Category: Architecture Alicante

With the rise in the price of gas and fuel, saving on our energy bill is becoming complicated and difficult to achieve. Although it is quite easy to find many tips and good practices in this regard, the truth is that if we want to achieve a substantial result, we must carry out a series of renovations that steer our homes towards more efficient and intelligent consumption.

After all, the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) estimates that the energy consumption of our homes equals one-fifth of the consumption of all Spain. This same body calculates that, of all the energy our home consumes, heating occupies one of the highest percentages in our bill, specifically 47% of it. That is why this winter we want to offer you a series of changes and renovations that can help you reduce your expenses and, furthermore, improve the environment.

Thermal Insulation

Undoubtedly, one of the best investments you can make in your home to save on your heating bill: improve the thermal insulation of your house. Thanks to good insulation, you can save up to 30% of the energy your home wastes, with the consequent reduction in your gas or electricity bill.

One of the simplest ways to improve your home’s insulation is to change the doors and windows, as they are the points where most heat is lost.

Double-glazed windows with an air chamber will significantly reduce heat loss, just as aluminum joinery with a thermal break can improve the insulating capacity of your windows by up to 40%.

Regarding the general insulation of walls and ceilings, there are many materials that guarantee your home is a well-insulated, airtight box. However, it must not be forgotten that this insulation must always be accompanied by an adequate ventilation system that allows good air quality inside the home. Effective insulation, together with an optimal orientation of the construction and the use of sustainable materials, become fundamental elements for carrying out responsible architecture. If you want to know more about some of the most sustainable and efficient materials, you can visit our article: “Sustainable Insulation”.

Green Energy and Efficient Systems

Investing in renewable energies and new, more efficient technologies will not only help us reduce our energy footprint but can also be key to reducing our bill.

Installing solar panels together with an aerothermal system for heating and cooling our home can reduce the energy we consume by up to 62%.

Similarly, installing low-consumption boilers and radiators is another simple way to reduce our energy expenditure. Investing in a new boiler can reduce our fuel consumption by up to 40%, and you may also receive subsidies, as they reduce CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.

Furthermore, low-consumption radiators, operating at much lower temperatures than common radiators, do not need to use as much energy, so they can reduce our consumption by up to half.

If we also add A+++ appliances, we will achieve even more visible savings on our energy bill.

Install Smart Devices

The use of devices with artificial intelligence that can analyze our living and consumption habits helps us reduce our energy consumption by focusing it on more efficient use.

Devices can perform tasks such as automating the raising and lowering of blinds according to the intensity of sunlight or controlling thermostats to regulate the temperature of our home depending on whether we are home or not, or according to our sleep habits.

Currently, there are many technological devices on the market at very competitive prices that can help you improve your home’s consumption.

In short, you have many ways to reduce your energy costs. The important thing is to have advice from a technician with background and experience who can guide you on the project. In this regard, at Arquifach we would be delighted to give you a hand.

Although we have only recently left 2021 behind, various gurus, websites, and architecture and interior design magazines are already speculating about the new trends that will hit our sector hard. Such is the case of Pinterest Predict, the annual report from the Pinterest platform, which analyzes the tastes of more than 400 million users to predict (with 80% accuracy) what the new trends for this year will be.

The trends for this year that has just begun are perceived as cleaner and purer, where integrated environments merge with nature in search of minimalist yet cozy spaces.

Integrated Environments

Large, multifunctional spaces will continue to be a trend in 2022. Kitchens open to the living room, living-dining rooms… are just a few ideas that help generate a greater sense of spaciousness and allow us to provide greater versatility to those areas of our home that are less used. We already discussed this trend of open spaces in one of our most visited articles: “Open concept: organization of open-plan spaces”.

Biophilic Design

Structures and furniture where plants and natural elements intermingle with human architecture will be an essential trend in 2022. Stairs with vertical gardens, floral columns will be interspersed with terracotta elements and wooden furniture.

All of this takes advantage of natural lighting and the elements that make up the land, all focused on improving the well-being of users.

Boho Chic Style

This style, mixing bohemian currents with a more minimalist touch, seems to be another aesthetic that will create a furor in 2022. The use of natural materials combined with vibrant colors in both rugs and cushions makes it a cheerful and carefree style that, thanks to the use of neutral-colored walls and natural tones, does not feel cluttered or strident.

