Category: Architectural Studio in Alicante

At Arquifach, we are always keeping up with the latest trends in the world of design and architecture, both aesthetically and technically. Therefore, if you are considering renovating your home, we want to give you a hand by presenting the interior design trends that we have identified as being successful and in high demand throughout this year 2021.

1. Colors

It seems that the trend continues towards neutral and luminous colors that help create larger, brighter spaces, highlighted by pastel colors in furniture and accessories. It follows the philosophy that architecture and design are well-being, that is, their mission is to create environments and spaces that are beneficial for their inhabitants. Neutral colors convey tranquility and calm, and are a good foundation to start building an incredible design.

On the other hand, it seems that navy blue and gray tones are beginning to regain strength, both in bedrooms and in study rooms or offices. Beige, cream, white, or light gray tones are usually added to this color to soften the tone. In parallel, bathrooms are moving away from white colors and filling up with powerful and bright colors without neglecting elegance.

2. Nature at home

As in previous years, the trend towards natural materials, such as stone and wood, continues, used both in construction materials and in furniture.

Similarly, the trend of constructions focused on sustainability and respect for the environment continues, focusing constructions on saving energy resources and highlighting the use of recycled materials, centered on functional and biophilic designs in which architecture is incorporated into the existing nature itself.

3. Space

The trend towards open spaces that increase the feeling of spaciousness, fluidity, and the luminosity of the rooms continues. This elimination of the separation of spaces causes work areas to become less formal and to coexist with spaces dedicated to other purposes.

Open spaces, also known as open concept, allow the integration of light and landscape within the home. With a single window, we can illuminate several rooms and enjoy the views from various points. There are many detractors who think that in this type of space, chaos and lack of privacy reign. But far from reality, there are many solutions to divide and separate the different areas. Hence, we find structural elements that are integrated with the furniture, such as stairs that are used as storage places or work areas, columns that are also terrariums, etc.

4. Industrial style

The industrial style predominates, featuring materials such as brick, concrete, and especially metals, both weathered and wrought iron. Black metal coating is making a strong comeback in all interiors.

Similarly, large, bright windows are returning in open-plan spaces, as well as the use of arches in porticos, windows, and mirrors.

5. Walls

Another rising trend is the increasing complexity of interior walls, both through the use of wallpaper and textured panels.

Similarly, the use of terrazzo for decorating walls has increased, but created from larger portions of marble and granite with greater spacing between them, thus creating more interesting and modern shapes.

These are just some of the latest trends we are seeing in our projects, but in the ever-changing world of architecture, many more are emerging every second, so if you are thinking of renovating your home, at Arquifach studio we will be happy to advise you.

Arquifach, Alicante Architecture Studio, advises you on interior architecture

Contact Arquifach, Alicante architecture studio, with no obligation. We study the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. Count on the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca.

With the arrival of good weather, we receive many inquiries about building a pool on the剩余 land to escape the heat. And although building a pool from scratch is not a overly complex project, it is necessary to take into consideration some prior aspects related to design, permits, or the technical aspects of construction. Don’t worry about anything; at Arquifach we are going to give you some keys in this article:

Technical Aspects

Can a pool be built on all types of land?

Spain’s land law restricts pool construction in some cases, such as those built on rustic land. By definition, rustic land is categorized as common or protected. However, the regulations governing construction on this type of land correspond to the town councils and autonomous communities. As we have already mentioned, there are restrictions, but it is not necessarily prohibited. We must go to the local Town Hall to clarify any doubts. In other articles, we have already seen the importance of the urban planning report when purchasing a plot.

Construction permits for building a pool

Built pools require a prior technical project that evaluates the distance of our construction from neighboring boundaries, distances to passageways or connections to the municipal water network, and other aspects such as the land’s buildable area. This project must meet all criteria and must be submitted to the municipal Town Hall.

Once validated, the municipal construction license will be received and the project can begin without any problems or impediments.

From the Arquifach studio, we take care of developing this project and submitting it to the relevant authorities so you don’t have to worry about anything. The important thing is to have an architecture studio that makes things easy so you only have to worry about enjoying it.

Construction

50 years ago, the pool construction system was initially based on concrete walls, formwork, or filled concrete block or solid brick walls. In all cases, with internal waterproofing and a ceramic tile finish.

Gradually, the gunite or projected concrete system became established. It is carried out by projecting concrete onto the walls and floor of the pool, after placing the reinforcement and part of the installation that must be embedded, such as drains, jets, lights, etc. Initially by dry process, using a machine installed on-site, which the operators prime with cement, sand, and a little water that is added during the guniting process when projected with compressed air. In some cases, other secondary components such as setting accelerators are often added.

This mixture is projected little by little, at the speed at which two operators can add the materials and another projects the concrete onto the walls and floor of the pool. This system was tedious and slow, and occupied labor for a couple of days. In addition, it raised a lot of dust, as the mixture is practically dry and, as I said, very slow.

