Tag: Architecture Alicante

Architecture Alicante: How much does it cost to build a house from scratch?

Everyone wants a house where they can live comfortably with their family. It is common to choose the easiest option and buy a property already built thinking it is more economical. But this is not always the case, prices do not vary so much between building a custom house or buying one already built. So how much does it cost to build a house from scratch? Continue reading, in this post we will explain in detail the expenses incurred.

How much does it cost to build a house from scratch? The plot

In the first place, an aspect that decreases the cost of construction is owning the plot. Only the purchase of the plot and the other associated costs (related to building and construction licenses) represent approximately 40 to 50% of the total cost. This may be due to the scarcity of available land, which means that prices, despite the fall after the crisis, remain very high.

But the purchase of the plot is not an easy step, it is necessary to conduct an inspection of several areas of the area where you want to buy to know the average price, the conditions of the land, and payment conditions. After making the decision it is necessary to go to the Town Hall that corresponds to you according to the area and check that the land is suitable for building.

Also, you must check the ownership, location, accessibility and the measures in the deeds of the land and verify that you have no debts. Also, determine if you have basic services (drinking water, sewage, electric power, street lighting)

After choosing the most optimal terrain, the one that covers our needs, you must go to the competent body and inform you about the expenses that are generated as: fee of the registrar and notary (0.5%), Tax of Patrimonial Transmissions (7-9) %) according to the area of residence, VAT for self-promotion (10%), VAT for technical fees (21).

You can take a look at the articles on the choice of land:

Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante: tips for buying plot or land in Costa Blanca

Architectural studio Alicante: tips for buying plot or land in Costa Blanca II

How to build a custom house?

When we decide to build a custom house it is necessary to hire the services of professional people (architects, surveyors, etc.) to whom we will communicate our interests and needs and will be in charge of designing the house we have always wanted, for whose work we should pay an approximate fee of 8%.

The second most important expense in the construction of a house is the execution of the work, which covers 40% of the budget, and covers costs of materials, labor and taxes.

The first thing that is done in the construction stage is the topographic study of the land, which has an approximate cost of 250-400 euros, as well as a geotechnical study with a cost of 650-800 euros.

To build the project it is necessary to have the regulatory permits and be up to date with the taxes stipulated in the law for the construction of works, such as: electric current and water supply. In this last aspect, the position will be occupied by the architect who was hired.

By having all the legal requirements proceed to the hiring of a construction company who will be responsible for executing the work. To do this, we must request a budget from various companies to choose the one that best suits our needs and budget.

This contract budget is 19% higher than the budget for the material execution of the works, since 13% are included in the general expenses and 6% for the builder.

Before starting the construction of the work by the selected construction company, it is necessary to have the works license issued by the City Council. The start of the work must be communicated in writing and a safety plan must be submitted. It is mandatory to have a full-liability civil liability insurance.

When the construction phase is completed, the architect has to sign the certificate of completion and will obtain the license of first occupation and the certificate of habitability in the Town Hall. These are small administrative expenses that must be taken into account.

In the same way, it is necessary to cancel the tax on constructions, installations and works, and a deposit for the management of construction and demolition waste, which will be returned upon completion of the work. The public deed of new work will be drafted and registered, generating an expense of 0.5% of the value of the home.

The budget is divided as follows: 45% purchase of land and expenses that it carries; 40% for the execution of the work and some taxes it generates; 8% professional fees and 7% for the payment of taxes and licensing procedures.

Arquifach, architectural studio in Alicante: advice on the purchase of the plot

Arquifach, architectural studio in Costa Blanca, requests and interprets the urban planning report
It is important to relate and interpret all the information gathered in the urban planning report and also request additional information that is not usually included in the standard requests. As a general rule, they are not related provided that some concepts are specifically requested, such as how the porches and the basement and semi-basement floors are calculated or how the plot can be transformed as far as land movements are concerned (clearing and filling), for perform their development.

Contact Arquifach, architectural studio Alicante, without commitment. We will assess the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. It has the support of a specialized team in Costa Blanca.

1 February, 2019
Alicante Architects: Architecture trends 2019

Nowadays, technological and digital evolution have transformed society. In 2019 many of the architecture trends are focused on sustainable architecture. They seek to protect the environment. They pursue that both the materials and structures that are manufactured and the practices that are carried out are eco-friendly. That is, help conserve environmental resources, through the use of multifunctional, flexible, dynamic and intelligent structures. In this article we are going to review the 2019 architecture trends.

Architecture trends 2019

Among the main architectural trends that will mark the field of building design in this year 2019 are the following:

Home automation and smart homes

One of the trends that has been growing in recent years is the inclusion of domotics in architecture. It is a combination of intelligent architecture, high-quality technology and awareness of the environment. Among its advantages is the energy saving and the necessary consumption.

