Category: Moraira Architects

Arquifach, Moraira Architects

Arquifach has more than 46 years of experience in the construction, architecture and urban planning sector. In addition, its professional team is specialized in different fields of architectural design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and advice in general.

Arquifach, Moraira architecture studio, offers these services with the greatest seriousness and professionalism possible. Always supported by the work of a human team that always remains at the customer’s disposal. Always to develop a job that fully satisfies you.

His team has architects in Alicante and the entire Costa Blanca available to the client. Dedicated to designing perfect homes along the Costa Blanca and in each and every one of its beautiful municipalities and towns.

Connect the home with nature
Connecting the home with nature is a growing trend in modern architecture, which refers to the integration of nature into home design. This trend seeks to create living spaces that merge with the natural environment, taking advantage of light, fresh air, panoramic views, and the sounds of nature.

Some of the ways architects are achieving a connection between the home and nature include:

Bioclimatic design: this involves incorporating design elements that maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact, such as using natural materials, building orientation, and maximizing natural ventilation.

Integration of natural elements: this includes integrating natural elements, such as natural light, water, plants, and rocks, into the home’s design to create a healthy and sustainable living environment.

Open spaces: creating open and fluid spaces within the home that open up to the natural surroundings, such as patios, indoor gardens, terraces, and balconies.

Panoramic windows: these allow natural light and exterior views to enter the home, creating a sense of connection with the natural environment.

In summary, connecting the home with nature is a trend in modern architecture that seeks to create healthier, more sustainable homes in harmony with the environment. Architects can achieve this by incorporating natural elements and bioclimatic design techniques into the home’s design, creating open spaces and maximizing natural light and exterior views.

Panoramic windows

Panoramic windows are a popular trend in modern architecture that allows a panoramic view of the outdoors. These windows are large glass openings that span from floor to ceiling, allowing in a large amount of natural light and stunning exterior views.

In addition to offering an impressive view of the exterior, panoramic windows can also provide other benefits, such as:

Natural light: by allowing ample natural light indoors, panoramic windows can improve residents’ well-being by helping to regulate the biological clock and reduce eye strain.

Improved energy efficiency: panoramic windows can help reduce energy costs by allowing natural light to enter the home, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Sense of harmony: panoramic windows can help connect with the outdoors and create a sense of harmony with nature.

Increased property value: panoramic windows can increase property value by making the house more attractive and elegant.

Integration of natural elements

The integration of natural elements seeks to incorporate nature into building design. This trend focuses on integrating natural elements such as natural light, water, fresh air, plants, and vegetation into building design, in order to create a healthy, sustainable, and pleasant environment for residents.

Some of the ways architects are achieving the integration of natural elements include:

Use of natural materials: instead of using artificial materials, architects can incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, bamboo, and clay into the building’s design.

Incorporation of natural light: this can include incorporating large windows, skylights, and roof lanterns to allow natural light into the building’s interior.

Use of plants and vegetation: incorporating plants and vegetation into the building’s design, such as vertical gardens, green roofs, and green walls, can improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and provide a relaxing and aesthetic environment.

Bioclimatic design

Bioclimatic design creates sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. The goal of bioclimatic design is to take advantage of the climatic conditions of the environment where the building is constructed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Some bioclimatic design strategies include:

Building orientation: the building is designed to maximize solar exposure and reduce exposure to direct solar radiation during the hottest hours of the day.

Thermal insulation: thermal insulation is used in the design of walls, roofs, and windows to reduce heat transfer through the building’s surfaces.

Natural ventilation: natural ventilation is utilized to reduce the need for air conditioning systems and improve indoor air quality.

Use of sustainable materials: sustainable construction materials, such as wood, stone, earth, and recycled materials, are used to reduce the building’s environmental impact.

