Timber Frame Basics
An interactive walkthrough exploring construction, defects, and conservation of historic timber structures with Stephen Boniface.
An immersive walk and talk day on timber frame construction.
Join expert surveyor Stephen Boniface at the historic Cressing Temple Barns site in Essex to investigate traditional timber-framed buildings first-hand.
During this interactive day, we will tour the historic site to explore timber frame construction types, analyse structural design elements, and discuss how to identify typical defects. Stephen will provide structural overviews and facilitate professional discussions around specific remediation works, schedules of work, and ongoing conservation matters.
Delegates will inspect exceptional historic barns, examining framing variations, medieval timber techniques, and complementary structural building materials including infill brickwork and traditional renders. We will also evaluate an array of historic roofing coverings, from handmade peg tiles to classic slate and thatch.
To conclude the field day, Stephen will lead a practical session focused on architectural sketching, demonstrating why hand documentation remains a vital tool for structural surveying alongside modern photography, drones, and digital visual recording.
Schedule & Timings
Meet up in the Tiptree Tearoom Cafe at the visitor centre (note that the site opens at 9:30).
Explore the Granary and Cart Shed to analyze initial timber framing profiles.
Explore the exterior of the Farmhouse and survey the various buildings surrounding the Visitor Centre.
Lunch in the cafe or bring your own picnic – a dedicated window for general networking and open technical discussion.
Detailed structural tour of the world-renowned historic Barley and Wheat Barns.
General question time, case studies, and open-floor project discussions.
Practical sketching session and a professional discussion on the modern integration of photographic records, drones, and visual survey imagery.
Final wrap-up, feedback, and departure. The historic site closes at 16:30.
Fees
Entrance to the historic site is free. The booking fee includes all documentation and sketching materials for those who wish to take part.
The fee does not include lunch and refreshments during the day. Delegates can purchase food directly from the onsite tea room or bring a personal picnic.
Profits from this event directly fund a general bursary scheme – further details of which are available on the main BEST Training website.
Access
There is a dedicated visitor car park on site, with gravel and compacted earth paths leading to and around the properties.
The grounds generally feature level access, though natural paths are uneven. Some historic buildings have steps up at entry points, internal stairs, or restricted head height.
No specialist clothing or PPE is required, but robust, sturdy footwear is strongly recommended due to walking distances and uneven terrain. Fully accessible toilets are located at the venue.
Questions
This session is structured as an interactive field study, and delegates are highly encouraged to raise specific conservation queries throughout the tour.
If you have a complex query or a live case study you would like addressed, please submit details to us in advance so Stephen can integrate your answers into the itinerary.
CPD
This training course provides 5 verifiable CPD hours. Personalised digital CPD certificates will be formally issued via email following the completion of the event.
Hosted at Cressing Temple Barns.
Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8PD