Apartments for refugees in Llar Manresa
ADRESS:
Manresa, Catalonia, Spain
PROMOTOR:
Fundació Germà Tomàs Canet
AREA:
733 sqm
Description
The building is located in the Salesian convent, currently used by the Germà Tomàs Canet Foundation of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God (SJD). The entire building is dedicated to accommodating homeless individuals, both day and night, with outdoor spaces and recreation areas, as well as dining rooms and common areas. The project presents the challenge of converting some areas with individual rooms into 13 serviced apartments equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and various bedroom configurations. These apartments have been designed to be flexible and adaptable to any family configuration, aiming to provide autonomy to the accommodated families. Common areas are also created at the ends of the corridors to foster relationships among users. The building offers views of Montserrat and the Manresa Cathedral; therefore, the apartments are positioned to take advantage of these views from the windows. The renovation is carried out comprehensively, demolishing the existing interior to improve initial conditions. The building envelope is enhanced for proper insulation, and the entire structure in the area is fireproofed. Finishes are proposed using noble materials such as wood, yet durable ones like ceramics or phenolic to ensure longevity. Color is incorporated into these finishes to avoid an aseptic appearance and to provide comfortable and safe apartments.