Well water

La Indulgenza has a well - what in the UK would be referred to as a reservoir. Its mouth is tucked neatly beneath the stairs and access to it is from the hall downstairs. The best thing about this is that La Indulgenza will have its own precious source of water that can be used to water the plants in the roof garden and also serve as greywater for WC flushing. This will entail having a second tank on the roof that automatically draws water via a pump from the well. The second tank will be linked via a one way valve to the first tank so that if the water in the well is low, it automatically takes water from the first.

This is only part of the ecological and energy saving thinking that is being planned for La Indulgenza. The house will be armed with good insulation in walls and roofs as well as in the double-glazed apertures. Plans for strategically placed apertures to provide air ventilation will be vital to avoid the use of ACs in summer. Hot water has also been seen to and will be provided by a solar water heater on the roof.

La Indulgenza has given me the opportunity to introduce these features even though structural alterations are strictly controlled by the protection that is bestowed on such heritage buildings. We work within the rules and regulations to keep the character of the house intact. I feel a great pride in restoring this property. To make it work as a residence while maintaining its personality is a challenge I relish.