CONCEPT
The Birjinetxe Socio-Sanitary Care Residence is an integrated healthcare facility located in the Txurdinaga district of Bilbao, developed by the Bizkaia Provincial Council as part of its strategy to strengthen the socio-sanitary care network for elderly and dependent people.
The building was designed to provide specialised long-term care and rehabilitation services for patients requiring coordinated medical and social support. The facility integrates residential units, medical care areas, rehabilitation spaces and communal areas, enabling a comprehensive care model combining healthcare services with residential assistance.
Architecturally, the project emphasises accessibility, natural lighting and the creation of domestic-scale living environments, organising the residential units around shared spaces that promote comfort, orientation and social interaction for residents.
The centre became particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was designated as the reference socio-sanitary centre in Bizkaia for the treatment and care of elderly patients affected by the virus, playing a key role in managing the regional health emergency and supporting the hospital system.
Through this role, Birjinetxe demonstrated the importance of integrated socio-sanitary infrastructures capable of adapting to exceptional healthcare situations while maintaining high standards of care and safety.
REFERENCES
https://www.bizkaia.eus/es/web/comunicacion/noticias/-/news/detailView/birjinetxe-centro-referencia-covid
https://www.osakidetza.euskadi.eus/birjinetxe
https://www.deia.eus/bizkaia/2020/03/26/birjinetxe-convierte-centro-referencia-covid-4712185.html
https://www.elcorreo.com/bizkaia/birjinetxe-centro-referencia-coronavirus-bizkaia-20200325123223-nt.html
https://www.eitb.eus/es/noticias/sociedad/detalle/7113463/birjinetxe-centro-referencia-coronavirus-bizkaia/