Inspections at Gaudí's Crypt in Colonia Güell
- Client: Consorcio de la Colonia Güell
- Location: Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Barcelona
- Year: 2024-2025
Technical inspection to ensure the waterproofing of UNESCO heritage
The Crypt of the Colonia Güell, an emblematic work of Antoni Gaudí in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, represents one of the most innovative architectural experiments of the modernist genius.
This building, declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN) and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, requires specialized interventions to preserve its structural and heritage integrity.
The Consortium of the Colonia Güell has begun repair work on the roofs, with special attention to the flat stone roof and the zinc roof of the porch where Gaudí had designed the access staircase. With a budget of 416,263.21 euros and six months of execution, the main objective is to guarantee total waterproofing to protect all the construction elements of this architectural jewel. This work is co-financed by the Operational Programme of the ERDF of Catalonia 2014-2020, which underlines its importance for the conservation of Catalan cultural heritage.
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Main SOCOTEC Services in the Crypt
SOCOTEC has played a fundamental role in the preservation of this UNESCO heritage, contributing its expertise in specialised technical inspections. Our services for this restoration project include:
- Roof Tightness Test: Thorough evaluation of the waterproofing of both the flat stone roof and the zinc roof of the porch.
- Technical inspection of construction elements: Detailed analysis of the state of conservation of Gaudí's original materials.
- Technical assistance during the work: Continuous supervision to ensure that the interventions respect the heritage integrity of the building.
- Waterproofing quality control: Verification of the systems applied to extend the useful life of the structure.
LEAK TEST
Key to heritage conservation
Carrying out watertightness tests on heritage buildings such as the Crypt of Colonia Güell is crucial to detect leaks and ensure that waterproofing solutions are working properly. SOCOTEC applies advanced methodologies tailored to the unique characteristics of these historic buildings.
Our technical team carries out non-invasive inspections that allow us to evaluate the behaviour of the roofs under different climatic conditions. We use state-of-the-art technology to detect critical points of infiltration without damaging the original materials, a fundamental aspect when working with works of exceptional heritage value.
These leak tests not only identify existing problems, but also prevent future pathologies, helping to minimise the necessary maintenance and increase the sustainability of the building in the long term. In the case of the Crypt, this technical surveillance is essential to protect Gaudí's legacy from the effects of water and humidity.
Carrying out watertightness tests on heritage buildings such as the Crypt of Colonia Güell is crucial to detect leaks and ensure that waterproofing solutions are working properly. SOCOTEC applies advanced methodologies tailored to the unique characteristics of these historic buildings.
Our technical team carries out non-invasive inspections that allow us to evaluate the behaviour of the roofs under different climatic conditions. We use state-of-the-art technology to detect critical points of infiltration without damaging the original materials, a fundamental aspect when working with works of exceptional heritage value.
These leak tests not only identify existing problems, but also prevent future pathologies, helping to minimise the necessary maintenance and increase the sustainability of the building in the long term. In the case of the Crypt, this technical surveillance is essential to protect Gaudí's legacy from the effects of water and humidity.
HERITAGE PRESERVATION
Protection of UNESCO World Heritage
The intervention in the Crypt of the Colonia Güell is not a conventional restoration. Working on a building included in the UNESCO World Heritage List requires an exceptional level of technical expertise and a deep respect for the architect's original vision.
SOCOTEC works closely with the Colonia Güell Consortium – made up of the Catalan Land Institute (INCASÒL), the Baix Llobregat County Council, the Barcelona Provincial Council and the Santa Coloma de Cervelló City Council – to ensure that each action complies with the highest standards of heritage conservation.
Our technical inspections allow waterproofing works to be executed with precision, protecting unique elements such as the inclined columns, catenary arches and trencadís surfaces that characterise this masterpiece of Catalan modernism.
The intervention in the Crypt of the Colonia Güell is not a conventional restoration. Working on a building included in the UNESCO World Heritage List requires an exceptional level of technical expertise and a deep respect for the architect's original vision.
SOCOTEC works closely with the Colonia Güell Consortium – made up of the Catalan Land Institute (INCASÒL), the Baix Llobregat County Council, the Barcelona Provincial Council and the Santa Coloma de Cervelló City Council – to ensure that each action complies with the highest standards of heritage conservation.
Our technical inspections allow waterproofing works to be executed with precision, protecting unique elements such as the inclined columns, catenary arches and trencadís surfaces that characterise this masterpiece of Catalan modernism.
Heritage Building Inspection Experts
SOCOTEC has extensive experience in the inspection and conservation of heritage buildings, applying specific methodologies that combine technical rigour with sensitivity to the historical and cultural value of each construction. Our knowledge in watertightness tests for protected heritage positions us as a benchmark in Spain.
We regularly work with BCIN-listed properties and buildings included in UNESCO lists, developing inspection strategies that allow us to extend the useful life of these exceptional constructions while preserving their original integrity. Our ability to detect pathologies early and recommend minimal but effective interventions is key to the sustainability of architectural heritage.
In each heritage project, SOCOTEC brings not only technical knowledge in historical materials and construction systems, but also a commitment to the transmission of this cultural legacy to future generations. The preservation of works such as the Crypt of Colonia Güell is part of our mission as leaders in Testing, Inspection, and Certification.
Do you need to inspect your heritage building?
If you manage a property of historical or heritage value and you need to guarantee its long-term conservation, our team of specialists is ready to help you. We carry out leak tests and technical diagnostics adapted to the unique characteristics of each building.