When the work you're involved in is set to make a positive impact on society, the satisfaction is twofold. Such is the case with the centro cívico El Remanso, poised to become a hub for the Cuatro Caminos community. The rehabilitation process has transformed the old, abandoned café into a youth center. A project that we at Desarrolla Obras y Servicios have carried out and that has just been selected for the Awards convened annually by the Superior Council of the Colleges of Architects of Spain (CSCAE).

Specifically, the restoration of this public space has been included in the building category. The combination of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability has played a key role in the selection of the work.

The space is located in José Toubes Pego square, right in the heart of A Coruña city center. The location is idyllic, as it is adjacent to a park that spans nearly 7,000 square meters. An asset, the environment, which at the same time posed a challenge.

The project by LCG studio, driven by the A Coruña City Council, had to harmonize nature and building, avoiding any opposition between the two. The construction had to be subtle, with transitions, integrating green elements.

Now, the new pavilion blends into the surroundings in a very natural way. An objective that was achieved by replacing the gabled roof with a flat one featuring a green cover.

The three sections of the El Remanso Civic Center

The pavilion stands in the eastern area, and is comprised of three distinct components: the main body, two complementary spaces, and a pergola. In total, the surface area of the built complex is 210 square meters.As one would expect, the same passion for incorporating greenery persists within the interior spaces. The removal of certain paved areas further enhances the presence of plants.This modification, along with the commitment to natural light, enhances the feeling of being in an open space. Furthermore, a small outdoor area was constructed, equipped to serve as an alternative entrance.The refurbishment of the pavilion is aimed at creating a multipurpose space. In order to focus on the needs of the citizens, the widest range of activities will be offered.All residents will find in El Remanso a center where they can feel welcomed, enjoy themselves, and connect with others. Additionally, it will offer an information hub about all kinds of activities and events in the city.This centralization of social life elevates the pavilion as a focal point of unity in the neighborhood.All activities will take place in the multipurpose rooms on each floor, secured after a reorganization of the space. To make the distribution of rooms more efficient, service quarters have been centralized.Following the renovation by Desarrolla Obras y Servicios, the pergola will gain more prominence. The installation of translucent glass allows for the passage of light, and its bench-planter will be a perfect spot for relaxation. This area encourages rest and interaction among visitors to the civic center.

A Tailored Rehabilitation

During the renovation, the team at Desarrolla Obras y Servicios conducted extensive work to repair the damage found in the facilities. Thus, issues such as corrosion of metal elements, the presence of dampness and leaks, poor condition of the walls, broken materials, and concrete degradation were addressed.Furthermore, with the aim of enhancing the performance of the El Remanso civic center, decisions related to the project had to implement efficiency criteria. For this reason, a substantial part of the project has been focused on controlling solar absorption and preventing thermal losses. These efforts have been complemented with the acoustic insulation of all spaces.The centro cívico El Remanso is conceived as a catalyst for integration. Accordingly, it meets the legal accessibility requirements and is designed to facilitate the movement of people with reduced mobility.As part of the project, openings were created and closed in the floors to place the stairs and an elevator. However, the existing foundation was not altered at any point. The space was also adapted to comply with fire safety regulations, and a dual-flow air renewal system with heat recovery units was installed.The launch of projects with a social dimension of this caliber is one of the greatest sources of motivation for Desarrolla Obras y Servicios. There is nothing more rewarding than building bridges between people.Visit us at the construction company headquarters in A Coruña.