Our Green Hotel 

Building Construction
In 2017, 8 en-suite bedrooms were constructed from the latest build technology from Future House (www.futurehouse.co.za); high-density insulation panels clad with reinforcing mesh which is gunited with concrete. Insulation properties: ‘U’ value = 0,5 | ‘R’ value = 2,2

Windows and doors
Double glazed windows and doors were installed in the new wing and existing wing, for maximum temperature control. The windows and doors are fitted windows with swivel and tilt mechanism to allow for security while still allowing ventilation.

Rooves
All roofs on the property are triple insulated with:
– 13 mm ceiling boards with 100 mm THERMGUARD cellulose fibre.
– An air gap.
– 40 mm layer of woven mineral wool with a sheet of reflective aluminium foil on both sides.
– Roof sheeting is off-white in colour, to maximize heat reflection rather than absorption.

For the technically minded: the total R value (thermal resistance) of the roof insulation is 5.69. Far higher than the legal requirement of 3.7.

Floor construction
Ground floor: a multi-layer construction was used. The floor is suspended over an air void, over which is installed 20 mm of solid wood, followed by a 200 mm thick layer of insulation, then concrete.

First floor: Excellent sound and thermal insulation between floors; 200 mm thick high-density polystyrene panel, topped with a slab and screed.

Finishes: top floor, 100% wool wall to wall carpeting, which further reduces noise transmission. The ground floor has 20mm bamboo flooring. Below the slab is an air void to the ceiling board.

Insulation
Windows and doors
All windows are double glazed for maximum sound control. While many of us love the sound of the sea, it can be overwhelming to others. Sea facing doors and windows can open or tilt.

Room temperature is regulated using an energy efficient hydronic system, which circulates either hot or cold water to every room via a ring main; air is heated or cooled through a radiator and circulated into the room by means of a fan. There are no conventional type electric compressor driven air conditioners on site.

During the day excess energy from photovoltaic solar panels powers an inverter, which heats or cools water, which is stored in a 1000 L cold water and 2 x 1500 L hot water storage tanks for use when required. In essence, solar energy is stored.

Hot Water
There are no geysers on site. Hot water for all bathrooms & hydronic heated towel rails, as well as hot water for the kitchen is produced by 12 x high capacity solar panels. Heated water is stored in 2 x 1500 L fully insulated storage tanks. Water is distributed to each point via a ring main. During prolonged inclement weather an inverter, powered by solar-powered backup batteries, steps in to maintain temperature.

…for a refreshing peaceful sleep.

Schulphoek House is the first property to install an intelligent heat recovery ventilation system into all bedrooms, thereby conforming to international standards. The innovative Lunos system (http://lunos.de/en/ removes ‘stale’ air and humidity from the room. Sensors memorize the temperature of air leaving the room and filter fresh air back into the room at the same temperature. This remarkable energy-saving device (3% energy saving) is recognized by the Federal Industrial Association of Germany for House, Energy, and Environmental Technology and by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics.

The property produces in excess of 240kW/h per day.  Inverters, batteries and panels on all available surfaces ensure the property has ample power.  A generator is on standby should there be a need.

Lights
The latest available low energy LED lighting technology has been installed. Where possible motion sensor switching is installed. Natural light has been maximised through large windows and strategically placed windows, thus reducing the need for artificial light.