Many outsiders fall for the beauty of old structures built from lava rock. Should you consider the renovation or reconstruction of a historic building or a classic adegas, it does involve expertise, these are generally not the easiest projects.
Nevertheless, in some cases a local investment grant is possible for heritage reconstruction or restoration. Such an application can be made at the same time as the building application, so the funds will be available by the time approval for reconstruction is given. This will require the submission of drawings. This process generally takes several months.
” A classic building constructed from lava rock requires careful consideration of how and what to preserve and where you might or might not want to make an architectural intervention to adapt to today’s amenities. “
In any case, if you use these funds, you will be required to follow a set of procedures and standards to guarantee the original design. We are talking about the area of the building, the number of rooms, the size of windows and doors, as well as the quantity, and the mandatory use of certain materials. A classic building constructed from lava rock requires careful consideration of how and what to preserve and where you might or might not want to make an architectural intervention to adapt to today’s amenities.
These old structures themselves are often understated in design and have their orientation mostly away from the sea, with small windows and limited views to protect against the elements that are always emphatic on the islands. They are definitely beautiful and also fantastic to renovate, if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, these buildings are chilly and damp, especially in the winter months.
It is advisable to take this into account during a restoration. Properly equipped roof tiles for this purpose, cementing the joints of the lava rock, good rain drainage, double glazing and exterior shutters are easy (safety) provisions to consider, especially if you are going to incorporate large glass doors and windows for the view.
While doing so, have consideration for incorporating a sound climate control and ventilation system. This will prevent moisture and condensation on interior walls, especially where the home faces the wind. Otherwise, an old-fashioned all-burner on a central location in the house makes it easily cozy and snug at any time of the year.
A locally not very common system, but maintenance-free and easy to apply, is the integration of heating pipes in the foundation, between exterior and interior spaces, with coupling to a heat pump. This allows the house to be structurally several degrees warmer in winter than outside, while it can also be used for cooling on hotter days in summer.
Is the adegas still quite original with an old wood oven, have it restored and take a course from a local how to bake with it, bread, pizza, wood-fired stews, really you don’t know what you taste. And an old water tank is not so bad either, they belong to the heritage, with a good renovation they are ideal for your garden in the dry season.
