University of Salford – Energy House 2.0

Year: 2022
Region: North West
Award Category: Building Project of the Year
Organisation / Individual: Bowmer and Kirkland, University of Salford, AECOM, Bond Bryan, NG Bailey, Curtins
National / Regional Winner: Regional WInner
Constructing Excellence

The built environment accounts for 40% of the UK’s carbon footprint and to achieve net zero will require a step change in the design of new buildings but also, more importantly, it will require a comprehensive upgrade and retrofit programme to the existing housing stock; the UK Green Building Council estimates that 80% of the 2050 building stock has already been built.

Completed in January 2022, EnergyHouse 2.0 (EH2) is the design, construction, fit-out and enhanced commissioning of the ‘world’s-first all-weather research centre. This unique facility is and will continue to play a key role in accelerating the progress towards low carbon and net zero design and builds.

Within the 6,073m2 building there are two environmental chambers each able to accommodate a variety of housing types, and under controlled conditions, recreate weather conditions with temperatures ranging -20˚to +40˚C (to 0.5 ˚C accuracy), relative humidity up to 80%, and simulated snow, solar, wind and rain. Environmental conditions experienced by 95% of the world’s population can be replicated, structured around 8 key climate conditions from the arctic to the rainforest.

 

Three Winning Facts:
  1. Energy House 2.0 is the ‘world’s-first’ all-weather research centre. This unique facility is and will continue to play a key role in accelerating the road to net-zero and alleviating fuel poverty.
  2. Under controlled conditions the two environmental chambers can recreate weather conditions with temperatures ranging -20˚ to +40˚C (to 0.5 ˚C accuracy), relative humidity up to 80%, and simulated snow, solar, wind and rain. Environmental conditions experienced by95% of the world’s population can be replicated, structured around 8 key climate conditions from the arctic to the rainforest.
  3. Delivered on time and to budget, best practice is evidenced throughout including early cross-sector collaboration, industry-leading design excellence and construction methods, zero accidents, and the promotion of sustainability through Soft Landings, BREEAM, and Social Value. A legacy for both contractor and client.