CATALYST TO CHANGE Though one would like to honour the character of these old structures, it is impractical to use the same construction technology as them because the drawbacks of those materials and structural systems. Thus new technologies and materials must be looked at, which become feasible alternatives to the current materials in use in the houses which have become redundant now. The choice needs to be a sensitive one which does not negatively impact the unique heritage character of the settlement in the process of upgrading the structure. Visual aesthetics and principles of design must be acknowledged. The choice of construction technique is thus based on the following three principles: 1. Replicability in local houses A feasible solution, in terms of cost and the ease of availability of material, must be offered. Skills, if not available, can be developed amongst the locals through appropriate training. 2. Relevance in historic fabric The alternate should not look alien to the aettlement and respects its character and ethos. 3. Improved performance wrt. traditional systems This is a given, since alternatives must not be inferior to the current technology in any sense. ACROSS: TRADITIONAL BUILDING AND A MODERN INCONGRUENCE; ABOVE: WALL AND WINDOW OF A HOUSE IN FONTAINHAS IN POOR PHYSICAL CONDITION; LEFT: CLOSE-UP OF BROKEN SHELL WINDOW IN WHICH THE FRESHLY BROKEN PART IS STILL SHINING.
57