The Vaux Neighbourhood is under construction and will be complete ahead of Expo Sunderland's Homes & Gardens in 2026. 

Vaux is designed to suit 21st century living patterns, using Modern Methods of Construction, a range of sustainable and low carbon technologies and renewable energy that will contribute to the city’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.    

The Expo Pavilion will be assembled at Keel Square directly opposite the Vaux Neighbourhood to tell the story of a home in the context of its place to the public.

The pavilion sets to re-imagine the evolving notion of a future home beyond 2030 in the heart of Sunderland, celebrating advancements in construction, technology, and collaboration.   

Exploring the art of the possible through the installation of a locally manufactured light gauge steel frame with highly recycled content and low carbon technologies to create a demountable skeleton structure that will be transported to Keel Square.

Transforming the framework structure will be a brand-new face fixed, semi-transparent outdoor high-definition screen, driving footfall and enriching the visitor experience overhead with exclusive screenings, visual spectacles and immersive soundscapes.

Read the Press Release 

OPENING DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

We are programming content for the immersive screen for crowd wowing visualisations and soundscapes to turn Keel Square into an unbelievable new experience for residents, such as:

• Bringing calm to passers by with virtual reality that reduce stress and anxiety.
• Connecting the public to rhythmic time and tempo through visionary displays and sounds.
• Climate positive or social justice focused pieces to spark curiosity and surprise audiences.

If you have content you would like to display and to enquire if this is suitable for editing to fit the technical specification of the new screen, please get in touch here.

Creating a new home for brands to reach audiences

Expo Sunderland will utilise the pavilion to allow residents and visitors to explore the future and sustainable living as part of Expo Sunderland programme. 

• Welcome area for Expo Sunderland
• Space to exhibit smart appliances and controls, energy efficiency, low carbon materials and PV panels
• Demonstrator spaces with moveable partitions and accessible areas
• Place for sustainable arts and technology

Events to be announced

Free entry for the public and industry to:

• Virtually tour the pavilion’s life stages and Vaux Neighbourhood
• Share stories on what a home of the future looks like
• Understand the cutting-edge technology on display
• Gain practical advice on minimising carbon footprints at home
• Discover energy efficiency hacks
• Learn about careers and skills in modern construction in Sunderland