 Internal services
Plumbing for water supply must be concealed within the structure and hot water pipes lagged to reduce contribution to heating.
Provision should be made for ample electric sockets with all wiring encased in conduits concealed within the structure. Wall lighting is generally preferable to ceiling lighting
In this time of digital revolution, we propose installation of ample phone and television sockets throughout structures, including in main living areas, all bedrooms, kitchen and other relevant rooms. Provision can also be made for provision of network cables and RJ 45 sockets to allow computer access from the same areas.
External works
Our preferences call for roof terraces to be tiled with terracotta promenade tiles and other terraces to be finished with unglazed terracotta tiles on a concrete bed.
Paths, drives and car standing areas should be finished in Portuguese hand-laid limestone sets (calçadas) laid on a sand bed. Provision can be made for Carport or garages as desired.
Boundary meter boxes (muretes) contain meters for electricity, gas, water and a water stopcock and can be built of Portuguese hollow clay bricks (tijolos) covered in sand and cement render with terracotta tile detail.
Should properties require construction of a swimming pool, we propose pools that are freeform in design, to add character to properties, and which are constructed using a single sprayed concrete skin over a brick exterior lined with EPS insulation. Pool interiors can have proprietary non-slip natural pebble finish with a bull nose brick coping, beach or steps. Pools should include one pair of lights, with switches and transformers, together with all pumps, filtration equipment and housing.
An optional saltwater chlorination system is available. This purifies the water as it is being filtered, extracting chlorine from the salt. The slightly saline water is more silky and buoyant than fresh water, without the sore eyes, smells and maintenance problems normally associated with chlorinated pools. The saltwater chlorination system has a control for boosting levels at peak times, and a digital time switch for continuous automatic operation.
Other pool options can include heating, and/or a heated Jacuzzi.
Foul water drainage is by underground plastic pipes through inspection chambers.
We can also provide gardens landscaping, including design and preparation of:
- Lawn areas
- Palms and other suitable trees
- Flower beds of assorted ground cover groupings mixed with colorful shrubs
- Rockeries using local red calcaric rock and rock plants
- Green screens for additional privacy around the pool and terrace area, with bougainvillea, jasmine, honeysuckle and other climbing shrubs hedging or low stone walls where appropriate
For garden irrigation option include:
- Valve box housing or wall manifold systems
- Pop-up or PGP sprinklers for lawn irrigation
- Sprays or drip-feeds for watering of flower beds
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