The facility, funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, is being developed through a collaboration between 麻豆传媒高清版, Adra and Busnes@LlandrilloMenai and, and constructed on-site at T欧 Gwyrddfai by Enbloc.
Partners are keen to collaborate on research projects with both large companies and SMEs to test their products in a dual controlled environment. The facility will create and maintain two distinct thermal and environmental conditions simultaneously, simulating internal and external environments across a subdividing 'Test Wall'. The 'Living' side is designed to replicate the lighting and temperature levels of a comfortable home, while the external side mimics three specific conditions鈥攆reezing, cold, and hot鈥攚here humidity control impacts the use of the water system.
Professor Graham Ormondroyd of 麻豆传媒高清版鈥檚 BioComposites Centre, which specialises in research into bio-based alternatives to synthetic materials said, 鈥淭he new facility at T欧 Gwyrddfai is such an exciting step forward. It will allow for the testing of new construction materials in full wall make-ups at a scale equivalent to full scale houses, which is a great leap forward for us in terms of research capability.
鈥淭his facility will allow us to test materials at scale, and the interaction between indoor and outdoor conditions, including the simulation of rain events. This will allow 麻豆传媒高清版 to study how the changing environment will affect current housing stock and future building materials.
鈥淭he facility will also be used to evaluate the effects of detailing such as windows and sills on building facades, and the ability of this detailing to lower energy bills and protect materials in the future.鈥
In the longer-term, the 麻豆传媒高清版 team hopes to carry out research projects into the effects of climate change on whole wall make-ups, using localised climate change predictions available through the Met Office to simulate future weather patterns.
鈥淭he effects these changes in climate have on new, often biobased, materials used in modern methods of construction will be tested, leading to further research into the protection that these materials will need in future climates,鈥 adds Graham.
Professor Paul Spencer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at 麻豆传媒高清版 said, 鈥淲e鈥檙e very pleased to be moving on to the next stage in our partnership with Adra and Busnes@LlandrilloMenai at T欧 Gwyrddfai. The research possibilities offered by this facility will allow us to work collaboratively with industry to better understand how climate change will affect the construction sector and the products they use. There is also significant potential to study how increasing temperature and humidity impacts health and how measures to improve existing housing can be used to support local power generation, improve internet access and provide additional social care support.鈥
Rhianwen Edwards, Director of Commercial and Work-based Learning added, 鈥淏usnes@LlandrilloMenai is proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project at T欧 Gwyrddfai. This facility represents a unique opportunity for our students and staff to engage with cutting-edge research that will directly contribute to the future of sustainable living in Wales. By collaborating closely with industry leaders and academic partners, this partnership fosters innovation that not only advances the decarbonisation agenda but also equips our learners and businesses with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their communities.鈥
Iwan Trefor Jones, Chief Executive of Adra, said: 鈥淭his is yet another significant piece of the jigsaw in the development of T欧 Gwyrddfai.
鈥淭he flagship facility is fast building a reputation as a centre of excellence. It鈥檚 the first decarbonisation hub of its kind in the UK and will be a sector leader in innovation, training and innovation - a game changer for local communities as we plough ahead with our decarbonisation programme.
鈥淭he research and innovation being tested in the lab will contribute significantly towards reducing carbon emissions in our homes, which in turn will reduce the impact of increasing fuel and energy costs by making our homes more energy efficient and improve the quality of life for our tenants鈥.
