Whitehall Property Services

The Cura Project

The Cura Project uniquely integrates systems thinking with energy storage technology.

Whitehall Property Services pioneer cutting edge technology to develop an ecological sound city centre dwelling. The team at Whitehall call on the expertise of aeronautical engineer, Duncan Thomson, to upgrade and refurbish his 1850s, mid-terraced property, located in the leafy suburb of Fulham, SW6. Every energy system in the house has been re-designed with a deep rooted consideration for the environment.Together, they are demonstrating the next step in ecological living.

Whitehall Technical Advisor, Bob Harris has his finger on the pulse when it comes to saving energy in a home. And he has implemented one or two clever systems, which he plans to use on future Whitehall developments. One such system is the storage of electricity using batteries, ordinarily used in electric powered cars. Charging themselves during the night, the stored electricity is used to power the 12volt, direct current lighting system in the home. And as Bob will point out, DC is more efficient than AC.

All rooms in the house will have 'demand' switches. These are linked to every light fitting and plug socket in the room. With the flick of one switch, all electricity points can be turned on or off. This will greatly reduce the energy used by standby lights on appliances. At the same time, all the electric cables are shrouded in aluminium to reduce contamination by electromagnetic radiation.

The heating system in the house will also be super efficient. Photovoltaic cells, mounted on the roof of the house power a direct current immersion heater, gently pre-heating a 25 litre tank of water which will be used for all the hot water in the house .The water is preheated a second time, by a clever system which takes advantage of waste heat, before it enters the boiler. This system is far more efficient that a standard condensing boiler.

The house will also be heated with under-floor heating designed to emit radiant heat. For this to work, the Whitehall team have increased the thermal mass of the floors with a special screed. As Bob will tell you, radiant heat gives a more natural ambiance, and because it doesn't heat the air, there is reduced heat loss through an open window.

This brings us on to ventilation and air quality - one of the keys to good health. Whitehall will install a system which monitors the air quality and discharges air appropriately.

Clearly Whitehall have had their thinking caps on and working with Duncan Thomson is helping set the standard for future projects.

“Working with Duncan has been a great opportunity to create a cutting edge, ecological and healthy electrical system. Duncan's aeronautical electronics background has been invaluable in making this project work in a unique way.”

Bob Harris - Whitehall Property Services Director, FMB Master Builder of the Year 2005 (EE) and lecturer in ecological building.

Free Evening Workshops

Understanding How to Create Your Own Healthy Home Extension

Hosted by Bob Harris - Recently featured at the Hampton Court Flower Show and writer for Organic Life Magazine. To be held at our Whitehall's riverside offices in Thames Ditton.