Hubbry Logo
Iberdrola TowerIberdrola TowerMain
Open search
Iberdrola Tower
Community hub
Iberdrola Tower
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Iberdrola Tower
Iberdrola Tower
from Wikipedia

The Iberdrola Tower (Basque: Iberdrola dorrea, Spanish: Torre Iberdrola) is an office skyscraper in Bilbao, Spain. Its construction started on 19 March 2009 and was officially inaugurated by King Juan Carlos I on 21 February 2012.[1] The tower has a height of 165 metres (541 feet) tall and has 40 floors. The first eight floors of the tower were to hold a hotel by the Spanish hotel chain ABBA, but the project was eventually cancelled.[2] The tower, built as Iberdrola's headquarters, is the tallest building in the Basque Country and the city of Bilbao, and the ninth tallest building in Spain.

Key Information

The tower was built in Abandoibarra, a former industrial area located next to the Nervión river that began to be renewed in the early 1990s and where other emblematic projects such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall have been built. There are two residential buildings designed by Carles Ferrater flanking the skyscraper. The entrance to the tower is located at the Euskadi Plaza.

History of the building

[edit]

Design and the Abandoibarra masterplan

[edit]

In 1992 a public society, Bilbao Ria 2000, was created for the urban regeneration of the metropolitan Bilbao. The goal of that public company was to regenerate areas affected by the industrial crisis of the 1970s and converting former under used industrial lots into housing blocks, office buildings, green areas and other buildings of different usages.

One of those former industrial areas was Abandoibarra, located right next to the river, and between the La Salve bridge and the bankrupt Euskalduna shipbuilding company. In the early 1990s the regional authority of the province of Biscay chose César Pelli and its team to design a masterplan for the future development of the 348,5000 square metre area. One of the first proposals included two towers of 200 metres, but the final project that included the participation of the architect team Aguinaga y Asociados Arquitectos presented its final proposal with a single 150 metre office tower and several residential blocks of 10 floors.

Front facade

Biscay's Diputation tower

[edit]

In 1998 the regional authority of the province of Biscay (Bizkaiko Foru Aldundia or Diputacion Foral de Bizkaia) announced its intention to sell all of its buildings scattered throughout the city of Bilbao and moving all of its offices to the 150 metre tower. The lot, owned at that time by Renfe was sold for 79 million euros to the regional authority. The tower, originally expected to have 50,000 square metres of gross office space, was deemed as not enough for the Diputacion and an additional 10,000 square metres were included. The height increased from 150 metres to 160 to fit the new requirements by the Diputacion.

In 2003, just after the provincial elections had taken place, Jose Luis Bilbao, the newly elected ruler of the authority of Biscay, decided to scrap the plans for the tower, complaining about the high cost of the building.

Iberdrola Tower

[edit]

After months of speculation about possible tenants wanting to move to the tower, the city hall of Bilbao reached an agreement with Basque utilities company Iberdrola in July 2004. Iberdrola would occupy 10,000 square metres of the tower establishing its international headquarters at the top of the tower, renting the rest of the office space. The operation would be financed by the selling of its former headquarters in the Gardoki street and another building in Alameda Urquijo.

The tower has 165 metres and 40 floors (36 typical plus 4 mechanical floors) and 5 underground levels. The tower was expected to cost around 210 million euros and include 717 car park units.

Construction

[edit]
Construction status in mid September 2009.

After some months of site preparation, the first rock caisson ceremony was held on 19 March 2007. Then excavation for the five underground floors began. At the same time an underground car park is being built below the future Euskadi Plaza, two residential buildings by Carles Ferrater, the library of the University of Deusto and a residential building by Eugenio Aguinaga. The Iberdrola building in Alameda Urquijo has been sold to a developer and has renewed the building now called "Edificio Echevarria" (the first two floors of the tower are occupied by the shop FNAC). In the meantime, demolition of part of the headquarters in Gardoki began in late 2007. Part of the workers of Iberdrola were moved to another building in Larraskitu.

