The College of Health Sciences is taking shape

The Minister of Health of the Government of Navarra, Fernando Domínguez, and the Minister of University, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Patricia Fanlo, together with the Rector of the Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Ramon Gonzalo, visited the construction sites on Friday of the new Faculty of Health Sciences of UPNA.

Specifically, the work carried out by the temporary joint venture (UTE) of Osés Construction and Construcciones Mariezcurrena is currently focused on the assembly of the laminated timber structure, one of the essential elements of this new energy building. You will generate at least the same amount of energy as you consume for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting.

Once the concrete structure of the basement and ground floors was completed, the two companies began laying the plywood structure last October, which took seven and a half months of work to implement. It is a structure consisting of beams and columns of laminated radiata pine that will be completed with internal enclosures and vertical facades, as well as forgings made of CLT (cross-linked laminated timber) panels. The assembly of the structure is being carried out using tower cranes and the laminated timber structure will cover an area of ​​2,800 square meters per floor.

Speaking to the media after the visit, Chancellor Vanloo stated that “the new construction reflects the vision of health for the 21st century, characterized by its integration with the environment, function and sustainability.” He also stressed that “this project is a strategic commitment that demonstrates the regional executive authority’s commitment to educational excellence and training professionals in the health field.”

In this sense, he also highlighted the importance of having public infrastructures that “ensure equal access and contribute to attracting talent to our territories.” Finally, the Chancellor expressed her gratitude to all the people and companies involved “for their dedication and contribution to this important project that represents building the future of public education and health in Navarre.”

Building with an area of ​​13,000 square meters

The area of ​​the new building, whose award cost amounted to 30.2 million euros (including VAT) and will be implemented over a period of 28 months, is approximately 13,504 square meters, distributed over the ground floor and four floors. The work involves building functional facilities where sustainability plays a key role, according to the government.

The building, designed by Bryaxis Studios and Varquitectos, combines teaching, research and care in the same space, meaning important benefits for students, teachers, healthcare workers and patients. Its building is located on the campus of the Hospital of the University of Navarra, next to the building that currently houses the Faculty of Health Sciences, where medical and nursing degrees and various postgraduate courses in the health field are taught.

Building distribution

The new building will consist of four floors and a ground floor, in addition to another underground floor, which will contain some parking lots and the building’s technical installation. On the ground floor there will be the main entrances, the lobby and the cafeteria dining room, in addition to the anatomy area with a teaching room.

Floors one through three will be devoted primarily to teaching and research use, with classrooms, laboratories, a computer/microscopy room, offices, changing rooms and restrooms. In addition, the first floor will contain a degree room (auditorium type) for keynote presentations, talks, thesis defenses, final degree presentations and Master’s projects. Finally, the fourth floor will be an open space designed for possible future developments, according to the needs discovered.