Scientists from Salford University are conducting a study on how people live and their energy usage by rebuilding an entire Manchester terraced inside a sealed testing chamber. The terraced house they are going to re-build will be salvaged from a demolition scheme in Salford, dismantled and rebuilt in Salford University’s ‘Energy Hub’ over the coming weeks.

The house will be the subject of a number of energy-saving experiments in simulated weathers including strong winds, snow and heavy rain. The house will have gas, water and electricity and will be fitted out as a normal home would while university staff take turns to live in there in order to conduct the energy tests.

The house is aimed at simulating a normal pre World War I home but will focus on testing modern technologies such as carbon-reduction equipment and smart-meters as well as more typical green improvements like double glazing. Joining the scientists conducting the energy-efficiency testing will be a team of psychologists who will test which carpet colours make people feel warmer and reduce the need for heating.

The project is set to run for 20 years or more and Dean of Science, Engineering and Technology at the university, Dr Nigel Mellors, stated:

"It's a house from the past, working for the future but this is only the beginning,

"We reckon we'll know everything we need to about how to improve a terrace like this after about three years. Then we'll knock it down and build something different. Perhaps a typical 1960s house, to see how that can be improved."

Author:  Thomas Davies

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