I was pleased to see your article on the important ground cooling project in the Algarve (BSj, 05/05) but less pleased to read that Hurley Palmer Flatt appeared to be the expert involved, commenting on the whole design and monitoring of the project.

In reality, the exploration of cooling options, the ground cooling network calculations and the extensive monitoring programme were carried out by ECD Energy and Environment, which was then bought by Faber Maunsell in 2001. As the originator and coordinator of the Coolhouse project, we were not only the author of the final report on the Portugal project but also coordinated and drew conclusions from the other sites in France and Italy. I am happy to confirm that Hurley Palmer Flatt were responsible for the design of the fan units and heating systems in the five houses.

Much of the excellent performance of the houses is down to project architect Jes Mainwaring, working directly for the developer, who you mention in your article. He was responsible for the excellent sustainable architecture, including the structure, adobe walls, high insulation levels and ventilation systems.

Our monitoring of the occupied house did indeed show that good summer comfort was achieved with well controlled humidity levels, as shown in the graphs we produced, and which were reproduced in the article.

The whole project is important as it demonstrates that innovative low energy design can be integrated into up-market housing and Faber Maunsell is pleased to have been responsible for this project. Novel methods of eliminating or reducing the need for active cooling in buildings are needed if Europe is to get anywhere near to achieving its Kyoto targets.

Simon Burton, associate director, sustainable development group, Faber Maunsell

Source

Building Sustainable Design