PAVEMENT RENOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING CENTER

This shopping center, opened in 2012, has been gradually replacing its original pavement with naturpiedra Phyllite. The property chose an elegant combination of brushed slate tiles in random lengths and variable widths of 15, 30, and 40 cm with a 3 cm thickness for pedestrian areas (8,000 m²). For areas intended for light vehicle traffic (4,500 m²), they selected a combination of flamed finished (dark gray) and sandblasted (light gray) phyllite in a 10x10x3 cm checkerboard pattern, creating a unique and dynamic design. To separate these two areas, we provided 50x20x6 cm drainage channels (1,000 units) for rainwater drainage.

Key figures of the project include:

- 23 hectares of land area  

- 71,000 m² of retail space  

- 60,000 m² of green spaces  

- 2,700 parking spaces  

- 51 stores and 12 restaurants  

- 400 meters in diameter  

- 12 meters in height  

- 580 trees and 15,000 shrubs  

- 1.5 km of powder-coated mesh  

- 6 curved concrete and glass boutiques marking the path  

- 24 months of construction  

The elliptical shape of the shopping center offers an exceptional landscaping experience. Thanks to its continuous curves, each store enjoys a “prime location,” and its spectacular architecture aims to provide a new shopping experience. Yet, its grand scale remains introverted and unobtrusive in the landscape. The ellipse offers two noble facades: one facing inward and the other toward the city, with wide entrances that frame the views.

In the heart of the center, a boutique layout housing stores and restaurants maintains pedestrian-scale proportions and spacing. A perforated, pearly white aluminum mesh drapes over this large Shopping Center like an airy curtain. At night, LED backlighting provides soft signage.

This shopping center has been awarded for its sustainability efforts (HQE “Very Good” Operation Certification), standing out for its water and energy-saving systems. It includes rainwater harvesting, waterless restrooms, and, since 2022, small wind turbines on the boutiques. Additionally, a large rooftop photovoltaic plant is planned to produce 100% of the center’s electricity.

The choice of our Filita naturpiedra, sourced from our own slate, phyllite, and quartzite quarries in Bernardos, for the complete pavement renovation was driven not only by the natural beauty and unmatched physical-mechanical properties of our stone, but also because it was one of the first stones in Spain to obtain an Environmental Product Declaration. This certification confirms its low carbon impact, contributing to the center’s compliance with the stringent criteria for environmental certification.