Monterroso Health Center / Abalo Alonso Arquitectos

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Text description provided by the architects. Monterroso is a small village in the province of Lugo famous for its annual fair, more than five hundred years old, celebrated on the Day of the Dead. As often happens in these cases, the health center covers an area larger than the core of the city, and a significantly aging population. To the northwest corner of the block, the bus stop acquires a significant importance, whereas the possible relationship with the municipal headquarters to the northeast is less important.

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The building occupies the entire lot. It is bounded on the east and south with urban roads, and on the west with a small green area shared with the aforementioned bus stop. Both the existing slope, as well as the location of the bus stop, suggest an access from the southwest corner. The building therefore sinks slightly and favors not only the sunlight from the street above, but also its reading as a wall, more appropriate in terms of scale with its rural surroundings. At this access level, pediatrics are located to the south, general consultations to the north, and the reception at the center, with ancillary services behind. Two volumes emerge from the compact construction; the private area for doctors, with a double-height void above the main entrance, and a skylight that animates the waiting area with the setbacks on the west elevation. Four courtyards filter the contact with the exterior. At the basement level are the areas for women, physiotherapy, dentistry and facilities, lit and ventilated by the sunken courtyards that favor the privacy of views. A continuous slate skin covers facades and roofs, with strategic, galvanized steel openings at the access, courtyards and main openings, which contrasts with the warm oak lined interior.

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