Casa de Saúde de Santa Catarina: a space for care

With more than 90 years of history, the Porto-based centre takes a decisive step forward in its evolution by embracing a more human architecture, luminous and welcoming, where the environment becomes an active part of the therapeutic process.

Organised across five floors and designed to accommodate different age groups and levels of clinical complexity, the new CSSC combines technological innovation, personalised care and spaces conceived to improve the quality of life of patients, families and professionals. Living areas, dining spaces, a library, gymnasium and landscaped outdoor areas help create a more approachable and less institutional atmosphere. Within this context, SLAM Soft Benches by Sellex integrate naturally into different communal areas, reinforcing the sense of comfort and wellbeing.

Architecture to humanise care

The new building has been conceived as a place of recovery rather than a conventional hospital unit. The project focuses on aspects such as natural light, the relationship with the outdoors, safety and patient dignity, recognising that the physical environment directly influences emotional wellbeing.

The connection with nature has been one of the central elements of the project. As Teresa Pimentel, from THE DESIGN E MODA, explains: “The main concept was to associate nature with the everyday experiences of everyone who forms part of the space, creating a calm, welcoming and human environment.”

Ultimately, the project responds to a broader reflection on contemporary healthcare architecture: how to transform a traditionally cold and impersonal hospital environment into a place capable of conveying warmth without compromising clinical functionality or safety.

This vision translates into serene interiors, warm materials and communal spaces conceived to encourage coexistence, calmness and rehabilitation.

SLAM Soft: comfort and wellbeing

Within this architectural proposal, the SLAM Soft Bench by Sellex provides a solution fully aligned with the overall concept of the project. Different configurations of 2, 3 and 4 seaters have been installed, some with arms and integrated tables, all featuring black aluminium legs and upholstered seat and backrest.

The choice of SLAM Soft responds to both aesthetic and ergonomic criteria. As Teresa Pimentel explains, THE DESIGN E MODA proposed several furniture options, although Casa de Saúde de Santa Catarina was clear from the outset that Sellex should be the chosen brand. The reason, she notes, was that “there was nothing truly comparable: a product with such a well-resolved design combined with a strong ergonomic approach”.

Its lightweight and welcoming design, together with the comfort of the upholstered seat, allows waiting and relaxation areas to move away from the conventional hospital aesthetic. In addition, the incorporation of integrated tables and different seating capacities facilitates adaptation to the different uses and dynamics of the centre.

The integration of SLAM Soft into the new Casa de Saúde de Santa Catarina demonstrates how furniture can actively contribute to creating more human environments, conceived for the comprehensive care of people.