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

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 DKTN 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 DKTN 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.

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 DKTN (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.

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 DKTN. 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, DKTN 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.