IHBC Gus Astley Student Awards guest judge for 2021 Ian Morrison OBE, Historic England, has chosen two winners in this #IHBC25 anniversary year, with India Wright (Middle Temple) and Laura Long (Hempcrete) entering work from IHBC-Recognised conservation courses in Cambridge and York.
…[joint winners] offered a £500 cheque, a certificate, and a free place at the Aberdeen Annual School 2022…
- Joint Winner 2021: India Wright, Redevelopment of the Middle Temple following the Restoration, University of Cambridge
- Joint Winner 2021: Laura Long, Hempcrete use in historic buildings: review of recent trends, perceptions and barriers, University of York
Both Laura and India have been offered a £500 cheque, a certificate, and a free place at the Aberdeen Annual School 2022, including the School MarketPlace, from 15-18 June.
Other awardees also receive cheques, certificates, and free, virtual places on the Aberdeen Day School on 17 June and School MarketPlace on 15 June as follows:
- Commended: Poppy Heneghan-Pickard on The Effect of Tourism on the Innate Character and Authenticity of Crovie, Aberdeenshire, University of Edinburgh
- Commended: Matthew Cook on The relationship between natural stone joint design, surface area and the properties of lime mortar joints, Heriot Watt University
- Booth-Bird Award for a Conservation Plan: Peter Jenkins, Conservation Plan – Whitefriars Gatehouse, Coventry, Birmingham City University.
2021 Judge Ian Morrison – who will also speak to and attend the IHBC’s 2022 Aberdeen Day School in June – said of his decision to celebrate joint winners for 2021: ‘Whilst the dissertations were very different in nature – one focused on a technical subject, the other on historical research – they also shared a common characteristic which made it difficult to choose between the two.’
… ‘Their passion for discovery really came across…’
‘It was very evident from the dissertations that both students were engrossed with their research, and their enthusiasm clearly drove their desire to understand as much as they could about their subject. Their passion for discovery really came across, and from my perspective this is the most important attribute for anyone working in our sector.’
Winners in the IHBC 2021 Annual Gus Astley student awards
Joint Winner – India Wright
- Work – Redevelopment of the Middle Temple following the Restoration
- Course – MSt Building History at the University of Cambridge
Ian Morrison said: ‘A thorough scholarly effort, bringing together documentary, literary, cartographic and photographic material to provide a good understanding of the post-Restoration architectural development of Middle Temple in London. Yet, it is the fascinating account of the builder of Middle Temple, Nicholas Barbon, that particular stands out and captivates. A property speculator, economist, MP, and general all-round polymath, Nicholas Barbon and his influence on the rebuilding of London is a story that demands to be told. I’m looking forward to reading Frank Kelsall’s and Timothy Walker’s book on Barbon when it comes out! The dissertation is particularly appealing to me as it shines a light on a subject previously little understood, whilst also being meticulously researched and beautifully written.’
Dr Adam Menuge, Course Director for MSt Building History, said: ‘It gives me great pleasure to commend India Wright’s meticulously researched dissertation on the reconstruction of London’s Middle Temple, principally by Nicholas Barbon, after a disastrous fire in 1679. This is valuable new scholarship, conducted under the recent difficult climate for research, which significantly advances our understanding of the buildings and of the London building world of the late 17th century.’
India said: ‘I am honoured to have had my work recognised with the GASA for 2021. I would like to thank the IHBC and the awards judges for their approbation. Whilst conducting research for another assignment at Middle Temple I stumbled upon a hitherto unexamined primary source which detailed the contracts and accounts for all of the chambers built at the Inn by notorious property developer Nicholas Barbon. My dissertation is based upon this riveting evidence and explores the intriguing story surrounding Barbon’s involvement with Middle Temple and the resulting architecture, which continues to define its character to this day.’
‘I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Dr Adam Menuge, course director of the MSt in Building History at the University of Cambridge. His tireless efforts and aptitude in convening and teaching his course have equipped me with a sound grounding in the research and interpretation of historic buildings which I will employ whilst undertaking my PhD at Cambridge examining the architecture of the Inns of Court in the late seventeenth century. Thank you also to my dissertation supervisor, Peter Guillery, without whom I would have doubtless achieved a less accomplished work.’
Joint Winner – Laura Long
- Work: Hempcrete use in historic buildings: review of recent trends, perceptions and barriers
- Course – MA in Conservation Studies course at the University of York
Judge Ian Morrison said: ‘A well-constructed and thoroughly researched study of the current use and perception of hempcrete as an alternative and carbon-negative solution for insulating historic buildings. The study highlights the lack of data on long-term performance and a general lack of awareness amongst conservation practitioners of the potential use of hempcrete for retrofit. The dissertation also provides a powerful reminder of the need for far greater (and immediate) coordination and investment into traditional building retrofit studies, comprising longitudinal research into products and techniques followed by technical guidance and awareness raising. It is also extremely well-written, which makes it a pleasure to read.’
Louise Cooke, Lecturer at University of Yorkshire, said: ‘Laura’s research on the potential uses and barriers for adoption of Hempcrete for historic buildings is timely and addresses the urgent needs for research, demonstration and practice in retrofitting traditional, pre 1919 buildings in the UK as part of our response to the Climate Crisis.’
Laura said: ‘What a wonderful surprise to have been selected to receive the GASA for my research project. Having arrived at the University of York with a huge enthusiasm both for natural and sustainable materials and for heritage conservation, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with hemp-lime during a practical session towards the end of my MA programme. I was immediately struck by its simplicity and practicality, and intrigued to learn about its application in the conservation of traditional buildings: How and where in the UK it has been used before, how it has performed and lasted, and finally, if previous applications have been successful, what the challenges and barriers to more widespread use might be.
