Canfranc Station, Spain Train station becomes luxury hotel
A stunning, once strategic train station in the Pyrenees has been saved from ruin. Sika helped leading experts refurbish the protected landmark and transform a place of transit into a destination full of heart.
Construction of Canfranc Station began in 1921 as part of a long-held dream: the creation of a major hub linking Spain and France via the highest peaks in between. The immense, ornate complex was built to impress at 1,195 meters above sea level. The station survived fire, civil conflict, and war on the continent only to close in 1970 after a bridge collapse in France. But Canfranc Station had always been destined for more.
MONUMENTAL TASK
The vision was bold: turn one of Europe’s most historic train stations into a luxury hotel while preserving its structural and architectural integrity. Architect and project manager José Miguel Sancho Marco recalls the magnitude of the task ahead. “There were major structural problems, especially in the building’s foundation and concrete facades. The rusted and corroded metal elements needed to be analyzed and repaired, as they had caused cracks in the concrete. And as the gradual modifications to the drainage system had led to water leaks and ground instability, many of the pillars had deteriorated.”
Two features of Canfranc Station – also known as the “Titanic of the Mountains” – stood out. The domed symmetrical structure, once Europe’s second largest train station, measured nearly one quarter of a kilometer long. In addition, reinforced concrete, rather than conventional stone masonry, had been used for the facade and interior pillars. The steel-reinforced concrete in the structure’s horizontal and vertical elements helped to absorb diverse stressors and prevent even further decay in such a climate.
BRAVING THE ELEMENTS
As Borja Jiménez Salado, Infrastructure Product Engineer at Sika, explains, the climate and location shaped decision-making. “Canfranc is situated in a narrow valley that gets only a few hours of sunshine a day. As a result, winter frost and harsh weather could further accelerate the deterioration of the building.
This made it essential to offer a range of innovative solutions that could perform well in extreme conditions and, in some cases, be applied in winter with specialized techniques.” Sika technical experts worked closely with project partners to ensure the airtight, thermally insulated structure would meet upgraded energy efficiency standards as well.
AINUR Trabajos Verticales, a recognized applicator of Sika systems, was involved from the start. Specialist Sergio García Domínguez recalls the processes used for the building’s transformation. “We reinforced key elements such as the beams with carbon fiber, resins, and other proven solutions. To protect the complex against future corrosion, we applied special coatings and water repellents. We also had to take the weather conditions into account when restoring the original station colors.”
Pressure-washing methods helped remove years of decay before the start of the precision work on the joints. “We used five different types of high-performance mortars for concrete repair, waterproofing, and durability. Some were also applied to restore the recesses and chimneys.”
“The abandoned building was basically a damaged facade, a roof, and an interior skeleton. Everything needed to be restored.”
Architect and Project Manager
ALL IN THE DETAILS
The laws concerning protected cultural assets influenced the renovation as much as the climate. Any proposed change had to be made in the name of conservation, consolidation, and rehabilitation. In addition, the building’s character could not be altered. The regional government and relevant bodies needed to approve the initial designs as well as any modifications throughout the process.
Mercé Ortí Ballester, Director at Estudio Métodos de la Restauración, understood the demands. “When restoring a heritage building, you need to preserve its historical character while ensuring your actions are reversible and respectful. Here, we couldn’t alter the facades, despite the deterioration we found. Every intricate architectural detail and texture had to stay true to the original.”
The first step involved using advanced techniques – including spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and chromatography – to analyze the facade’s original layers and colors of the interior finishes. The team then secured the necessary approvals to move forward with their meticulous plan. “I remember that countless anchorages and injections of mortar and resin were needed to maintain the building’s structural and aesthetic integrity. The labor required was almost surgical in nature.”
NEW INCARNATION
The five-star Canfranc Estación, operated by the Barceló Hotel Group, opened its doors in 2023. The refurbished exterior looks nothing like it did, yet exactly like it had. Every cornice, gable, and surface gleams. The building’s 365 windows shine. The stationary train carriages parked just outside are now home to acclaimed restaurants, one with a Michelin star. And the vast main hall that once served as a place to pass through has become an inviting space to enjoy.
The success of this public-private collaboration bodes well for the recovery of other buildings that provide cultural value and simply could not be built today. David Muñoz, Deputy Manager of the new hotel, agrees. “Both the local community and hotel guests have enthusiastically welcomed the restoration of the station. This painstaking refurbishment ensures that the fascination with Canfranc, like the structure itself, will live on.”