Curvy is Back

Curves are hitting hard again in 2022. Our furniture will be filled with curved shapes, from sofas to tables and kitchen islands; circular forms will take center stage. On an architectural level, arches will regain their importance, as will arcades and round pools outside our homes. Forget right angles – that’s so 2021!

Hellenic Classicism

After the 80s and 90s nostalgia of recent years, it seems that 2022 will bring a resurgence of Greek classicism. Ancient Greece will be the inspiration from which designs and decorative elements with Hellenistic airs will draw, from decorated vessels, through statues with Olympic connotations, to classic Corinthian columns.

And now is your moment: Which trend do you think will be the most successful this year? Which one appeals to you the most? Would you implement it in your home?

One of the advantages of building a custom home on the Costa Blanca is being able to choose its location. Some clients want to be in secluded areas, others prioritize the views, and others want to be as close to the sea as possible. One of Arquifach’s tasks is to help choose the ideal site for construction. There are a multitude of technical considerations that must be taken into account. That is why in this article we are going to talk about the municipal urban planning report and the information it provides about a piece of land or plot.

What is the urban planning report?

It is a document that brings together the urban planning conditions of a plot. It contains all the information related to its characteristics (shape, area, etc.), and its legal and administrative status (classification, permitted uses, buildability, etc.) at the time it is drafted. Therefore, if the urban planning situation changes, its content may change. It is mainly used to determine the exact status of a piece of land in order to assess it in a purchase-sale transaction.

How is it obtained?

The recipients are those natural or legal persons interested in the information regarding that plot. It is usually requested from the Municipal Urban Planning Management of the locality.

What information does it exactly contain?

• The legal framework in force at the time the report is drafted.
• Identification and location of the plot.
• Urban planning instruments affecting the property, indicating whether these instruments are already in force or in the process of being processed.
• Classification and categorization, according to the current general plan and, if applicable, according to the general plan being processed.
• Detailed urban planning qualification, according to the current plan and, if applicable, according to the plan being processed.
• Specific building ordinances, paying attention to current regulations and, where applicable, regulations in process.

What important information will we be able to obtain and analyze when buying and building on the plot?

1. Maximum buildability: it is the maximum surface area that can be built on a plot and is expressed by the fraction: m2 of construction / m2 of plot. This value is around 0.30m2/m2, meaning a maximum of about one third of the plot’s surface area can be built.
2. Maximum number of floors: always refers to above ground, i.e., above the natural ground level, and is usually two floors. Important to differentiate this from basements and semi-basements.
3. Maximum height: it is usually measured from the ground to the underside of the last slab under the eaves, in other cases to the top of the eaves. For two floors, the figure ranges between 6m and 7m.
4. Setbacks from streets and neighbor boundaries: a setback is the location of a building or part of it behind a line drawn at a certain distance from a street or other parts of the building. On the other hand, a neighbor boundary is the line that marks the limits of a plot and separates it from others. The distance the construction must be from neighboring boundaries may be different from the setback from the street. It can vary between 4m, 5m, or the height of the construction.
5. Maximum plot occupancy: refers to the percentage of the plot occupied by the construction. For this, the area occupied by the ground floor must be considered. It usually ranges around 25%, meaning the construction cannot occupy more than a quarter of the plot’s surface area; the rest must be for garden, parking, etc.

It is important to relate and interpret all the information gathered in the urban planning report and to request additional information that is not usually included in standard requests. As a general rule, these are not listed unless some concepts are specifically requested, such as the computation of porches and basement and semi-basement floors, or how the plot can be transformed in terms of earthworks (excavations and fills).

It is an architect’s responsibility to make decisions that minimize the pollution resulting from our way of life. Many of you may be wondering if that role is really so important, and we can assure you that good planning, design, and execution of homes can neutralize CO², absorb it, and even reduce it without compromising comfort or well-being.

One of the essential aspects when building a sustainable home is energy efficiency. The thermal insulation of buildings is one of the key pieces in conditioning a home. It is estimated that around 70% of a home’s energy is lost through its facades and roofs, which is why it is important to create a well-insulated, airtight box. However, it must not be forgotten that this insulation must always be accompanied by an adequate ventilation system that allows good air quality inside the home.

Effective insulation, together with an optimal orientation of the construction and the use of sustainable materials, become fundamental elements for carrying out responsible architecture.

What are the characteristics of a sustainable insulator?

