Kyriacos Alexandrou
Bsc. (Hons) U/Ncle U.K., M.I.Chem.Eng., C.Eng.
Cyprus Dream Homes CONSTRUCTION DIRECTOR   

“Cyprus has been inhabited, based on archaeological studies and discoveries, for the past
5,000 years, since the early Bronze Age. These early inhabitants were living in organized communities and the first forms of dwellings were single rooms, circular or square in design, with rounded-off corners, mud built huts and hamlets with thatched roofs.  

Since then, the form of housing styles has changed dramatically, with the influence of the
various cultures introduced by the civilizations, which on several occasions, occupied and/or settled in Cyprus. The most important of which, through the ages, were the Minoan, Mycenaean and Greek Classical Eras, with decorated marble temples, dedicated to the Mythical Gods of Olympus, such as Apollo, the God of the Sun and Aphrodite the Goddess of Love. The Greek and later on Roman architecture consisted of austere planning arrangements, using carved local limestone or imported marble or granite pillars, masterfully placed in exact symmetrical proportions. They also incorporated mosaic floor patterns and the addition, for the first time, of internal sanitary spaces such as saunas, lavatories and bathrooms.                        

Afterwards we have the Byzantine Empire influence with their Domed Basilicas. In the Middle-Aged the Genoans and Venetians arrived with their Gothic Styles and heavy fortifications, again using local lime and sand stone. Two of these marble pillars were transported to Venice and are standing in St. Marks Square.                                                  

Finally, a more oriental influence arrived with the occupation of the island by the Ottoman Empire with the various examples of Mosques and Minaretes.                                                              

The modern day building industry, with the availability of various different types of building materials and modern know-how, through the well- educated and experienced architects, engineers and registered members of the Technical and Scientific Council, has leaped forward and is producing well-designed and ergonomic homes for modern day families. There is an air of freedom in the styling of dwellings but they are also strictly governed by planning regulations, controlling the expansion of residential areas and restricting industrial, tourist, commercial and other forms of developments top re-identified locations. Environmental and sociological impact studies and statements are becoming essential to many of the future developments and projects.

Foundations and superstructures are designed using the latest computer models and strictly adhering to the revised anti-earthquake regulations.

They are executed with a combination of locally produced fresh ready-mixed concrete in automated batching plants which are continually checked for quality control by independent materials laboratories and European imported high strength steel.          

For the separating and external walls, we use high temperature fired earth hollow bricks and/or imported insulating and lightweight Ytong blocks. In rendering, freshly produced on site sand/cement mixes are used. Finally factory produced finish coats are applied on the final surfaces giving us a marble-like base for the first grade emulsion paints and textures.                                                       

For floors and walls there are a wide variety of materials available such as granite, marbles, natural stone, porcelanato, terra cottas, mosaics, ceramic tiles, wood floors laminates etc.                           

Carpentry works are executed in pure wood of various types and finishes such as beech, pine, oak and maple and in synthetics such as laminates and MDF. Doors and kitchen, bedroom and bathroom cupboards are all factory produced locally or imported in kit form from Europe, mainly Italy, in a variety of designs, colors and varnishes.                               

Important factors in the construction of a house or apartment are the electromechanical installations such as electrical works which meet The Electricity Authority of Cyprus rules and regulations, and plumbing works executed in high pressure polypropylene or copper pipes for fresh, hot and cold fresh, hot and cold water supplies. Telephone and data communications are provided by C.Y.T.A., one of the best organizations in the European Union. Various other considerations are solar water heating systems, roof combination systems such as waterproofed flat concrete roofs (or roofs made of timber members and tiled), sanitary ware generally imported from Europe and sewage systems to the Larnaca Sewage Board specifications. External works such as pergolas, barbeques, traditional Cypriot ovens, swimming pools, spas and Jacuzzis are a must in the lovely
Cyprus weather, as are lush gardens and many other    considerations for your Cyprus Dream Home.