Gris 2900 Sablé: An innovative color featured on the monumental Sagrada Familia ―
Barcelona’s iconic Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is to benefit from a key contribution by AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business. Due to be completed in 2026, the company’s Interpon products will be applied to several areas of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where construction first began in 1882.
Designed by Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia attracts around three million visitors a year. Already an awe-inspiring landmark for its sculptural exterior, in 2010 the Cathedral also opened its interior to visitors, who can now experience the mesmerizing colors of its mosaics and leaded glass windows, casting ever-changing light on its innovative geometric surfaces. The company’s Interpon products will be used to protect several parts of the building, including the enclosures and the balconies of the high conic towers, that will reach a height of 103.56m upon completion.
Gaudí is known for his contribution to the field of architecture, and this, in large part, is due to the fact that he incorporated his in-depth knowledge of artisan trades into his works, especially metalworking, shaping pieces with blows from a hammer. From a very young age, he learned the technique of forging: heating metal and then reshaping it with a hammer into a final piece. His father and grandfathers were potsmiths and this proximity to blacksmithing gave Gaudí intimate knowledge of the trade.
Later, he developed iron techniques and designs. So, he created pieces to complement and decorate the buildings he designed, such as bars for windows, railings, gates and even some furniture. In the garden at the Gaudí House Museum, where the architect lived from 1906 to 1925, there is an open-air exhibition with various elements Gaudí designed and made in iron.
The metal components in the Sagrada Familia will be coated in the exceptionally popular Interpon Gris 2900 Sablé / YW355F powder coating, belonging to the Futura Collection of AkzoNobel. This is a metallic matte powder coating color with a Sablé texture, reminiscent of cast iron or lead, which is consistent both with the historical character of the Sagrada Familia, and with the building’s constant strive towards innovation, from its very inception. Featuring the Interpon D2525 technology, the choice of color is guaranteed for its sustainability, and for its very long color retention properties. As an undercoat, the Polyzinc 790 powder coating primer by AkzoNobel will protect steel surfaces from aggressive environmental conditions, guaranteeing their sustainability from corrosion: The zinc-based primer is the most suitable, ecological anti-corrosion protection for buildings that need to withstand the test of time.
“As a company that dates back nearly 400 years, we are passionate about the need to preserve the heritage of our cities,” said John Wolff, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business. “We are therefore honored to be involved in the development of such an important building.”
“Our involvement in this prestigious project reflects the company’s desire to protect urban heritage and make cities around the world more exciting, vibrant places to live,” said Jose Luis Camargo, Business Manager of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business in Iberia.
“We understand the importance of striking a balance between old and new by using sustainable technology and product solutions. This knowledge and expertise, means that we can protect historical buildings while still maintaining their invaluable heritage.”
Photo Credits: Tot Conflueix, Marco Rubino, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Sagrada Familia Blog
