I Bioconstruction Week in Xaló

Today is starting in Xaló (La Marina Alta) the First Bioconstruction Week that has been organised by "el Mercat de la Terra".

Thursday 30: Lectures (19-21h), at the City Hall.

Friday 31: Lecture and debate (19-21h), Toni Marín (Ecohabitat's director) he will be talking about the bioconstruction history and principles. at the City Hall.

Dissabte 1: Exhibition about techniques, systems and bioconstruction materials in 5 different places: straw, canes, insulation systems, recycling,...

If you are interested in biocontruction and sustainable architecture, you can't miss it?

I Bioconstruction Week in Xaló (Programme)

U-Glass in architecture

What is U-glass?

U-glass can also be called profiled glass and it is a channel-shaped glass element with textured surfaces that are produced by casting. 

U-glass was established in the 1980s. It can be used internally and externally and can be installed horizontally or vertically.

Architects like Steven Hall or Mansilla y Tuñon have been using it for many years with great results. 

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
by Steven Hall

Do I need planning permission? -in the UK-

If you are planning on carrying on some construction work in your house and you are not sure whether you will need to ask for Planning Permition or Building Regulations Approval you should go to the Planning Portal  for the right guidance.

There you will find an interactive drawing of a house and one of a terraced house and you will get the information that you need by clicking on the different elements of the house.

Image extracted from the Planning Portal

Building regulations approval

You usually need building regulations approval if you:

• put up a new building
• extend or alter an existing building
• convert the loft space
• replace your windows
• install services or fittings in a building including the following:
• washing and sanitary facilities
• hot water cylinders and foul water and rainwater drainage
• replacement windows
• any fuel burning appliances
• some electrical work.

For all of the above work you will need to apply for building regulations. See below to select either the:

• full plans application for large scale home alterations and all commercial developments or
• building notice application for minor domestic work at your home

West Oxfordshire Design Guide

This is the current Design Guide for West Oxfordshire, a material consideration in planning decisions.

West Oxfordshire is now looking to update the Design Guide and they are happy to receive comments and suggestions before the 28th February. If you would like to have a say you will find all the details here.

And if you are planning a new build or an extension and you would like to contact us, please write to us at alambilab@gmail.com

The alambiLAB architectural studio will design the new extension for the Cultural Centre of Pedreguer

Extension of the Cultural Centre in Pedreguer

alambiLAB is really proud to announce that we will be designing the extension for the Cultural Centre of Pedreguer.

The project will have one storey and it will be located at the rear of the existing building. The extension will include an area dedicated to classrooms as well as some storage space much needed in the building.

Disa lamp by J.A. Coderch

This is a great lamp that would suit any living space of a contemporary house. Warm light and curved lines that would enhance the interior space of modern architecture.

Josep Antoni Coderch i de Sentmenat

(Barcelona, 26 November 1913 in - Barcelona, 6 November 1984) was one of the most important post-World War II Catalan architects.
In 1932 Coderch started studying architecture at the Barcelona School of Architecture, which he graduated in 1940. He started his office with Manual Valls in 1942. After joining the CIAM, he became a member of Team 10 in 1960.He showed great interest in the way light defines spaces and gives special qualities to architecture.