‘I am completely indebted to Dr Louise Cooke who kept me focused and positive throughout. The research was ultimately an absolute joy to design and carry out, bringing me into contact with conservation professionals, architects, planners, artisans, contractors, homeowners, and producers from all over the UK and beyond.’
‘My end goal was to produce a piece of work that would be in some way useful, and I hope that the findings of this research might have some positive implications for the conservation of the both the historic and the natural environment. I thank my family for their endless practical assistance, the Worshipful Company of Masons for their continued support, and the IHBC and the judges for this award which has been a great morale booster and given me the encouragement to continue exploring the important role of sustainable materials in the conservation of our built heritage.’
Commended – Poppy Heneghan-Pickard
- Work: The Effect of Tourism on the Innate Character and Authenticity of Crovie, Aberdeenshire
- Course: MSc in Architectural Conservation at The University of Edinburgh
Bob Kindred MBE, IHBC’s adviser to the Awards, said: ‘This is a thorough and well-argued & illustrated examination of the erosion of character & authenticity in a small rural settlement, with 25% of dwellings now holiday lets & 70% second homes. It also sensitively explores the impact from tourism and gentrification and whether this is a negative or positive influence.‘
Dr Ruxandra Stoica, Lecturer in Architectural Conservation, said: ‘ I am delighted that Poppy’s hard work has been recognised through a commendation in the prestigious Gus Astley Student Awards! Her dissertation is thoroughly researched, with excellent use of a variety of sources, including very attentive direct analysis of the urban fabric of Crovie through both physical and social surveys. Poppy has contributed original insights into the impact of rural gentrification on the authenticity of Crovie’s vernacular fishing heritage.’
Poppy said: ‘I have long been interested in the varying vernacular architecture of fishing villages along the Banffshire coast, including Crovie. Its unique situation following its abandonment after the Great Storm of 1953 saw a shift in the village’s community, built environment and character following its restoration and adaptation. I am delighted to have been awarded a Commendation by IHBC, and I am incredibly grateful to the Crovie Preservation Society and the wider community who participated in my research (Covid-restrictions permitting).’
‘A further thanks to the Scottish Centre for Conservation Studies. The MSc Architectural Conservation course is all-encompassing, and I could not have wished for a more immersive introduction into the world of heritage.’
Commended – Matthew Cook
- Work: The relationship between natural stone joint design, surface area and the properties of lime mortar joints
- Course: MSc Building Conservation (technology and management) at Heriot Watt University
Bob Kindred OBE, IHBC’s adviser to the Awards, said: ‘Technically this is a very thorough submission, synthesising some of the experiences of former colleagues at the York Minster Works Department. It is a valuable study of how the surface finish/workmanship of a natural stone joint surfaces can change the adhesive bond strength of the associated lime mortar.’
Dr Craig Kennedy, Associate Professor, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society, Institute for Sustainable Building Design, said: ‘This research by Matthew Cook has helped better our understanding of the boundary between mortar and stone, and how best we can strengthen the bond between the two. This work provides not only an academic understanding of how the materials come together but combines it with a practical overview of how these materials can be utilised on site. The dissertation Matthew produced is of the very highest standard, extremely detailed and thorough. I am very delighted that he has received this award; it is well deserved indeed.’
Matthew said: ‘I have spent my working life conserving/restoring the nations historic stone buildings and I take a great deal of pride in what I do. Lime mortar and natural stone has been used in buildings for millennia. However there remains significant gaps in our current understanding of these basic materials. I think that the Gus Astley award provides a fantastic opportunity to connect research to the people or parties who may find it useful. It is my sincere hope that the information I have presented can play a small role in enhancing our collective ability to maintain and restore the nations invaluable built heritage.’
Booth-Bird Award for a Conservation Plan – Peter Jenkins
- Work: Conservation Plan – Whitefriars Gatehouse, Coventry
- Course: BA (Hons) Architecture at Birmingham City University
Katriona Bryne said: ‘As Course Director of the postgraduate programmes in Conservation of the Historic Environment at Birmingham City University I am delighted that one of our students Peter Jenkins (BA PGDipArch PGDip ARB) has been awarded this prize for his Conservation Management Plan. This medieval site, the Whitefriar’s Gatehouse in Coventry, was targeted for conversion by a local preservation trust Historic Coventry Trust, but there were lot of unknown entities about it. Peter consummately managed to control a mass of information including conflicting assessments of the original function and date of the building. He produced a range of site-specific policies to guide the future development of the building, protecting its most sensitive historic aspects, and then identified and assessed a variety of potential reuses. He recommended holiday accommodation as the most viable and least harmful solution for the building, which the Historic Coventry Trust are continuing to work on.’
Peter said: ‘I am honoured to have had my work on Whitefriar’s Gatehouse recognised in this way. The CMP was a challenging project, but also very rewarding as I fell in love with the site and its history. I am grateful to Historic Coventry Trust for providing the opportunity and look forward to seeing the building brought back into sustainable use.’
Find out more about the IHBC Gus Astley annual Student Award
See more background to the 2019 award guest judge
View the list of IHBC Recognised Courses
See more on the 2019 winners announcement, with Historic Houses CEO Ben Cowell as guest Judge
See more on the 2020 winners announcement with the SPAB CEO Matthew Slocombe as judge
See more on IHBC25 and promote our 25th anniversary with #IHBC25
