House 3D renders and other updates

A quick update…

So, a few things have happened since the last blog. Wayne’s been to the private hospital in Leiria to have a CAT scan done due to his sudden onset of vertigo, and we have had the results back. All very positive really, as the scan shows no abnormalities, apart from inflamed sinuses, which could account for the vertigo. Therefore, we will try some OTC medicines, if those don’t work hopefully the appointment with the hospital at the end of the month will be able to give some clarity on the situation. Although we had to pay for the consultation, medication and injection (to stop nausea) and scans, it was well worth it and in our opinion, very good value!

Being unable to get around is a bit of a downer, but we had some good news from the planners this week, as well as from Rui, the architect. The architectural plans for our house build have been formally approved, and all that is left to do are some engineering plans, for the water, sewage, structural, acoustics, telecoms, gas and electrics, but this should go much quicker than the architecture plans. We don’t intend having gas, but plans are still required. Our aim and hopes are that we can produce most of our electricity from renewables, and only fall back on the grid as a last resort. We also intend to harvest rain water to manage water on the land as well. Our acoustic and thermal insulation properties are coming from a cladding of cork as well as internal insulation.

There are still many details to be fleshed out and decisions to be made about materials, finishes etc, but Rui’s team have been busy fleshing out some more 3D renders of the house and its potential interior views…

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As you can imagine, although we have been relaxing and resting while Wayne’s vertigo is sorted, we are very excited to see the project come to fruition and to make some progress.

We are so grateful to our best friends who are housing us while we wait to own our own place once again, and also to Rui for envisaging our desire for an eco friendly house built sustainably. Especial thanks must go to Sandy, Rui’s wife for her tireless support and her translation skills at the hospital. Our portuguese isn’t up to that standard yet!

The next bit of news is that we are hopping across the pond to visit the kids and extended family as well as catching up and seeing friends. Hopefully the restrictions continue easing as they are presently. But anything can happen, so stay tuned, and thank you very much for stopping by on our journey. We hope to bring you more soon 🙂

P.S. If you are curious to find out more from our Architect and his wonderful design and build company, head on over to their website