The maturing of the Spanish real estate market and movements made away from mass urbanisation and high rise property development may well be impacting negatively on the rate at which such formerly constructed accommodation is being sold, but in direct parallel it is having a positive effect on the quality of homes being constructed for the lifestyle market.

The Spanish property development frenzy of the last decade that resulted in massive resort style developments being constructed for those who wanted an accessible holiday apartment in the sun, or an affordable fly to let investment purchase, are proving less popular these days as other property markets open up and offer a more affordable choice buyers.

Meanwhile, the evergreen and enduring appeal of Spain as a stunning, tried and tested lifestyle destination for retirees, relocating expatriates and those in search of the good life means there is now an emerging trend in those wanting to buy quality Spanish property.

There has been a sharp and direct increase in consumer demand for homes in Spain constructed in an environmentally conscious way, for property for sale away from resort developments and for properties that allow buyers to truly realise their dream of living an idyllic lifestyle in a fantastic overseas destination where the natural landscape, fabulous climate and excellent quality of life that they are buying into are enhanced by a spacious, well constructed home, located in an appealing destination.

This in turn has led to new areas of Spain becoming popular with those who want to buy into unspoiled regions where local government laws and policies have protected the natural landscape.

One such area of Spain especially popular with buyers seeking the good life is Murcia. Planning laws define different zones in order to protect the pine forested mountain ranges and the vast majority of areas around them.

If developers are looking to build urbanisations there is an abundance of land which is designated for this purpose. This land is typically near to towns, cities and motorways.

As you head towards the stunning national parks the zoning changes to extremely low density so you can only build one property per five acres of land. The idea behind this intelligent approach to planning is to avoid the mistakes made in other parts of Spain, maintain the natural appeal of the region, and preserve the beauty and attraction of Murcia for generations to come.

Mike Hamilton, managing director of local real estate agency Casas de Lorca comments: 'Many developers are missing the very real point that increasingly consumers require environmentally conscious homes with such things as solar power, eco friendly water conservation methods and where the environment into which they are moving will remain unchanged and unspoiled.'

'They want spacious properties with large gardens, they want these properties to be built in areas of outstanding natural beauty and they are not willing to compromise.'

'For the developer astute enough to recognise this demand and sympathetic and intelligent enough to embrace government policies rather than try to avoid them, there is great opportunity to be had in terms of constructing fabulous real estate in an ethical manner that is hugely sought after.'

Some properties in the region come with a five acre plot of land, allowing purchasers to become virtually self sufficient if they want to. Additionally they have almond trees or vineyards which reduce CO2 and also enhance the natural habitat for flora and fauna. Solar energy hot water is becoming increasing popular, as is solar pool heating.

By www.homesworldwide.co.uk

THE LATEST ECO HOME NEWS, FROM BUILDINGS CAN BE GREEN

As part of its on going commitment to support the practice of sustainable design and green building in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries, Autodesk announced two acquisitions to improve building performance analysis in the building information modeling (BIM) process.

Autodesk announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets related to the Ecotect software tools for conceptual building performance analysis from both Square One Research Ltd. and Dr. Andrew Marsh. Autodesk also announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Green Building Studio, Inc., a provider of web based whole building energy, water and carbon emission analysis software. Terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

'Buildings are a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so to combat climate change it is critical for the building industry to rapidly adopt sustainable design practices that will lead to buildings which are appreciably more efficient and eventually carbon neutral,' said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC solutions. 'The addition of these tools to our technology portfolio will help make it easier for architects, engineers and designers to understand the impact of their design decisions on building performance earlier in the design process so they can optimize for reduced environmental impact.'

The acquisitions of Ecotect and the Green Building Studio assets will support Autodesk's vision to deliver software that enables architects and engineers to design more sustainable projects. With improved building performance analysis capabilities, Autodesk will be positioned to offer a comprehensive suite of software solutions for sustainable design and analysis, enabling a BIM process that can facilitate cost effective design and delivery of high performing, resource efficient buildings and infrastructure, according to the company.

