100,50, 33% . Oviedo

Reimagining Isolation into Integration

This visionary project by gr-os architects, led by Juan Gurrea Rumeu, transforms an abandoned leprosarium in Oviedo into a catalyst for social and ecological renewal. The site, historically marked by isolation, is re-envisioned as an open, inclusive neighborhood hub that bridges the physical and symbolic barriers separating San Lázaro from the city.

Central to the design is the shift from isolation to integration. By removing enclosing walls and deteriorated roof elements, the project introduces a public pedestrian axis that reconnects the city center with the Fuso green routes and the Camino de Santiago. Selective internal demolitions create a vertical void, enhancing orientation, daylight, and ventilation while showcasing the building’s historic construction.

Lightweight extensions, such as a rooftop greenhouse and a south-facing gallery, respect the building's original structure while expanding its functionality. Inspired by the Asturian hórreo, these additions follow vernacular principles of modularity and bioclimatic performance, complementing the sustainable approach of modular housing infill. This design supports diverse lifestyles and encourages social interaction through communal terraces, greenhouses, and shared rooms.

Environmental strategies focus on passive climate control and resource efficiency, employing cross-ventilation, buffer zones, rainwater collection, and rooftop solar energy to significantly reduce the ecological footprint. The landscaping strategy integrates new green spaces, enhancing public outdoor areas and connecting the neighborhood to wider urban and natural systems.

Design Highlights

• Transformation of a historical leprosarium into a community hub

• Integration of public pedestrian axis connecting city routes

• Lightweight extensions inspired by vernacular architecture

• Modular housing infill for flexible configurations

• Communal spaces fostering social interaction

• Passive climate control and resource efficiency strategies

Key Facts