ESCI-UPF - University Building
- Refurbishment
- Education
- Sustainability
- Timber
The intervention was carried out in a university building with more than 25 years of history, located next to Barcelona’s Ciutadella Park. The refurbishment was executed while the building remained fully operational, requiring careful planning to integrate the new works without interfering with teaching activities.
Within a period of just 3 months, the project involved, on the one hand, the interior refurbishment of the building’s 5th floor, modifying the internal layout to adapt the spaces to new teaching uses and enhancing flexibility, circulation, natural light and environmental quality. On the other hand, the building services were upgraded to improve energy efficiency, including works on the roof to install state-of-the-art thermal equipment.
- Year: 2025
- Duration (months): 3
- Location: Passeig Pujades 1, Barcelona
- Surface area (m2): 1.074
- Developer: ESCI-Universitat Pompeu Fabra
- Architecture: Trasbordo Arquitectura y gerencia de construcción
- Photography: Enrique Cabeza de Vaca, Trasbordo arquitectura
Fusteria del Cardoner, Cardoner Instal·lacions
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Creating comfortable learning spaces
Improving circulation, natural light and spatial perception for both students and teaching staff.
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Delivering the refurbishment in just 3 months while the building remained in use
The project required the simultaneous coordination of works on the 5th floor and the building’s roof within a very short timeframe.
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Implementing efficient climate control and ventilation systems
Reducing energy consumption while improving comfort, ensuring full compatibility with the centre’s overall systems.
A layout adapted to new teaching needs
- A previously highly compartmentalised floor – made up of offices and small classrooms – was redistributed to create a modern, open and fully university-oriented space. The result is a teaching floor with classrooms, collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms and an agora, flexibly designed to respond to the diverse requirements of contemporary education.
A sustainable refurbishment
- Installation of a rotary heat-recovery unit to improve energy efficiency.
- Efficient lighting adapted to educational regulations.
- Responsible management of construction waste and reuse of materials wherever possible.
Upgrading electrical and HVAC systems
- Complete upgrade of electrical, data and environmental control systems, adapting them to current standards.
- Full renewal of climate control and ventilation systems, ensuring compatibility with the centre’s general infrastructure.
- Implementation of significantly more energy-efficient solutions, reducing consumption and noticeably improving environmental comfort.
