Marking the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, 2026 represents a historic milestone with the completion of its central towers. This achievement is the result of decades of progress, close collaboration, and technological innovation, bringing to life a vision conceived more than a century ago.
A DREAM MADE REALITY
Henkel is contributing to the completion of one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural achievements: the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona – now the tallest church on earth.
From Vision to Reality
When Antoni Gaudí designed the central towers of the Sagrada Familia, he knew they would not be realized in his lifetime. The structural complexity of his vision exceeded the technical capabilities of his era. Instead, he deliberately conceived the project as a legacy for future generations to complete.
Today, more than a century later, that vision is becoming reality. One of the most significant milestones in the basilica’s construction – the completion of the six central towers – has been made possible through a modular construction system designed by the Sagrada Familia that integrates Henkel’s structural adhesive solutions. It enables stone and steel to function as a single structural unit, delivering the precision, strength, and durability required for a project of this scale.
This achievement stands as a powerful example of how innovation can transform ideas far ahead of their time into reality. It is the result of a unique combination of architecture, engineering excellence, and collaboration. In this context, Henkel contributes far more than a product – we bring deep expertise, engineering know‑how, and a longstanding track record of delivering high‑performance solutions for some of the world’s most demanding projects.
The Technology Behind the Towers
The construction of the towers required an adhesive technology capable of delivering exceptional structural strength while simultaneously absorbing micro‑movements without compromising structural integrity. A critical requirement, as stone and steel respond differently to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and vibration.
More than a decade ago, the Sagrada Familia and Henkel began a close collaboration, initiating an extensive analysis and validation process to identify a solution capable of meeting the project’s demanding requirements. Following more than eight months of intensive testing by an international team of more than 20 specialists, LOCTITE EA 9497 was selected – a two‑component epoxy adhesive that has enabled stone and steel to perform as a single structural unit.
The central towers of the Sagrada Familia are constructed using a modular building concept that redefines the possibilities of large scale construction. Each module is preassembled at the quarry, where the adhesive is applied to bond stone elements with steel components.
After a controlled curing process of 24 hours, the structural panels are transported to the site and assembled level by level with precision, much like a large‑scale architectural system of “building blocks”.
Within this system, the adhesive plays a critical role that goes far beyond bonding. It:
- Ensures resistance to extreme structural loads
- Absorbs thermal and mechanical movement
- Withstands harsh environmental conditions, including humidity, marine exposure, and urban vibrations
- Supports long-term durability and structural integrity
The project’s scale is reflected in the numbers:
More than 24 tons of adhesive have been used to assemble 826 panels and over 2,100 stone elements, with an average of approximately 30 kilograms per panel.
This modular approach has enabled construction to progress up to ten times faster than traditional methods. In practical terms, what has been achieved in approximately eight years would have required 50 to 60 years using conventional techniques.
This acceleration has made it possible to complete the central towers in time for a historic moment: the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death in 2026.
A Historic Achievement
In 2026, advances in structural stability have enabled the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the most prominent and symbolic element of the Sagrada Familia.
Rising to 172.5 meters, it is now the highest point in Barcelona and establishes the basilica as the tallest religious building in the world. The tower is topped by a monumental cross of approximately 17 meters, introducing additional structural demands. From 2027, the tower will also be accessible as a viewpoint, offering a new perspective over the city.
Beyond its technical significance, this achievement carries deep symbolic meaning. Gaudí designed the basilica to respect the natural height of Montjuïc Hill in Barcelona, ensuring that no human creation would surpass it – a principle that remains embedded in the final structure.
Although the cross itself does not incorporate adhesive, its stability depends entirely on the integrity of the overall structure. The construction system, in turn, is based on the integration of stone and steel, bonded by adhesive to function as a single structural unit. This allows the structure to support both this element and the entire structural composition.
This milestone marks a defining moment in the history of the Sagrada Familia, bringing to life a vision conceived more than a century ago.
IN A NUTSHELL
LOCTITE
EA 9497
• 24 tons of adhesive
• Applied in liquid form
• Cured in 24 hours
EXCELLENCE UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS
• 65–75% humidity
• Marine environment (2.5–3 km from the sea)
• Temperature variations exceeding 20°C
• Metro vibrations
UNITING
STONE AND STEEL
• 826 panels
• 30 kg of adhesive per panel
• 2,100 stone pieces
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Future? Ready!
In 2026, two remarkable anniversaries converge: Henkel’s 150th anniversary and the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s passing.
Although Antoni Gaudí and Fritz Henkel operated in entirely different fields, they shared a defining characteristic: a pioneering spirit and a belief that bold ideas can shape the future.
Gaudí pushed the boundaries of architecture with a visionary approach that continues to inspire more than a century later. Fritz Henkel laid the foundation for a company built on innovation, quality, and long‑term impact.
This connection reflects Henkel’s purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.”
Being a pioneer means driving progress with vision, solving complex challenges, and creating solutions designed to endure.
At the Sagrada Familia, this spirit takes on a powerful symbolic dimension: contributing to the realization of an extraordinary vision through today’s innovation for generations to come.
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