The right layout with free corridors can provide open and bright spaces with ergonomics and flow. Removing sections of internal masonry and constructing new ones, to create unobstructed open spaces is a job that can be done with quick and easy-to-install materials, like plasterboard. The configuration of new windows or the conversion of their dimensions can provide the ventilation and lighting that the space needs. Also, the choice of modern materials with colors and textures of your taste, can give a beautiful aesthetic result that will provide the warmth you expect from your own space. Through the lighting study you can also highlight your spaces and improve their architecture.

The energy shielding of the shell through the replacement of the old frames with new energy-efficient ones, the application of thermal insulation, as well as the installation of the appropriate heating and cooling system for your home can both contribute to the reduction of energy consumption, which will in the future lead to the amortization of the costs of these works, as well as in the transformation of your house into an environmentally friendly house now that our times make it necessary.

If your residence has the prospect of being transformed into a modern and warm environment, the coordination and planning of the renovation according to your needs by professionals in the industry, is a few steps away from their execution and will certainly ensure comfort and the warmth you can’t wait to enjoy. Entropy’s qualified team stands by your side starting early from planning until final commissioning of the renovated space, taking care of all the critical details that really mater.

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Planning the final outcome

With your personal intentions and your home’s needs as top priority, you need to clarify the interventions that are really substantial and necessary in order to deliver the desired outcome. The Engineer that you have selected as a coordinator for your renovation, will design in every detail the construction tasks involved.

Construction permit

Let us not forget that most of the construction tasks require a special permit to be issued before starting, that can in some cases involve substantial delay. Schedule early in advance the permission steps necessary so as to be able to focus at the essence of construction with no distractions.

Material selection

The next thing you need to focus on is the selection of every material involved during the renovation. A crucial step in the whole process that determines the final aesthetic result, while at the same time the cost and availability of materials greatly affects the capability of maintaining within budget and time schedule.

Crew selection

Along with the selection of materials and supplies, it is absolutely crucial to choose the appropriate partners for the job. The final decision apart form the cost needs to take into account the credibility of each crew, the quality of the delivered outcome as well as the availability to operate at the period as planned.

Coordination of execution

Having completed with all the above preparatory steps, it’s now time for the most demanding and crucial part the process, the actual construction. The appropriate sequence of each task plays a key role for the accomplishment of the target. Everyday surveillance of a qualified foreman is substantial on site, responsible for ensuring material and crew availability and also solves on spot aspects of the project.

Your residence renovation disserves to become a pleasant and delightful experience for you and your family, targeting to enhance your every life with the final outcome. Don’t let the requirements of the construction project burden you and lead to exceeding cost and time. We encourage you to contact Entropy’s engineers and work together in order to deliver your aspect of a dream house.

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A core attribute of the steel construction compared to that of reinforced concrete is the radical shortening of construction time and the fact that time schedule can maintain unaffected by weather conditions. In contrast, poured concrete dictates for substantial curing time while at the same time requiring great care to preserve optimal environmental conditions after pouring.

Moreover, metal construction offers significant flexibility in architectural design exploiting structural steel’s properties. Wider open spaces and long cantilevers can be achieved by eliminating interfering columns.

Depending on the construction method selected, different compatibility grade is expected concerning the technology of surrounding walls erection. With no absolute barriers between alternative technologies, the overall mentality of a steel construction is more compatible with dry-wall systems. Utilizing galvanized sections, twin plasterboards for internal walls and fiberboards for external shell the architectural design of a building is delivered with maximum speed and cost efficiency. Furthermore the installation of external shell insulation and the integration of fiber sound barrier delivers optimum heat and moisture barrier. Finally, a major advantage of dry-wall systems is linked to the ease of electromechanical installations (piping and cabling) eliminating the need for masonry demolition that is necessary with conventional brick walls.

According to the building usage or any special requirements and restrictions present, the decision between conventional reinforced concrete and steel construction calls for individual study under the constant supervisory of qualified engineers. Our firm adequately experienced with alternative construction methods is capable of proposing the solution most appropriate for your specific case.

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«What is indeed a Heat Pump?»
As implied by the term, a heat pump doesn’t locally generate heat but rather utilizes an electric refrigerant unit in order to pump heat and deliver the energy from external air to the inner space during the Winter, while inverting the process during Summertime. The specific technology along with inverter operation achieves major energy efficiency and emits no emissions locally.