For an insulator to be considered sustainable or ecological, it must meet the following characteristics:

1. It must be healthy: that is, non-toxic to humans and animals. Primarily, it should not contain petroleum-derived components or substances or additives that could be harmful to health.
2. Efficient manufacturing: this characteristic refers to the energy consumption required for its manufacture, which must be minimal.
3. Durability: they must last over time and therefore not need frequent replacement.
4. Biodegradable: able to decompose by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi in a short period of time
5. Efficient in thermal insulation: their function as heat transmitters must be minimal.

What materials are sustainable and effective for insulating a home?

Cork

 

 

It is a 100% natural material that comes from the bark of cork oaks. The cork oak only thrives in seven Mediterranean countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, which together account for more than two million hectares. As if that were not enough, besides being present in Spain, our country ranks second in the world cork production ranking. And the regions that monopolize the cork oak landscape are: Andalusia, Extremadura, and Catalonia.

Its production is sustainable, as even during extraction, waste generation is low. And more importantly, the tree regenerates its bark, so the material does not deplete the resource source.

Its structure of polyhedral cells, which are practically empty inside, gives it extraordinary waterproofing and insulating properties, both thermal (conductivity of 0.041 W/m·K) and acoustic.

Cellulose

Ecological insulations based on cellulose are made from waste newspaper. These residues are ground and mixed with other products to increase their fire resistance, thus making them safer for home construction. The final result is small fibers that can be blown in to fill gaps in walls and ceilings or placed as blankets covering large areas.

It is a product derived from reused paper, therefore manufacturing it requires little energy consumption; it is also a lightweight product that can be easily transported.

Sheep’s Wool

Sheep’s wool is an insulator that has been used for centuries. One of the best qualities of this insulator is its breathability, which does not compromise its insulating effect. When the outside temperature rises, the fibers warm up, release moisture, and cool down, refreshing the environment. Conversely, when the outside temperature drops, the fibers cool down, absorb moisture, and warm up.

As with cork, its production does not harm the sheep, which generates it naturally. Therefore, its production is sustainable and 100% ecological. Another notable advantage is its durability. As long as its installation has been correct, it maintains its density and cohesion for decades.

Hemp

From the hemp plant, long, very resistant fibers are obtained, with very significant thermal and acoustic insulating properties, which do not require treatment against insects.

This sustainable insulation is presented in the form of rolls, boards, blankets, or in bulk, and although its price is somewhat higher than that of other ecological solutions, its moisture-regulating properties are highly valued in bioconstruction, being able to absorb up to 15% of its weight.

Arquifach: Costa Blanca Architecture Studio

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

 

Spain is one of the countries in Europe most vulnerable to climate change. The country’s average temperature has risen by about 1.7 ºC since pre-industrial times. Summer has lengthened by five weeks compared to the early 1980s. Problems with droughts and floods will set the trend for the summer months.

The Costa Blanca

For years, Spain has been one of the main countries where many Spaniards and foreigners decide to build a second home. Among the main reasons are the good climate and quality of life the country offers, especially in certain areas. One of the favorites is the Costa Blanca, the area of Alicante bathed by the Mediterranean Sea. It is a privileged location due to its geographical and climatic characteristics, making it attractive and an area with great investment potential. Many of our clients are encouraged to create their dream home, aware that it is also an opportunity to delve into real estate investments on the Costa Blanca.

Unfortunately, climate change regularly hits the Mediterranean coast, especially the Costa Blanca. Many of you may have heard of DANA or “cold drop”. It is a meteorological phenomenon favored by the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by torrential rainfall in a very short time. It happens mainly in autumn, when the sea is still warm due to the summer months. If the Levante wind arrives then, a storm can develop all its energy, and the DANA is unleashed. The mass of hot air rises to great heights, up to ten kilometers, then cools rapidly, forming thick rain clouds.

How to prevent flooding?

Elevate the construction above the flood level

The decision of where to build is vitally important in flood-prone areas. The common approach is to build higher than usual above areas that have previously flooded. A thorough inspection of the land must be carried out to verify that it has no unevenness, is not composed of landfill or organic material, and is not over streams or aquifer areas. It is most advisable to acquire one located in a resistant and firm area, which provides better support for the house and allows us to keep construction costs dedicated to land preparation in check.

Water management systems:

Common rainwater management systems most frequently used are based on transporting water directly from the point of origin to the main network, minimizing the water’s journey, wasting the ground’s infiltration capacity, and avoiding the possibility of reuse at the source. During heavy or torrential rainfall, pipelines often collapse because they are not sized for those volumes.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) are a preventive rainwater management tool that helps minimize the effects of floods. Their strategy is based on two main objectives: reducing the amount of water reaching the final discharge point, and improving the quality of the water discharged into the natural environment.

