Vitro’s subsidiary in Spain has supplied more than 183,000 square feet of value added glass for the enlargement of the airport of Málaga in Spain; as well as more than 61,300 square feet of architectural glass for the walls and ceilings of the subway train station that leads to the airport.
The airport of Málaga is located in southern Andalucía, 8 km southwest from the capital of this province, and well connected with the entire Costa del Sol, one of the most important tourist areas of Spain.
The idea to expand this airport, the most important since 1991, emerged in light of the considerable passenger flow, which reaches more than 13.5 million each year, becoming the nation’s fourth area in traffic volume.
The new Terminal (T3) was designed by the Architect Bruce S. Fairbanks and has been built close to the Pablo Picasso Terminal (T2) in the northern façade. This design contributes to integrate the three terminals under a unique conception so passengers may transit easily and functionally.
The new facility, which was opened in March 2010, consists of a surface of more than 250,000 square meters and combines the arrival and departures areas over several levels.
The new construction site has a transportation exchange so travellers may access vehicles such as buses, taxis and rental cars, among others, as well as the brand new Cercanías train station that connects Málaga with Fuengirola.
This Terminal takes full advantage of the lighting factor due to its glass façade with a length of 738 square feet and high ceilings that ease the income of natural light.
“The composition is made up of 10mm Templex® glass on the outside, Solarlux® Supernatural 68, a 16mm air chamber and inner safety Multipact® glass composed of two 6mm panes of colourless glass. The glazed closing chosen for this project is the perfect answer to the luminosity needs, given its technical and aesthetic properties,” remarked Virginia Arteaga, Advertising and Promotion Coordinator Vitro Cristalglass, the company that supplied the more than 183,000 square feet of value added glass for the enlargement of the airport.
The transformation and modernization of The Airport of Málaga also contemplated the train station of Cercanías, which consists of a 2.8-mile tunnel building that allows the trains to reach the airport. Those arriving at the underground train station can appreciate that it has the same design style as the new airport terminal regarding space and natural light.
The train station was designed with partially open glass walls and ceilings allowing natural light and fresh air to circulate. The new route was opened in September 2010.
“The open-space roof of the train station is made with 8+8mm laminated SentryGlas. The façade is made of laminated 8+8 Botonglas and a few glass ‘ribs’ made of 15+15 laminated glass. The floor has glass that may be walked on, consisting of sand-blasted triple laminated 12+12+12 SentryGlas,” Ms. Arteaga added.
“Sustainability and energy efficiency parameters were taken into account to design both,” She concluded.
Vitro Cristalglass forms part of Vitro’s Flat Glass business unit and is the industry leader for conversion, distribution and commercialization of thermal insulated glass for the construction industry in Spain and Portugal.