«Nothing is compared to burner heating!»
It’s a fact that the heating we were all used to, delivered by the burners in high temperatures towards the radiators was full of instant warmth and comfort. However our time urgently demands for modern solutions to the critical problem of environmental deterioration and we must adopt to accomplish a more sustainable future. A heat pump efficiently operates by delivering hot water to a maximum of 60^οC and can be combined with conventional radiators, properly dimensioned to fulfill thermal need at these decreased temperatures.

«Does the electricity that I will pay offer me?»
Thanks to the inverter operation and the technology of “pumping heat” the cost for space heating is significantly decreased compared to the equivalent amount needed with a burner system. Moreover the fact that is electrically driven offers the potential of exploiting a photovoltaic system under Net Metering mode totally eliminating the cost of heating and cooling. Finally the owner is no longer obliged to constantly refill with fuels since the system is at all times connected to mains supply ready to operate.

«Can I also utilize space cooling?»
Every modern heat pump is also capable of delivering space cooling during summer. Major requirements for cooling operation are the installation of fan coils (visible or concealed) and pipework strongly insulated to avoid condensation.

«How much does a Heat Pump cost?»
The initial capital required for a heat pump is increased compared to an equivalent burner system (2-3 time overcharge). Given the energy efficiency and energy cost reduction, the specific investment is depreciated within 3-4 years.

«Where should it be installed?»
As far as the installation is concerned, it’s a process fast and simple. A heat pump doesn’t require a special machine room, since the exterior unit can even be placed at the balcony of an apartment. The only requirement is to be freely in contact with the environment in order to transfer heat unobstructed with external air.

Entropy’s team is daily called for answers to a series of relevant doubts that emerge during the initial selection or the replacement of heating / cooling systems. Our engineers and technicians are constantly willing to advise on such matters any owner that is eager to exploit the best choice offered by modern technology.

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The basic interventions that can be performed in order to achieve the above result are the following:

1. Certified external thermal insulation system
The shielding of the building structure by placing expanded polystyrene and subsequently coating it with the corresponding mortars of the system, for increased mechanical strength and waterproofing, can offer, in addition to significant energy savings, protection of the load-bearing structure from cracking.

2. Thermal & waterproofing insulation for the roof
Similarly to the above paragraph, the thermal-waterproofing insulation of the roof is also a very efficient energy-saving intervention. Insulating and protecting the roof from the weather conditions, will add years to the life of the structure, as the roof is mainly exposed to the weather conditions. Among the various ways of insulating the roof, it is recommended to install expanded polystyrene coated with the corresponding mortars of the system, followed by the application of waterproofing mortars, achieving a stable system.

3. Replacement of window frames
In order to enhance airtightness, limit heat loss and ensure energy savings, the replacement of old window frames with new thermally insulated windows, is now considered a necessary intervention.

4. Installation of shading systems
The exterior sides of the house with orientation to the South, receive during the summer, intense solar radiation, with result the heating of the interior of the house. By installing either external (awnings, pergolas, etc.) or internal shading (curtains, rollers, etc.), it is possible to improve this condition significantly, reducing the need for cooling loads.

5. Heating-Cooling System Upgrade
Taking into consideration the insulating coefficient of every structural element in the building and the environmental conditions of the geographic region we are capable of simulating in detail the energy requirements for thermal comfort during winter and summer. An extensive variety of systems are available by modern technology, with heat pumps and fuel gas burners being the champions in terms of energy and cost efficiency.

6. Solar water heater
In a region like Greece with adequate sunshine all year round, the installation of a solar water heater for the preparation of Domestic Hot Water should be considered a prerequisite in every residence. One can select either a naturally circulating solar system which offers cost competitiveness and operational simplicity or a power circulating system in cases of optimum aesthetics integration of solar panels and increased technological capabilities.

7. Photovoltaic systems
Under Net Metering mode the owner of every house have the capability of slef-producing the electric energy that require within a year, while utilizing the public power grid for temporary storage of the excessive energy during periods of intense sunshine. The target of such a photovoltaic system is to eliminate the energy cost from the electric bill, thus upgrading the energy classification of the building to the higher grade.

Every residence owner is offered with a number of different options to upgrade the energy efficiency of his building. Within Entropy we objectively advise our customers on the combination of interventions that will achieve the optimum reflection on the case and immediate amortization of the amount invested.

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