The Castilla la Mancha Regional Government, through its Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the European Union, awarded Estudio AIA ARQUITECTOS INGENIEROS ASOCIADOS the contract for the development of the project and the construction management of the new headquarters of the Los Olmos residence in Guadalajara through a Public Architecture Competition.

The project is located near the centre of Guadalajara, next to the Alamín park, in the former Ortiz de Zárate Hospital. The protected historic building is in a very deteriorated state of conservation, although it is true that its walls and structure are suitable. The project includes the rehabilitation of the old hospital together with the construction of a new area, integrating everything into a single architectural complex. The total constructed area exceeds 12,600 square metres.

Ideas present in the project such as:

• The comprehensive accessibility of all its spaces,
• Energy sustainability that reduces consumption to a minimum
• A unitary architectural complex dominated by the white texture of the SATE that transmits the image of cleanliness.
• The recovery and respect of the protected historical building.
• The patio as an element of coexistence.
• The organization of the living spaces in Residential Units.

The main entrance is located in the same place where the entrance to the old Ortiz de Zárate Hospital was. It has a parking lot for visitors with spaces adapted for people with reduced mobility.

A walkway in front of the pre-existing historic garden gives access to the open patios between the pavilions of the old hospital. The new extension building shows its façade facing the Alamín park, a recreational area in the city of Guadalajara.  The rooms face southeast, enjoying spectacular views.  A central living space, the general dining room and the living rooms with terraces open to the park and the pre-existing trees give the building an exceptional plus of quality. The historic building is organized around the central cloister patio through very bright galleries, both on the ground floor and on the first floor.

The central courtyard is restored by raising the original level up to the floor of the interior of the building to make it accessible. The courtyard as a meeting and walking place. Acclimatized by the shadows of the trees and perfumed by the aromatic plants. The original courtyard had a building inserted inside it that was once used as an operating room. Now it is converted into living rooms while dividing the central courtyard into two different environments.

The project is organized into residential units that humanize coexistence. Each unit is designed as if it were an individual home with its living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. The living room, located at the entrance of the Residential Unit, is even visually connected to the kitchen-dining room. It has views over the beautiful Alamín park. The kitchen allows residents to even prepare their own meals. Bright galleries give access to the rooms.  The rooms offer maximum comfort. There are 78 places in single rooms. 42 are in double rooms. They have a terrace, accessible bathroom, space for a companion, wardrobe, desk and television.

The building has services such as a gym, rehabilitation room, podiatry, hairdressing, as well as medical and nursing services.  A central dining room offers residents the option of staying in a group with people other than their fellow residents enjoying the views over the Alamín park. Finally, a large living room, a viewing point over the park, make the new Los Olmos residence a unique place.

A place, in short, FRIENDLY for our elderly.