The refurbishment of the old monastery of Monges represents a unique opportunity to merge the past with the present, giving the building a new life that respects its history and at the same time offers a functional and welcoming space for the community. Through an intervention that combines sensitivity and technical rigour, the project seeks not only to preserve the architectural heritage, but also to enrich it with new uses and meanings.
The design of the intervention is based on the following key concepts: minimal intervention, simplicity of approach and the reduction of the energy consumption of the building with a minimum CO2 consumption in the intervention. The aim is to dignify the building with the least possible impact, respecting its original structure and geometry. This is reflected in the proposed distribution of uses, which follows a logical and clear sequence, grouping the different programmes in a rational and integrating way. The Day Centre, the Library and the Youth Centre are visually connected to encourage intergenerational contact, thus reinforcing social and community cohesion.
With regard to the structure, a forceful intervention is carried out on the south wing of the convent, which is intended for the future day centre. The floor slabs of this volume will be straightened and reconstructed to regularise the differences in the existing foundations, guaranteeing a harmonious distribution of the interior spaces. The current scale of a section perpendicular to the main façade of the central section will also be removed in order to locate a skylight that crosses the entire building from top to bottom. This guarantees an improvement in both interior lighting and ventilation, as well as an improvement in bioclimatic climate control.
The proposal goes beyond the stated programme, incorporating added values that enrich the user experience and the relationship with the environment. Accessibility is a priority in the proposal. We highlight the linear and comfortable ramp that allows to save the slopes of the outdoor patio area and gardens. The landscaping improvements are also outstanding, such as the renovation of the access to the garden from the outside, dignifying it and allowing a visual connection between the street and the interior of the garden. Inside the building, singularity is reinforced by the incorporation of the central longitudinal skylight, which not only provides natural light but also redefines the interior aesthetics of the building.
As far as the materiality of the intervention is concerned, steel and wood are the protagonists. Green lacquered steel is used for the new structure, in order to highlight the interventions and never fall into a historical faux pas. On the other hand, the wood brings warmth and naturalness to the interior and exterior walls. This combination of materials reflects a contemporary aesthetic that is at the same time respectful of the local architectural tradition. These small contrasts of materiality exalt the aesthetic and compositional simplicity of the rear façades of the building, where the presence of the marble generates a welcoming atomosphere towards the rear garden.
The paving plays an important role in the proposal. Inside the convent building itself, there will be a continuous pavement made of concrete and natural lime in order to emphasise the openness of the ground floor and the depth of the two sides of the convent.
On the other hand, in the single-storey building, the paving will be solved by using the polished concrete floor itself as a finish. This floor will be finished with the remains of the old stone walls, which will remain visible and will show part of the history of the plot.
In short, the refurbishment of the old convent of Monges is much more than a simple restoration: it is a comprehensive renovation that recovers the past to build a more vibrant and inclusive future. With a formal, technical, sensitive and fresh vision, the project redefines the building as a living and inspiring space for the community of Llubí and its visitors.
