In northern England, a blizzard of fine snow falls on cars and houses in freezing cold, but it's not a 'real' scene. It is a gigantic laboratory that tests future sustainable heating solutions. Specifically, energy-efficient houses built "indoor" remain cozy and warm despite the cold temperatures. Gentlemen, time is literally controlled here.
Welcome to Energy House
Let's make it clear right away: this is not a game. Energy House 2.0 Labs it is a full-blown scientific challenge, which aims to help building developers around the world reduce emissions, save energy and tackle climate change.
The project, launched just a month ago, occupies the space of a large hypermarket near the campus Salford University: practically in the center of Manchester.
From the control center of the laboratory it is possible to recreate weather conditions. All. Rain, wind, sun and snow: with temperatures ranging (for now) from -20° C to 40° C.
Replicate time
Professor Will Swan, head of the Energy House laboratory, wants to reproduce the climatic conditions affecting about 95% of the emerged and inhabited lands.
The structure is also able to simulate two climatic conditions simultaneously: half scorching sun, half snowstorm, and so on.
The first two houses, in the typical British style, will then be able to alternate with others: the spaces will be rented by builders from all over the world to test their building sustainability solutions.
In summary
Thanks to this mega laboratory, scientists and companies are no longer limited by climate fluctuations. "We can simulate an entire year of weather conditions in just seven days," he points out Tom cox, technical director at Saint-Gobain (the French company was one of the first to test solutions in the English laboratory).
The ultimate goal of this, as of similar places (I think of the "tornado factory" in the USA) is to create a comfortable, convenient and commercially viable environment that can also solve the sustainability problems of buildings.
Come on, get a move on.
