Category: Architectural Studio in Alicante

ARQUIFACH, Alicante Architecture Studio

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

Arquifach, Alicante architecture studio, offers these services with the utmost seriousness and professionalism possible. 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.

  • Architectural Studio Alicante: Recommended insulation for chalets in costa blanca

    Architectural Studio Alicante: Recommended insulation for chalets in costa blanca

    Why choose Alicante, Costa Blanca

    Costa Banca is a privileged spot because it is located in the southeast of Spain, specifically in the province of Alicante, whose geographical and climatological characteristics attracts both for residents and tourists. Its wide coast and mild weather with dry season make it an ideal destination. In addition to this, it has an average annual temperature of 17.8º.

    Alicante weather factors

    It should be emphasized that because it is a coastal area, temperatures are mild in the winter and warm in the summer, and rainfall is low. One of the key climatological factors of the area is its humidity which extremely varies throughout the year, being the period of highest humidity between June and October; that is four months approximately.
    The climate variability between humidity and dry weather existing in Alicante and in general all over Costa Blanca affects both its home structures, due to the fact that the materials weaken resulting in the appearance of cracks or fissures, and its inhabitants’ health.

    Prepare your home

    Therefore, people should check if their houses are prepared to resist these weather variations, especially humidity, in order to minimize the possible consequences, because these times are beautiful as long as you are in a safe and warm home.
    One of the consequences of poor isolation is the high heating costs to be paid in order to regulate the temperature of the home, which implies a higher energy consumption. Likewise, having to withstand the various external factors of the environment such as street noise, the entrance of dust, humidity, as well as temperature changes. Apart from damaging home structures, all of these factors end up affecting people’s health.

    Consequences of poor isolation

    To avoid this, several insulating materials and insulation techniques are currently used and adapted to the client’s needs, the climate zone in which houses are located and the type of surface to be insulated. Therefore, it is necessary to ask for advice to architects and/or construction personnel who make a diagnosis by checking the areas of the house, such as: the roof, enclosures, doors, floors and windows and by choosing the right material and method to achieve a better comfort. It should be noted that windows, doors and enclosures are considered the easiest ones to isolate because they can be sellotaped to prevent any external agent from entering.

    Optimum insulation: materials and techniques

    In short, a chalet with a good level of insulation enjoys a better energy benefit, because the use of artificial methods to regulate temperature is minimal, which brings both money and energy savings.
    For this reason, Alicante architects recommend to use high thermal resistance materials or insulators for constructions in the area. In other words, materials that protect us from temperature variations and external factors. Old buildings or those lacking adequate insulation should be improved by properly insulating their areas (roof, wall, floor, window, doors) by means of a material that has a lower conductivity and a high resistance in order to provide thermal and acoustic protection against humidity and allow money and energy savings.

    Benefits of optimal insulation

    Based on the aforementioned facts, the optimal isolation in the design of a home in Alicante and in general throughout Costa Blanca is an essential decision, given the weather conditions of the area and the advantages it has for both infrastructure and quality of life. This optimum insulation is possible when maximum protection is achieved through the appropriate materials and techniques. Whether in the case of a chalet lacking any type of insulation because it was built a long time ago or a chalet requiring some improvement, people should invest in an optimal isolation that provides them with adequate protection. It should be noted that said investment will be returned over time because energy consumption costs will be lower and it will also become an environmentally-friendly investment. Likewise, the comfort of a warm house free of external factors that disturb your tranquility makes any investment is minimal.

    Arquifach: Architectural Studio in Alicante, takes charge of your project

    Contact Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, without commitment. It has overall services in the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. It has the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca. Arquifach covers the entire project: its design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.

  • Arquifach: Architectural Studio in Alicante – Villa Gades

    Arquifach: Architectural Studio in Alicante – Villa Gades

    A new project has arrived at the hands of Arquifach. We present Villa Gades.

    Characteristics and architectural style

    A detached villa that has two floors above ground. A structure that is characterized by its game of levels and geometric shapes that allow you to enjoy several leisure areas and activities. It has a waterfall pool that is located on level two. Several terraces are distributed in the levels.

