URSA insulation in the Martiricos Towers, two new skyscrapers in Malaga

Malaga's skyline will have a new profile when the construction of the two new AQ Urban Sky skyscrapers developed by AQ Acentor and known as Torres Martiricos after the central neighbourhood where they are located is completed.   

Currently under construction, they will reach 30 floors and more than 100 metres in height and will house housing and hotels. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the last quarter of 2024, although the works are already visible from any point in the Andalusian city.  

The team of architects from Morph Estudio has prioritised the project's sustainability, which is essential for towers of such height. César Frías, a team member that has carried out the project, details some of the characteristics that make it sustainable: "The façade is prefabricated, the partitioning is dry, with the consequent reduction of waste. The carpentry is PVC, which is more efficient in terms of carbon footprint than the standard aluminium carpentry. In addition, the openings have been designed with solar protection in the larger ones, and the compactness of the floor plan means that the two buildings have a highly optimised form factor".  

But if anything, insulation has been a priority, as the architect says that the thermal and acoustic comfort of the future occupants of the buildings has been a priority. "In a tower, airtightness becomes a critical issue, given the pressure exerted by the wind on the upper floors, so thermal and acoustic insulation becomes an absolute priority. In addition, in these buildings, housing and hotels coexist, and high-quality standards must be met," says Frías.  

For this reason, 60,000 m2 of URSA TERRA Base have been installed to insulate the interior partition walls of the South Tower. Manufactured with TERRA technology, this glass mineral wool has a fibration process and a patented binder that improves mineral wool's technical and mechanical performance. Its advantages include greater flexibility, strength and improved indoor air quality. Furthermore, with a high content of recycled material in its composition, its sustainable properties are added to the excellent degree of thermal and acoustic insulation it provides its performance against fire and its capacity to guarantee energy efficiency and comfort.   

Modular Descasur carried out the installation. Daniel Ostos, the technician responsible for this work, says that the project had difficulties, such as the entry of material per floor, which was solved with extra labour. However, for Ostos, the URSA TERRA Base insulation chosen together with the plasterboard is a perfect solution. "It is an ideal project, both in terms of height, size and location, to demonstrate that the glass mineral wool wall cladding together with the plasterboard is an ideal system for guaranteeing the thermal and acoustic comfort of the building".   

Ostos also highlights the role of URSA's Technical Office in providing on-site and off-site training and advice. "This attention, together with the excellent service and speed of delivery, is always a guarantee of success in a project," he concludes.