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Supporting vital research into retrofitting UK homes

BTP is supporting United Infrastructure and the University of Salford in the construction of a typical 1930s home within the University’s world-leading research facility, Energy House 2.0. The facility’s two large-scale climatic chambers can replicate 95% of global weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow and solar gain, providing a controlled environment in which to test scalable solutions for improving the energy efficiency of existing homes.

Following the construction of two new-build houses in Chamber 1, the scope of research is expanding to better represent the UK’s existing housing stock, which contains one of the highest proportions of older homes in Europe. The new semi-detached dwelling in Chamber 2 will be built using construction methods and materials typical of the 1930s, before being fitted with modern retrofit technologies for rigorous testing. This will enable researchers to accurately measure and evaluate their effectiveness.

The findings will help inform future strategies for decarbonising existing housing, supporting the UK's Net Zero ambitions and helping to address fuel poverty through more energy-efficient homes.

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