Henkel Loctite Adhesive Supports Completion of Sagrada Familia’s Central Towers in Major Architectural Milestone

The Sagrada Familia now stands as the world’s tallest religious building, reaching 172.5 meters – this milestone coincides with Henkel’s 150th anniversary.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel Adhesive Technologies has played a key role in the completion of the Sagrada Familia’s six central towers, with 24 tons of Loctite EA 9497 structural adhesive used to bond stone and steel elements within the basilica’s modular construction system. The technology has helped accelerate construction by up to a factor of ten compared with traditional methods while maintaining safety, durability and structural integrity. The adhesive was used across 826 panels and more than 2,100 stone elements, with around 30 kilograms applied per panel on average. Designed to withstand demanding conditions such as humidity, temperature changes, saline exposure and metro-related vibrations, the bonded structure supports the stability of the central towers, including the Tower of Jesus Christ. The project marks a major architectural milestone in the centenary year of Antoni Gaudí’s death and coincides with Henkel’s 150th anniversary, demonstrating how modern adhesive engineering can help realise a historic architectural vision that began more than 140 years ago.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 17-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel Adhesive Technologies has supported one of the most technically demanding stages in the construction of the Sagrada Familia, with 24 tons of Loctite adhesive used in the completion of the basilica’s six central towers.

The milestone coincides with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and highlights the role of advanced adhesive technology in helping realise one of the world’s most iconic architectural projects. Henkel’s Loctite EA 9497 structural adhesive has been used as part of the Sagrada Familia’s modular construction system, supporting faster assembly while helping ensure long-term durability and structural integrity.

The completion of the central towers represents the most complex structural challenge in the basilica’s history. Over more than a decade of collaboration, Henkel has provided not only its high-performance adhesive solution, but also extensive testing, validation beyond standard requirements, technical support and a continuous supply approach adapted to the project’s changing needs.

Mark Dorn, Executive Vice President of Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said the project reflects the company’s work with customers to help bring complex visions into reality. He said the Sagrada Familia demonstrates what can be achieved when the right partners work together and when innovation and collaboration continue across generations. Dorn added that the milestone also carries special meaning as Henkel marks its 150th anniversary.

Although invisible from the outside, the adhesive plays a central role in the towers’ structure. It bonds stone and steel components so they can function together as a single structural unit. Applied in liquid form, the adhesive adapts to the bonding surfaces, fills cavities and creates a durable connection. It then cures over around 24 hours while the panels are kept under stable thermal conditions.

The use of this adhesive-enabled modular construction approach has helped bring Gaudí’s vision closer to completion using technologies that were not available in his lifetime. Compared with traditional construction methods, the modular system has accelerated work by up to a factor of ten. Henkel’s adhesive expertise has been essential to making this method viable, allowing stone and steel to work together structurally while reducing construction time and maintaining safety.

In total, the six central towers include 826 panels and more than 2,100 stone elements. Around 30 kilograms of Loctite adhesive were applied per panel on average, contributing to the total use of 24 tons of adhesive across the project.

Loctite EA 9497 was selected for its ability to perform under demanding environmental and structural conditions. Located approximately 2.5 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, the Sagrada Familia is exposed to a saline environment that can promote corrosion. Barcelona’s high relative humidity, typically between 65% and 75%, adds further stress, while seasonal temperatures ranging from around 5°C in winter to more than 30°C in summer create repeated expansion and contraction cycles. Two metro lines running close to the basilica also generate constant vibrations that affect the structure.

The bonded structure has been engineered to withstand loads equivalent to up to 100,000 people per square metre. This strength is especially important in supporting the cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest part of the basilica. While the cross itself does not use adhesives, its stability depends on the strength of the supporting tower structure.

With the completion of this stage, the Sagrada Familia reaches 172.5 metres, making it the world’s tallest religious building and surpassing Ulm Minster in Germany.

Henkel’s involvement shows how modern engineering can support the continuation of a project that began more than 140 years ago, while preserving Gaudí’s architectural vision. The application of Loctite technology at the Sagrada Familia also underlines Henkel’s broader role in enabling complex construction and engineering projects through high-performance adhesive solutions.

The milestone also aligns with Henkel’s 150th anniversary and its “Future? Ready!” theme, reflecting the company’s long-standing focus on innovation, technical collaboration and advanced materials.

Media Contact:

Sebastian Hinz
Phone: +49 211 797-58 94
Email: sebastian.hinz@henkel.com

Hanna Philipps
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
+49-211-797-3626
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel