[HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames - Heritage Buildings Podcast | Lyssna här

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Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Louis Curtis, founder of Breakspear Conservation, to discuss his journey from school and kitchen fitting into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Curtis shares how he developed his skills through the Building Crafts College and specialist timber frame repair courses, as well as a formative early project repairing a major eight-bay barn. He explains how enthusiasm, practical problem-solving, and a willingness to take on challenging work helped him establish his career in conservation.

The conversation also explores the realities of running a small conservation business, including pricing work on historic buildings, managing unknowns, investigating existing structures, and setting realistic expectations with clients. Curtis discusses completing the MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Museum, support from the QUEST Scholarship and business training, his dissertation research into historic lime finishes and evidence of formerly plastered timber frames, and an experimental archaeology project in Copenhagen recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss using traditional tools.

Topics covered include:

• Louis Curtis's journey into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair

• Training at the Building Crafts College and learning through practical experience

• Repairing historic timber frames, including a major eight-bay barn

• Running a small conservation business, pricing work, and managing unknowns in old buildings

• The MSc in Timber Building Conservation, QUEST Scholarship, and business training

• Research into historic lime finishes, formerly plastered timber frames, and experimental archaeology

• Recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss in Copenhagen using traditional tools

Whether you're a conservation carpenter, timber framer, architect, building surveyor, heritage professional, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into the skills, research, and practical challenges involved in conserving Britain's historic timber buildings.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)

00:00 Welcome & Guest Intro: Louis on Heritage Timber Framing

01:38 From Skateboarding to Carpentry

03:01 Discovering Building Conservation

05:14 Falling for Timber Frames

08:49 Finding Work and Mentors

09:33 First Big Barn Breakthrough

12:49 Why Enthusiasm Wins Jobs

14:40 Growing Breakspear Conservation

15:38 Pricing and Opening Up

17:54 Managing Clients and Scope

21:16 Running a Small Team

24:34 MSc at Weald and Downland

27:57 How the Masters Is Taught

31:24 Getting In and Who It Suits

33:10 QUEST Scholarship Support

36:38 Inspiring Kids Into Crafts

38:17 AI and the Craft Revival

40:04 Hiring Young People Today

42:58 Lime Finishes Research

48:06 Exposed Frames Debate

53:42 Limewash Benefits Explained

55:58 Brick Infill And Mortar

57:36 Hair Lime Plaster Mixes

01:00:12 Copenhagen Truss Project

01:07:55 Traditional Tools And Timber

01:15:40 Home Renovation And Wrap Up

Connect with Louis Curtis and explore his work using the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-curtis-a8929360/

Breakspear Conservation

https://www.breakspearconservation.com/

https://www.instagram.com/breakspearconservation/

Louis Curtis’ Presentation at the Historic England & Lime Finishes Group Symposium:

https://vimeo.com/1190484023/2fdac7828c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci