University Hospital near Barcelona Expanded by Sulkin Marchissio Arquitectos

The university hospital in Granollers, a city around 30 km northeast of Barcelona, is venerable indeed; the first recorded mention comes from 1328. Over the centuries, more and more building parts have been created, allowing the hospital to cover extensive grounds. Some of these structures, such as facilities for research, libraries and teaching, date from Catalonia’s Modernisme era and are still architecturally significant.  

Hospital expansion

The latest expansion is the brainchild of Sulkin Marchissio Arquitectos, whose studio is in Barcelona. They have added 13 700 m² of room, for instance ninety emergency spaces, an intensive-care unit, a pandemic station with 20 critical-care beds, and other areas. The architects have considered future expansion as well: the comb-like structure of the building can easily be enlarged. In fact, a tract for a surgical department with its own ward will come soon.  

Green location 

A particular characteristic of the new part of the hospital is its situation at the intersection of city and nature. The architects played with these elements right from the design stage. For example, they have visually set three teeth of the comb into the adjacent slope and let the planted roofs meld with the natural green space.

Light-flooded interiors

The many inner courtyards, which have been pressed three storeys down, ensure sufficient daylight. A 2 500-m² basement beneath these courtyards accommodates storage, changing rooms and ancillary spaces. The yards let in abundant light, yet also provide shelter from direct solar irradiation and consequently prevent overheating inside the building.

Modular facade 

A contributing factor in the short planning and construction time of just 14 months was the modular facade, whose deep, narrow profiles divide the building. Coloured panels give the new wing an attractive appearance. The same can be said for the interior, where light-coloured surfaces alternate with wood in a hospital where anyone could get well soon.