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Post by Fred on Apr 21, 2004 15:32:49 GMT 1
Hi, We purchased an old (500 years) three storey stone house on Hvar last year which is in need of complete renovation. Basically the 1st and 2nd timber floors and stairs need to be replaced. We had had some plans drawn up by a local architect who specified all the floors and stairs to be made out of reinforced concrete. Is concrete the preferred builing material in Croatia for such projects ? if so is it because wood is too expensive, or does reinforced concrete offer structural advantages (strength) ? It seems such a shame to put concrete into such a lovely old stone house. Any help most appreciated.
TIA. Frederick.
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Post by cronautic dot com on Apr 21, 2004 15:59:19 GMT 1
it is just the croatian way. they love concrete and build even their roofs out of concrete.
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Ruza
Full Member
Posts: 71
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Post by Ruza on Apr 21, 2004 16:28:36 GMT 1
Keep in mind that in Dalmacija there can be those strong winds (bura) so concrete withstands it better.
Also, they say that concrete construction keeps the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
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Post by cronautic dot com on Apr 21, 2004 17:03:01 GMT 1
actually maybe the bura might be some kind of a point, but there are plenty older houses withstanding the bura for centuries, having wooden build roofs.
concerning the isolation i heard just the contrary. concrete tends to absorb temperature during the day, so that during the night you will have problems in getting down the indoor temperature.
in my opinion it is a shame to renovate a historic house using modern materials where the original ones would do the same job, without any loss of living quality.
if you build a new roof, you'll have to renew it after 50years anyway.
however many croatians build their houses as if they were in need of a bomb shelter
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Ruza
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Post by Ruza on Apr 21, 2004 19:28:47 GMT 1
good point.
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Post by Fred on Apr 21, 2004 19:42:43 GMT 1
Thanks for the quick replies. I guess that means that concrete will be cheaper and that it will be easier to find builders who can do it in concrete rather than timber. I´ll see if I can get quotes for concrete and timber for comparison.
As to the insulation point, I´m not sure, but I think that if you insulate the roof on the inside it wouldn´t really make much difference. I also heard that concrete floors and stairs may be better from a sound insulation point.
Frederick.
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Post by Glory on Apr 24, 2004 14:58:20 GMT 1
Hello,
I'm renovating old stone house on the island of Brac without any visible concrete. Contact me if you need instruction, and, judging on my experience, skip local architects. They will charge you very much, but they usually have no idea on architecture.
aljinovicglorija@vip.hr
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Post by Denis505 on May 25, 2004 17:30:09 GMT 1
Can I ask - what has been the experience so far ? What are the local builders like ?
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Post by architect on May 25, 2004 19:01:39 GMT 1
The concrete floors and stairs should offer a degree of stability to the old stone structure.
If properly detailed concrete floors perform well resisting the passage of air born sound - loud music for example.
With impact sound ie. foots steps, concrete will still fair better than a simple timber floor but to really do the job an acoustic mat or membrane should be used on top of the concrete but under the tile or timber floor finish you choose - just like here in the UK.
I would expect your Architect should be able to specify a variety of constructions to suite your budget, tastes and the local skills and materials. You could also try talking to your contractor.
I am an Architect based in the UK but with an interest (ie. a couple of properties) in Croatia. Would the design or site appraisal services of a Architect of interest to you self builders / investors?
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Post by Agnes on Jun 1, 2004 15:31:10 GMT 1
We are in the early stages of a purchase in Croatia and planning problems have arisen, ie the newly built part of the house has none! How long does it take to get approval. Has anyone had similar problems, and what were the outcomes?
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Post by Karen Logan on Jun 3, 2004 10:27:04 GMT 1
Hi Agnes,
You may have seen my message posted somewhere else in this forum but basically I'm doing research for a British Television Company that is looking for contributors for a property show which shows British people renovating properties in Croatia and other Southern parts of Europe. If you are in still in the early stages of purchase and might be interested in being involved please contact me on karen@postfactory.co.uk. Thanks.
Good luck!
Karen Logan (Researcher)
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