Use of renewable energy: solar, wind, or other renewable energy is used to power the building.
8 February, 2023
Architecture Trends 2023
Although architectural trends vary by region and time, there are some general trends that have been observed in recent years:
1. Sustainability and energy efficiency: There is growing interest in constructing buildings that are sustainable and energy-efficient. This is achieved through the use of green materials and construction techniques, the incorporation of renewable energy technologies, and the implementation of smart design strategies.
2. Flexibility and adaptability: Buildings designed today must be flexible and adaptable to different uses and needs. This is achieved through the use of multifunctional spaces and modular construction systems.
3. Digital design: Architects are increasingly using digital technologies, such as 3D modeling and virtual reality, to design and visualize their projects.
4. Reuse and adaptation of existing buildings: Instead of constructing new buildings, architects are finding ways to reuse and adapt existing buildings for new uses. This reduces construction waste and preserves architectural heritage.
5. Green spaces and connection to nature: Architects are increasingly incorporating green spaces and natural areas into their designs to improve the quality of life for residents and reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
6. Integrated technology: Modern buildings are increasingly integrated with technology, from automation and climate and lighting control systems to the integration of smart security and monitoring systems.
2023 Architecture Trends: Modular Construction Buildings

Modular construction buildings are constructed from prefabricated sections called “modules” that are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the construction site for assembly. Each module can contain one or more rooms, and they are joined together to create a complete building.

Modular construction has several advantages over traditional construction:
1. Fastener construction: Since the modules are manufactured in a factory, on-site construction time is significantly reduced.
2. Cost Reduction: Modular construction can be more economical than traditional construction due to economies of scale and reduced on-site labor costs.
3. Higher Quality and Precision: Modules are built in a factory under controlled conditions and with specialized tools, ensuring higher quality and precision in construction.
4. Design Flexibility: Modules can be designed and manufactured to customer specifications, allowing for greater flexibility in building design.
5. Greater Energy Efficiency: Modular construction buildings are typically better insulated and more energy efficient due to the way they are constructed.
Modular construction buildings are used in a wide variety of applications, from housing and offices to healthcare facilities and schools. They are especially useful in construction projects that require rapid and efficient construction, or in remote areas where access to labor and materials may be limited.

Architecture Trends 2023: Digital Design
Arquifach Architectural Studio in Calpe, Altea, Benissa, Teulada, and Moraira.

Architecture and digital design are areas that are becoming increasingly interdependent. Digital design in architecture refers to the use of digital software and technologies to design, visualize, and present architectural projects.

One of the most widely used digital design tools in architecture is 3D modeling, which allows architects to create virtual models of the buildings they are designing. This allows them to visualize what the building will look like before it is built and make changes before it is too late.

Virtual and augmented reality are also gaining ground in architecture and digital design, allowing architects and clients to experience the feeling of being inside the building before it is built.

Another important technology in digital design is energy simulation, which allows architects and designers to predict a building’s energy consumption and optimize the design for greater energy efficiency. BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology is another important tool in digital design in architecture, as it allows architects and contractors to collaborate on a project and share important information about the building.

2023 Architecture Trends: Green Spaces

Green spaces in architecture are areas designated for vegetation and nature, which are integrated into building design and urban planning. These spaces can include gardens, parks, courtyards, green terraces, and green walls. There are several reasons why green spaces are important in architecture, some of which are listed below:
1. Improves air quality: Green spaces help reduce air pollution and improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
2. Provides health benefits: Exposure to nature and vegetation has been shown to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and improve physical health.
3. Reduces temperature: Green spaces help reduce ambient temperatures, which can improve thermal comfort and reduce the need for air conditioning.
4. Promotes biodiversity: Green spaces can serve as habitats for plants and animals, which can improve urban biodiversity and reduce the impact of urbanization on the environment.
5. Beautify urban environments: Green spaces can improve the appearance of urban environments and provide a visual respite to urban structures.
2023 Architecture Trends: Integrated Technology

