Industeel, a subsidiary of ArcelorMittal, is supplying high performance steel plates for the ongoing construction of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. As the basilica approaches a key phase in its long-running development, the Construction Board of the Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Família has selected our Duplex UR 2205 steel to support new structural elements on the Glory Façade, the tallest and most prominent of the building’s façades.
Supplying high performance steel for a unique architectural challenge
Few construction projects stretch across centuries, inspire millions of visitors, and continue to evolve with the same ambition as when they first began. The Sagrada Família in Barcelona is one of them. This UNESCO-listed marvel offers more than just breathtaking views. It is Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, a basilica full of symbolism and architectural brilliance.
Started in 1882, the construction of the basilica has now reached a decisive phase. The cross crowning the Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest tower of the Basilica, was placed in 2026. The Glory Façade is currently in the project phase, with preliminary work already underway. To support progress on the Glory Façade, the Construction Board launched a RFQ (Request for Quotation) to source high performance materials for new structural connectors. Industeel was selected through this competitive process.
“The Glory Facade is the tallest and most majestic of the basilica’s façades. It will serve as the main entrance to the central part of the basilica. We are honoured that our steel supports a project of such cultural and architectural landmark. Our role is to provide materials that offer reliability and long-term performance, supporting a legacy that reaches far beyond our generation,” declares Svetlana Sloviantchyk, Head of Sales Stainless Steel at Industeel.
Strength, safety and durability in elevated areas
Industeel is providing Duplex UR 2205 (1.4462) plates in thicknesses of 8, 65, 80 and 100 mm, from the Industeel mill in Charleroi, Belgium. These will be used to create connectors that join and secure the modular stone panels forming the upper sections of the towers on the Glory Façade. These areas face strict mechanical and environmental demands. So, the connectors must deliver:
- high mechanical strength to tension and stabilise large panels or blocks.
- exceptional corrosion resistance, essential in elevated zones where maintenance is limited.
- long-term durability to support the facade for generations.
This combination helps ensure precise assembly of the panels, contributing to a faster and safer construction process. “Industeel’s Duplex stainless steel met the technical requirements of our project. Its strength and corrosion resistance outperform common grades such as 316L, and its higher yield strength enables weight reduction and improved cost efficiency,” explains Carles Farràs, Head of Supplies and Methods, Building Department, Sagrada Família.
Why Duplex UR 2205?
Duplex stainless steel is widely used in demanding environments where mechanical strength and corrosion resistance are essential. It offers:
- approximately twice the yield strength of typical austenitic stainless steels.
- superior corrosion resistance compared to 316L.
- weight reduction thanks to enhanced strength to thickness ratios.
- long-term stability suited to exposed architectural structures.
For the Sagrada Família, these benefits translate into safer installation, reduced material consumption and a reliable long-term solution aligned with Gaudí’s original structural ambitions.
A contribution to a building that inspires the world
The partnership underlines our teams’ ability to support highly technical, culturally significant projects. As the Sagrada Família moves closer to a major milestone in its construction, we are proud to contribute our expertise and materials to a structure that captures global imagination and continues to evolve more than 140 years after work first began.
from a rooftop on Lepant Street. View of the Nativity façade. Credit photos: ©Sagrada Família