    With a modern and functional aesthetic, it adapts to the irregularities of the land, open to the garden and with spectacular views. Integration of modern and Mediterranean style.
    Arquifach: Architectural Studio in Alicante. Arquifach: Architectural studio Alicante. Villa Gades

    How does Arquifach make a project successful?

    Casa Nadia, Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante
    First and foremost, the client’s expectations towards the project must be met. You can rely on our professional team of architects, specialized in different fields of architectural design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice. We offer a comprehensive service that allows our clients to enjoy the following advantages:

      1. Paperwork management and municipal administrations

    As previously mentioned in other articles, a holiday home project involves a series of procedures necessary for its execution, such as municipal administrations to determine if a land is developable, and the insurance and licenses required for construction. Arquifach deals with the smallest detail and advises the client on the choice of land and also on the choice of architectural style.

      1. A design consistent with your needs and expectations

    Factors such as the organization of space, the use of natural light or the choice of materials are key to meeting the needs and expectations of future homeowners. Knowing the use a house will be given is essential to propose its construction within the agreed budget. The mission of Arquifach is to make the most of the space by applying more than 50 years of experience. The idea is to conceptualize the needs and translate them into the design.

      1. Project supervision

    While the construction and works last, the client can have the peace of mind that Aquirfach is responsible for the works to be carried out according to the approved project. Unforeseen events will be controlled, respecting time and budget.

      1. Security and responsibility

    The current and safety regulations must always be present in the project approach. During the duration of the work, Arquifach prioritizes safety and complies with regulations, also having the guarantee of being part of the Architects Association. The project will comply with the corresponding regulations regarding safety, quality and sustainability.

      1. Trusted partners and suppliers

    The success of a project depends, to a great extent, on the professionals working in it. Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, has a network of highly- qualified and experienced partners.

      1. Qualification saves costs.

    The efficient planning of a project is essential to avoid the possible long-term costs derived from errors in construction. Arquifach guarantees that the project will be successfully completed and will take into account all the factors that ensure home durability.

      1. Increase in real estate value

    Each one of the decisions thoughtfully taken makes the real estate value of a property increase.

    Your property in Alicante

    Costa Blanca is one of the most emblematic scenarios of Valencian tourism. This place that evokes tranquility and rest houses beautiful and paradisiacal places. To speak of the Costa Blanca is to speak of paradisiac coves, endless beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters. These and many other factors make this destination the favorite of many people to develop their real estate projects.

    Arquifach: Architectural Studio in Alicante, takes charge of your project

    Contact Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, without commitment. It has overall services in the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. It has the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca. Arquifach covers the entire project: its design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.

  • Alicante architectural studio: flooring types

    Alicante architectural studio: flooring types

    Choosing the materials to renovate a house is key for it to meet our aesthetic and functional needs. Therefore, this week we will deal with the best materials that can be chosen in relation to floors. Whether it is a house to be built or one to be renovated, there are different types of floors to consider.

    If it is a house is old, it is logical that the existing pavement has become obsolete both from the aesthetic point of view and the functional point of view. Nowadays, there are much more resistant flooring materials with much better properties and finishes than those existing a few years ago, even in the case of materials that were already made a long time ago, such as the stoneware…

    Choosing flooring types

    It is very normal that while living in one’s own chalet or when buying a second-hand one, there is a need to carry out interior refurbishment works that include changing finishing materials and facilities.

    To make a suitable choice we must start off from the style of the chalet, whether rustic, Mediterranean or modern. It is also necessary to distinguish between wet areas: bathrooms, kitchen, etc., and dry areas: bedrooms, living room, etc. And, of course, differentiating between the interior of the house or outside: the pool terrace area, the barbecue area, etc.

     

    The different flooring types available in the market can be classified as follows:

      • Ceramic flooring:

    type of clay or stoneware depending on the cooking degree of the piece and the used material. These are the most commonly used floors in construction, especially stoneware, mainly because its value for money.