Integrated technology in modern buildings refers to the incorporation of technological systems and devices into the structure and design of buildings, with the goal of improving building efficiency, safety, comfort, and sustainability. Some examples of integrated technology in modern buildings include:
1. Building automation: Automated systems that control lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to optimize energy use and improve user comfort.
2. Energy management systems: Systems that monitor energy consumption in a building and offer options for reducing energy costs.
3. Security systems: Advanced security systems, such as security cameras, access control systems, and fire and smoke detection systems.
4. Communication networks: Network systems that enable high-speed communication between electronic devices in the building.
5. Smart building automation systems: Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems that improve building energy efficiency and user well-being.
These are just a few of the architectural trends currently being observed. It’s important to keep in mind that trends change over time, and architects are always looking for new ways to innovate and improve the way we build and inhabit our spaces.
19 January, 2023
Circular Architecture

There are many reasons why we need a circular economy in architecture. Given that we only have one planet Earth and that on May 12th we exhausted in Spain all the resources we had for the entire year (we are already using resources from the future), it is urgent to apply the circular economy that exists in many areas and dimensions. Architecture cannot be less, therefore, it is necessary to redefine our relationship with buildings as a whole, considering their use and how they can be reused more efficiently. To better understand what circular architecture means, we must first understand what the term circular economy consists of:

What is the circular economy?

It is one of the main challenges we face in the context of our interdependent world. It is an economy based on a closed-loop model that involves the generation, production, supply, and use of resources, where each segment of the system tries to minimize its impact on the environment and to do so seeks to create a flow of products or services that recovers possible energy costs through reuse and recycling.

How is the circular economy applied to architecture?

This is where the concept of circular architecture comes into play. It is a revolutionary concept that aims for buildings to be sustainable and environmentally friendly based on a circular economy. This means that, instead of consuming resources from nature and others, buildings could be designed in such a way that these natural resources are recycled and create new products for use: In this way, the circular economy means that no more waste will be generated, as we can reuse things over and over again by producing new things.

Circular architecture is a new way of designing buildings, which involves the use of circular elements and references. In recent decades, it has mainly been about objects or products, but we must now start from circularity as a tool to design user experiences. This approach could be applied not only to our buildings but also to urban centers and the cities themselves to improve habitability.

How is it different from conventional architecture?

Our conception of architecture is linear. We start with a point and then move towards a specific objective. This way of designing is not sustainable, because we are always looking for bigger answers, with more resources. To better understand what circular architecture means, we must first understand how we have been designing buildings until now: we have been designing buildings as if they were alive, as if they were living organisms. But that is not the case. It is just a biological process that needs energy and water.

The reality of the construction sector:

The design of buildings and their technology is a major consumer of natural resources, energy, and waste. It is urgent to apply circular architecture. This implies a total change of mentality in our way of doing architecture and the emergence of new professional specialties. The construction sector is one of the main consumers of natural resources and energy, and it is also responsible for more than 45% of the waste we generate.

Why circular?

Our worldview is circular. It is about cycles, about systems and processes that change slowly and that can be traced back in time to their origin and forward to their end. It is about the richness of life that, from one moment to the next, evolves in a continuous dance with nature. And it deals with buildings, both physical structures and abstract concepts that last for decades or centuries.

Circular architecture is based on the idea that we need a new design process, where design is no longer just something we do, but has become an integral part of our culture. The current traditional model of building design is based on a linear paradigm: you start with an idea and build what you imagine before presenting it to the client.

The circular economy represents a major change in the way buildings and products are designed. It means designing things that work the same as in our grandparents’ time, but using the same resources, materials, and energy sources as today. This change in mentality would lead to a balance between consumption and production, between the product life cycle and the consumption cycle. Structures would be designed with durability as the main design objective so that they can last several years or even centuries.

With the circular economy in mind, a new generation of architects and professionals should evolve that leads us to create more sustainable buildings. The best way to do this is perhaps by creating a school of architecture that leads to these specialized professions.

