The former White House Hotel at Praa Sands has been demolished to make way for a luxury apartments development incorporating sustainable energy features.

The hotel has lain derelict for a number of years. It was built in the 1930s, when it was regarded as a classic example of the art deco style of the time, characterised by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and colours.

In its place a three-storey complex of 12 apartments is being built, known as The White House and created by Redruth-based St Piran Homes, member of the Rowe Group and formerly David Ball Construction.

With sustainability a key brand value of the recently re-launched company, the Praa Sands project will include a "green" hot water and heating system through two ground source heat pumps. These will build the heat up via boreholes to supply underfloor heating and hot water cylinders.

"Everything about The White House has been designed with quality of life and energy conservation receiving wholly exceptional priority," said St Piran Homes general manager Barry Bailey. "This will be the benchmark for all our future developments."

Other eco-friendly features include construction of the superstructure with larger than usual size of timber frame, to facilitate increased depth of thermal insulation. The insulation in the walls will be of recycled newspaper.

The two and three bedroom apartments have outstanding sea views and will be on sale from £200,000 to £350,000. Construction is scheduled for completion in October this year.