In general terms we can define it as the use of technology that allows people to have more control of all the conditions of the house. All with the minimum effort. It’s about living with more comfort, security and optimizing expenses.

To do this, automated systems are used to control light, remote heating, security of the home, wireless sounds, wireless connection, etc. This trend allows to adapt the constructions, minimizing the time and resources used, favoring their automation.

Buildings based on energy efficiency

The architecture of this type of construction is based on achieving the maximum performance of the environment of what is always built to have the least possible impact. This environment takes into account the conditions of the climate, the ecosystem and hydrography.

They use natural but technologically advanced materials that minimize the emission and consumption of energy that is currently used for lighting, heating, cooling, etc. supplanting it to a greater extent by renewable energy sources.

Construction with greater acoustic control

Each space deserves to enhance or minimize the sound according to its function, for example, in a house people seek tranquility and peace, while in an auditorium the sound is expected to be enhanced. Therefore, the architecture trend of 2019 covers acoustic control in buildings without losing the design, knowing previously the use that will be given to the space.

Multipurpose spaces

Currently, homes with open spaces are being designed to establish multifunctional environments, taking better advantage of the space, making it more spacious. This type of architecture is ideal for small spaces.
The floor and walls as protagonists

In this trend, greater emphasis is placed on the design of the walls and the floor. The walls become canvases, to the taste of the person, using a diversity of motifs, textures, vinyls or hand-made murals, ideal for modern people as it is a different trend from the previous ones. With respect to the floor, it returns the decoration with tiles, terracotta and terrazzo.

Use of ecological materials

Being in the eco-friendly period, it is common to use materials with low environmental impact without losing their durability and resistance, which are reusable and with less impact on health, such as: wood, iron, glass, marble, paint without chemical additives, etc.

The trends in architecture in 2019 are an exciting topic, based on the protection of the environment, which will surely bring new challenges and new developments.

Arquifach, Architect’s Studio Alicante

Contact Arquifach, Alicante architecture studio, without obligation. We study the feasibility of your project and offer advice on the construction of new single-family homes or tourist apartment buildings. It has the support of a specialized team on the Costa Blanca.

15 January, 2019
COSTA BLANCA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

Real Estate Investments on the Costa Blanca: Why buy a house on the Costa Blanca?

Costa Banca is located in the province of Alicante in the southeast of Spain. It is a privileged place due to its geographical and climatological characteristics that make it attractive for great investment possibilities by residents and tourists. Many of our clients are encouraged to create their dream home, being aware that it is also an opportunity to immerse themselves in real estate investments on the Costa Blanca.

Evolution of Costa Blanca real estate investments

Therefore, the cost of real estate in that area has increased over the years. According to the report published by pisos.com, the average sale prices in Costa Blanca have increased 3.2% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period the previous year; followed by rents.

Similarly, statistics from the Ministry of Development of the country show that the homes sold during the first half of the year in the province reached a total of 2,797 million euros with an increase of 23% compared to the previous year.

But this increase has not prevented Costa Blanca from being an active investment market, as can be seen in the official data provided by the Ministry of Development with respect to real estate transactions which increased 16.8% during the first semester of 2018 compared to the same period of the previous year.

Volumen of Costa Blanca real estate investments

In this regard, in the province of Alicante, specifically in the Costa Blanca area, a total of 23,256 real estate purchase and sales transactions were registered during the first half of this year.

What is looking for a byer on the Costa Blanca?

All homes in the Costa Blanca area have a contemporary and modern design. Realtors also offer the possibility for the investor to design and build their dream house on demand or to acquire only the plot.

Buyer profile

Another important factor that can be seen in the statistics of the Ministry of Development is that a high percentage (40 to 45%) of the buying and selling processes were made by foreign buyers, from residents of any European country to North Americans.

The target of potential investors to buy land and/or build houses in the Costa Blanca area is defined in people between 50 and 55 years old who are about to retire.

Why choose the Costa Blanca to live?

When a person retires, they look for peace and quiet, living in a place that allows them to fulfill their goals, having a pleasant climate and mainly having an economic stability with which they can live comfortably.

For many years now, Spain has been one of the main countries that take into account retired people from both Europe and North America to retire to spend their last years of life. This was demonstrated in the 2018 Global Index of Annual Retirement quoted in the American magazine International Living, in which Spain ranks 9th.

This preference towards Spain is caused by its good climate and the quality of life that the country offers. Some of these inhabitants become residents and begin by renting of a house and then make an investment in the sector of their preference, some in large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona and others in smaller sites such as Alicante

In this sense, one of the favorite sectors to inhabit is the Costa Blanca, named after the Mediterranean coast in the province of Alicante, located southeast of Spain, which in addition to having good weather, beaches and other outstanding geographical aspects, it also allows citizens to have a better quality of life due to its good services.

