Built environment and construction professionals visited the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) on Wednesday 11 February 2026 for a special cross-sector site event bringing together members of the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB), the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW), the Passivhaus Trust, and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).
Hosted at CAT’s unique Llwyngwern Quarry site, the afternoon offered attendees the opportunity to explore the centre’s pioneering low-carbon buildings, delve into its rich landscape heritage, and learn about CAT’s exciting Cynefin redevelopment project, a major programme shaping the future of sustainability education and innovation at the centre.
Interactive Tours and Knowledge Sharing
The visit began with guided tours led by CAT experts, offering insight into the site’s living archive of innovative low-carbon construction and decades of environmental experimentation.
Attendees then gathered in the WISE Building for refreshments and networking, where architects, conservation practitioners, Passivhaus specialists, and sustainable building professionals shared experiences and perspectives from across the sector with each other and with CAT postgraduate students studying MSc Green Building and our Part 2 MArch Sustainable Architecture programme.
Talks on CAT’s Future
A highlight of the event was a talk by the redevelopment Project Director John Challen, who presented updates on the Cynefin project, an initiative set to expand CAT’s facilities and strengthen its role in training the next generation of environmental leaders.
“It’s inspiring to welcome so many passionate practitioners from the built environment sector to CAT and to share the vision behind our Cynefin redevelopment project. Collaboration across architecture, conservation, low-energy design and sustainable construction is essential if we’re to meet the climate challenges ahead, and events like today’s deepen the connections and shared learning that drive progress.” said John Challen Project Director for Cynefin, CAT’s redevelopment plans.
For those wishing to extend their day, an optional evening meal brought visitors together with students from CAT’s Graduate School of the Environment ahead of the guest lecture from Kate Davies on the experimental timber structures at Hooke Park, which concluded the event with forward looking discussion on advanced sustainable construction.
Strengthening Networks
Tabitha Binding, from Passivhaus Trust, who attended the event said “It was a real pleasure to attend today’s event, set against the rich historical setting of CAT’s sustainable buildings and quarry site. I loved the chance to network with so many professionals from the built environment sector in Mid Wales and it was inspiring to meet and talk with other attendees alongside the energetic, curious and enthusiastic CAT students.”
The event successfully fostered collaboration between organisations, driving low-energy design, conservation, and sustainable architecture across Wales. With more than 20 attendees participating, the visit showcased the continued appetite for shared learning and cross-disciplinary engagement in shaping a low-carbon built environment.