The importance of surrounding yourself with good architects: Arquifach

Building a home is a process whose success depends on many factors. The best way to ensure it is to count on architects who offer guarantees. A guarantee that is based on experience. It is important to choose an architecture studio that guides you throughout the process from the initial design to the delivery of the final documentation to inhabit the house, that has experience in the area and qualified personnel to carry out the comprehensive management of the project, but above all that designs according to your needs and expectations.

16 August, 2022
Ventilation in Architecture
Ventilation is the air renewal system that allows the evacuation of heat retained in the construction elements of a building. Ventilation in architecture is essential to guarantee the healthiness of buildings and prevent rooms from overheating, thus maintaining thermal comfort for habitability. All buildings have thermal insulation to maintain temperature and prevent outside air from filtering inside. However, we need ventilation systems that guarantee air renewal within the building. In this article, we will review the most optimal ventilation systems for architecture.

The ventilation system, which is often presented as a design element and is crucial for the energy efficiency of buildings, indoor air quality, health, comfort, and safety, has come to occupy a central place in the design of modern homes. In architecture, planning proper ventilation is a fundamental aspect when designing and constructing any building. Ventilation is the process of air exchange within a building. Without it, we risk overheating and discomfort, which can lead to poor indoor air quality. Therefore, the three most important aspects of ventilation are temperature control, improving comfort, and increasing energy efficiency.

The goal of ventilation is to allow warm, humid air to be expelled from a building while preventing cold, dry air from entering. In construction, this is called ventilation with negative pressure, while in the home it is known as positive pressure (i.e., when a fan extracts air from a room). In some plants, vents are used for water drainage.

Ventilation Systems in Architecture

For the necessary renewal we discussed, two types of systems can be used: mechanical or natural. The main differences are:

Mechanical Ventilation System

Air renewal is done mechanically, that is, through the action of fans that admit outside air through grilles. These fans generally operate using electricity. Within this classification, there are also different types that are more or less efficient:

1. Mechanical supply ventilation

Air intake (supply) occurs mechanically through the use of a fan, and air distribution is generally done through ducts. Air extraction is done by natural ventilation through infiltrations or grilles.

2. Controlled mechanical ventilation

Air extraction is done by a fan that, through a network of ducts, extracts air from humid areas (bathrooms and kitchen) and expels it outside. Supply air enters the building naturally through dry areas (bedrooms and living room) via grilles. The fan renews the air and thus guarantees indoor air quality. This makes it possible to efficiently manage energy consumption when renewing the indoor air of a space.

Within this classification, there are two types:
- Single-flow ventilation system: the renewed air comes directly from the outside. This can cause a temperature imbalance in the room.
- Double-flow ventilation system with heat recovery: this is a more complex system, as part of the energy from the extracted air is recovered. This system works by extracting stale air with fresh air like the previous one. However, the essential feature is that it allows fresh air to enter at a temperature close to the indoor temperature, which saves energy in any season.
3. Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation is the exchange of air between the air inside a building and the outdoor environment. Introducing natural ventilation will improve thermal insulation, indoor air quality, and light conditions in rooms. The combination of radiant heat produced by the sun and its reflection on snow increases the temperature in areas without insulation. Thus, during winter, the air in uninsulated places can become extremely cold. Faced with a thermal problem caused by cold air, insulating cladding that retains heat must be used. There are different types:

Simple natural ventilation

It is achieved through a single opening through which air enters and exits. Its operation is efficient if the orientation of the opening coincides with the wind direction, and if it is in contact with an area protected from insolation.

Cross natural ventilation

It occurs through openings on opposite facades, with no obstacles between them. It achieves a higher number of air changes per hour than simple ventilation. If not controlled, it can be uncomfortable.

Night natural ventilation

It takes advantage of the drop in temperature during the night to evacuate the heat accumulated during the day. It is the suitable complement, in climate zones with large temperature differences between day and night, to the use of the thermal inertia of the building’s thermal envelope.