Excavation ended in April 2008, the first construction crane was installed on 15 May 2008, with a height of around 70 metres. Once the tower reaches its full height in 2010 the cranes will reach a height of 205 metres, the highest ever achieved by any structure in the Basque Country.

Companies involved

[edit]

The following companies were involved with the construction of the Iberdrola Tower:

  • Architect: César Pelli
  • Developer: Promotora Vizcaina
  • Real-state agents: Richard Ellis España, Apex Inmobiliaria
  • Structural engineering: Idom
  • Execution direction: Euroconsult Norte
  • Foundation companies: Terrabauer, Cimentaciones Abando
  • Curtain Wall Facade: Félix Constructions[3]
  • Elevator supplier: Schindler Group

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Iberdrola Tower is a 165-meter-tall in , , that serves as the global headquarters of the multinational energy corporation . Designed by renowned Argentine-American architect , the tower was completed in 2011 and officially inaugurated in February 2012, standing as the tallest building in the Basque Country and Bilbao's urban skyline. Located at Plaza Euskadi along the regenerated promenade of the Bilbao estuary, the structure forms a key part of the city's modern architectural regeneration, replacing former industrial train yards and reconnecting the historic center to the waterfront. Rising 41 floors above ground, it encompasses approximately 62,000 square meters of total area, including 50,000 square meters of usable office space that accommodates 1,800 to 2,000 employees and attracts around 6,000 visitors monthly. The tower's sleek, triangular glass facade—comprising 20,000 square meters with 5,000 high-performance modules—embodies a minimalist aesthetic while prioritizing sustainability, earning LEED Core and Shell Platinum certification for its use of 100% renewable energy, 40% reduced water consumption, and 20% recycled or locally sourced materials. As an iconic symbol of Bilbao's transformation into a hub for finance and business, the Iberdrola Tower integrates with surrounding developments like the Guggenheim Museum and Euskalduna Palace, enhancing the city's cultural and economic landscape.

Overview

Location and Specifications

The Iberdrola Tower is situated in Bilbao's Abandoibarra district, at Plaza Euskadi 5, with geographic coordinates 43°16′03″N 2°56′19″W. This location positions the structure along the regenerated promenade of the Nervión River estuary, serving as a prominent vertical anchor in the urban landscape amid the area's transformation from industrial use to a modern business and cultural hub. The tower rises to a height of 165 meters and features 41 floors above ground level, including technical floors, encompassing a total usable area of approximately 50,000 . Designed to accommodate functions, it supports a capacity of up to 2,000 employees across its open-plan spaces. Construction began with the laying of the first stone on March 19, 2007, and the project reached completion in 2011. The tower was officially inaugurated on February 21, 2012, by King of .

Ownership and Current Use

The Torre Iberdrola is majority-owned by , S.A., a Spanish multinational company headquartered in , with a 68.2% stake since the building's inception as a project in the mid-2000s. The remaining 31.8% ownership is held by , S.A., a Basque banking group. This joint ownership structure was established following Iberdrola's acquisition of full initial control from developer Promotora Vizcaína and subsequent partial sale to Kutxabank to support regional investment. Since its official opening on February 21, 2012, the tower has served as the global corporate headquarters for , accommodating approximately 1,800 to 2,000 employees, including executive offices on upper floors. The primary function is high-end , with open-plan layouts across 41 floors totaling around 50,000 m² of usable area, designed to foster innovation in and initiatives central to Iberdrola's operations. In addition to Iberdrola's staff, the building hosts offices for other multinational companies, positioning it as a hub for business in the Basque Country. The overall capacity supports more than 3,000 occupants, emphasizing flexible workspaces for large firms, SMEs, and professionals. Ancillary facilities enhance its operational role, including a business center on the third floor with five modular rooms accommodating 5 to 325 people, equipped for video conferencing and presentations, and a larger on the 24th floor for up to 300 attendees in events like streaming sessions or corporate gatherings. A grand public lobby at ground level provides access and amenities such as a , , retail outlet, CityPaq parcel service, and , integrating commercial elements without residential components. These features support daily functions for occupants while maintaining the tower's focus as a sustainable corporate powered entirely by .

