Energy House 2 at The University of Salford

Energy House 2.0 at the University of Salford is an £8m, state-of-the-art research facility designed to test energy efficiency in residential environments. With two climate-controlled chambers simulating extreme weather, the facility will drive groundbreaking research on sustainable housing.

Bond Bryan’s architectural and information management expertise ensured the building met both technical and practical needs, offering valuable insights to advance the UK’s net-zero goals. The project fosters collaboration in sustainability, paving the way for future advancements in energy-efficient homes.

Bond Bryan’s expertise in architectural and landscape design has been instrumental in bringing the University of Salford’s ambitious research facility to life.

The project includes two innovative climate-controlled research chambers designed to simulate a wide range of extreme weather conditions for testing energy efficiency in residential environments.

Working closely with Bowmer & Kirkland and the project team, we ensured the design met both practical and technical needs, from high performance materials to complex M&E services coordination. The result is a future ready research space poised to contribute to groundbreaking studies in sustainability.

This state-of-the-art facility offers immense value to the local and global communities by advancing research on sustainable housing. The chambers, able to replicate extreme weather from -32°C to 40°C, will significantly contribute to improving energy usage and efficiency in homes.

In the long term, these insights could play a crucial role in developing energy efficient homes that reduce carbon footprints, supporting the UK’s goal of net zero emissions. Additionally, the project fosters collaboration with industry experts, creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers and architects.

Sustainability was at the heart of the design process. The building is a simple yet striking black-clad box, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and house experimental energy efficient homes. To ensure durability, the materials were carefully selected for their resistance to temperature extremes, from deep freezes to heatwaves.

Bond Bryan also paid close attention to integrating complex mechanical and electrical services to simulate various weather conditions without compromising safety or performance. The fire strategy was meticulously planned to allow for full house occupancy in a simulated environment, ensuring a safe and practical space for research while promoting sustainability at every level.