The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain, with its iconic spires and intricate facade under construction, mirrored in the water below.

La Sagrada Família (Spain)

Heidelberg Materials’ white concrete as key ingredient

Heidelberg Materials is supplying white concrete for construction of one of Europe’s most famous construction sites: La Sagrada Família (The Holy Family).

The large Roman Catholic church is the landmark of Barcelona and, though incomplete, a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting roughly 2.5 million tourists every year. Construction of the church commenced as far back as 1882. Architect Antoni Gaudí combined Gothic and Byzantine traditions with his own spirituality, making the church absolutely unique. The Sagrada Família is a basilica with one central nave flanked by four aisles, as well as transepts with one central nave flanked by two aisles, forming a Latin cross.

At Gaudí’s death, less than a quarter of the project had been completed. The construction has progressed slowly, as it relies on private donations; it is now expected to be completed by 2025. Six enormous towers remain to be built.

White concrete has been appointed for many years as the project’s reference concrete when major volumes are required. The white concrete is produced with white cement, non-coloured additives, and limestone from Heidelberg Materials quarries. In order to guarantee top product quality and avoid any change of colour, the mixer trucks have to be cleaned thoroughly before transporting white concrete. The concrete is fast hardening, with a 7-day compressive strength of 45 MPa.

Project Data

  • Antoni Gaudí, at present Jordi Fauli

    Architect

  • Junta Constructora Sagrada Família

    Contractor

  • 2025

    Completion

The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain, with its iconic spires and intricate facade under construction, mirrored in the water below.

Sagrada Família. Heidelberg Materials' subsidiary was supplying white concrete for construction of one of Europe’s most famous construction sites: La Sagrada Família (The Holy Family).

The image captures the stunning interior of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, showcasing its iconic columns that soar towards the ceiling and the mesmerizing stained glass windows bathing the space in a kaleidoscope of colours.

La Sagrada Família, Spain. Heidelberg Materials' subsidiary was supplying white concrete for construction of one of Europe’s most famous construction sites: La Sagrada Família (The Holy Family).

The image displays the complex ceiling architecture of a cathedral with detailed patterns and multiple adorned columns tapering towards the center. The design features a symmetrical arrangement of star-shaped elements and circular motifs, enhanced by a warm color palette that underscores the visual intricacy.

La Sagrada Família, Spain . Heidelberg Materials' subsidiary was supplying white concrete for construction of one of Europe’s most famous construction sites: La Sagrada Família (The Holy Family).

The interior of the Sagrada Família Basilica in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, features a ceiling with intricate geometric patterns and a play of light and shadow created by columns and stained glass windows.

La Sagrada Família, Spain. Heidelberg Materials' subsidiary was supplying white concrete for construction of one of Europe’s most famous construction sites: La Sagrada Família (The Holy Family).

A majestic cathedral with complex facades and towers is under construction, surrounded by numerous cranes and scaffolding.

Sagrada Família .

A construction worker is operating machinery to pour concrete into formwork. Construction materials and scaffolding can be seen in the background.

Sagrada Família 1.

A yellow construction hoist and a white “Hanson” cement mixer lorry are involved in the restoration of the Sagrada Família, surrounded by the building’s intricate stone architecture.

Sagrada Família 2.

The image depicts the construction of a large gothic-style building with multiple cranes towering above it against a clear sky. A container is being hoisted by one of the cranes, indicating ongoing construction work.

Sagrada Família 3.

In the image, two construction workers are seen working on a building site. One is operating machinery to pour concrete, while the other oversees the process.

Sagrada Família 4.

The image displays a majestic structure with complex architectural details and construction cranes at the top, suggesting ongoing work. In the foreground, there’s a white object prominently featuring the text “Hanson”.

Sagrada Família 5.

The image depicts the construction of a grand building, featuring complex architectural details such as unique sculptures and decorative elements. Scaffolding around the structure suggests that work is in progress.

Sagrada Família 6.