Historical Development

Abandoibarra Masterplan

The Abandoibarra masterplan emerged in the early as a cornerstone of 's post-industrial regeneration strategy, addressing the economic decline triggered by the closure of shipyards and heavy industries during the 1980s crisis. Established in 1992, the Ría 2000 consortium—a public-private entity jointly managed by Basque regional and Spanish state administrations—took the lead in coordinating the redevelopment of degraded waterfront areas along the Nervión estuary. In 1993, the City Council launched an international ideas competition to conceptualize the transformation of Abandoibarra's former industrial zone, aiming to reclaim over 30 hectares of underutilized land for public and economic use. Winning the competition, a team led by architects , Diana Balmori, and Eugenio Aguinaga completed the masterplan design in 1996, which was formally integrated into the city's urban framework through the 1999 Partial Plan for Interior Reform (PERI). This timeline reflected a deliberate emphasis on sustainable principles, including pedestrian-oriented layouts, environmental integration, and economic revitalization to boost employment and attract investment in the wake of Bilbao's industrial downturn. Construction commenced in January 1996, with phased developments culminating in the project's completion in September 2011 upon the opening of the Campa de los Ingleses park. The plan prioritized converting obsolete shipyards, port facilities, and railway infrastructure into a cohesive mixed-use , balancing public accessibility with commercial viability. Central to the masterplan were expansive green spaces and leisure areas totaling 115,714 square meters within the overall 348,507-square-meter site, featuring a revitalized riverside promenade, parks, and iconic elements like the Zubizuri pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. These open areas enhanced connectivity and ecological restoration, creating a "green lung" adjacent to cultural landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, opened in 1997 as part of the broader regeneration. The plan also incorporated business hubs with high-quality office spaces, including provisions for high-rise developments like the future Iberdrola Tower site, alongside residential zones and retail facilities such as the Zubiarte Shopping Centre. Cultural components, including the University of Deusto Library and the Bizkaia Aretoa assembly hall of the University of the Basque Country, further enriched the district's role as a hub for education and events.

Site History and Prior Projects

Prior to the 1990s, the site of the Iberdrola Tower in Bilbao's Abandoibarra district formed part of the city's industrial waterfront along the Nervión River, dominated by activities and warehouses associated with the that fueled Bilbao's in the 19th and 20th centuries. The area included facilities linked to the Euskalduna shipyards, a major employer that specialized in constructing large vessels and contributed significantly to the local economy until its closure in 1985 amid broader trends that led to high unemployment and in the region. This marked the end of an era for the waterfront, transforming former productive zones into derelict spaces awaiting redevelopment as part of Bilbao's post-industrial regeneration efforts. In the 1990s, initial proposals for the Abandoibarra area, including the tower's specific site, emphasized low-rise developments to integrate residential, commercial, and cultural uses while respecting the district's emerging masterplan for pedestrian-friendly urban renewal. However, a more ambitious public-led concept emerged around 1998 when the Provincial Council of Biscay (Diputación Foral de Bizkaia) proposed a prominent tower on the site for its administrative headquarters, initially envisioned as a 200-meter skyscraper designed by architect César Pelli to symbolize regional governance and economic revival. This "Diputación Tower" was scaled back to 34 floors by 2003 but remained unbuilt, reflecting early attempts to anchor the site's transformation with a signature public building rather than scattered low-rise structures. The shift from these public-oriented plans to private-led development stemmed from economic priorities during Spain's property boom and subsequent , prompting the Diputación to abandon the tower project in 2003 due to escalating costs and fiscal constraints. In the early 2000s, the site was reallocated for a corporate tower to attract private investment and bolster Bilbao's business profile, aligning with the broader transition from state-driven initiatives to market-oriented regeneration in the Abandoibarra district. This pivot facilitated the eventual selection of a private entity for the site's high-profile development, emphasizing economic viability over needs.

