The renovation of Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona erected in 1848 is an ambitious project by the famous tandem of Spanish architects, Benedetta Tagliabue and Enric Miralles. The eye-catching roof, a huge mosaic, a faerie motley of colors, was ideated and brought to life by their fellow countryman, artist and sculptor, Toni Cumella.
The revolutionary ceramic covering is critical for the project. The roofing consists of myriads of tiny ceramic tesserae covered by transparent glazing. The pixalized designs refer to the primary purpose of the building. This enormous mosaic canvas reproduces the abundance of fruits and vegetables sold at one of the oldest and the most picturesque markets of Barcelona.
Indeed, the similarity is opulent.
The intricate architectural concept is implemented using a simple technology and traditional materials (concrete, metal, wood and ceramics).
The new market roof is covered by white body glazed tesserae in the rainbow of colors. It is the awesome combination of shadings (totally 67) that has made it possible to obtain such elaborate and juicy patterns.
The basic element consists of 37 unicolor pieces (small equilateral hexagons with a side of 14.5 cm glued on a glass fiber mesh). Ceramic rectangles of 10×30 cm set in the channels for water drainage, as well as trencadís (the pieces of broken ceramics), which join these rectangles with the basic hexagons, are used as auxiliary roofing elements.
The project of Santa Caterina market picked up the first ASCER 2004 prize (ASCER is abbreviated from the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association) in the Architecture category. This project amazes not only by the richness of vibrant palette, but also by its scope. The eye can embrace the whole scenery only from the bird's eye panorama.
However, the manufacturer of this extraordinary tile is not presented in our Catalogue. Ceramica Cumella is a Spanish brand that focuses on tile production for large-scale projects. It has gained the worldwide fame owing to the participation in the number of artistic ventures, many of which were awarded prestigious international prizes.
The façade of Spanish pavilion at World Expo 2005 (Aichi Expo, Japan) awarded the first prize ASCER 2005 in the Architecture category.
The façade of Preschool Education Center (Spain)
Ceramic Tile Roofing of Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona 27.04.15
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