Dekton contributes to the character of one of the most sustainable buildings in Spain

GCA

Image 32 of SEATOWERS 20210916 0208.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php 3.3 in Dekton contributes to the character of one of the most sustainable buildings in Spain - Cosentino

Location

Barcelona (Spain)

Material

Dekton

Application

Ventilated façade and multiple applications

Thickness

8 mm

Architecture / Design

GCA

Color

Nayla

End date

2022

Quantity

17,000 m2

Located in the innovative 22@ District, created in 2020 in Barcelona as an initiative to transform a former industrial quarter in Poble Nou, the new Sea Meridia building by Meridia Capital rises up in the skyline with a contemporary, geometric and light image thanks to its open structure. It is a mixed-use building, intended for both office and residential use. ‘It consists of two volumes of 13 and 7 storeys whose façades are made up of Dekton cut-outs at 45 degrees, which are replicated in the ceilings and floors as a whole,’ explains the GCA architecture studio in charge of the project.

The multiple applications of Dekton in this architectural design make it the main material in this project, which provides order and balance while blending in with its surroundings. Furthermore, the architects decided to use the same colour for all applications, creating a unified and harmonious look, both inside and outside, and adding an extra touch of sustainability.

At the forefront of sustainability

The complex features solar panels on the roof and façade, preferential parking for electric vehicles and bicycle racks to encourage sustainable transport, as well as landscaped roof terraces with spaces for socialising and enjoying spectacular views. All the vegetation on the terraces is indigenous and requires little water. For all these facilities with a sustainable approach, plus the use of environmentally friendly materials such as Dekton (a carbon neutral product throughout its life cycle), the building has been certified as LEED Platinum (the highest in its category), thus obtaining the highest score in Spain and ranking among the only 3% of buildings with the highest score in Europe.

Multiple applications and versatility

‘Dekton offered a versatile material in its applications with the same shade playing with many different formats, thicknesses and finishes, resulting in diamond shaped cut-outs at 45 degrees,’ explains the studio. This greatly facilitated the use of this material in the façade and the suspended ceiling, with a grooving system on the reverse of the pieces (DKBG) allowing mixed fixing by means of hanger profiles and adhesive.

Cosentino supplied from its factory all the pieces cut to size and including this fixing system, which ensures high performance and greater efficiency in on-site installation.

The colour chosen for the façade was Dekton Nayla, whose off-white, vein-free pattern enhances the sense of balance that permeates the entire design. This Dekton shade was used for the cladding, the ventilated façade with suspended ceilings, the floor fronts, the raised access floor, the terrace floor, the outdoor floor and the furniture.

Dekton’s advantages

The advantages of using the same material in the same shade in so many different applications was one of the reasons why this architecture firm went for Dekton. But it was not the only one. ‘The hardness of the material and the large working format, which allows for a minimum number of joints with a more precise design,’ were also other advantages the architects found. In addition, Dekton is the ideal technical solution for use on façades, as it is resistant to extreme temperatures, its colour is unaffected by exposure to the sun and it is very easy to maintain, ensuring that its appearance remains impeccable over time.