Another system is the wet process, in which the three ingredients are mixed at once: cement, sand, and water. As the mixture is more fluid, the performance is higher, allowing large pools to be built in a single day. One of its advantages is that the pool shell is made without joints, resulting in a monolithic shell. Furthermore, the mixing is done at the concrete plant, which ensures homogeneity and the safety of more accurate dosing than in the dry process.

The construction of pools by the wet process requires that the operators be trained and have skills in the field. They are responsible for handling and controlling the mixture and the projection hose to maintain consistency, humidity, and prevent it from sagging at any time.

Design Aspects

Types of pools

As is obvious, before starting our project we must decide what type of pool we want to build. Each pool design has its particularities, such as durability, price, or size and capacity. We must evaluate each one based on our needs.

In general terms, we can divide the types of pools into:

Above-ground pools: These pools are characterized by being supported on the ground, meaning there has been no excavation process. They usually have faster installation and lower cost depending on whether they are custom-made or not. They tend to be shallow and have limited design.

Liner pools: Due to their light weight, being made of PVC, these pools are the stars of rooftops and attics. Despite their apparent fragility, their liners are highly resistant to both punctures and water loss, making them a good value-for-money option.

Fiberglass pools: These pools are created from pre-designed molds, so their installation is relatively easy and quick. Similarly, this “pre-design” has the disadvantage of not being able to adapt perfectly to our space. It also requires continuous maintenance, as its outer protective layer tends to deteriorate over time.

Gunite pools: Fully customized, this is the most resistant and versatile option as it adapts 100% to all our needs, whether finishes, measurements, or terrain. It is true that it is the least affordable option to build, as they are constructed with a highly specialized process like concrete projection, but its price is revalued given its great durability and low maintenance.

Pool dimensions

The dimensions of a built-in pool must adapt to the available space to optimize it as much as possible, so there are no “standard” measurements, although private pools usually range between 5 x 3 meters and 10 x 5 meters.

For its part, the depth is usually not more than 1.70 meters, as the greater the depth, the greater the water and energy consumption.

The coating

Currently, the most used coatings are ceramic tile and liner, and both can be found in a wide variety of colors, from sand, through blues or whites.

This coating is not only important for its waterproofing capacity but also has an aesthetic value. Darker colors are more sober and tend to age more easily, but at the same time, they are easier to maintain than light colors which are more eye-catching but also get dirtier.

Water purification

Although often forgotten, this is one of the essentials for pool maintenance. We need to consider how the water treatment and care will be when planning our pool. A good filter system will keep our water clean, just as the correct application of pool chemicals will prevent the proliferation of algae and bacteria that could harm our health.

Arquifach, Alicante architecture studio, helps you design and build your pool on the Costa Blanca

Contact Arquifach, Alicante architecture studio, with no obligation. We study the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. Count on the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca. Arquifach takes care of finding the ideal plot for each client’s needs, complying with municipal regulations. We cover the project in its entirety, from design, construction, planning, pathology reports, valuations, and general advice.

Modern architecture is one of the most in-demand architectural styles today for the construction of villas, chalets, or single-family homes on the Costa Blanca. This term is very broad and designates the set of styles that have developed in the 20th century and that continue to be in demand today by our clients. 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-born architect known as the main protagonist of the international architectural renovation of the 20th century. He understood that the house should be at the service of life: “The house is a machine for living in, baths, sun, hot and cold water, temperature adjustable at will, food preservation, hygiene, beauty through convenient proportions.” Corbusier’s approaches lead us to geometric order to achieve what he called “pure volumes.” His goal was to fuse nature with technological development. This goal is and remains one of the basic principles of Arquifach, and we apply it to a unique environment such as the Costa Blanca. In this article, you will find key design elements that cannot be missed in your chalet or villa if what you want is a modern architectural style. We will translate Corbusier’s advice into today’s functional design.

1. Materials and technology at the service of functionality

Every modern architectural design is distinguished by the use of materials such as steel, reinforced concrete, and glass. These materials are common due to their efficiency and adaptability, being usable in different spaces and with different functions, indoors as beams or columns, and outdoors as part of the facades. Although we talk about concrete as a basic material for construction, new patents have been developed that allow it to be integrated into design as something innovative. An example is translucent concrete, created by architect Áron Losonczi, which allows seeing silhouettes and shadows regardless of thickness, as it is made with fiber optics and mass concrete. Glass in combination with carbon fiber is one of our favorite materials because they are very versatile and allow maintaining simplicity while accentuating the modern air of the design.

