THOREAQ | Two identical lab houses
These two identical lab houses are part of THOREAQ. They offer a realistic testing environment for innovation in the residential construction sector.
Here, companies and researchers test, validate, and demonstrate solutions for:
- Building envelope (new construction and renovation)
- Indoor air quality
- HVAC installations
- Energy systems and energy management
Because the houses are built identically — with the same structure, orientation, sunlight exposure, and shading — precise A/B testing is possible. An extensive network of sensors and controllable components makes the effect of a single changed parameter immediately and reliably measurable.
The setup is flexible: virtual residents mimic real use (heat, moisture, CO₂), and windows, doors, screens, HVAC, and shower are fully controllable to simulate occupancy. The outer shell is modular: facades and roof structures can be easily replaced.
The houses are connected to the 5th generation thermal network CollecThor (heating and cooling). In the basements, there is space for alternative generation systems, which can easily be connected to the free connection points of the collectors.
Walk through this lab
Take a look in our lab and discover how we conduct research into innovative energy solutions.
Who can use the THOREAQ identical lab houses?
- Producers of building envelope systems, energy and ventilation technologies, and devices for better indoor air quality.
- (Prefab) building envelope producers and installation companies.
- Technical installation companies and providers of BMS/EMS systems.
- Research institutions and federations.
- Architects (offices), engineering firms for techniques, project developers and general contractors.
What is the purpose of the THOREAQ identical lab houses?
- Real-life testing, optimisation and validation of products and concepts for:
- the building envelope (new builds and renovations)
- HVAC installations
- techniques that improve indoor air quality
- energy systems and energy management
- A/B testing.
- Development of integrated total solutions.
- Simulating use scenarios with virtual residents (0 to 5) and controlling windows, doors, screens, heating, cooling, ventilation, shower to test products, services and energy strategies.
- Possibility for demonstrations in real-life conditions for internal and external stakeholders.