Façades — the ETICS "Cappotto" system, done by the book

The façades of Azuaga 68 and Ernesto 65 are complete. They were executed with the ETICS technique (External Thermal Insulation Composite System), using the complete system from Viero — the brand that gave the system its name in Portugal, where it is widely known as "Cappotto".

Bonding as the technical manuals demand. The insulation boards were bonded with continuous beads of adhesive around the entire perimeter of each board — not just dabs of glue. This is what the technical manuals specify, and it makes all the difference in the long-term performance of the system.

Mechanical reinforcement. The technique also calls for a safeguard against boards ever coming loose: purpose-made anchors that mechanically fasten each board to the wall, complementing the adhesive.

Waterproofing first — a detail few take care of. Before any insulation board went up, we applied asphalt waterproofing along the junctions between our building and the neighbouring ones. It is a step many builders skip — and the one that eliminates, once and for all, any chance of water penetrating through the joint between buildings.

Base coat and reinforcement mesh. Next came a full base coat of Viero adhesive with the system's own reinforcement mesh embedded in it — with extra mesh reinforcement at the corners of every façade opening, where cracking would otherwise tend to start.

Stone and ceramics. Over the finished system we applied the granite frames and the ceramic tiles. The tiles were grouted with epoxy — a special, waterproof grout that resists far better the darkening caused by pollution and dirt washed down the façade by the rain.

The result: modern thermal comfort wrapped in the traditional skin of Porto — glazed ceramic tile and granite stonework, built to last.