Conservation of Historic Timber Structures: An Ecological Approach to Preservation(Conservation and Museology)

Knut Einar Larsen and Nils Marstein provide a comprehensive preservation strategy that may be applied in practice, taking into account different cultures and traditions. It is a timely response to the needs of the international community for guidelines for the conservation of historic timber structures, and for others wishing to develop their knowledge of the preservation of our wooden cultural heritage. The book will also help those interested in modern building practices that are compatible with sustainable development.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Introduction; The sustainability of traditional materials and craftsmanship; Authenticity; Diversity; Benefits and drawbacks of modern technology; Preservation of structures and preservation of techniques of craftsmanship; Preservation starts in the forest; Preventive conservation, documentation, maintenance and fire protection; The durability of wood as a building material; Alternatives to toxic chemicals; Sustainable development: learning from historic timber structures; Principles for the Preservation of Historic Timber Structures; References; Index

Review :
"'...the authors [have a] broad knowledge of wood preservation practices around the world and a true authority to compare and contrast these practices, which they do in this book with wit and judicious care. In a literature comprised of often diffuse collections of highly academic papers describing culturally-specific technical minutiae, this overview is absolutely unique and profound. The text is full of practical examples which conservation and building professionals will find stimulating...the phrase an ecological approach in the title is not a collection of trendy buzzwords included to promote crossover market sales. Considerations of appropriate technology, preservation of old-growth forests, and redevelopment of traditional craft skills are central to it's arguments, and it has truly useful and interesting insights for readers from other disciplines, including forestry, ecology, sustainable development, etc. Even though the authors are not native speakers of English, the text is clearly understandable and directly stated. The style is terse without being dense, intelligent without being academic. The authors personal enthusiasms and wit shine through. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.' Customer comment on Amazon.com 'This book will be of practical benefit to preservation carpenters, conservators, architects, engineers and building managers who either work on or care for buildings that incorporate historic joinery.' UKIC's Conservation News