Members and non-members are invited to attend the seminars detailed below, which will be held at Surry Hills Library in Sydney in August and November.

Tuesday 13th August – Scott Worthington
Tuesday 26th November – Jasper Swann & David West

Venue (both events):
Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

General Guide to Sealing & Maintaining Stone
Presented by Scott Worthington, Aqua-Mix
Tuesday 13th August

The selection of natural stone available in Australia is wide and varied. Information about which stones can benefit from sealing and how they should be maintained is equally as varied. Understanding the chemistry of commercial stones and sealing and cleaning products is the key to getting the right protection and maintenance information.

6.15 pm – Presentation
7.00 pm – Questions
7.15 pm – Finger food & beverages

To book your FREE seat call Rowena Cooke on 03 9888 3587 or email info@asaa.com.au. You must provide a company name and contact phone number.

Contemporary Conservation of Natural Stone & Challenges Associated with Cladding
Two important presentations by Jasper Swann & David West
Tuesday 26th November 2013

Conservation of the Sydney Town Hall Clock Tower – Jasper Swann

6.10 pm – Presentation
6.50 pm – Questions

The conservation of the Sydney Town Hall Clock Tower in 2012-13 has provided an opportunity to utilise a wide variety of stonework conservation techniques, some of which were specifically designed for the project to overcome issues that had long been a problem, but had not previously been tackled. The project has been characterised by extensive use of materials selected as improved alternatives to those once widely utilised. Natural Hydraulic Lime mortars have been used, including pointing mortar specifically designed to counter the residual problems of the previous use of elastomeric sealants. NHL-based mortar repairs have been used in place of once-fashionable epoxy-based materials. The project has also required the careful identification and removal of asbestos-containing mortars which were once in common usage. This presentation will provide an insight into some conservation techniques that are likely to become the new standard in stonework conservation.

Challenges with 20th Century Stone Cladding – David West

7.00 pm – Presentation
7.45 pm – Questions
8.00 pm – Complimentary Food & Beverages

During the 20th Century there were dramatic changes in the way stone was used in buildings. In particular, during the period 1925 – 1985 stone changed from being a massive masonry block to a hollow-fixed thin veneer cladding panel, and even to an adhered tile. This necessitated the development of completely new ways of installing the stone units, leading to the exploration by architects, builders and stonemasons of the limitations of the available technology and knowledge. As a consequence, some of the stone cladding installed during the 20th Century has encountered problems with stability or durability. This presentation will explore the key challenges facing building owners who seek to repair, conserve or upgrade stone buildings from the mid-20th Century, and outline ways the stone industry can work proactively to assist building owners with these challenges.

Click here to view Jasper & David’s bios.

To book your FREE seat call Rowena Cooke on 03 9888 3587 or email info@asaa.com.au. You must provide a company name and contact phone number.