The site

Blessed with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a maximum of 10% of the total area of the site is designated for building. The remainder will be streets and paths, gardens, sports and play areas, and parkland.

The entrance to the village leads from the Burgau traffic lights up to the main reception area and car park. The reception building (Plot 27) will accommodate a mini-market as well as the sales and property management offices. Visitors can check in at reception, while residents can pick up provisions, mail and learn about forthcoming events.

The main amenities of the spa (Plot 28) and racquets club (Plot 50) are located in seven hectares of landscaped parkland adjacent to the EN125. The spa is accessed from the main reception area. Visitors to the racquets club and wellness centre (Plot 52) can either walk from here through the parkland, or drive around to the other side, where there is additional parking.

Most residential plots are set well back on elevated ground, with an average distance of 400m from the EN125. As the amenities are grouped near the entrance to the village, residents will not be disturbed by deliveries and other non-residential traffic.

We have taken pains to preserve the mature oak, pine and carob trees on the site. In addition, the landscape master plan calls for the planting of “shelter belts” of locally occurring species of trees and shrubs on roadsides and in between plots. Over 3,000 specimens have already been planted, with another 7,000 planned. Most of the shelter belts run east-west and their purpose is twofold: to provide privacy for the plots and to help moderate the north westerly breezes.

We are also creating a system of “green finger” paths, and building and restoring dry stone boundary walls.

Infrastructures

The village infrastructures have been implemented to a high standard in accordance with current legislation. Streets are edged with gulleys formed from granite and limestone sets. These gulleys channel the storm water into the main storm water drains. Pavements are formed from traditional Portuguese calçadas - hand-laid limestone sets.

Drinking water is supplied under the correct pressure from the main Algarve network via a newly-constructed 200 m3 water deposit and pumping station. The main network deploys only reservoir water, which is soft and free from pollutants. Fire hydrants and emergency shut-off valves are deployed at appropriate intervals throughout the site. A separate network pumps clean underground water for the irrigation of green areas.

Sewage is routed offsite under the EN125 to the treatment plant situated 1 km away in the Burgau valley.

Electricity is generated locally from wind turbines and supplied via two new 30kvA on-site substations. Street lighting is directed downwards to preserve the beauty of the night sky. Gas for domestic heating and cooking is supplied from a central LPG deposit.

Buildings

At AlmaVerde, we are designing and building villas, townhouses and apartments to a high specification, and to suit a range of budgets.

Villa designs feature dramatic double-height interior spaces and roof terraces. Homes are built using natural, renewable materials and employ energy-efficient techniques for comfort and economy. See: coolhouse, specifications. Outdoor spaces include a pool or whirlpool and are fully landscaped.

Villa plots range from 500 to over 4,000 square metres. There are 130 villa plots of which 38 are designated as two storey, and 8 are for semi-detached houses.
Accommodation for sale also includes 28 townhouses and 30 apartments. Building is proceeding in phases so as to minimise disruption. For properties currently available for sale. See: property.