Swimming pool

I met the swimming pool supplier, Roberto Agnesani, in May 2008 and it didn't take long to agree a style, dimensions and extras.

We decided upon an 8m by 4m level floor pool with steps in one corner and wall lights diagonally opposite to each other.

Whilst not having a deep end, the advantages of better in-pool game play and enhanced safety for children outweigh the disadvatages.

Before the pool structure was built we first needed to create an enclosure and this was achieved by using the lower wall.

This first picture shows the wall from the opposite end of the plot with the pool to be situated at the far end.

Earth removal then followed. The next picture clearly demonstrates the size of the wall and scope of the project.

Here is the pool structure before filling, early August 2008.

The contractor kindly supplied some astroturf to soften the bare concrete surround.

This is the pool now, August 2009. End and rear wall (complete with lights) and pool paving completed.

Kitchen

During the spring of 2008 I had been investigating kitchens. Escalating costs and a worsening exchange rate had led me to consider purchasing a flat pack from the 'local' Ikea in Genoa (a 2 hour drive away).

Michelle, quite understandably, baulked at the idea and instead I sourced a quality Euromobil kitchen from Bordighera based Furniture shop Piccon al Bicocco. No skimping on cost then!

All elements and appliances chosen by yours truly!

Very pleased with the effort even if it has resulted in comments like 'it's better than the one at home'!

Before installation.

After installation, July 2008, Rachael modelling during our first stay, August 2008.

Fireplace!

We were keen to have a fireplace but had little idea as to what style or type. Michelle then saw the following picture in a magazine which we then used for the theme.

Our lounge is a little taller than the one in the picture and we were keen to have some alcoves each side.

The fireplace comes as a ready built unit that was installed on a brick plinth to raise it to the required height. Supports built at each end to support a beam.

The next phase invoved the installation of the Chestnut (castagno) beam running the width of the room.

This is the room with the fireplace as it is now. The fireplace is functional but still not quite complete as it is missing the stone surround to the opening and a nice wicker log basket beneath!

Sunken bath!

Okay, what can one say!

What started off as a light hearted comment made by Michelle to Paolo (our Architect) turned into this!

A slightly extravagant Travertine marble lined sunken bath!

At least we made good use of the split level!

All stages of construction are shown. Firstly concrete blocks were set to create a solid frame, on which the tap could be mounted, and a step down. The blocks against the wall, once tiled, subsequently doubled up as a ledge.

With the block work in and drain installed the opening was then insulated. The hole in the wall on the right will be used for lighting.

Next the opening has a reinforced mesh applied and is then screeded ready for tiling.

Tiling, plumbing and lighting complete! We even used some glass blocks as dividing wall removing the need for a shower (just visible on the left wall) curtain.

Glass block wall!

June 2008.

This could have turned out to be disaster but we took the risk and are really pleased with the result!

Not only is it a unique feature but is practical too taking natural light through to the 'anti-bagno' area behind the wall.

More pictures of this later in the BLOG!

Partitioning - internals taking shape

With the weather warm at the end of May, beginning of June 2008 work continued at a pace and it wasn't long before the internal walls were up, board and filled.

This first picture shows the view towards the enod of the lounge where, later, will be constructed the fireplace.

No glass block wall - yet!

This picture shows the 'front' door with a guest bedroom door adjacent on the right and utility room door down the steps on the left.

Internal & external tile and wall work

We have now reached early May 2008 and construction is progressing well!

The next pictures show, in part, the tile work inside and out.

The first picture shows the main lounge area with the newly built steps and dividing wall separating the 'floors'. After much consideration we decided on a glass block panel as feature to finish the 'hole' in the wall.


The external tiling shown is to the rear of the house and with the tiling done this area was pretty much complete. Note downpipe is copper!

Internal ducting

Interesting photo showing the routing of ducting for cables, pipes and drains across the upper level of the villa. The hole in the farthest corner was left to accomodate the sunken bath!

The next photo is of the same area of the villa but taken from the opposite end. At this point in the construction a screed has been laid over the ducting and pipe work and tiling has begun.

No walls yet!

Construction - roof completed

This next photo shows the roof tiled and copper guttering fixed. Tradition in Italy dictates that once a roof is complete the national flag is attached and a bottle of the local vino opened!

The Southern facing aspect benefits from an overhang providing shade when hot and cover when raining whilst still allowing 'alfresco' dining.

Still a considerable amount of work to be done but with the structure weathertight the internal work can move on without interruption.

Construction - roof cladding and other features

This next photo shows the end of the rafters - we chose to have this carved feature.


Before the roof is tiled it is first clad and then insulated. The next photo shows the cladding.

Here we have a view of the inside and the exposed beams. No internal walls dividing the space into rooms have yet been built. The brickwork shown is split the villa into two levels to give the space added character and to differentiate between 'night' and 'day' use.

Construction - roof work

By the middle of February the central ridge beam running the width of the house was in and the rafters positioned.

The next picture shows the rafters in position ready to take the cladding and insulation before being tiled. Our builder chose antiqued tiles to give it an 'aged' look.

Construction - structure

Work recommenced after the land had been stabilised and pretty quickly the perimeter walls and pillars to support the roof went up. We are using a relatively new construction method originating from Germany which entails the use of 'lego' like hollow polystyrene blocks with the resultant cavity reinforced vertically and horizontally with galvanised bars and then filled with concrete to create a single skin wall with insulation inside and out. http://www.argisol.net/en/index2.htm

The photo below shows how much the works had progressed in such a short period.