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Building renovation and reconstruction
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For the building renovations, we aim to recycle and reuse existing materials as much as possible, sticking to the traditional building techniques that have kept these buildings standing for however many years it is they've been standing, and sourcing materials as locally as possible.
We intend to work with the buildings substantially as they are, with minimal alterations in order to make them wind and water-tight. The idea is to adapt our lifestyles to suit the existing structures, rather than the other way round. As far as possible, considerations of energy efficiency will inform any changes we make.
I've been researching various materials and approaches, so here are some random thoughts on materials.
Mortars, renders and plasters
After thoroughly investigating lime-based mortars, renders and plasters, I've ended up with clay, which is the material traditionally used in this region anyway. Clay has some excellent properties. It's a breathing surface that regulates both humidity and temperature, absorbing or releasing water vapour depending on ambient humidity and moderating temperature swings in the same way. Cool walls in summer and warm ones in winter. It's also anti-static and detoxifies the air in a room. It's a mechanical rather than chemical set, so it can easily be moistened and repaired. Any waste can simply be returned to the soil.
The subsoil in parts of the quinta is already rich in clay, so we won't even have to look off-site for the material with which to point the stonework.
Clay can also be sculpted. Since our original dreams and visions centred around building a cob house, this is something that really appeals. With clay-rich subsoil on-site, we may yet realise some cob construction.
Insulation
I'd like to use cork insulation for the roofs. After some phone calls to a few UK companies supplying it, I discovered it's manufactured by Amorim, the company which produces a substantial proportion of Portugal's cork wine stoppers and the largest manufacturer of cork products worldwide. Even better, our local builders' merchant now stocks it.
Stone sealant
With breathability of paramount consideration, I wanted to find a sealer for the walls that will be left in natural stone that was not only breathable but as non-toxic and natural as possible. Acri-Soy sealant seems to fit the bill.
Traduzir esta páginaEspero para fornecer uma versão Português deste site, quando ele é mais completo, e quando eu puder escrever melhor Português. Por agora, o link acima irá dar-lhe uma traduçâo do Google.