MútuaTerrassa, Terrassa, Spain

All projectsMútua Terrassa, Terrassa

Light for Renewal

Spain

The comprehensive requalification project of Terrassa University Hospital was undertaken to improve the building's thermal performance, energy efficiency, and overall comfort. Based on extensive studies of the façade's insulation properties and energy consumption, the renovation introduced upgraded thermal insulation, improved weatherproofing, and measures to reduce air and water infiltration.

Erected between 1973 and 1976, the hospital Mutua Terrassa was the city's first high-rise building and remains one of Terrassa's most recognizable landmarks. The complete renewal of its façade not only restores its architectural prominence but also significantly enhances the wellbeing of patients, visitors, and staff.

The refurbishment combines high-performance materials with renewable energy technologies. While the north façade has been clad in profiled aluminum panels, the south, east and west façades incorporate photovoltaic cladding, with a total of 1,190 solar panels integrated into the building envelope. As part of the hospital's sustainability strategy, the intervention is expected to reduce heating and cooling demand by approximately 30%, while the photovoltaic system will generate between 10% and 15% of the electricity required for the building's climate control and lighting systems.

Year

2026

Location

Terrassa, Spain

Lighting design

DARQ Architects

Project partner

Lamp Lighting

Distributor

As part of this comprehensive renovation plan, a discreet and environmentally responsible LED lighting scheme was commissioned by our partner Lamp to enhance the hospital's main façade, an architectural landmark and a source of civic pride for the city of Terrassa. In accordance with the DARQ Architects vision, direct-view linear LED modules were selected to accentuate the façade while respecting its renewed architectural identity.

Featuring an ultra-slim profile, approximately 300 units of GRAPH-i-PIX Opaline modules were selected for this remarkable project in a variety of lengths and resolutions, featuring either 2, 4, or 8 individually addressable pixels. Equipped with an opaline diffuser that ensures exceptionally smooth colour transitions, GRAPH-i-PIX Opaline 100, 50, and 30 in RGBW configuration were installed on the main façade of the building to reproduce visual graphics or simple lines of coloured light.

Part of the LED modules were installed along the full perimeter of the façade, outlining the building's silhouette with vibrant, dynamic light. Additional modules were integrated into thirteen horizontal bands across the central tower element, creating both dynamic and static lighting sequences that reinforce its distinctive architectural character. The permanent lighting scheme adopts the corporate orange of the company's visual identity.

The final result is both discreet and elegant, with no intrusive light disrupting the building’s quiet and reassuring appearance. Thanks to a carefully balanced lighting design, the façade achieves a high level of environmental adaptability, enhancing its architectural identity while responding sensitively to its surroundings and preserving visual comfort.

Products installed:

133x Graph-i-Pix Opaline 100 RGB+W 3000K 8 pixels, Black finish, custom cables

4x Graph-i-Pix Opaline 50 RGB+W 3000K 4 pixels, Black finish, custom cables

8x Graph-i-Pix Opaline 30 RGB+W 3000K 2 pixels, Black finish, custom cables

119x Graph-i-Pix Opaline 100 RGB+W 3000K 8 pixels, Grey finish, custom cables

27x Graph-i-Pix Opaline 30 RGB+W 3000K 2 pixels, Grey finish, custom cables

Credits:
Client: MútuaTerrassa

Architect: DARQ Architects

Partner: Lamp Lighting

Project builder: SEROM

Energy providers: Onyx Solar Energy / KmO Energy