Regarding the profile of retirees who come to Spain to find their home, the majority are women between 65 and 70 years old, married or widowed, with good health conditions. In addition to this, people over 80 have some dependency. In relation to income, these retirees mostly live with the monthly installment stipulated in the public pension.

This attraction of Spain as a favorite destination to retire specifically in the Costa Blanca sector makes it a real estate investment option, with great possibilities for investors to allow these people to buy a plot and build their house.

Alicante architecture studio: Arquifach, takes care of your project

Contact Arquifach, architecture studio Alicante , without obligation. If you are thinking of retiring on the Costa Blanca, you have comprehensive 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, from design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.

13 December, 2018
HIGH-TECH ARCHITECTURE: Architectural Studio in Alicante
Nowadays, technological and digital evolution have transformed society. Nobody could have imagined in the past that we would become practically technified. This evolution covers all areas: health, education, industry and food, among others. In this sense, architecture has also had a progressive advance, giving rise to new trends where the structure, facilities, enclosures and other construction systems, become the protagonists. It is called High Tech architecture.

High-Tech Architecture Definition

Due to this evolution and idea, a new architectural style arises during the 70s combining architecture with high-quality technology called High Tech which aims to capture an industrial appearance in all designs and constructions using industry-specific resources specially to make roofs, walls and floors.

This trend sought to stand out against modern architecture through the multiple elements of construction used and which were the protagonists of the works, such as stairs, elevators, lighting systems, steel material and glass.

High-Tech Architecture Characteristics

The characteristics of this type of architecture have changed over time, among which we can mention:
1. Use and exhibition of industrialized materials such as houses with glass and steel walls very common in this style; therefore, materials are the main protagonists of this style.
2. It arises from the movement of late-modernism with the influence of rationalist architecture.
3. For interior design, industrialized family objects are used. For example, containers that are transformed into vases to place some flowers.
4. It is based on some themes of modern architecture but reforming and reworking its own identity based on current trends.
5. The facades in these buildings have a metallic and bright appearance.
6. Its main exponents were: Renzo Pano, Richard Georges and the Pompidou Center.
High-Tech Architecture Foundations

The main foundation of the High-Tech architecture is that both the structure and the details in the construction process are made of technological materials, integrating glass, stainless steel, among others with the facilities, taking into account the lighting, the walls, roof, floors, etc.

The technological evolution allows to be in a constant search and research on the new materials (steel, polycarbonate, aluminum, glass, etc.) and theirs uses, thus achieving the promotion of technological development

High-Tech Architecture: Emblematic Examples

George Pompidou Center

One of the first High-Tech architecture constructions is the George Pompidou Center, located in Paris, designed by architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano and opened in 1977. This style can be observed from outside the construction, because its facade has several exposed tubes and structures. Betting on the most extreme brutalism can be seen as the steal structure steals the role to the skin of the building, which is in the background.Technological materials mentioned above: glass, stainless steel and gerberet pieces (as a tribute to engineer Gerber). Protagomismo of the conduits of ventilation and air conditioning, the systems of illumination, the elevators to the sight and the stairs.

Arab Center of Paris

Another of the emblematic works of Hight Tech architecture is the Arab Center of Paris, built in 1987 by the architect Jean Nouvel, like the previous one, the High Tech style stands out in its façade since it has technology to control the entry of the sun’s rays. It was created by France and the States of the Arab League to promote and disseminate Arab culture and to build a place for meetings and exchanges in order to strengthen cultural and social ties between both countries. It is a synthesis of Western and Middle Eastern architectural concepts. Our façade is double architectural duality through geometric Arab patterns in the form of mobile diagrams, simulating a camera.

The Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of tomorrow located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. It also applies High Tech style predominating in its roof which is cantilevered in the form of wings, scattered over almost the entire dock. The 9,200 square meters of water mirrors form the base of the building and that are complemented by the water of the bay.

* Article notes:

Photograph of the Museum of tomorrow by Rodrigo Soldon Souza
7 December, 2018
Destinations to retire: architecture studio in Alicante

It has often been said that the Mediterranean coast has something special, maybe that’s why it is the destination chosen among many retirees. Many of them come from northern European countries. This week in our blog we will analyze the reasons why many people choose the Mediterranean Coast and specifically the Costa Blanca as destinations to retire.

What are they look for in their ideal destination?

The weather: decisive to choose between destinations to retire

It is known to all that climate has an effect on people, both physically and psychologically. There are studies that show the negative effect that can have on our health some weather phenomena such as rain or heat stroke.

How is the climate of the Mediterranean Coast?

Rainfall is not frequent, and winters have mild temperatures. The average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. More specifically on the Costa Blanca, temperatures are mild throughout the year. Sun lovers are in luck since it has an average of 320 sunny days per year. The rains are scarce, for that reason it’s said that it’s the best climates of all the Mediterranean Coast. It may be because of its magnificent climate and quiet villages, that Mediterranean coast is the destination chosen by many retirees from the countries of northern Europe, mainly Germany and the Netherlands.

