green oak. With William Clement-Smith (Timber Framer) and Sarah Partridge (Centre Manager of Orchard Barn).

Course duration - 1 day

Date: 2025 TBC

Timing: 9.30-4.00

Full course fee: £250



3 day Hot Lime (IHBC CPD) 

Course duration - 3 days

Date:  2025 TBC

Timing: 9.30-4.00

Full course fee - £750



An Introduction to Timber Frame Repairs (IHBC CPD)

Learn how to assess old timbers and undertake simple repairs.

Course duration - 1 day

Date: 2025 TBC

Timing: 9.30-4.00

Full course fee: £250





Wattle and Daub (IHBC CPD)

Learn traditional construction skills using home dug earth, freshly coppiced Hazel, and Elm bast. Course taught by Sarah Partridge Centre Manager of Orchard Barn. Find out about the environmental benefits of this historically sound practice of locking carbon into buildings, and have fun getting muddy during the practical sessions!

Course duration - 1 day

Date: 2025 TBC

Timing: 9.30-4.00

Full course fee - £250