<p>Bellway has begun constructing an experimental eco home, The Future Home, as part of research to determine how home owners could use their abodes in future times.</p> <p><span>The pilot home, being built at the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 net zero research facility, will test building material innovations, the effects of double and triple glazing, storing solar energy, recovering heat from wastewater and efficient use of air source heat pumps.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>Bellway said that each of these elements would be monitored in both regular and extreme temperatures – as high as 40c and a low of -20c. Different weather conditions will be simulated inside the house’s specially built chamber, including wind, snow and solar radiation.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>The housebuilder began building the eco home last month, with the build scheduled to complete in October. At this point, university experts will collect and analyse data on the home’s energy efficiency. Partway through the analysis, elements of the building will be upgraded, with a switch from double to triple glazing and from radiators to underfloor heating.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>And sensors around the house will measure the energy it generates versus what it loses in different climates. Comfort levels will also be monitored, also through occupants staying …