Square One Research, Ltd. and Dr. Andrew Marsh, creator of the Ecotect environmental design and analysis tools, are based in Isle of Man. The Ecotect tools can measure how fundamental criteria, such as solar, thermal, shading, lighting, and airflow, will affect building performance in the conceptual and detailed phases of design. Their capability to forecast building performance over time better equips architects and engineers to deliver more energy efficient and sustainable building designs, it was reported.

'Square One Research and Autodesk share a commitment to using technology to make the design and construction of sustainable, high performance buildings easier and more efficient,' said Dr. Andrew J. Marsh, Co Founder and Head of Research & Development, Square One Research. 'We are pleased to join Autodesk and look forward to helping develop and deliver simple and effective building performance analysis to architects and engineers around the world.'

By www.tradingmarkets.com

THE LATEST GREEN ARCHITECTURE NEWS, FROM BUILDINGS CAN BE GREEN

Customers of Buona Fortuna are being transported to Italy, courtesy of Paul Sheaffer.

A 2002 graduate of New Oxford High School, Sheaffer has been transforming the dining room of the restaurant with his murals of cities in Italy.

Sheaffer is painting the cities from pictures that he took while studying in Italy last spring. From Venice to Rome, Sicily to Florence, Sheaffer is bringing his perspective and experience to Hanover.

Sheaffer graduated on May 22 from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in architecture but has always loved painting.

'I've always painted on the side, whenever I could.' Sheaffer said.

He began painting the murals while home on Christmas break and has been working nights since his graduation to finish them.

Sheaffer says the midnight to 10 a.m. schedule is tough, but it's the perfect job to have after college. He said it gives him some time in which he doesn't have to think about architecture and he can 'recharge his battery.'

'I love painting,' Sheaffer said. 'Being paid for something that I love to do is an unbelievable feeling.'

Sheaffer said he would love to go back to see the places he's painting again to appreciate the details that he's now painting but didn't notice while there.

And the detail he's discovering in the photographs is coming to life to the benefit of Buona Fortuna's patrons. The murals make customers feel like they're sitting in a square or walking around, taking in the sights.

'I've stared at these spaces from the same position,' Sheaffer said. 'I'm just trying to work hard to make them look good and do them justice.'

The 24 year old remembers starting to draw at a very young age. He comes from a very artistic family that always encouraged him in his art.

'My best friend and I would spend half our days in kindergarten drawing pictures of the Ninja Turtles,' Sheaffer said laughing.

Sheaffer has come a long way since his kindergarten days and hopes to pursue architecture and painting in the future.

After the Fourth of July weekend, Sheaffer will move back to Philadelphia to begin a job with The Bauer Group.

The Bauer Group is an architectural company that specializes in adaptive re-use of buildings, such as old warehouses. Sheaffer will be designing renovations and actually physically building them.

Sheaffer wants to help bring 'green' architecture to areas like Hanover. He believes that the need for energy conservation will help make environmentally friendly architecture the norm in suburban areas.

Sheaffer hopes to be able to finish the murals before he has to leave for his job in Philadelphia. He still needs to paint a scene of the Spanish Steps in Rome and the hometown of the owners of Buona Fortuna. Brothers Anthony and Raymond Calderone are originally from Sicily.

If he doesn't finish in time, he'll come back on weekends to complete the project.

Sheaffer said he would like to continue painting on the side and make a name for himself as a painter.

Eventually he said he would like to host shows in Philadelphia, New York and abroad.

'But for now, I'm glad to have the Buona Fortuna murals to gain a lot of experience and exposure,' Sheaffer said.

By Kara Newcomer

THE LATEST GREEN ARCHITECTURE NEWS, FROM BUILDINGS CAN BE GREEN

Earth-friendly and people friendly, when are you moving in?

Pringle Creek Community, Opsis Architecture's latest venture, is more than just an alternative housing development, it's a community geared towards sustainable living. According to Don Myers, the President of Sustainable Development Inc., 'It's groovy stuff.'

