This vault was designed by architects Fernando Vegas and Camilla Mileto and executed by Salvador Gomis under the supervision of Salvador Tomás. It was created as a tribute both to the region’s rich ceramic-making tradition and to the characteristic tile vault technique, historically widespread throughout the East of Spain.
This technique was disseminated by Valencian architect Rafael Guastavino both among modernist architects, most notably Gaudí. In the United States the technique came to be synonymous with him and his place of origin.
Special 3D programs were required to design the pantheon and the final solution was only agreed on after 23 consecutive variations aiming for optimum aesthetic and structural results. All the curves in the pantheon were produced using catenary profiles. These curves are incredibly difficult to express mathematically and graphically to successfully optimise the construction’s overall structural operation.
Close to 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles were used in construction following tests to establish the type of clay, fuel and flame, texture, durability and aging tests. The size and thickness, both dependent on the curves of the pantheon, and the necessary weight were calculated for the three ceramic layers to compensate for the effect of wind suction.
The vault is comprised of four interlinked hyperbolic paraboloids and is very light yet incredibly resistant because of its curves. Formwork was not required and only some metal guides were used to ensure curvature was guaranteed at all times.
The structure was carefully studied so that entire bricks could be used, avoiding trimmings or patching up joints. It was built using only brick, plaster and white cement, and did not require reinforced concrete. Nevertheless, the pantheon vault is designed to withstand possible earthquakes given the rigid curves and the addition of fiberglass rods at the springings to absorb shear force.
The total constructed weight of the vault is approximately 12.5 tonnes, considerably less than a traditional pantheon with brick walls and concrete floors and ceilings, which could weigh between 15 and 20 times as much (between 190 and 250 tonnes) for the same volume. These figures reveal the savings in both energy and material, as well as the versatility of the tile vault compared to other more common constructions.
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