AlmaVerde Win Gold and Silver at 2008 Homes Overseas Awards

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

AlmaVerde Win Gold and Silver at 2008 Homes Overseas Awards

Pioneering eco-resort development AlmaVerde Village & Spa in the Western Algarve of Portugal has received two highly coveted Homes Overseas Awards for Best Sustainable Development (Gold) and Best Portuguese Development (Silver). These add to an impressive roll call of accolades including several 2007 Homes Overseas Awards and a European Royal Award for Sustainability.

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.

The development was also a finalist in the Green Project Awards 08 on Friday 28 November. These awards are a new and influential initiative in Portugal covering all fields of activity, with AlmaVerde being the only finalist drawn from the construction sector.

At the 2007 Homes Overseas Awards, AlmaVerde was awarded Developer of the Year (Highly Commended), Best Sustainable Development (Silver), Best House – Portugal (Silver), Best Landscape Design (Gold) and Best Innovation (Silver).

The 2008 award ceremony was held on Friday 29 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London.  

Ends

Editors Notes:

AlmaVerde Village & Spa is a pioneering new resort located in the unspoilt and less developed part of the Western Algarve – 10 kms west of Lagos. The village serves both as a residential community and a vacation destination.

AlmaVerde (which means “green soul”) is set among mature oak, pine and carob trees on the site of a rustic farm, surrounded by fig and olive groves. It enjoys an elevated position with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside and the sense of space is enhanced by the low density of the development, with only 10 % of the total site designated for building.

The village comprises plots for 130 villas, 28 townhouses and several groups of garden apartments.  Most buildings are single storey with the occasional two storey building adding variety and interest. Villa plots range in size from 500 to over 7,000 sq.m. Contemporary flair and attention to detail defines the nature of the properties, where design learns from the local vernacular. Villas feature dramatic double height interior spaces, galleries and roof terraces. Landscaped outdoor spaces include terracotta-tiled terraces and a free-form pool.

There are currently three and four bedroom villas for sale on a freehold basis in a choice of six villa designs, all with private swimming pool. Prices start from €464,000 (£386,667) for a three bedroom villa on a 424 sq.m plot and go up to €732,321 (£610,267) for a 3-4 bedroom villa with an interior courtyard on a 1,000 sq.m plot. (Sterling at €1.2 = £1)

Sales enquiries

Tel: AlmaVerde on +351 282 697857/9, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Media Contacts

Vicky Goodall or Amelia Daly at P1 Communications Ltd

Tel: +44 (0) 844 257 0676 / 0675

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AlmaVerde comes 'Highly Commended'

Posted on 11-09-2008