Torre Agbar

Designed by Jean Nouvel, the 38-storey Torre Agbar in Barcelona is one of the great icons of postmodernist architecture. From its multi-coloured walls and 4,500 different-sized windows, to the LED-illuminated 'breathable' glass shell, the bullet-shaped tower makes a stunning visual impression whilst delivering top-class environmental performance.

Protecting the building
The Torre Agbar's solar-powered, mechanically controlled glass outer shell was designed to help manage heat build-up and other environmental factors. But Fermín Vázquez and the other architects on his team also needed to adequately protect the building's reinforced concrete inner walls - and the many people that make the Torre Agbar their workplace.

That's why the architects chose to wrap the inner wall in ROCKWOOL insulation before a corrugated aluminium cladding was applied.

A single solution to multiple challenges
Mr Vázquez says a big part of the job was to "choose materials that solve problems instead of creating them." Made from natural, recyclable stone wool and delivering unmatched protection against extreme temperatures, fire, moisture and even noise, ROCKWOOL insulation is just the kind of protective membrane needed for the complex ventilated facade chosen for Torre Agbar.

"Stone wool was used to wrap around the concrete perimeter as an insulating element," explains Mr Vázquez. "The material was chosen," he continues, "due to its excellent performance outdoors and resistance to ageing, along with its mechanical and thermal advantages."

It's a matter of trust
As the Torre Agbar's glass outer shell 'breathes' in response to changing conditions. Mr Vázquez and the other architects who created the building can trust that ROCKWOOL insulation is working in harmony with the ventilated system to ensure comfort, safety and energy efficiency for many decades to come.

"Choose materials that solve problems instead of creating them."
- Fermín Vázquez, architect