      • Porcelain flooring:

    used in the highest quality homes and ideal for areas where the most rigorous technical specifications of hardness, high resistance, low porosity and minimum water absorption are required. Also, this type of floor has excellent aesthetic qualities. There are different manufacturing and finishing processes, allowing pieces up to 3 m long. The porcelain floor is more expensive due to both the material itself and the complexity of its placement.

      • Vinyl flooring:

    It is easy to clean and resistant tot humidity and water. It is also comfortable to replace and place on other existing pavements, if we want to do little work. It is a thermal insulator and its Improper use can affect you and look less natural than the floors it imitates.

      • Smooth Concrete or Micro Concrete Flooring:

    It is a very modern and easy maintenance option in addition to being very resistant on which drawings, shapes and colors can be designed at will. A proper work not only provides good designs and finishes, but also greater resistance avoiding easy wear and tear.

      • Natural stone flooring:

    Such as marble, travertines, slate, quartzite, granite, sandstone, limestone, etc. There is a great variety of qualities and characteristics, such as strength, hardness, porosity, texture, softness, color, etc. Their beauty is practically inimitable beauty whereas its price and placement can be among the highest.

      • Terrazzo Flooring:

    It is a conglomerate hardened with pieces of marble crushed and colored with pigments of varied nature, subjected to a vibration and prestressing process for great compactness and resistance to wear. Despite being very inexpensive, they are not usually used nowadays because they are considered outdated.

      • Wooden pavements:

    There are two types: parquet or floating platform which are very demanded today. Despite their warmth, their maintenance is very demanding because they scratch very easily and are susceptible to deformation and deterioration by moisture. We discourage its choice for high-traffic areas.

    Flooring your chalet

    Professional advice is required according to the needs of each chalet. Some of the mentioned flooring types require a great professionalism for their placement, using techniques and special glues for their fixation. Therefore, it is essential that any reform be done by qualified professionals who can advise the client.

    Arquifach Alicante Architects takes charge of the renovation of your chalet on the Costa Blanca

    Contact Arquifach, Alicante architectural studio without commitment. We study the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the renovation of new detached homes or tourist apartment buildings on the Costa Blanca supported by a specialized team. Arquifach deals with all the process and planning of the reform adapting it to the needs of the client and complying with the municipal regulations.

  • Architectural Studio in Alicante: When is it better to carry out a reform?

    Architectural Studio in Alicante: When is it better to carry out a reform?

    It is very normal that during the life of a chalet or when buying a second-hand chalet, there is a need to carry out interior renovation works that include the change of finishing materials and facilities. There are also cases in which it is necessary to carry out extension works because the construction is not completely adapted to our needs. When is it better to carry out a reform?

    Reasons for a renovation

    There are many reasons and they are usually related to changes in the needs of its inhabitants. It may be that the family has grown, it may be that you want to install an elevator since with the passage of time its inhabitants are aging. It is normal that the reason can be merely aesthetic because, for example, the owner does not like the decoration, tiles and pavements any longer.
    When is it better to carry out a reform?

    Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Alicante: What is the Best time to do a Renovation?When is it better to carry out a reform?

    When is it better to carry out a reform? What is the ideal season to carry out a renovation?

    To make an ideal choice of which season is better to do renovations in a house, we must start with the type of work we are going to do.

    Extension work in single-family homes or villas in Costa Blanca

    In this case, two types of extensions should be distinguished. If the work is a lateral extension, that is to say on one side of the currently existing construction or it is an extension from above, that is, extending a floor or extending the current upper floor.

    In both cases, the works must be carried out in the dry season, preventing the rain from damaging the new construction and also the existing one.

    In the case of a lateral extension, the interior of the current home would not be affected by the work, except for a little noise and dust disturbance; but it can be a big problem to open the foundations of the new extension next to the current house.

