3 outstanding bending projects in modern architecture in Spain
In modern architecture, curved structures have gained prominence, bringing dynamism and fluidity to contemporary designs. These forms not only challenge traditional structures but also involve significant technical complexities.
Integrating curved elements in buildings requires the application of advanced construction techniques. Therefore, the manufacturing and bending of metal profiles demand precision and expertise to ensure that each component fits perfectly with the architectural design.
Our specialization in aluminum and steel profile bending has allowed us to collaborate on large-scale projects in Europe and America, working alongside architects and builders to bring to life structures that push the limits of technique and aesthetics. From curved curtain walls to curved façades and complex metal structures, we deliver innovative solutions that combine functionality and design.
If you want to explore some architectural projects in Spain where we’ve applied our expertise in bending aluminum and steel profiles, keep reading — we’ll walk you through them.
Sant Antoni Market: history, modernization, and Mabelux’s contribution
The Sant Antoni Market, located in the heart of Barcelona, is one of the city’s most iconic commercial structures. Designed by architect Antoni Rovira i Trias, its construction began in 1879 as part of the Cerdà Plan — an ambitious urban expansion project following the demolition of the city’s old walls.
Inaugurated in 1882, the market was the first in the city to be established outside the old town, becoming a major supply center. Over the years, it has been a point of reference not only for fresh food trade but also for textiles, books, and collectibles — giving rise to the Sant Antoni Encants Market and the Sunday Book Market.
With its iconic iron structure and Greek cross layout, the Sant Antoni Market has witnessed Barcelona’s commercial and urban growth.
A modernization process with archaeological challenges
In 2007, an ambitious rehabilitation project began, aiming to modernize the market’s facilities without losing its historical essence. During excavation work, important archaeological remains were discovered, including: the Roman Via Augusta, a Roman necropolis, and the San Antonio bastion.
These findings significantly delayed the works, extending the restoration process until 2018.
Today, the Sant Antoni Market is a fully renovated space that preserves its historical essence while offering a modern and efficient infrastructure.
Mabelux’s contribution: bending stainless steel profiles for a renewed market
During the market’s renovation, Mabelux was responsible for bending stainless steel profiles by the brand Jansen, used in numerous curved windows throughout the building.
This work enabled:
- Respecting the market’s original aesthetics by maintaining its historical design.
- Improving structural and thermal efficiency, ensuring optimal insulation in a large-scale space.
- Integrating high-quality materials such as curved stainless steel, offering durability and resistance to weather changes and corrosion.
The use of curved steel profiles allowed the market to maintain its identity while implementing modern enclosure solutions. Thanks to the precision of steel bending, the profiles could be adapted to the project’s requirements, achieving perfect integration with the original iron structures.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport: innovation in infrastructure
Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the second busiest airport in Spain. With millions of passengers per year, it has become a key international hub in European air traffic.
As part of its modernization and expansion plan, Terminal T1 was built, designed by the prestigious Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura. This terminal stands out not only for its cutting-edge design and operational efficiency but also for its use of innovative architectural materials and solutions that ensure functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
The technical challenge of aluminum bending at the airport
As part of the T1 Terminal construction, Mabelux was in charge of manufacturing and bending aluminum beams for the creation of access cylinders used by runway personnel.
The main technical challenges included:
- Integration of U-glass panels
The curved profiles had to fit perfectly to house this type of structural glass, ensuring a precise and durable assembly. - Tight execution deadlines
The project had to be completed in just 30 days, requiring maximum efficiency in bending the aluminum profiles. - Balance between aesthetics and functionality
The solution had to deliver a clean and fluid design, aligned with the terminal’s architecture, without compromising the strength and safety of the structure.
Granvía Hotel: rehabilitation with elegance and efficiency
Located in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district, Hotel Granvía is a building with over 150 years of history. Built in 1870 by architect Jerónimo Graells, the building was originally a bourgeois palace owned by the influential Serra-Chopitea family.
In 1935, the building was remodeled into Hotel Granvía, maintaining emblematic architectural elements such as its neoclassical façade. Since then, the hotel has been a landmark in Barcelona, hosting actors, politicians, and high-society figures.
An architectural challenge: modernization without losing essence
In 2012, the Nuñez y Navarro group undertook an ambitious full renovation of the hotel to modernize its facilities and improve energy efficiency — all without altering the building’s original aesthetics.
The main challenge was to optimize the acoustic and thermal insulation of the rooms without modifying the listed façade structure. This required a technical solution that respected the historical architectural elements while meeting current standards of comfort and energy efficiency.
The renovations were completed in 2013, resulting in a fully renewed hotel.
Mabelux and the aluminum bending for hotel rehabilitation
One of the key elements in the hotel’s restoration was the reconstruction of the exterior windows, whose original half-round design had to remain intact. To achieve this, Mabelux carried out the bending of aluminum profiles from the Technal Unicity series, used in manufacturing the new windows.
The applied bending solutions included:
- Precision aluminum bending, preserving the original window geometry.
- Optimization of acoustic and thermal insulation, reducing exterior noise pollution and improving energy efficiency.
- Preservation of the original aesthetics, ensuring seamless integration of the new aluminum windows.
The use of curved aluminum profiles enhanced the building’s energy performance — reducing heat loss in winter and minimizing cooling needs in summer.
Mabelux: synonymous with innovation, precision, and technical excellence in every project
The projects we have participated in reflect the key role of aluminum and steel bending in modern architecture. From the rehabilitation of historical buildings to the development of airport infrastructure and innovative urban spaces, each project we collaborate on is a testament to how technique and design can merge to create efficient solutions.
The use of curved façades, curved curtain walls, and high-precision metal profiles not only improves building functionality and energy efficiency but also enables architects to explore new forms and volumes.
At Mabelux, we shape the architecture of the future — with precision, creativity, and the guarantee of a job well done.
