We've got windows and doors

Joseba has finally installed all the windows and doors, except at the entrance and the wintergarden.

He's used a high-performance solar control glass that specializes in blocking heat. It has a more reflective appearance and the lowest solar heat gain. They aren't completely transparent - they have a greyish colour and create a mirror effect - and will protect the house from getting too hot in summer.





But all that protection and heat control comes at a price: the light transmission rate of this glass is about 30%. That means that it will take quite a lot of the light coming in through the windows, so we've finally decided to paint all the walls also in white.

Conifers to protect the house

This month, we've had two people coming from the garden centre to plant half a dozen conifers on the northern far side of the plot. The idea is that - once they've grown a bit - they'll break the northern wind that comes howling down from the mountains through the valley.

We've chosen 4 different kinds: Cedrus Atlantica, Cedrus Atlantica Glauca, Cedrus Deodara and Cedrus Deodara Glauca. But, please don't ask us which one is what!

They are between 1.5 and 2.5 metres high now. At the moment it is difficult to believe that one day they'll be between 20 and 30 meter high.