RIAI CPD Links: ‘Mud matters’

Course aim

Dúchas na Sionna is offering an experiential 2-day workshop on the use of mud (or earth) as a building material for restoration, conservation and traditional building, together with the use of clay renders, clay-lime mixes, hot lime stabilising elements for external and internal breathable finishes.

From excavation and selection to finishing, there will be an opportunity to experience the traditional lost art of techniques which is not only simple but is also essentially free of charge and has no environmental impact. This will be of interest to conservation professionals, building owners, administrators, ecological builders, assigned certifiers and those proposing environmental self-build projects. This course will be accessible to those who know nothing about mud and lime and who would like to embark on an adventure of discovery.

• 1st running: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October, 2024
• 2nd running: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, 2024.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course attendees should have a knowledge of:

• Physical evaluation earthen materials as a building and repair technology.
• Techniques for extracting, screening, mixing and building in earth.
• Relation of earth and thatch materials and construction techniques to the requirements of the Building Control Act.

Speakers

Eoin Madigan (a 6th generation mason and specialist in mud construction, Director of Madigan Historic masonry), Damien Condon (Calyx Renders, a fifth-generation plasterer). Chris Southgate MIStructE FIEI C Eng, director of Southgate Associates, a conservation engineer with 34 years’ experience), Colm Murray (MRIAI, MUBC, Architect and expert in conservation theory), John O'Brien (Dúchas na Sionna, the host organisation which aims to restore the Hastings Farmhouse at Shannon).

Registration

The cost of the two-day course is €300 payable in advance by EFT. For booking and payment details, contact Olive Carey, Dúchas na Sionna duchasnasionna@gmail.com, or tel: 085 710 7581.

Location

Hastings Farmhouse is located close to Shannon Town, Co. Clare, between Shannon Crematorium and Illaunmanagh Cemetery. Overnight accommodation is not included in the course fee, but Dúchas na Sionna will assist in recommending local B and B’s or hotels (Contact Olive Carey, 085 710 7581, or John O’Brien, 086 850 1595).