Tywi Centre to Spotlight Traditional Methods and Eco-Solutions at Sustainable Buildings Fair

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Sustainable and Traditional Buildings Fair, presented by the Tywi Centre, scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, 2024, at the Tywi Centre, Dinefwr Farm in Llandeilo. Commencing at 10 am, a consortium of experts, suppliers, and contractors will convene to furnish essential guidance and strategies for fostering sustainable homes. In Wales, where 1.4 million households account for 27% of energy consumption, the urgency for eco-conscious housing solutions has never been more pronounced.

The Sustainable and Traditional Buildings Fair will be a free ticketed event, which aims to cut through the confusion surrounding home improvements and guide attendees through the journey of adapting their homes for a greener future. Made possible by funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Carmarthenshire County Council, the event promises a celebration of Wales’ rich heritage and a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. From energy-saving innovations to family-friendly entertainment provided by Circus Eruption, the Fair will have something for the whole family.

The Sustainable and Traditional buildings fair will provide an immersive showcase of advice and live demonstrations, including: stonemasonry demonstrations from Coe Stone Ltd; lime plastering expertise from Pembrokeshire Limework; and a traditional hand-forged metalwork showcase delivered by Phoenix Forge. The Tywi Centre’s own windows specialist, Tom Duxbury, will also address queries on traditional timber sash windows.

More live demonstration opportunities consist of: leadwork repairs by Jones and Fraser Ltd; traditional thatching services by Pembrokeshire Thatch & Carpentry Services; and traditional joinery & furniture expertise by Gwaith Pren Dominic Wright Woodwork. Simon Howard Glass will provide demonstrations of period and contemporary stained glass, while Ty Mawr Lime, a market leader in environmentally friendly building materials, will offer insights into their innovative solutions. An extensive list of all the specialists attending can be found on the Tywi Centre’s website: https://www.tywicentre.org.uk/what-we-do/training-and-education/sustainable-and-traditional-buildings-fair-2024/

Fair attendees can also expect insights into Sustainable Construction and Energy Generation, where leading specialist companies – including Birds’ Hill Rural Renewables, Celtic Sustainables, Sustainable Traditional Building Alliance (STBA), Green Skills Academy – Coleg Sir Gar, Wool Insulation Wales, EBUKI, Strawbale UK, Construction Wales Innovation Centre, Weinerburger, Vivus Solutions Ltd and Dinefwr Orchardeers – will make sustainable practices more accessible to homeowners, in their respective fields. Guests also can attend various talks, hosted by Archaeologist and historian, Alex Langlands, sustainable building expert, Phil Roberts, and EBUKI CEO, Rowland Keable. During the day, guests will have the chance to explore various trade stands to meet leaders improving energy efficiency in Welsh homes and connect with various suppliers, contractors, and specialists.

Helena Burke, Tywi Centre Heritage Skills and Projects Officer, said:

“Here at the Tywi Centre, we are incredibly excited for our Sustainable and Traditional Buildings fair! We can’t wait to welcome both specialists and guests – it will be an amazing opportunity for guests to gain insight on sustainable practices and implement them on their own homes. The list of contributors is regularly being added to and updated.”

“What are you waiting for? Tickets are free- come and join us!”

Tickets are still available and can be booked here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/GXgABCbmtUzu