"The future of construction and the history that inspires it"

Dear Colleagues,

Follow the invitation of the Harvard Association:

"The future of construction—and the history that inspires it"Visit to Casais Group Industrial ComplexandDinner at São Martinho de Tibães Monastery

Tuesday, September 16th starting at 4:30PM

Rua da Tecedeira – Padim da Graça

4700-646 Braga

We are delighted to announce the first event after the summer: an afternoon dedicated to discovering the future of construction — and the history that inspires it with Casais CEO António Carlos Rodrigues (HBS OMP).

The program begins with a visit to the Casais Group Industrial Complex in Padim da Graça, where we explore Blufab, the off-site construction unit that is redefining efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the sector.

Next, we delve into the roots of the territory with a private visit to the Tibães Monastery, a heritage symbol linked to the origins of the Casais family and classified as a Property of Public Interest.

The experience culminates in an exclusive cocktail reception and dinner in the unique setting of the Monastery, providing a moment of sharing, inspiration, and conviviality among Harvard Club and INSEAD participants.

Agenda:

4:30PM - Visit to the Casais Group Industrial ParkLocated in Padim da Graça, it houses several companies of the group. The visit will focus on Bluefab, the off-site construction unit that presents more efficient solutions with less resource consumption to combat the scarcity of raw materials and labor in the sector.

6:15PM - Visit to the Tibães MonasteryNow classified as a building of public interest, the monument is closely linked to the history of the family known as “Casais.” The origin of the nickname itself lies in the convent.

7:00PM - Welcome Cocktail at the Tibães Monastery

8:00PM - Dinner at the Tibães Monastery

This special event is generously hosted by our esteemed member António Carlos Rodrigues.

👉 You may choose to attend only the factory visit, only the dinner, or the full event.

About Casais GroupIncorporated in 1958, Casais is today one of the five largest companies in the construction sector in Portugal. Currently, the group operates in 18 countries.The Company has invested in sustainable construction through the development of various timber-hybrid construction projects using the CREE system and implementing industrialised (off-site) solutions. Well Built for Well Living is the Group's brand positioning and commitment, as it focuses on innovation, sustainability, development and technology,Casais has received multiple awards, including the Construir Award for Best Construction Company in Portugal for the 6th time, as well as ranking 3rd place as a Best Place to Work. The company closed the year 2024 with a total business volume exceeding €846 million - €335 million internationally, €511 million nationally.

About BlufabBlufab, a company belonging to the Casais Group, was created in 2019 with the aim of promoting industrialisation and digitalisation in the construction sector. Focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions, the company seeks to overcome traditional challenges in the sector through prefabrication. This allows for the adoption of construction systems that not only reduce waste and environmental impact but also increase productivity and flexibility to meet the needs of different architectural projects.Blufab's solutions include the production of fully integrated bathroom and kitchen modules, which are manufactured off-site and easily installed on-site thanks to their plug-and-play nature.In addition, the CREE Buildings industrialised construction system allows for the development of demountable and reusable buildings, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and promoting sustainability, flexibility and durability. These are innovations that enable Blufab to drive construction towards a more efficient, sustainable and technological future.

António Carlos Rodrigues - Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Casais Group

António Carlos Rodrigues is CEO of Grupo Casais, a company with 6,000 employees operating in 18 countries and an aggregate turnover of EUR 836 million.He has a Master degree in Civil Engineering from the School of Engineering of the University of Minho (EEUM), where he also took the MBA Specialization Course in Construction. In 2017, he completed the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School and in 2020, the YPO@MIT: Technology+Innovation, Real Estate in a Time of Fundamental Change course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He returned to Harvard Business School, where he completed the M&A: Strategy, Execution and Post-Merger Management course in 2021.He is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of AICCOPN, the Portuguese Association of Civil Construction and Public Works Industries, Member of the Academy of Engineering amoung several other positions in other institutions.He has taken on the mantle of driving digital transformation at the Casais Group, steering its focus on growth, innovation and sustainability, while always keeping the business motto “Productivity, People, and the Planet” in mind.

São Martinho de Tibães Monastery - Founded at the end of the 11th century, the São Martinho de Tibães Benedictine Monastery was granted a Charter in 1110 by Count D. Henrique and Count D. Teresa, the parents of D. Afonso Henriques, who would become the first king of Portugal.Silence, obedience, poverty, prayer and work were part of the Benedictine Order followed by the monks. The Monastery grew in privileges and power until the 14th century and was chosen after the Council of Trent, in 1567, to be the house of Congregation of São Bento dos Reinos de Portugal.It reached its maximum splendour in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was transformed into one of the largest monastic collections of Portuguese Baroque.The São Martinho de Tibães Monastery, consisting of the church, convent wings and the outer space enclosed by the cloistered enclosure, closed in 1834, the date that marked the extinction of Religious Orders in Portugal.We look forward to welcoming you to this unique experience of innovation and heritage.