The stack effect

The stack effect works due to temperature differences created at different heights, taking advantage of the air draft inside buildings.

The importance of surrounding yourself with good architects: Arquifach

Building a home is a process whose success depends on many factors. The best way to ensure it is to count on architects who offer guarantees. A guarantee that is based on experience. It is important to choose an architecture studio that guides you throughout the process from the initial design to the delivery of the final documentation to inhabit the house, that has experience in the area and qualified personnel to carry out the comprehensive management of the project, but above all that designs according to your needs and expectations.
28 June, 2022
Green Roofs: Definition and Advantages
Green roofs or vegetative covers are increasingly becoming widespread as an energy-saving option that also contributes to the healthiness of our cities’ atmospheres. What exactly are they? How do they work? How are they installed? In this article, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of this architectural trend.

Definition of Green Roofs

As we have already said, green roofs are a trend. Building designs with vegetative covers are spreading in our urban centers. Contrary to what it might seem, it is not about placing plants in individual containers, but about a permanent installation that is part of the building and allows covering the entire extension of a building’s roof with plant elements.

Types of Green Roofs

Depending on their complexity, the type of vegetation, and their accessibility, there are different types of green roofs. We can divide them into the following classification:
- Extensive: characterized by a lightweight thickness. Their total weight is low, and the visual effect is that of a meadow with grass. They do not support much weight, therefore their accessibility is limited.
- Semi-intensive: in this case, the type of vegetation is more complex and requires more maintenance. It is more ornamental than the previous one, and the soil layer has greater weight. It is a space that can be walked on by people.
- Intensive: this type of green roof includes heavier plant species such as shrubs or trees. This means that the structure must be prepared to support a lot of weight, including the transit of people enjoying the space as if it were a park.
Advantages of Green Roofs

Green roofs are more than just a good energy-saving system. Urban centers concentrate more and more population, more traffic, and therefore more energy consumption that produces substances harmful to health. The construction of buildings and streets made of asphalt is inevitable to concentrate so many people in a reduced space. However, it is essential to maintain green spaces that help cool the environment and renew the air. Green roofs are a viable option that can help improve the quality of life in cities.

There are two types of advantages regarding green roofs: general ones and specific ones that affect the building. Let’s start with the general ones:
- Air purification: as we have already pointed out, they have a direct effect on reducing air pollution.
- Increase in biodiversity: they allow for the inclusion of different plant species and can also be the perfect home for insects, birds, and other species that otherwise would not have a place in the city.
The advantages related to the building are multiple, below we list some of them:
- Regulate the building’s temperature: they absorb heat and act as insulators. Therefore, they prevent sudden temperature changes. They also have a protective effect on roofs and walls.
- Save energy: thanks to their insulating power, they produce savings in heating and air conditioning.
- Improve quality of life: green spaces have a positive effect on people’s mental health. When it is a walkable space, it is clearly a relaxation space that the building’s residents can enjoy. We must not forget that they also add aesthetic value to the building. In some cases, it can even be used as a garden or for other activities.
- Insulate from noise: the insulating effect is not only for temperature. They also help reduce typical city noises.
- Prevent fire from spreading in case of fire: this is due to the humidity caused by the vegetation itself.
- Long lifespan: compared to conventional roofs, they have a much longer useful life. Conventional materials are exposed to heat, cold, rain, etc., so they deteriorate much sooner. For this to be the case, the installation must be adequate from the start.
Disadvantages of Green Roofs

Not everything could be good; the truth is that this type of roof also has some disadvantages. The main one is its installation cost. Both in execution and maintenance, it requires greater cost planning. In contrast, we can argue that its useful life is much longer as long as proper waterproofing and good execution of the joints have been carried out. Furthermore, we must not forget that it will represent long-term energy savings.

Unfortunately, not all buildings can have this type of structure, as it means extra weight added to the structure. That is why there are many buildings where this type of installation could not be done.

