Good morning, Mr Johnston.

Would you like a coffee? Yes, please. 

Is your hotel nice? 

Yes, it’s very comfortable and in a good position in the citycentre. There are many interesting buildings to see in Milan! 

If you’ve got time, go on the roof of the Duomo.

There’s abeautiful view up there. 

That’s a good idea. 

Today I want to show you the roofs of our buildings. 

Great! Here on the computer screen you can see a pitch roof. Itcomplies with energy saving regulations so we get taxcredit.

It’s ventilated for temperature comfort in winter andin summer.

The roofing includes: timber straining beams,22mm timber purlins, a vapour barrier, thermal insulation,waterproofing and transpiring under-tile sheets, ventilation,undercourse and the roof covering is with bent tiles. 

What’s the pitch of the roof? 

In the area where we are constructing, we need a 35degree pitch. 

It’s lunchtime! Would you like to have lunch with me, MrJohnston? There’s a small restaurant near here. 

Thank you.

That would be very nice. I love Italian food!  

We need to talk about the external finish. Giovanna is theexpert! 

Yes, well, the apartment blocks are in a green area.

There’sa public park with trees on the north-eastern side and anarea with grass and pathways to the south.

Most of thehouses in that zone have a 3-layer rendering and arepainted soft yellow. 

Are there alternative external finishes? 

Well, brick veneers.

They are very resistant, relativelycheap and have minimal maintenance costs. 

True, but they are not suitable in that area. 

Yes, but you can make them more ornate, with decorativebrickwork or coloured bricks. 

What do you think about stucco? 

It’s a very popular type of finish used in southern climates.

It’s hard and strong.  

I know that it dries out easily. Well, yes, but especially in arid climates.   

So, what do you think is best? PVC siding… 

PVC siding is an external wall covering of plastic panels;

t'snot considered very ‘green’. What about acrylic stucco? 

Yes, but acrylic finish should not be applied in temperaturesbelow 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).

I suggest silicatecoating: it's a mineral paint applied on render or concrete.

It is highly water-repellent without sealing pores. 

What colour?   

Let’s have a look at the colour rendering on the computer.