The criteria for Best Sustainable Development included friendliness to the environment, to the local population and to the pocket, measures taken to conserve energy and water, low running costs and the use of ‘green’ building materials and practices. Also considered was the extent to which a development’s design is in keeping with the local natural and cultural environment. AlmaVerde’s entry included its “signature” environmentally friendly construction initiatives: Sun-dried clay adobe bricks for thermal mass, a complete external insulation envelope and Coolhouse, an innovative air cooling technology, the combination of which reduces carbon emissions by a staggering 94%.
Entering The Best Portuguese Development category for the first time in 2008, AlmaVerde was assessed as to the quality, design and location of the development, taking into account local considerations that impact upon its ‘usability’. Additionally, ease of access, value for money, travel and communication links, local amenities and leisure facilities were all reviewed.
Director of Architecture Jes Mainwaring, who was on hand to accept the awards, said: “We are thrilled to accept these awards. They are a tribute to our continuing commitment to low impact and end-to-end sustainability. AlmaVerde is a unique development and recognition from industry experts such as Homes Overseas is a great endorsement.”
Natalia Gameson, a judge for the 2008 awards who visited the development as a journalist in October said: “As Portugal’s Algarve moves further towards a more sustainable standard of living, it’s refreshing to see that housing in the region is already anticipating the country’s environmental targets. The AlmaVerde team must be congratulated on a great scheme, a true blueprint project for sustainable design in the region.”
The Homes Overseas Awards are highly regarded in the property industry as entries are judged solely on merit. Every short-listed development is visited and assessed by a member of the judging panel – a process unique to the Homes Overseas Awards.