Poor installation can cause water leaks and dampness. Therefore, it is essential to surround yourself with good architects when making structural modifications to a building.

The importance of surrounding yourself with good architects: Arquifach

Building a home is a process whose success depends on many factors. The best way to ensure it is to count on architects who offer guarantees. A guarantee that is based on experience. It is important to choose an architecture studio that guides you throughout the process from the initial design to the delivery of the final documentation to inhabit the house, that has experience in the area and qualified personnel to carry out the comprehensive management of the project, but above all that designs according to your needs and expectations.
3 June, 2022
LED Outdoor Lighting
Whenever we tackle an outdoor project, the challenge of lighting arises, something that at Arquifach we take very much into account. Our homes are located in dream locations. In beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca such as: Calpe, Altea, Benissa, Teulada, or Moraira; which require us to pay special attention to the spaces that will surround the project. When we have chosen well and the natural environment gives us tranquility and calm, it is vital to take advantage of that context in the design of our project. Outdoor areas can be used for leisure or rest, or a mix of both.

How can we design outdoor spaces?

By distributing and delimiting areas according to their use and using elements that contribute to us. Plants and shrubs can facilitate the use of spaces. Adding lawn or paved areas will also help establish visual boundaries and assign roles to each area. It is all about, above all, making the most of the sunny days that our beloved Costa Blanca offers us.

The light on the Costa Blanca is special. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a dreamlike temperature, lighting outdoor areas allows us to enjoy them, both day and night.

How to light the outdoor areas of our home?

When it comes to perfectly lighting outdoor areas, some doubts usually arise. Such as the number of spotlights your patio requires. The amount of lumens it needs. Or even, the type of luminaires that suit it best. Our perspective as architects leads us to approach the design from an optimal point between functionality and design. Energy saving will always be present in the choice of lighting type. Nowadays, one of the best options is LED lighting.

Advantages of LED Lighting

Energy savings: LED lighting is the technology with which we will reduce energy expenditure between 70% and 90%. They are more resistant and have greater autonomy. Therefore, replacement will be less. It also reduces light pollution and avoids the use of copper from old luminaires.

Wide design options: LED lights offer us a range of options in terms of colors, tones, and direction of the light beam. They can be spotlights with a specific direction, such as the floor, the ceiling, or objects like statues or trees. Or they can have a linear shape and offer homogeneous lighting. The total space must be considered for the design, so that different atmospheres can be created, each with its personalized touch.

Which LED lighting to choose?

If we are talking about outdoors, the recommendation is that the lights have a protection of at least IP65. This determines their durability against the effects of weather such as rain, high temperatures, humidity, etc. Below you can read the list of the most common types:
- LED strips: although their installation is somewhat complicated, they offer homogeneous lighting and their size allows them to be camouflaged so that they blend in with the environment.
- LED wall lights: unlike strips, wall lights are visible, and therefore they usually have different designs to choose from. They are often used to illuminate walls.
- LED beacons: they are used to illuminate specific points. They offer a softer light, perfect for more private and chill-out atmospheres.
- LED spotlights: They consume 80% less, have reduced maintenance costs, good luminous efficiency, do not generate heat, and start instantly. They also offer different designs to suit our space.
How can we design outdoor spaces?

How to apply lighting to our outdoor areas? Through design, because outdoor light, like indoor light, requires prior planning. You have to visualize the space and find the specific points that require light, or that will be enhanced by lighting.

The importance of surrounding yourself with good architects: Arquifach

Building a home is a process whose success depends on many factors. The best way to ensure it is to count on architects who offer guarantees. A guarantee that is based on experience. It is important to choose an architecture studio that guides you throughout the process from the initial design to the delivery of the final documentation to inhabit the house, that has experience in the area and qualified personnel to carry out the comprehensive management of the project, but above all that designs according to your needs and expectations.
20 May, 2022