Project Selection and Approval

In the early 2000s, the Bilbao City Council and the pursued the development of a tower within the Abandoibarra masterplan to symbolize the region's economic revitalization, culminating in a key decision in 2003 following provincial elections. The newly appointed Diputado General of Bizkaia, José Luis Bilbao, opted to abandon a prior proposal for a Diputación tower and instead advance a new office project in partnership with , selecting César Pelli's design for its contemporary elegance and harmonious fit with the surrounding urban landscape. This partnership positioned as the , with the company agreeing to relocate its to the tower, underscoring its commitment to Bilbao's growth and internationalization. The project's regulatory path advanced through environmental impact assessments completed in 2006, evaluating potential ecological effects on the Nervión River and urban environment, followed by the issuance of final building permits in 2008 by local authorities.

Design and Architecture

Architectural Concept

The Iberdrola Tower was designed by Argentine-American architect , renowned for iconic skyscrapers such as the in . Pelli's firm, Pelli Clarke & Partners, envisioned the tower as a focal point within Bilbao's Abandoibarra redevelopment, transforming a former industrial train yard area into a vibrant urban hub that reconnects the historic city center to the Nervión River waterfront. The design draws on Bilbao's industrial past while embracing contemporary principles of and , resulting in a sleek, upward-thrusting form that serves as a modern landmark for the Basque Country. Aesthetically, the tower features a graceful triangular plan composed of three tilted cylindrical segments, creating a chevron-like with slightly curved edges that evoke a luminous . This 41-story structure rises to 165 meters, with its prow-like front orientation pointing along Elkano Avenue, enhancing its dynamic presence in the skyline. At the base, a sculptural and podium integrates seamlessly with the surrounding Plaza Euskadi, providing pedestrian-friendly access and framing views toward the , while the overall form maximizes usable through efficient geometric proportions. Symbolizing Iberdrola's commitment to and , the tower's crystalline facade captures and reflects , suggesting fluidity and in line with the company's focus. The triangular vertices are conceptually extended to converge at an imaginary point 1,000 meters above, underscoring themes of aspiration and convergence. Internally, the layout progresses vertically from public realms to private workspaces, beginning with a multi-story, -filled lobby clad in honey-colored wood and stone, adorned with artworks by Basque artists such as Jesús María Lazkano and Cristina Iglesias, and extending outward to an adjacent park with ancient olive trees. Above, open-plan office floors facilitate collaboration among up to 2,000 employees, with expansive glazing promoting natural illumination throughout.

Structural and Material Features

The Iberdrola Tower employs a core as its primary , providing essential vertical support and lateral stability to counter the strong prevalent in the Basque region and comply with Spain's seismic design requirements. This , combined with for the main vertical and lateral load-bearing components, forms an all-concrete system augmented by reinforcements to enhance overall rigidity. The building's facade system features a double-skin glass curtain wall with a ventilated cavity, incorporating low-emissivity coatings for effective control and solar heat gain reduction, which contributes to its energy-efficient performance. High-performance is integrated into the curtain wall framing and other elements, while the project incorporates materials with up to 20% recycled content to align with standards. The foundation consists of a direct foundation on marls with a 2-4 meter thick , excavated 16.4 meters below ground level, providing stability on the challenging site adjacent to the Nervión River.

Construction Process

Timeline and Phases

The construction of the Iberdrola Tower followed its approval in 2008 and unfolded in distinct phases over several years. Excavation began in 2007 and ended in April 2008. The pre-construction phase in 2009 focused on foundation work, which began on March 19, 2009, laying the groundwork for the tower's 165-meter structure on the Abandoibarra site. The main construction phases commenced shortly thereafter, with the erection of the progressing from 2009 to 2011. This period saw the building reach its full height by mid-2011, incorporating the tower's triangular form and 41 floors through progressive assembly of and elements. Interior fit-out and facade installation followed in 2011–2012, completing the building's operational readiness with advanced cladding and internal systems. Key milestones included the in 2011, marking the structural completion amid challenges from the economic recession, though the project adhered to its overall schedule. The tower was officially inaugurated on February 21, 2012, by King , signifying the culmination of the build and its integration into Bilbao's skyline.

