The afore-mentioned structural option incorporates many features designed to promote both thermal comfort and humidity protection, and to reduce energy consumption. In summary, these are:
- Adobe inner walls, together with the concrete beam and block floor, provide high thermal mass. This enables structures to store and radiate warmth or "coolth", thus helping to keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Externally applied insulation, insulated roof systems and correct design of windows all inhibit heat gains and losses due to external ambient conditions.
- Externally applied insulation prevents the thermal "bridging" of the concrete supporting structure.
- Clay rendered adobe inner leaf and internal walls absorb or release humidity dependent upon ambient conditions, thereby regulating internal humidity at a consistently comfortable level.
- The combination of materials used permits structures to "breathe", thereby releasing water vapour that could otherwise be trapped within the structure and cause condensation.
 Standard finishes
Our preferred specifications call for walls, with the exception of kitchen bathroom areas, to be rendered internally using special clay render and finished with mineral paint. As mineral paint forms a bond with the surface on which it is applied, it is very hardwearing. It is also micro-porous and a necessary component in the "breath ability" of the building.
We also suggest either wooden ceilings that can be stained to match wooden doors and cabinetry and finished with a micro-porous varnish or flat ceilings formed in plasterboard and painted white.
Kitchen and bathroom areas can be rendered using a sand/lime plaster, with kitchen areas above splash backs being finished with mineral paint and bathrooms with ceramic wall tiles.
Preferred floorings options include porcelain or terracotta floor tiles finished with matching skirting tiles.
It is recommended that main front doors be fabricated from solid hardwood, with internal doors being hardwood-faced, sealed and waxed. Other external doors, such as patio doors, as well as double-glazed window frames, should be fabricated from polyester powder coated aluminium or hardwood. Storm shutters should be considered necessary.
Central heating is recommended while main living areas should benefit from a fireplace with a gas log fire or wood-burning stove.
We suggest that fitted wardrobes are provided in all bedrooms, with each unit including provision for hanging rails and drawers. Master bedrooms should include a fitted dressing table with mirror and over-head lighting.
Preferred option include kitchens fitted with high-quality fitted cabinets, granite worktops, splash backs, and stainless steel sink with monobloc tap. Appliances can include a built-in electric oven with grill, gas hobs, externally vented extractor hood, fridge/freezer, washing machines and integrated dishwashers.
Bathrooms should be equipped with baths fabricated from pressed steel and built-in with tiled surround, porcelain washbasins inset into a granite or tile- topped vanity unit, with mirror and over-head lighting. Shower rooms should be equipped with shower trays with matching tile surround. |
