In a collaborative effort, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products contributed to the refurbishment of Pamplona’s iconic Ubarmin Clinic, addressing roofing challenges to enhance energy efficiency and preserve architectural heritage.
RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products, leader in innovative waterproofing solutions for the building envelope, proudly assisted in the refurbishment of the roof of the iconic Ubarmin Clinic in Pamplona, a testament to Navarre’s 20th century architecture.
Despite its celebrated status, the Ubarmin Clinic has faced numerous challenges over the years, particularly with its roofing system. Issues ranging from leaks and structural damages to energy inefficiencies have prompted the need for a comprehensive overhaul. In response, the Government of Navarra embarked on an ambitious refurbishment project aimed at enhancing the building’s energy efficiency and interior comfort while meticulously preserving its architectural essence.
The renovation project – promoted by the SNS-O (Servicio Navarro de Salud – Osasunbidea) and financed with European funds – was designed by OFS Architects and executed by Jacar Montajes, which has a 40-year-long history of cooperation with RENOLIT ALKORPLAN. Through innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products contributed to address the complex challenges presented by the clinic’s roof.
Architectural marvel and challenges of the Ubarmin Clinic’s roof
Constructed between 1968 and 1974, the Ubarmin Clinic building stands as a remarkable example of 20th-century Navarrese architecture. Designed by Fernando Redón Huici, its architectural uniqueness and significance have been recognized by its inclusion in the DOCOMOMO catalogue in the fall of 2019, an organisation dedicated to documenting buildings of the Modern Movement internationally.
Furthermore, the General Directorate of Culture – Institution Príncipe de Viana has also acknowledged its value by listing it in its inventory. Although this does not provide legal protection, it underscores the effort to highlight and safeguard its architectural integrity.
Originally conceived as a trauma and care centre, the clinic’s design features a distinct separation between its two main parts: the tower and the lower body, with the latter being designed to appear light and translucent, covered with a “sea” of domes that lend it an ethereal quality.
However, the roof of the Ubarmin Clinic has encountered numerous problems over the years, suffering from leaks due to broken domes and bases, disconnected drains, and issues with the PVC sheeting, among other structural concerns.
These issues are compounded by the excessive sunlight penetrating the interior, which, along with the lack of insulation and the ageing condition of the domes, leads to significant energy loss.
Of the 1,452 skylight domes that make up the roof, 472 are designed to let in light, but since the building’s inauguration, many skylights have been sealed off due to their adverse effects on the activities below, such as excessive heat and glare. These challenges highlight the need for careful maintenance and potential redesign to preserve the building’s architectural significance while ensuring its functionality.
Therefore, the Government of Navarra, owner of the Clinic, has decided to undertake a big refurbishment project to improve the energy efficiency of the building, as well as its interior comfort, both thermal and lighting, by remedying the deficiencies of the existing roof, respecting as far as possible the character and architectural value of the building.
Revolutionising roof renovation: a comprehensive approach to upgrading the Ubarmin Clinic’s skylights
With the help of its partner, Jacar Montajes successfully implemented a two-pronged strategy for the renovation of the skylights.
The project involved the refurbishment of a 9,100 square metre rooftop, which housed 1,452 dome units each measuring 2.00×2.00 metres. Out of these, 404 domes were left open to allow light to pass through, while the remaining domes were sealed off, with the structures left in place on an aluminium frame to maintain their original appearance.
After the domes were removed and taken to a controlled landfill, the renovation process began with the installation of a polyester plinth mechanically fixed to the concrete structure in some areas, including an incorporated bivalve dome. In other areas, a ribbed metal sheet was fixed to the concrete structure. A vapour barrier sheet was then laid down, followed by a 50 mm thick rock wool panel for insulation.
Additional layers included a double layer of insulation, creating slopes with thicknesses ranging from 60 to 100 mm, and a final 30 mm thick layer of PIR insulation, all mechanically fixed to the previously placed metal support.
Metal frames were set up on special pieces arranged in 2.00×2.00 m grids, onto which a PVC RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F Classic waterproofing membrane was applied, secured with stainless steel fasteners of various lengths to match the previously created slopes. Around 400 PVC drains were integrated into the existing 63 mm diameter downpipes to ensure proper drainage.
The project was completed with the installation of 1,048 monovalve skylight dome units, which were screwed onto the aluminium frame, finalising the renovation and ensuring both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the rooftop were preserved and enhanced.
Javer Carmona, Managing Director of Jacar Montages explained,
“The project was a success and the owners were really happy about the result, especially because there were additional challenges, such as the need to finish the refurbishment quickly and on time, so as not to disrupt too much the activity of the centre, which has always remained open during the works. The flexibility and ease of installation of RENOLIT ALKORPLAN membrane made it relatively easy to execute. Furthermore, we needed a membrane that would guarantee longevity, for the sustainability of the centre.”
Leveraging RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products’ innovative roofing solutions, this project breathes new life into a notable piece of 20th-century Navarrese architecture. The successful completion of this intricate endeavour, achieved within a tight schedule and without disrupting the clinic’s operations, highlights the expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit of all parties involved.
It underscores RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products’ role in promoting sustainable and durable solutions that ensure architectural heritage is preserved and enhanced for future generations.