Involved Companies and Contributions

The of the Iberdrola Tower involved several key companies, each contributing specialized expertise to ensure the project's success as Bilbao's tallest building and Europe's first Platinum-certified skyscraper. , the primary client and energy company headquartered in the tower, provided essential input on office space requirements, emphasizing and functional efficiency for its corporate operations. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects served as the design architect, overseeing the overall architectural vision and ensuring alignment with the tower's triangular form and double-skin glass facade, while Ortiz León Arquitectos acted as the architect of record to handle local execution details. The firm collaborated closely with engineering teams to integrate aesthetic and environmental goals, drawing from their experience in high-profile sustainable projects. IDOM, a Basque engineering firm based in , played a central role in , (MEP) design, as well as , adapting the design to local regulations and the site's geotechnical conditions along the Nervión River. Their contributions focused on the tower's robust concrete core and efficient systems to support 41 floors of primarily with commercial areas on lower levels. Bellapart specialized in facade engineering, conducting multiphysics analysis, prototyping, fabrication, and installation of the 20,000 m² bespoke curtain wall system, which features a dynamic double-skin for and natural ventilation. provided additional consulting support for structural and sustainability aspects, ensuring the facade's complex geometry met standards. The main contractor, Fonorte Empresa Constructora SA, handled the overall execution. Promotora Vizcaína, in partnership with , functioned as the developer overseeing the overall project delivery, including coordination of civil works and commercial aspects during the five-year construction period starting in 2007.

Sustainability Features

LEED Platinum Certification

The Iberdrola Tower achieved LEED Platinum certification on October 15, 2012, the highest level under the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED BD+C: Core and Shell v2 rating system, recognizing superior performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. The project earned 48 out of 62 possible points, with strong results in categories such as water efficiency (5/5 points) and indoor environmental quality (10/11 points), alongside credits for energy optimization and sustainable materials. This made the tower the first office skyscraper in Europe to receive LEED Platinum status, verified through rigorous independent assessment, and it highlighted innovative approaches to green building in a region previously underrepresented in high-level certifications. The certification process integrated sustainability from pre-construction planning, where the design team identified strategies to fulfill prerequisites and pursue credits across the rating system's categories. Documentation detailing compliance—covering , material sourcing, and site impacts—was submitted to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), USGBC's independent verifier, for technical review, scoring, and on-site verification during construction. Post-occupancy audits ensured ongoing performance, confirming the tower's adherence to standards through operational data review. Key benefits include operational cost reductions from approximately 20% energy savings achieved via efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems, alongside a minimized carbon footprint through 100% use of certified renewable energy. These outcomes, combined with 40% lower water use, position the tower as a benchmark for sustainable high-rises in Spain, demonstrating scalable environmental and economic advantages.

Environmental Design Elements

The Iberdrola Tower incorporates advanced energy systems designed to minimize consumption and reliance on non-renewable sources. A key feature is the double-wall glass façade, which enables natural ventilation by circulating cool interior air through the cavity between the walls, drawing heat from interior spaces and releasing it outside via ceiling plenums; this system enhances the building's energy efficiency. Complementing this, the heating and cooling infrastructure uses a continuous loop of 30°C water for efficient distribution, supported by high-efficiency variable coolant volume units and inflow systems that optimize , contributing to the overall approximately 20% energy savings. The tower operates on 100 percent green power for its core and shell spaces, further lowering its . Water management strategies emphasize conservation and reuse to reduce potable water demand. Rainwater collected from roof gutters is filtered to remove 80 percent of suspended solids before being reused for flushing toilets and urinals. A greywater recovery system on floors 2 through 35 treats water from bathroom sinks for reuse in toilet flushing on select levels, while low-flow fixtures—including electronic taps and volume-limited flushes—contribute to a 40 percent overall reduction in water consumption compared to conventional buildings. These measures ensure sustainable on-site water cycling without compromising functionality. Site-specific elements integrate greenery and resource-efficient practices to enhance environmental performance. At least 20 percent of the site's free areas are dedicated to parks and gardens, including lush landscaping around the underground parking that mitigates the effect and connects visually to the adjacent Campa de los Ingleses Park. During , 100 percent of removed was recycled, and building materials included at least 20 percent recycled content with another 20 percent sourced locally within 800 kilometers to minimize transport emissions and support regional . These features promote and reduce the project's ecological impact on Bilbao's urban landscape.

