The patented GBE System® enables the construction of cast-in-place reinforced concrete walls with continuous insulation integrated directly within the wall. Two concrete leaves are cast around the insulation, creating a robust and durable building envelope while retaining the construction methods and know-how of conventional cast-in-place concrete.
A cast-in-place insulated concrete wall system
The insulation is positioned between the two reinforced concrete leaves and held in place using connectors and components developed by GBE. The wall is then concreted directly on site, without using prefabricated sandwich panels.
This configuration combines continuous insulation, the thermal mass of concrete and the durability of a mineral façade. Because the insulation is permanently protected within the wall, it is less exposed to external weathering and mechanical damage.
Cast in place
The GBE System® is not a prefabricated wall system. It is implemented directly on site using conventional reinforced-concrete formwork, reinforcement and casting techniques.
Continuous insulation
The insulation is integrated within the wall and protected between the two concrete leaves, helping to provide a continuous and durable thermal envelope.
Conventional construction skills
Installation is based primarily on the established skills of formwork and reinforced-concrete contractors and can be incorporated into the usual structural concrete construction cycle.
Construction and implementation
The GBE System® follows the normal sequence of cast-in-place reinforced concrete construction: installation of the first formwork face, reinforcement, positioning of the insulation and GBE components, installation of the second reinforcement layer and formwork face, followed by concrete placement.
Concrete is placed on both sides of the insulation in accordance with the construction method defined for the project. Particular attention is given to concrete placement, reinforcement positioning and the stability of the external concrete leaf during execution.
The system therefore remains closely connected to traditional concrete construction methods rather than introducing an industrialised prefabrication process.
Structural design and adaptation to international standards
The structural design of the GBE System® is based on the conventional principles used for reinforced concrete structures. The concrete leaves, reinforcement and structural connections are designed according to the structural code applicable to the country in which the project is built.
European Union
In European projects, reinforced concrete design can be carried out in accordance with Eurocode 2 (EN 1992), together with the relevant National Annex and the other applicable Eurocodes.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, concrete structures are designed using the British adoption of Eurocode 2, BS EN 1992, together with the UK National Annex and the applicable UK regulatory requirements.
United States
For projects in the United States, the same structural principles can be assessed within the local code framework, notably ACI 318 for structural concrete and ASCE/SEI 7 for design loads and load combinations.
This approach makes the construction principle technically adaptable to different international regulatory environments. Wall thicknesses, reinforcement, concrete specifications, connections, fire performance, seismic requirements and other project-specific provisions must nevertheless be verified against the standards and approvals applicable in the country concerned.
The regulatory framework applicable to the GBE System® is therefore project- and country-specific. Use outside France requires verification by the project designers and relevant approval or control bodies against the locally applicable building codes, standards and technical requirements.
Energy performance, durability and architectural freedom
By combining continuous insulation with the thermal mass of concrete, the GBE System® can contribute to reducing heating and cooling demand and to improving summer thermal comfort. The insulation remains protected within the wall, while the concrete leaves provide a durable and robust building envelope.
The cast-in-place construction method also preserves the architectural flexibility of concrete. Exposed concrete, textured or patterned surfaces, coloured concrete, curved walls, large openings and complex geometries can be incorporated according to the architectural and structural requirements of each project.
GBE System® implementation in 3D
The following animation illustrates the main stages involved in constructing a wall using the GBE System®.