    If it rains during the process in which the foundation is being open, it is very possible that later on we will have problems of fissures or cracks due to settlement. This situation can occur regardless of whether we have left a constructive joint between the two parts of the construction, or on the contrary we have adopted a system of tying the two constructions, in foundation and structure, so that in theory they were one.

    If the land where the house is located is clayey, like most of the buildings in the area of Alicante, and it rains, the support of the new foundation will be softer than the old one, which will lead to differential settlements between the two parts of the construction.

    In the case of extending the upper part, it is also necessary to do it during the dry season, because this type of extension requires lifting the roof or the upper terrace to make the extension, and also to leave a gap for the staircase that communicates the two floors.

    It will not be a problem of settlement, like the previous one, but an intense rain such as those that fall down in Costa Blanca will saturate all partitions and furniture if the necessary measures are not taken.

    Interior renovations of single-family homes or chalets in Costa Blanca

    If the intended works are interior renovations, such as change of pavement, painting, change of kitchen furniture or change of the bathrooms, the time of the year chosen to do this type of work is unimportant.

    Perhaps, due to the strong temperatures of the summer period, it would be convenient to avoid doing works at that time. But, for the rest of the year, it is not very important when the work is done.

    However, be it an extension work or an internal renovation, it must be borne in mind that most of the town halls have very specific ordinances that limit the works that can be done in summer, the type of machinery that cannot be used due to the noise, discomfort and dust problems that can be caused to neighbors.

    Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, is takes charge of the renovation of your villa in Costa Blanca.

    Contact Arquifach, Alicante architectural studio, without commitment. We study the feasibility of your project and provide advice on the renovation of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. We are supported by a specialized team in Costa Blanca. Arquifach takes charge of the whole project: its design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and advise in general.

  • Architecture Alicante: Casa Carbonell

    Architecture Alicante: Casa Carbonell

    Discover Costa Blanca through Arquifach, architectural studio Alicante

    Costa Blanca is a land rich in culture that holds many architectural gems to discover. In the blog of Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, we will visit some of its architectural treasures, monuments and most characteristic buildings.

    Alicante and Costa Blanca, architectural richness: Casa Carbonell

    Casa Carbonell is an emblematic building in Alicante, located at number 2 of the Spain Promenade that occupies a complete block. It was built by J. Vidal Ramos during the 1920s at the request of the bourgeois Enrique Carbonell, a fabric manufacturer. This building represents the aspirations of the bourgeoisie of the time: ornamented facade and use of noble materials with privileged views.

    Although currently it is filled with commercial premises, offices and homes; it was a building devoted to the textile manufacture that represented the bourgeois aspirations and the enrichment of the textile industry during the First World War.

    Its facade is divided into three parts separated by the towers and is based on the concept of symmetry and hierarchy. Its French-style ornamentation is full of classic elements. It highlights the use of noble materials such as sandstone in the base, marble in the foyer, iron and glass in locks and canopies, or the simulated cover slate.

    Currently, this building is still one of the most emblematic in Alicante and is the protagonist of a large number of tourist postcards in the city.

    Alicante and Costa Blanca: living standards

    Due to its cultural wealth and paradisiacal essence, Alicante is one of the most chosen destinations to live or build a holiday home. It is a city that has managed to preserve its beauty and its living standards despite tourism and modern life. Alicante has a multitude of corners, villages and cozy towns where to design custom-made homes where to take root and increase living standards. With an unbeatable climate of sun 300 days a year, we can find coves, beaches and natural landscapes that can be the dreamed environment where building a new home.

    Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, helps you design your home in Alicante

    The professional team of Arquifach – architectural studio in Costa Blanca, has more than 40 years of experience in the construction, architectural and urban planning sectors and is led by architect Manuel Cabrera. Arquifach offers a 360-day service, specialized in different architectural fields, such as: design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.

    Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante, accompanies its clients throughout the construction process, from start to finish. The mission of our Architectural Studio is to make the project an easy process that leads to total customer satisfaction. Arquifach architectural studio has a network of suppliers and partners to manage all projects with professionalism and efficiency.