Significance and Legacy

Role in Urban Regeneration

The Iberdrola Tower has significantly contributed to Bilbao's economic transformation by housing the global headquarters of Iberdrola, one of Spain's largest energy companies, thereby attracting substantial private investment to the Abandoibarra district. This relocation from Madrid in 2011 catalyzed business activity in the formerly industrial waterfront area, fostering a new hub for corporate operations and services. Iberdrola's presence has supported over 30,000 jobs across the Basque Country, with a notable portion linked to operations and supply chains in Bilbao, while the company's annual economic contribution to the region's GDP exceeds €3.5 billion. Spatially, the tower anchors Abandoibarra's as Bilbao's central financial and business district, symbolizing the shift from to a modern . Rising 165 meters as the area's tallest structure, it defines the and integrates with the surrounding masterplan, including the adjacent Plaza Euskadi, to create a cohesive urban environment. This design enhances connectivity by linking to Bilbao's , metro, and bus networks, while emphasizing pedestrian-friendly pathways and green spaces that promote and accessibility for residents and workers. Following its opening in , the tower's influence extended beyond immediate economic gains, paving the way for subsequent regeneration efforts in . It exemplified successful public-private partnerships in Abandoibarra's masterplan, inspiring nearby initiatives such as the 2024 Bilbao Island smart city project in the adjacent Zorrotzaurre peninsula, where partners with the city council to develop a net-zero emissions district focused on and innovation.

Awards and Cultural Impact

The Iberdrola Tower has received notable recognition for its architectural and features. In 2017, it was awarded the Finalista Oro prize in the third edition of the Premios 3 Diamante, organized by Mitsubishi Electric, ranking it as the second most energy-efficient building in based on criteria including , renewable integration, and environmental performance. Additionally, the tower holds Platinum certification from the U.S. Council, marking it as the first high-rise office building in to achieve this highest rating, which underscores its advanced systems for , material efficiency, and low-carbon operations. As a cultural landmark, the tower symbolizes Bilbao's post-industrial revival, emerging alongside icons like the Guggenheim Museum to represent the city's shift toward modernity and resilience following economic decline in the late . Its sleek, triangular glass facade anchors the Abandoibarra urban development, contributing to Bilbao's reputation as a hub for and drawing parallels to the "Bilbao Effect" of cultural reinvention. The tower's cultural legacy was highlighted during its 10th anniversary celebrations in February 2022, when Chairman Ignacio Galán participated in events emphasizing its role as a beacon of sustainable progress and . These commemorations included public acknowledgments of its integration into Bilbao's , reinforcing its status as a enduring emblem of the region's architectural ambition. In terms of broader impact, the tower has influenced subsequent high-rise developments in , such as César Pelli's Torre Sevilla, by exemplifying sustainable design in non-traditional urban contexts. Publicly, it serves as a , with its ground-level hall transformed into an informal featuring works by Basque artists like Darío Urzay and Cristina Iglesias, enhancing its draw as part of Bilbao's open-air cultural itinerary. Although public viewing platforms are currently inaccessible, the structure's visibility from key vantage points continues to captivate visitors, solidifying its place in the city's cultural narrative.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.