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Slab Huts and Barns Receive Special AttentionTo some, they are an eyesore standing in the way of progress; to others they are beautiful and precious. One was even named ‘Most Romantic Getaway in NSW’. They are the slab huts and barns that once dotted the Australian landscape, a testament to our agricultural character and rural origins. But the sight of a barn bursting with bales of hay or even falling down under the weight of a rambling rose is becoming increasingly rare – something that will be addressed in a unique event to be held on 4 and 5 July. Hawkesbury Regional Museum, the Historic Houses Trust and the Association for Preservation Technology have joined forces to present a two-day technical symposium and excursion exploring the traditional construction methods and conservation techniques for this most humble but highly functional form of architecture. According to Museum Director, Kathleen von Witt, the rural landscape to the north west of Sydney once boasted many 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,‘ said Kath. The two-day event aims to raise awareness and educate people about conserving the surviving vernacular timber and iron structures of the Cumberland Plain. The program includes 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. The excursion to significant sites includes an early slab-built vernacular house and outstanding timber barns in the Hawkesbury District.
Event: Saving the Cumberland Vernacular
Event: Demonstration of Wood working and bush carpentry skills Contact details |
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© 2008 Hawkesbury City Council |
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