A more sustainable panot
At the beginning of the year, the Barcelona City Council launched a challenge entitled “Redesigning the Barcelona panot” with a stronger focus on sustainability. Among all the proposals submitted, Breinco’s design ranked first, followed by those of Constraula and Escofet.
Breinco has long promoted the use of sustainable pavements in cities. In line with its core principles of sustainability and social responsibility, the company developed a pavement system adapted to the new environmental needs of a city like Barcelona.
360° innovation
The innovation in composition, design, and installation of the panot are the three pillars of Breinco’s proposal, aligned with the “r+r+r” formula: a panot made with up to 40% recycled aggregates, 100% recyclable, and 100% reusable.
Its design introduces a permeable paving solution that respects the natural water cycle, reduces acoustic pollution, and improves thermal comfort through the use of lighter colours.
The Panot Segle XXI incorporates mineral-based additives with CO₂-capturing properties, with the potential for photocatalytic effects that help purify urban air, as well as surface treatments that make cleaning easier.
It is manufactured using 100% renewable energy, recycled high-quality aggregates, and locally sourced granite materials (km 0). The final product is palletised using recyclable wooden pallets certified under sustainable forestry management. Transport is secured with eco-friendly straps made from 100% recycled and recyclable plastic.
A potential reduction in cement use and installation impact
An important aspect highlighted by Breinco is the flexible installation over a natural sub-base. This method is up to six times more cost-efficient than traditional mortar-based installation.
This system enables material reuse, improves soil permeability, and reduces both execution costs and cement consumption by eliminating the need for mortar in the pavement base.
Breinco and iconic works in Barcelona
Breinco is present in several emblematic projects across the city, including Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, Passeig de Sant Joan, Barcelona Airport Terminal 1, Hotel W, Fira de Barcelona, Hotel Miramar, the Forum, and various streets in the Sants district, among others.
Panot Segle XXI in Barcelona’s new superblock
The Panot Segle XXI will be implemented in the new superblock of L’Eixample as part of the next phase of the project, allowing the performance of the three finalist proposals to be evaluated.
This initiative forms part of the broader “Superilla Barcelona” strategy, aimed at deploying new green corridors and transforming urban space.
The superblocks seek to create healthier public spaces, expand green areas, encourage social interaction, and support local economic activity.
Did you know?
The iconic Barcelona “panot flor” is more than 100 years old. Its authorship is commonly attributed to architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867–1956), also known for designing the Casa Amatller on Passeig de Gràcia.
Originally, the panot was introduced to solve a major urban issue in Barcelona: muddy streets during rainy days that made public space difficult to use.
Today, the city faces very different challenges, such as pollution, stormwater management, and the urban heat island effect. This is why the City Council is seeking a new, more sustainable panot adapted to 21st-century urban needs.
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