STBA and SPAB Conference
Each year, the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA) and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) come together to host a national conference exploring the future of traditional buildings in the context of environmental, social, and technical change. These joint events bring leading voices from heritage, retrofit, policy, and practice into meaningful dialogue – challenging assumptions, sharing insight, and shaping better outcomes for the built environment.
STBA and SPAB Conference 2024
Hosted in York, the 2024 conference explored the intersection of heritage, innovation, and climate resilience. Sessions covered retrofit research, craft skills, embodied carbon, digital surveying, and conservation education. Talks and panels featured contributions from the National Trust, Historic England, University of York, and Tonkin Liu’s keynote on narrative architecture.
Download the full programme here.
STBA and SPAB Conference 2023
The 2023 conference, A Nature-Positive Approach to Traditional Buildings, explored sustainable materials and conservation. Morwenna Slade delivered the keynote, while James Ayres examined Natural Materials – A Niche Choice or the Future? Discussions covered flood resilience, biodiversity, wetland plant cultivation, and the role of traditional materials in a changing climate.
Download the brochure, here
STBA and SPAB Conference 2022
Our first in-person conference since COVID – and in Scotland – explored policy, skills, and sustainability in traditional buildings. Talks covered PAS 2035 implementation (Barbara Lantschner, Lisa-Anne Pasquale), embodied carbon (Roger Curtis, John Butler), and training (Caitriona Jordan). ACAN Scotland facilitated an interactive workshop on policy and practice gaps.
Download the brochure, here
STBA and SPAB Conference 2021
Held online across two days, the 2021 conference examined retrofit tools, policy, and significance in traditional buildings. Sessions included Scotland’s retrofit strategy, PAS 2038, SuperHomes, and the social dimensions of retrofit. Research on timber frames, masonry, and mainstreaming good practice was presented alongside lively panel discussions.
A summary of the conference, which includes speakers’ presentations is available here.
STBA and SPAB Conference 2020
Our first fully virtual conference explored sustainability, heritage, and wellbeing in the built environment. Themes included indoor air quality, the role of natural materials, and the risks of over-insulation. Presentations featured case studies and policy reflections, with expert contributions from across architecture, conservation, and health.
Watch videos of the full programme, here
