The University of Salford is looking for a specific kind of home in the area as part of a research project aimed at improving domestic energy performance. Energy House Labs, the university’s housing-performance research facility, wants the occupant of a Barratt-built Wellington property constructed during the 1980s to take part in a one-off survey.
What participation involves
The study requires only a single, short visit: a 90-minute home survey. No physical alterations will be made to the property as part of the research. In recognition of their time, the selected homeowner will receive a £500 Amazon voucher and an invitation to visit the university’s Energy House 2.0 to observe the testing facility in operation.
"We're looking for a homeowner living in a Barratt Wellington property who can help to ensure our research accurately represents real homes built during the 1980s. The insights we gather will contribute to research that helps improve the energy efficiency, comfort and affordability of homes for future generations."
The quote above is from Professor Richard Fitton, who leads the Energy House Labs research.
About Energy House 2.0
Energy House 2.0 is described by the university as a leading facility for testing how houses perform under environmental stresses. It can simulate a wide range of conditions, including extremes of temperature, wind, precipitation and solar radiation, allowing researchers to assess fabric, insulation and heating interactions in controlled settings.
- Who can take part: owners of Barratt Wellington homes built in the 1980s
- Time required: one 90‑minute survey
- Participant benefit: £500 Amazon voucher and a tour invitation
Those interested in participating have been asked to contact the team by email at energyhouselabs@salford.ac.uk.
Why this matters locally
Many homes built in the latter part of the 20th century predate modern energy-efficiency standards. Research that models these properties can inform measures to reduce energy use, improve occupant comfort and help lower household bills. For Salford residents in particular, research based at the local university offers a chance to make older housing stock better understood without subjecting properties to invasive changes.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Survey length | 90 minutes |
| Participant reward | £500 Amazon voucher |
| Facility capabilities | Temperatures from -23°C to 50°C; simulation of wind, rain, snow and solar radiation |
The university is currently constructing a full-scale replica of a 1980s-style Wellington house inside Energy House 2.0. Input from a real household of this type will help validate the replica and ensure the findings reflect the realities of homes built during that decade.
Local homeowners who think their property matches the description and who are willing to take part should email the research team at energyhouselabs@salford.ac.uk for further information.
