THOREAQ | Two Identical Lab Houses
The two identical lab houses are part of THOREAQ at Thor Park in Genk. They offer a real-life test environment for innovation in the residential construction sector. Here, companies and researchers can test, validate and demonstrate real-life solutions for the building envelope (new build and renovation), indoor air quality, HVAC installations, energy systems and energy management.
Because the houses are built identically – with the same construction, orientation, solar exposure and shading – precise A/B tests are possible. An extensive network of sensors and controllable components makes the effect of one changed parameter directly and reliably measurable.
The set-up is flexible: virtual occupants mimic real use (heat, moisture, CO₂) and windows, doors, screens, HVAC and shower are fully controllable to simulate occupancy. The exterior envelope is modular: façades and roof build-ups 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 be easily connected to the free connection points of the collectors.
Every room is equipped with underfloor heating, radiators and fan coil units, and prepared for the installation of air conditioning. For ventilation, both system C and D are possible. PLC control and cable trays ensure smooth configuration, data collection and expansion.
Also see our other THOREAQ labs that strongly complement this lab: the robotics lab and the outdoor construction lab.
Benefit from our lab houses
Who is this lab for?
- Manufacturers of building envelope systems, energy and ventilation technologies, and devices for improved indoor air quality
- (Prefab) building envelope manufacturers and installation companies
- Technical installation companies and providers of BMS/EMS systems
- Research institutions and federations
- Architectural firms, building services engineering firms, property developers and general contractors
What can you use this lab for?
- Real-life testing, optimisation and validation of products and concepts for
- the building envelope (new build and renovation)
- HVAC installations
- technologies that improve indoor air quality
- energy systems and energy management
- A/B testing: change one parameter and quantify the effect under identical conditions
- Development of integrated total solutions
- Simulating use scenarios with virtual occupants (0 to 5) and control of windows, doors, screens, heating, cooling, ventilation, shower to test products, services and energy strategies
- Possibility of demonstrations in real-life conditions for internal and external stakeholders
Take a look inside the lab houses
Contact us for more info
Curious about the possibilities of our lab homes and other infrastructure at THOREAQ? Feel free to contact Margo or Kris.