Entertainment

It is said that Spaniards have a more relaxed lifestyle, and it may be true if we ignore the vortex of the big cities. It’s about the combination of relaxation and a great entertainment offer. That offer is a mixture of its innumerable sites of cultural interest and its different shows (theater, dance, concerts …). For many of the Europeans who already enjoy the Costa Blanca as a destination for retirement, the biggest attraction in Spain is its friendly and relaxed lifestyle. Spaniards are very social people who like to share time in bars and squares.

Gastronomy

One of the reasons to choose Spain as a destination to retire is its gastronomy. Because Spain is a country to savor. Each zone has its own typical dishes enriched with local products. Wine and olive oil are our hallmarks. Traditional cuisine and signature cuisine are compatible and accessible. All made with products from the land.

Quality of healthcare

The Spanish health system is in the top ten worldwide according to a report published in the magazine The Lancet in 2017 where the health of more than 125 countries was analyzed. One of the advantages of being European is having the right to enjoy Spanish public health (we will explain in what conditions in future posts). The well-known training and quality treatment offered by Spanish public health professionals is well known.

Countries selected as best destinations to retire

It was the International Living magazine that placed Spain as the 7 best country to retire. Among his reasons he cited kilometers of beach and weather. Not only that, Spain is appreciated for its roots and cultural interests.

Alicante architecture studio: Arquifach, takes care of your project

Contact Arquifach, architecture studio Alicante , without obligation. If you are thinking of retiring on the Costa Blanca, you have comprehensive 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, from design, construction, planning, pathology reports, assessments and general advice.

28 November, 2018
Architectural Studio in Alicante: Restoration of historical buildings

Restoration of historical buildings is important to keep our culture. Historical buildings, as their name suggests, are constructions that are part of the history of a country, province or community, for which reason they are considered a heritage. They were built by our ancestors by means of materials and rudimentary techniques that allowed them to build an architectural work.

Why carry out rehabilitation of historic buildings?

In addition to their historic value, these buildings are also a key factor in the economic development of the area where they are located because they become tourist attractions being visited by both locals and tourists due to their historical meaning and the majesty and details they have.

However, owing to their antique construction as well as the environment in which they are located (areas with weather variations and high humidity), their infrastructure may weaken due to the degradation of the materials with which they were built, resulting in the appearance of cracks or fissures.

Diagnosis for the rehabilitation of historic buildings

Therefore, it is necessary to restore the historical building. To do so, the first step is to make an initial diagnosis of the current conditions of the infrastructure. This diagnosis must be made by qualified personnel, given the importance and value of said construction, and must account for the materials and techniques used, the weaknesses found and what is proposed to restore it. It should be noted that efforts must be made to maintain the original construction materials in order to preserve their historical value. These elements must be reinforced and protected and only the structural elements that are considered necessary must be replaced, either due to their deterioration or weakening.

Another important element to consider at the time of the restoration is the façade, because it is the main face of the construction, whose essence and shape must be kept in order for the construction not to lose its historical quality. That is why the staff should try to do the relevant restoration without changing the original façade and only by making the necessary reinforcements as well as the replacement of very weak structural elements.

Arquifach is one of the architecture studios in Alicante and in general throughout Costa Blanca in charge of the restoration of works and historic buildings. It was founded more than 50 years ago and has highly skilled and qualified professionals in different areas of architectural design and construction.

Rehabilitation of historic buildings made by Arquifach

Among the projects carried out by the professionals of the Arquifach’s group of architects on a historical building is the exterior and roof restoration of the St. Peter The Apostle Church located in Polop de la Marina. In this work, they took into consideration the initial needs, the diagnosis made and the legal regulations to restore this type of constructions by maintaining its quality as a historical building.
In this sense, an integral service was provided according to the principles established by Arquifach which, based on the diagnosis and historical review carried out by the staff, allowed them to restore and recover the image or main façade of the historical building. To do so, elements or materials that were sensitive to temperature changes and humidity in the area were replaced, which allowed the fissures that caused leaks to be corrected.

Likewise, other aspects were considered for restoration design, such as the accessibility of the building, the comfort inside which is given by its functionality, as well as the control of all aspects that allow the completion of the work successfully. It is necessary to emphasize that all these restorations must be carried out in compliance with the legal regulations in force that protect historical sites.

All in all, the restoration of historical buildings is one of the most rewarding tasks for the professionals once the entire project is completed because, in addition to preserving a heritage with so much value for a community, it allows them to be part of history because they were members of the team in charge of the restoration.

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.

Photo: Author Werner Wilmes con licence.

16 November, 2018