We went to Xàtiva a couple of weeks ago to pick up the deeds for the plot we have bought, and to see a second architect. The guy we initially met made an offer for doing the design which was 50% over the usual rate, and was unable to explain why. Our (excellent) lawyer in Valencia pointed that out, and got us two comparative offers within 24 hours. So we went down to met an architect he knows and recommended in Valencia.
The meeting went very well – we liked his ideas (we had previously sent him an 8-page document listing the main requirements for the house) and his price was in line with the local guidelines for architect’s fees.
The only “problem” we have, is that he is convinced that we are going to need bars on all the windows. For terrace doors etc. we can use folding arrangements, where they fold against the wall on each side of the doors when we are at home, but he wants to put fixed bars on all the smaller windows.
He’s undoubtedly correct, as most Spanish houses do have bars, and if you are the only one without, it is a bit of an invitation to the local thieves. And you can’t be running around closing bars on every window before you go out each time. On the other hand, we don’t really want to look out into the garden through iron bars. We did suggest getting bars fitted which retract into a cavity in the wall on each side of the window, but he didn’t seem at all convinced that it was a good idea!
Fortunately, Ruth’s brother-in-law is an architect, and we were talking to him about it last night. He suggested using brise soleil. If you search on the internet, you can find some pretty neat images of what you could do: here, here, here or here.
The possibilities for producing something visually attractive but also burglar-proof are huge, and I think we could definitely live with brise soleil in front of the windows! Of course it also has the advantage that it will keep the house cooler in summer too.
