Environment Design and Engineering MSc students visit Wales

The annual Environmental Design and Engineering MSc trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Machynlleth Wales, this October was once again a great success.

Here are some of the highlights of the trip:

• The students learnt how to build solar thermal collectors
• Gained practical experience of hydroelectrical turbines and a session focusing on wind turbines
• Students spent a day learning how to build walls with earth and straw, this involved breaking down earth bricks and making fresh ones using moulds and working with large straw bales to make creative pieces as well as a wall.

The annual student trip to CAT is not only valuable for the technical and practical aspects, but also to foster greater cohesion with students and staff engaging in a range of social activities, including a group dinner and Halloween party.