News: Construction Design & Engineering

Traditional Building Exhibition and Conf. returns to Boston on March 12-15

The Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference, the largest tradeshow and conference dedicated to historic restoration, renovation and traditionally inspired new construction will return to Boston's Hynes Convention Center, March 12-15. In four days you can explore every aspect of the region's rich design legacy - from churches to theaters, public and commercial buildings, to the wide array of Colonial, Classical, Victorian, and Modernist-styled homes. Choose what's best for you from over 75 seminars, workshops and tours. Sustainability takes center stage. This year's Traditional Building Conference will feature a special series of seminars that focus on the strategies to "green" renovation and rehabilitation. Explore how reusing existing buildings can positively impact climate change and why traditional design and construction is the "Original Green". Back by popular demand. The Residential Series, is a special 2-day series of seminars for those who love old houses, own a historic-home, or who will be building a new "old" house.  This program will feature information about historic home restoration or traditionally inspired new design and construction to get you started on your next project.  The Contractor Series. In cooperation with the Builders Association of Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the Contractor Series consists of workshops and seminars for all building and design professionals but may be most important to the practice and education of contractors, builders and trades-people. Seminars will cover: window repair, slate roofing, moisture problems in historic masonry, ironwork, paint practices, small duct HVAC systems, and historic plaster repair.  The exhibit hall will feature more than 150 exhibitors of historically accurate products and specialty items used in commercial and residential historic preservation and traditionally inspired new construction. Source the products and expertise you need for your next project. Also inside the exhibit hall, Traditional Building Live will feature demonstrations of traditional building crafts and techniques. And, 5 free educational programs will be offered covering important topics such as historic paint, plaster repair and window restoration techniques in the Traditional Building Theater. The annual Traditional Building Design Competition will also take place on the show floor and will challenge the country's best architects and designers to design and hand draw a new old house that could fit into Boston's historic South End. Tours of Boston's most famous landmarks will give you a first hand look at how this historic city continues to thrive. Go behind the scenes at Lowell National Historic Park and see one of the country's largest 19th century industrial complexes and how its adaptive reuse of the cotton mills has flourished. Or join us as we examine the design and craftsmanship of the Charlestown Navy Yard and see why their original designs have assured their survival. The Traditional Building Show will feature two keynote addresses. On March 13 at 5:30 pm mayor Joseph Riley, Jr. from Charleston, S.C. will share his thoughts on how we enrich our lives through the stewardship of historic buildings and communities. Riley is regarded as one of America's most forward thinking mayors for his work on integrating traditional design and preservation into the economic development of Charleston. And, on March 14 at 5:30 pm Cambridge, Mass.-based architect Frank Shirley, will base his keynote address from his recently published book, New Rooms for Old Houses (Taunton Press, 2007). Join us as we explore the roles and importance of harmony when designing additions to old houses. Don't miss this exciting opportunity for learning and networking in the field of historic preservation and traditional building, in one of America's most historic cities. To register or for more information visit www.traditionalbuildingshow.com
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