    Contact Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante without commitment. We study the feasibility of your project and provide advice on the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. We are supported by a specialized team in Costa Blanca.

    *Notes:

    Photos by: Sarah Mooring (https://www.flickr.com/photos/madcatwoman/ Photo of Casa Carbonell’s facade)

    References: http://www.alicanteturismo.com/casa-carbonell-alicante/

    http://www.viajes.net/europa/espa%C3%B1a/alicante/arquitectura/casacarbonell

  • Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas

    Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas

    Today, modern architecture is one of the most demanded architectural styles for the construction of chalets, villas or single-family homes in Costa Blanca. To know a little more about the beginning of this style, it is necessary to name one of its founders: Le Corbusier. He was a French architect known as the main protagonist of the international architectural renovation of the twentieth century. He stated that the house should be at the service of life: “The house is a living machine, bathrooms, sun, hot and cold water, adjustable temperature, conservation of food, hygiene, beauty through convenient proportions.”

    Le Corbusier established five basic principles that are still taken into account today and became the basis of architectural rationalism:

    • Use of supporting elements
    • Roof gardens
    • Free conformation of plants
    • Continuous windows
    • Free facade formation

    Each and every one of these points within the geometric order to achieve what he called “pure volumes.” His purpose was to merge nature with technological development. This goal is and remains one of the basic principles of Arquifach, architectural studio, moving it to a unique environment such as Costa Blanca.

    Villa La Roche: One of the first houses with a modern architectural style

    This house was built in Paris during the second decade of the XX century at the request of Le Corbusier.
    Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas

    Its design supposes a rupture of the classic hierarchy based on the movement. The Villa was planned taking into account the vegetation that surrounded the environment and all the surrounding trees were kept. Its composition is based on two rectangular volumes that together form a 90º angle. One of the blocks is characterized by a broad curved front.
    Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas
    Its totally white facade contrasts with the variety of intense colors of its interior, harmonizing with the asymmetrical spaces and the volumes that are kept inside where we find double heights, interior balconies and ramps that divide the space without breaking the balance of the Villa.
    Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas

    Architectural principles of Arquifach for the construction of modern villas

    Adaptation to the landscape: it consists of respecting the environment where the construction is located and integrating into the land the most efficient way possible. Houses must adapt to the land and be integrated into its slopes and its peculiarities.

    White exteriors: reflecting light and reducing heat inside buildings. Special coatings that isolate the high temperatures are also necessary.

    Glass walls: one of the main characteristics of the Mediterranean area is light and that clarity should be transferred to the design of the spaces by transforming the walls into glass through continuous windows.

    Geometric volumes: located on the outside and inside to divide and adapt the spaces to the needs of the client.

    The Modern Villas of Arquifach: architectural studio in Costa Blanca

    CASA NADIA

    A modern and futuristic 330 m2 house with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a toilet, plus a large living room with open kitchen, a large terrace with porch and infinity pool.
    Casa Nadia. Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas

    VILLA COMPLETA IN CALPE

    A Modern architecture 370m2 house with a gym and a garage in its basement, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a toilet. BBQ and large terrace with pool.
    Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas

    VILLA LA CANUTA

    A single-family house and pool of a total of 385.80m2 built.
    Arquifach, Architectural Studio in Costa Blanca: Modern Villas

    Your chalet o single-family home with a pool in Costa Blanca

    Contact Arquifach, Alicante architectural studio in Costa Blanca. We are specialists in the construction of chalets and single-family homes with a modern architecture. We study the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. We are supported by a specialized team in Costa Blanca. Arquifach deals with finding the plot suitable for each client’s needs, complying with the municipal regulations. We take charge of the whole project: its design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and advise in general.


    *Notes:
    Photos by: Steve Cadman (https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevecadman/ Villa la Roche: photo of the interior and windows)/ Fred Romero
    (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129231073@N06/ Villa la Roche: photo of curved facade and photo of the interior)
    References: article (https://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/02-195627/clasicos-de-arquitectura-villa-roche-le-corbusier)