Spain

ABOUT

In a Southern district of the Spanish city of Barcelona, near the prestigious Gran Via convention centre, rises Porta Firal, a real estate complex encompassing four high-rise buildings. The project was commissioned by Iberdrola Inmobiliaria, a branch of Spanish energy major Iberdrola which specializes in office and residential real estate development.

Designed by Catalan architect Óscar Tusquets, founder of the practice Tusquets, Díaz y Asociados, the Porta Firal project consists of four high-rise buildings housing offices and retail spaces in one of the most vibrant areas of the city. Two of the buildings, Torre Ponent and Torre Llevant, are identical constructions. Each 21-storey structure totals approximately 1,260 sqm in floor space and features a design dominated by glass and steel, underscoring the architecture’s transparency to onlookers.

Interior blinds for controlled temperature

Extensive glass facades inevitably raise the issue of how much energy the building will need to maintain viable temperatures inside. And to meet specifications laid out by Iberdrola for energy performance in both buildings, the architect chose to fit all windows with indoor screens manufactured from Serge Ferrari’s Soltis 99 membrane.

The practice was looking for an efficient solution that would deliver both high solar reflection and full glare control. In total, more than 13,600 sqm of Soltis 99 have been installed by Cortinsa as roll-down screens.

An unobtrusive, efficient and aesthetic material, it incorporates the Agivir technology, which gives the fabric antibacterial and antiviral properties — making it particularly well-suited for public buildings and high-traffic environments.

An innovative membrane with bactericidal and virucidal properties

This comprehensive solution not only contributes to the building’s energy efficiency and the comfort of its users, but also effectively addresses health concerns thanks to its Agivir treatment. Both stunning examples of sustainable construction in Spain, the two buildings have been rated Excellent under the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification scheme, a first for any office building in the country.

Project participants :

Architecture: Óscar Tusquets — Tusquets, Díaz y Asociados
Installation: Cortinsa (Barcelona)
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