Flood-resistant materials

Flood-resistant materials can withstand significant damage for at least 72 hours from the first contact with water. In most cases, floodwater can cause the following damage:

• Displaced foundation walls
• Collapsed structures
• Floating fuel tanks
• Sediment generation

Among flood-resistant materials, we can find: glazed brick, closed-cell foam insulation, steel hardware, pressure-treated and marine-grade plywood, ceramic tiles, waterproof adhesives, and polyester epoxy paint, among many others. Waterproof coatings, sealants, and sheeting belong to the first group, as they prevent water from reaching the interior.

Your chalet or single-family home with a pool on the Costa Blanca

Contact Arquifach, an architecture studio on the Costa Blanca specializing in the construction of modern architecture chalets and single-family homes. We study the viability of your project and offer advice on the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. Count on the support of a team specialized in the Costa Blanca. Arquifach handles finding the ideal plot according to each client’s needs, complying with municipal regulations. We cover the entire project, from design, construction, planning, pathology reports, valuations, and general advice.

 

Even today, when we talk about interior design, many people limit the term to the merely aesthetic or superficial. Far from that belief, interior design aims to influence quality of life. How? By achieving a harmonious, pleasant atmosphere that conveys well-being. Even considering that aesthetics are variable depending on the eye of the beholder. If we have learned anything from the lockdown we suffered in 2020, it is that we must pay greater attention to the design of our spaces and environments.

How to use interior design to achieve well-being?

An interior design project is carried out by conceptualizing spaces so that they respond to the physical, emotional, functional, aesthetic, and economic needs of people. If the specific needs of the user are taken into account and combined with the principles, design elements, personal style, and experience; we will be able to transform spaces and improve their quality of life and their physical and mental health.

The appropriate combination of decorative elements such as textures, colors, lighting, furniture placement, etc., offers us the possibility of finding greater comfort and harmony. In this way, feelings of relaxation and balance are achieved in the environment surrounding the inhabitants of the space in question.

When developing an interior design project, we must go through a process that requires attention, intention, and time to evolve and achieve those personal goals.

Making the most of interior design

Small spaces

In homes where spaces are limited, one possibility is to consider flexible space designs that can be enabled for two or more activities. When interior design is planned responsibly and thoughtfully, in addition to functionality, we will obtain order, harmony, and aesthetics; which psychologically generates the desired well-being.

Another possibility is to enable areas that have been discarded, such as balconies, rooftops, or green areas, turning them into spaces for relaxation and leisure.

The importance of natural light

Natural light directly influences our health and mood. At an immunological level, it helps eliminate bacteria typical of dark and humid scenarios. Some ways to generate natural light in our environments through good design are allowing light to enter specific areas (windows, ceilings, etc.), as well as a correct selection of color and/or materials that reflect it.

Natural cross ventilation

Renewing air effectively and quickly again has benefits at an immunological level. Vital to avoid the transmission of viral agents like covid-19 and the thermal stress generated by heat concentration. Some possibilities for generating proper cross ventilation are a good design of windows that allows air intake and exhaust.

Balance

Avoid filling the room’s space without caring for balance. It is important to balance furniture and decoration with the space. Pay attention to the impact of your surroundings and how it influences your mental health. A room overloaded with furniture and decoration can unbalance you and cause stress. A balanced environment favors concentration and mental well-being.

Color psychology

Each interior color has a direct result on your mood. Just as the bright color of morning is associated with freshness, light colors will make you feel more eager for activity. The dark color of rooms directly affects your mood. Some mental health experts suggest avoiding black, navy blue, and gray paints. Using vibrant colors like red or yellow can work for rooms where workouts are done, but not in spaces dedicated to rest.

Arquifach: Costa Blanca Architecture Studio

Arquifach is an architecture studio operating throughout the Costa Blanca, more specifically in Calpe, Altea, Benissa, Teulada, and Moraira. With more than 50 years of experience in the construction, architecture, and urban planning sector. It has a professional team specialized in different fields of architectural design, construction, planning, pathology reports, valuations, and general advice. It offers these services with the utmost seriousness and professionalism possible, supported by the work of a human team that is always at the client’s disposal to carry out work that fully satisfies them, carrying out responsible architecture that is accessible. If you are thinking of building a custom home, contact Arquifach.