Vilanova i la Geltrú Fishermen’s Guild facilities after the work was completed
Industrial project · Port of Vilanova

Fishermen’s Guild of Vilanova i la Geltrú

Upgrade and modernisation of a working environment exposed to wind, salt air and intensive daily use, with solutions tailored to the needs of the fishing industry.

Location Vilanova i la Geltrú
Environment Marine environment and professional use
Scope Protection, access and enclosures
Upgrade and modernisation

A refurbishment designed around the Guild’s day-to-day work

At Alustetic, we specialise in aluminium fabrication and metalwork solutions for a wide range of sectors.

One of our most significant projects was the refurbishment of the Vilanova i la Geltrú Fishermen’s Guild facilities, improving the spaces to provide a safer and more efficient working environment for fishing professionals.

This was not simply a case of replacing outdated elements. The project had to address a very specific set of conditions: direct proximity to the sea, continuous exposure to wind and salt air, forklift traffic, large openings and an operation that requires fast, reliable access with straightforward maintenance.

We therefore planned the project as a coordinated intervention, with each element serving a clear purpose while working effectively with the rest of the installation.

Project completed by Alustetic
One integrated intervention

Different solutions, one shared objective

To improve protection throughout the facilities, streamline daily operations and use materials suited to a particularly demanding environment.

01

Wind protection

Reinforced windbreak awnings to protect the upper part of the fish auction hall.

02

Automated access

High-speed doors to allow the continuous movement of people, equipment and goods.

03

Impact protection

Highly visible reinforced barriers to reduce damage caused by forklifts.

04

Materials for marine environments

Stainless steel, safety glazing and components protected against salt exposure.

Exterior view of the openings and protective systems installed at the Guild
The intervention combines large access points, perimeter protection and enclosure systems designed around the day-to-day activity of the quay.
Challenges at the Guild

Working by the sea influences every decision

The Fishermen’s Guild required a comprehensive refurbishment to improve the strength and durability of facilities exposed to harsh marine conditions.

01

Exposure to corrosion

A marine environment calls for highly resistant materials and components able to withstand moisture and salt exposure.

02

Safe, functional structures

The spaces needed to be safe, practical and suited to the needs of the fishermen, staff and administration.

03

Durability and low maintenance

The project called for robust, easy-to-clean materials capable of performing reliably under continuous use.

04

Modernisation without losing identity

The traditional character of the Guild needed to be retained while creating a more orderly, modern and efficient environment.

Work completed

Solutions designed for each area

To meet these challenges, we combined protection from sun and wind, automation, impact protection and durable enclosure systems.

Reinforced windbreak awnings installed above the hall Upper-level protection
Work 01

Windbreak awnings

To protect the upper part of the fish auction hall, we installed reinforced windbreak awnings capable of withstanding strong gusts coming in from the sea.

Intermediate reinforcements provide the awnings with greater stability and durability. We selected a Sauleda acrylic fabric for its excellent resistance to weathering and reliable performance in a marine environment.

Their layout protects large areas without visually closing off the space or disrupting the work carried out in the hall.

  • Protection for large openings exposed to wind.
  • Intermediate reinforcements for greater stability.
  • Fabric selected for intensive outdoor use.
Automated high-speed doors inside the Fishermen’s Guild Automated access
Work 02

High-speed doors

Beneath the windbreak awnings, we installed automated high-speed doors designed to provide fast and safe access.

The doors are operated by a high-speed motor, allowing them to open and close efficiently. This reduces the fish’s exposure to direct sunlight and helps maintain better conditions during day-to-day operations.

The door structure is made from high-grade stainless steel to minimise corrosion. The push-button controls are hermetically sealed to protect the electronics from moisture and salt in the air.

  • Opening and closing suited to frequent traffic.
  • Stainless-steel structure for a marine environment.
  • Controls protected from moisture and salt exposure.
Reinforced yellow protective barriers around the high-speed doors Impact protection
Work 03

Reinforced protective barriers

To protect the doors and other structural elements, safety barriers were installed on both the inside and outside.

Finished in yellow for maximum visibility, these barriers absorb impacts and help prevent damage caused by forklifts and other handling equipment used throughout the facilities.

Physical protection around access points is particularly important in a busy working area, reducing the risk of damage and helping extend the service life of the systems.

  • High visibility in circulation areas.
  • Protection on both sides of the access points.
  • Reduced risk of impacts to doors and structures.
Fixed and sliding stainless-steel glazed enclosures Stainless steel and glass
Work 04

Stainless-steel enclosures

We replaced the old iron enclosures with high-grade stainless-steel fixed and sliding systems, fitted with laminated safety glass to help prevent fragments from falling away in the event of an impact.

This upgrade not only improves the resilience of the facilities, but also reduces long-term maintenance requirements and gives the space a more contemporary appearance.

The combination of stainless-steel framing and glazed surfaces preserves natural light and visibility between areas, both important in a working environment.

  • Materials suited to salt-exposed environments.
  • Laminated safety glass.
  • More natural light, visibility and easier maintenance.
Interior blinds made with Soltis 96 fabric in the Guild hall Indoor comfort
Work 05

Interior blinds

To improve lighting without compromising solar protection, we installed blinds made with Soltis 96 fabric.

This material allows natural light through and retains partial views to the outside, while filtering direct sunlight and reducing glare.

The result is a more comfortable working environment, with natural light maintained in a room whose geometry and openings required a tailored solution.

  • Control of direct sunlight and glare.
  • Natural light with partial outward visibility.
  • Solution tailored to the room’s circular shape.
Interior detail of a high-speed door and its protective barriers
Open high-speed doors with a direct view of the Port of Vilanova
Project criteria

The solution had to work today and keep working tomorrow

In a professional facility, design matters, but durability, safety and maintenance matter even more.

Environmental resistance

Materials and components selected with the site’s proximity to the sea and constant salt exposure in mind.

Intensive use

Systems designed for daily operation with frequent opening, closing and movement.

Safety

Impact protection, laminated glass and protected controls to reduce risk in working areas.

Practical maintenance

Robust, accessible solutions that make cleaning, inspections and upkeep easier.

A project where protection, speed and durability had to work together without getting in the way of daily operations.
The result

Together, the interventions improved the organisation and protection of access points, adapted the enclosures to port conditions and created more comfortable spaces for the people working there.

Each system addresses a different need, but they all follow the same principle: a functional, durable solution that fits the day-to-day activity of the Fishermen’s Guild.

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