Modus at heart of Energy House 2.0

As part of an industry-wide effort to develop new build homes that meet the 2025 Future Homes Standard and zero carbon housing, efficient materials and systems are being tested in the Energy House 2.0 project which is being led by students at the University of Salford.

Eurocell, alongside Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes and Saint-Gobain, was selected to provide its Modus window system for the project.

Costing £16 million and completed in 2022, Energy House 2.0 is a state-of-the-art testing facility, with the purpose of creating real world, temperature-controlled environments that are necessary for fully understanding how materials and building practices perform.

The Energy House 2.0 has two large chambers that allow for two detached houses to be built within. Each chamber is capable of simulating a wide variety of weather conditions and temperatures ranging from – 20 to + 40°C.

Eurocell’s Future Homes ready Modus system, which was created after a £3m investment in research and development, is said to represent a ‘breakthrough in design, engineering and performance’.

Tom Cox, technical and development director at Saint-Gobain Offsite Solutions said: “The variety of testing will give Eurocell the opportunity to fully demonstrate the Modus window system’s innovative seal, which allows it to achieve superb thermal, air tightness and noise reduction. This collaboration with the Energy House 2.0 project is also the perfect case study, as our Modus window and door system were designed specifically in mind to meet the Future Homes Standard (FHS).”

Martin Bell, head of new build at Eurocell commented: “Everyone at Eurocell is committed to leading the way in sustainable construction. The Energy House 2.0 project is just one example of how we are working to make a positive impact on the environment and a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our leading window systems.”

The test homes were completed in January this year and the Energy House 2.0 was opened to 400 visitors, and tours are still available through the year, scheduled to align with testing periods.