Not often do you find a holistic and natural approach to building. Yet on their 32 acre tract in South Salem, Opsis Architecture and Sustainable Development Inc. are joining forces to regenerate and restore the land and existing buildings on a historical site in a way that is ecologically sound. For the past century, the 275 acre area was owned by the Fairview Training Center, a facility and hospital that housed people with developmental disabilities.

The facility’s closure in 2000 posed a novel question: what to do with the land? Sustainable Fairview Associates, an investment group with a vision for sustainable communities, acquired the land from the state of Oregon and in December of 2004, Sustainable Development Inc. purchased the northern 32 acres as a 'testing ground' for sustainable living. According to Myers, Pringle Creek Community is 'designed to be affordable and ecological, adhering to the highest principles of community building standards.'

With Opsis Architecture as their visionary partner, Sustainable Development Inc. plans to build 175 homes on their 32 acre site, allowing for 12 acres of green infrastructure that will serve as natural infiltration for the community as well as a protected habitat for local flora and fauna. The houses will range in cost, size and architectural style, from lane houses, row homes and duplexes to single and multi family units. They will be flanked by sequoia, oak, pine, and walnut trees and border Pringle Creek, a salmon bearing stream that runs through the premises. Narrow streets and five foot pedestrian walkways will encourage bike riding and walking, while front porch verandas and a village community green will promote neighborly interaction. Other plans include a community garden, coffee house, and wine cellar as well as a carpentry building to attract local craftspeople. As an integral part of the greater Salem area, Pringle Creek Community's goal is to provide opportunities for meaningful community participation.

Besides facilitating community growth and protecting the surrounding wildlife, another main prerogative of Sustainable Development Inc. is recycling. When they purchased the land in 2004, it was a virtual dumpsite of neglected buildings. Since then, they've recycled almost 75 tons of wood and metal, donating most of it to local volunteer programs and Northwest Medical teams, which implemented the material to aid in disaster relief. Marion County Juvenile Department, an alternative youth program that offers horticulture, welding and carpentry programs, used some of the deconstructed lumber to build a new farmer's market. All of the concrete slabs were shipped to Walling Sand & Gravel, where they were crushed and bought back as road base. In addition, Pringle Creek Community plans to implement solar hot water heaters, photovoltaic (solar) panels, a bio diesel co op (which utilizes vegetable oil for fuel), and an extensive infiltration system.

Nathan Good, a local Salem architect who won the 2003 National Homeowner's Association 'Custom Green Home of the Year' award, is part of the team that will see this vision through to completion. At a $35 million build out, Pringle Creek Community should become a reality within two to three years of its ground breaking in May of 2006.

As the largest sustainable community in the Pacific Northwest, Myers hopes it will serve as an inspiration and template for other developers and communities that are looking for alternatives to mainstream housing. 'We want to be a model and a magnet for those seeking a more fulfilling community life,' he says. 'Residents will find affordable homes that will minimize impact on energy, air, and water, as well as a more sustainable and gratifying lifestyle.' With the goal of restoring and enhancing in mind, Pringle Creek Community is a forward pioneer in the community building trend.

How much will it cost to live at Pringle Creek Community? Estimates are still in the works. 'There’s a premium for this community because it's unduplicated,' Myers says. 'There's nothing like it in the Pacific Northwest.' Myers urges potential buyers and curious enquirers alike to visit the grounds on Saturday, August 27 from 1 to 6 p.m., when Pringle Creek will host a community gathering with speakers, exhibitor booths, craft demonstrations, art displays, and featured performances from Enuf! and The Severin Sisters.

To visit Pringle Creek Community from downtown Salem, take Mission Street; make a right at K Mart onto Airport Road; go though the light and pass McGilchrist; make a right on Madrona and continue half a mile; make a left on Fairview Industrial Drive; take the first right onto Strong Road. Questions? Call Don Myers at (503) 930.4541.

