The project “Building a Sustainable Future: Youth and European Traditional Construction Techniques” intends, above all, to involve a group of youngsters in one of the current, most urgent debates for us to reflect about a sustainable future for the planet: the importance of reconsidering the practices and modus operandi of the contemporary construction industry, as well as the key-role that traditional architecture and its respective construction techniques might play when creating alternatives. The rhythm at which new buildings are being built all over the world is alarming, as waste is deeply rooted in how we build today. It is therefore not surprising that more and more attention has been given to the principles and practices of eco-construction. However, it tends to be forgotten that, for centuries, building materials came from the earth and fused back into it, as well as that the constructed dwellings’ shape resulted from a set of generations-old techniques which constitutes an incredibly rich, and yet endangered, heritage. Thus, to the urgency of thinking - and implementing – sustainable construction practices, one may add the importance of preserving – by documenting, transmitting and applying – European traditional construction techniques. At this point, engaging youngsters is inevitable, as they are the ones who will be building the future with their own hands: it’s essential that they are aware of these issues and that they have an active role in protecting their heritage. Hence, this project will count on the participation of 18 youngsters from 4 European countries – Portugal, France, Croatia and Romania -, who will be accompanied by 5 leaders/monitors from the various entities involved. While the latter will contribute with their vast experience on the matters tackled by this project, the first, between 18 and 30 years of age, will be giving their first steps. Priority will be given to participants who show particular interest for eco-building and traditional architecture, so that this exchange may provide a training opportunity that might be useful in both their personal and professional lives. Team work among the participating entities will begin before the exchange, as it is intended that all intervenients actively participate throughout the project’s various phases. During the first months, each partner will identify and register its country’s vernacular architecture and respective construction techniques. That information will be shared and analysed by everyone during the exchange, which will take place in Uva, Portugal, for 15 days, and which will be composed of plenary work sessions, visits to Northeastern Trás-os-Montes’ traditional architecture, practical workshops on the construction techniques identified by the several partners, sharing the project’s results during Palombar’s 4th Sustainability and Traditional Architecture Meeting and, finally, the edition of a book, in English, bringing together all the info tackled during the project – which will not only work as a way to diffuse its results, but also as a work instrument for all the entities involved. A participative methodology will be transversal to all of these activities, one which will empower the agents, promote debate and critical sense, and emphasize the importance of practical knowledge, both through formal and non-formal methods. It is hence expected that this project raises the youngsters’ awareness to the importance of thinking about sustainable solutions, to the value of European traditional architecture – and of their own participation in protecting and passing down heritage; it is also expected that it provides them with useful tools for their personal and professional lives (from critical reasoning and self-confidence to traditional construction techniques). Hopefully, it will also contribute to dignify vernacular architecture at the European level, thus opening the way for the creation of more funding and more projects about these subjects. That this project might contribute for the future to be built in a more sustainable way, valuing and preserving Europe’s vernacular heritage.