We are delighted to announce that Charley Brentnall will be presenting for us. Charley Brentnall is an internationally recognised leader in timber construction and conservation. With work spanning four decades and four continents, he has established a unique professional approach that combines an intimate understanding of the material with the ability to lead the delivery of large and complex timber structures.  As the founder of Carpenter Oak and Woodland in 1987, Charley helped pioneer the renaissance of timber-framing in the UK and became one of the country’s leading expert in traditional construction.  Since 2000 his work has evolved to embrace new technologies and he seeks, as a founder of Xylotek, to marry depth of knowledge with wood with the opportunities of advanced fabrication.  Charley has led projects internationally and in a range of cultural and educational contexts,

Repair of the Kinsol Trestle:

Timber railway viaduct on Vancouver Island.

The Kinsol Trestle is the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth and one of the highest railway trestles in the world. In December 2006 after many years of debate, the local government took a decision to demolish the structure at a cost of $1.5m. McDonald & Lawrence Timber Frame put in a mirroring bid to repair it reigniting a preservation campaign that led to its remarkable rejuvenation.

Charley Brentnall, Xylotek director and ICOMOS-UK Wood Committee member, collaborated on a survey and repair strategy for the Howe truss that spans the ravine. He will talk about the repair project, the struggles and the transformation of this spectacular bridge.

Zoom link:  https://zoom.us/j/6098176754