By www.willamettelive.com

THE LATEST GREEN DEVELOPMENT NEWS, FROM BUILDINGS CAN BE GREEN

Just because you're entering your golden years doesn't mean you can't be green. Take the example of Agnes and Peter Emmenegger, dairy farmers from Switzerland who emigrated to Canada in 1979 with three young children in tow.

Years later, they poured this same adventurous spirit and can do attitude into building their new home, a model of sustainability on the shore of the Trent River, deep in the Kawarthas.

Six years ago, they bought one of those patchwork cottages typical of the area, built and renovated in three disjointed stages since 1960, where access to the master bedroom was through the noisy, smelly boiler room, entry was through the garage, and views of the river, just a few feet away, were nearly nonexistent.

It was adequate when they spent only one weekend a month there, too busy with the inn they were running nearby. But as retirement approached, what this couple needed was a low maintenance four season home they could retreat to, and one that, looking ahead, would be barrier free, should mobility become a problem for either of them.

Building green was not necessarily their priority. "I think sustainability for them came in a different form," says architect and daughter-in-law Peggy Hlobil-Emmenegger of Toronto's Ucarchitect. "Yes, they would feel great if they did their part in terms of saving the environment, but there were cost issues, there were functional issues."

Still, it turns out that building for suitability and building for sustainability went hand in hand.

For instance, the simple decision to rebuild over the old foundation and reuse as much lumber as possible not only reduced disturbance to the land but also saved money. Furthermore, walls on three sides remained in place, cutting down on construction waste.

The design of the 3,084 square foot home also demonstrates how sustainability means dispensing with cookie cutter plans in favour of client specific and site specific homes. 'We couldn't take the same project and plop it anyplace,' says the architect.

Ms. Hlobil-Emmenegger, who also hails from Europe and worked in Manhattan, laments the superficial way Canadian homes and cottages have been built solely for expediency and marketability; how many bedrooms and baths are there and, of course, does it have granite countertops, what she calls 'the real estate way.' So it was her mission to plot in features that contribute to both the surrounding ecology and the comfort of the homeowners.

On the exterior, renewable red cedar siding was left unfinished and will weather to a beautiful patina, which also means the 60 something couple won't have to refinish it every few years. The leak proof sheet metal roof sloped upward toward the river, will last for the life of the building, and its light colour will reflect heat rather than absorb it.

On the southwest side, with its water view, insulated glazing extends nearly all the way up the six metre elevation, divided halfway by a cedar slat shade that allows light to enter in winter and mitigates the sun's glare in summer. This so called passive solar design helps control the home's climate naturally.

Also helping in the process is the use of radiant in floor heating and lake water cooling (a system that draws frigid water from deep in the adjacent waterway and distributes chilled air through the space). As a result, their operating costs are little more than the bill for conventional electricity.

Mr. Emmenegger says there was a learning curve in the first year to figure out the optimal thermostat settings for the various zones, 'But with today's energy prices, we are quite happy we did it.' Mrs. Emmenegger says on sunny days in winter it can feel like Florida.

The open, airy floor plan on one soaring storey was devised for maximum mobility and minimum clutter, with the kitchen, living and dining rooms all central, abutted by the master bedroom and ensuite bath. There are no hallways, no fussy dust collecting niches, and the few doors are large sliders that glide out of the way. The couple can speak to each other easily while she toils in her garden solarium at one end and he works in his study at the other. Finishes in natural materials, wood and polished concrete flooring, exposed wood beams, mean less cleaning and healthier indoor air quality.

Far from being intimidated by such a contemporary, environmentally friendly concept, Mr. Emmenegger offers this observation: 'We are immigrants. We are already open to discovering something new, compared to local people, sometimes they don't want to change.'

But this plucky couple proves that change is not as difficult as many think. 'At the end of the day,' says Ms. Hlobil Emmenegger, 'if you do it well, you will save money and you will help the environment without even trying. It's so easy.'

By Sherry Noik Bent

THE LATEST ECO COTTAGE DESIGN NEWS, FROM BUILDINSG CAN BE GREEN