2. Exterior indoors, and interior outdoors

As Corbusier rightly says, windows must be continuous. This is an idea we love for one important reason: light. Large windows let in light, a valuable resource when minimizing costs and increasing well-being. On the Costa Blanca, more specifically in Alicante, we enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year. Our designs contemplate the environment as an indispensable part of the process. It is no surprise that the designs we customize for each client at Arquifach can end up having more glass than opaque material overall. Another of our maxims when designing is continuity. Seamlessly integrating interiors with exteriors. Avoiding barriers and using clean lines that do not alter the order, avoiding excesses to capture the essence of the interior. Open surfaces free of clutter, using neutral base colors combined with natural textures and materials.

3. Geometry as the basis of design

Those of you who have followed our career for a long time know that geometric architecture is part of our essence. We respect geometry, making simple and very specific strokes because architecture cannot subsist without geometry as its foundation. The modular forms we start from aim to present greater harmony, symmetry, and plasticity.

4. Open concept

The absence of obstacles and walls in rooms has several advantages. Among the most important we find the integration of light and landscape within the home. There are many detractors who think that in this type of space, chaos and lack of privacy reign. But far from reality, there are many solutions to divide and separate the different areas such as level changes, furniture, architectural elements, or partial divisions with materials like wood or glass.

Arquifach: Architecture Studio Altea

If you are thinking of building a custom home, contact Arquifach, Moraira architecture studio. It has a great team with over 40 years of experience.

We love to get ahead and keep you up to date with trends. That’s why, in this article, we are going to review what we believe will be the architecture trends of 2021. For those of you who already follow our blog, I have to tell you that they might sound familiar because we have already talked about many of them in other articles. For years at Arquifach, we have opened up a range of possibilities for our clients so they always have the latest in technology and design. Likewise, we give you a summary here:

Home Automation

Homes will be smart or they will not be, but… What is a smart home? It is one that is totally controlled through automated systems and home automation. Home automation is an integrated technological system applied to a home to achieve intelligent control and automation. This implies efficient management of energy consumption, home security and accessibility, and a multitude of advantages that increase the well-being and comfort of the home. Some of its advantages include being able to automate thermostats, blinds, irrigation, etc.; improved security systems; energy efficiency that minimizes consumption without losing comfort…

Open Concept

We have already talked to you about the open concept, that is, the absence of obstacles and walls in the rooms. This trend has several advantages, and among the most important we find the integration of light and landscape within the home. The approach for this type of space can be quite a challenge, as partitions must be replaced with other elements that maintain light and views, such as glass and wood divisions, the use of different levels to differentiate spaces, or the use of architectural elements like arches or columns to offer visual separations.

Integration of exterior and interior spaces

Every time we approach a project, the design we carry out at Arquifach covers both the exterior areas and the interior of the home. 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.

In the discipline of architecture, spaces are classified into two main groups: interior and exterior. The former are those defined by the delimitation of facades, partitions, and internal divisions. In contrast, external spaces are those whose only limits are those of the land where the building is located and therefore the property.

Depending on the possibilities of each land and home, it is possible to play with the connections between one space and another. For example, using sliding glass walls, we can make the interior completely open to the exterior, eliminating barriers and making our spaces extend completely. As we have seen on other occasions on our blog, the choice of land is crucial when approaching a 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. Exterior areas can be used for leisure or rest, or a mix of both.

How can we design exterior spaces? By distributing and delimiting the areas according to their use and using elements that contribute. 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, above all, about taking advantage of the sunny days that our beloved Costa Blanca offers us.

Bioclimatic sustainable homes

Sustainable homes are those that respect the environment, meaning that for their construction, both resources that promote energy saving and ecological materials have been used. They are characterized by being integrated into nature, with large windows and located in places where natural energy sources can be harnessed, that is, with good reception of light and water.

For a home to be sustainable, it must respect green areas and their biodiversity. In this way, during its construction, the goal is to have minimal impact on natural areas, respecting the local flora and fauna.

What is necessary to achieve a sustainable home? Taking into account the orientation to make the most of natural daylight hours. The objective is not simple: to capture maximum sunlight during winter while protecting against direct exposure during summer.

Achieving ideal thermal insulation and climate conditioning. Much more can be done to achieve energy efficiency, such as using low-consumption light sources and appliances, as well as biomass boilers that save energy. This insulation must be ecological, using healthy, ecological, durable, and efficient materials.

The use of renewable energies is also essential. The main renewable energies are photovoltaic, small wind power, and biomass (light, air, and organic matter). As all factors are related, to choose between one or the other we must consider the availability of space, the orientation of the home, its location, and the climatological characteristics of the place where we live, among others.

Finally, a sustainable home will respect the environment. The aim is to take advantage of all the resources offered by the environment, ensuring that the construction of the home has the least impact on the space where it will be located. For this, green roofs are used.

Arquifach: Architecture Studio Altea

If you are thinking of building a custom home on the Costa Blanca, contact Arquifach, Moraira architecture studio. It has a great team with over 40 years of experience.