For more than 15 years, GBE has supported the construction of cast-in-place (in-situ) reinforced concrete façades with integrated thermal insulation. The first building using the GBE System was completed in 2011. Since then, more than 100 buildings representing over 400,000 m2 of façade area have been completed across a wide range of building types, including housing, education, cultural facilities, healthcare and scientific research.
These projects demonstrate in practice how the GBE System can address architectural, thermal, structural and environmental requirements. Each featured project has a dedicated project page presenting key data, the main design requirements, the reasons for using the GBE System and the benefits provided by the adopted solutions.
Selected GBE System projects
Montaigne Media Library — Frontignan
Completed: 2014
Cultural facility · Public-sector client · Tautem BMC2
Architectural concrete façade with integrated thermal insulation, designed as a climate-responsive filter.
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ENS Paris-Saclay — Gif-sur-Yvette
Completed: 2020
Higher education and research · Public-sector client · Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Large insulated cast-in-place concrete gable walls incorporating project-specific structural solutions.
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Chalucet Media Library — Toulon
Completed: 2020
Cultural facility · Public-sector client · Corinne Vezzoni & Associés
Insulated white concrete façades creating a dialogue between architectural heritage and contemporary design.
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ANSES–ANSM Laboratories — Lyon-Gerland
Completed: 2026
Scientific research · Public-sector client · Pargade Architectes / Moon Safari
An insulated cast-in-place concrete post-and-beam frame integrated into a hybrid façade system.
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Blocks 24 and 25 — Lyon-La Duchère
Completed: 2021
68 social housing units · Social housing provider · Philippe Dubus Architectes
Concrete façades designed for energy efficiency, durability and reduced maintenance requirements.
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Chalucet School of Fine Arts — Toulon
Completed: 2020
Arts education · Public-sector client · Corinne Vezzoni & Associés
Continuous bands of insulated white concrete form a sculptural façade on a building approximately 40 metres high.
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The GBE System in practice
The GBE System consists of two reinforced concrete leaves cast in place around integrated rigid thermal insulation. It is not a prefabricated system: the walls are constructed using conventional reinforced concrete methods, including formwork, reinforcement and concrete placement directly on site.
Cast-in-place construction preserves the architectural flexibility associated with concrete. Large openings, curved walls, form-lined finishes, integrally coloured concrete, exposed concrete surfaces and varied geometries can all be achieved without multiplying the joints associated with the assembly of prefabricated panels.
The thermal insulation is permanently protected between the two concrete leaves. The mass of the internal concrete leaf contributes to the thermal mass of the building and to summer comfort, while continuity of the insulation helps reduce heating and cooling demand.
Façades designed for construction and long-term performance
The GBE System uses conventional reinforced concrete construction methods and the skills of site teams experienced in formwork, reinforcement and concrete placement. Combining the structure, thermal insulation and architectural concrete finish within a single wall assembly can reduce some subsequent finishing operations and simplify the construction sequence.
For building owners and asset managers responsible for long-term operation, protecting the insulation between two concrete leaves, the durability of the mineral concrete façade and the reduced reliance on additional façade systems can also provide benefits in terms of durability and maintenance requirements.
Structural design is carried out in accordance with the standards applicable to the project location. In Europe, reinforced concrete design is generally based on Eurocode 2 (EN 1992) together with the applicable National Annex. In the United Kingdom, the corresponding framework is BS EN 1992 and the relevant UK National Annex. In the United States, ACI 318 is a principal reference for structural concrete design. The application of the GBE System in each country remains subject to local building regulations, structural design requirements and any project-specific approvals.
