The GBE System® combines continuous integrated insulation, the thermal mass of concrete and a durable cast-in-place building envelope. This configuration can contribute to reducing energy demand, improving summer thermal comfort and limiting thermal bridges while maintaining the robustness of a concrete façade.
Energy performance
The insulation incorporated within the wall limits heat transfer through the building envelope. Its thickness and thermal performance are defined for each project according to the required thermal resistance, wall configuration and applicable building regulations.
By combining continuous insulation with the thermal mass of the internal concrete leaf, the GBE System® can contribute to reducing heating and cooling demand and to improving the overall energy performance of the building.
Thermal inertia and summer comfort
In the GBE System®, the load-bearing concrete leaf is located on the inside of the insulation and therefore remains in thermal interaction with the occupied spaces. Its mass can absorb and later release heat as indoor conditions change.
During summer, this thermal mass can absorb part of the internal and solar heat gains and delay temperature peaks. When the building is ventilated or cooled during cooler night-time periods, this stored heat can be released, helping to reduce overheating and improve summer comfort.
The dynamic thermal behaviour of the wall can be assessed in accordance with EN ISO 13786, which covers the thermal characteristics of building components under periodic conditions.
Control of thermal bridges and airtightness
Junctions between façades, floors, internal walls, parapets and other structural elements are potential thermal weak points in a building envelope. The continuous insulation incorporated within the GBE wall helps limit these thermal bridges and contributes to maintaining more uniform internal surface temperatures.
The walls are cast directly on site and do not rely on the repetition of horizontal and vertical panel joints associated with prefabricated façade systems. This continuous construction principle is favourable to the airtightness of opaque wall areas, subject to correct design and execution of all interfaces and openings.
Continuous insulation
The insulation remains continuous across large areas of the façade, helping to limit heat losses at structural junctions.
Airtight opaque walls
Cast-in-place concrete provides a continuous, inherently low-permeability material for the opaque parts of the building envelope.
Thermal comfort
Improved control of thermal bridges and internal surface temperatures contributes to a more stable and comfortable indoor environment.
Durability and resilience
The insulation is permanently protected between the two concrete leaves, limiting its direct exposure to weather, impacts and other external stresses. This configuration contributes to maintaining the integrity and thermal performance of the insulation over time.
Concrete also provides a robust external skin capable of resisting climatic exposure, mechanical impacts and demanding service conditions. The resulting wall therefore combines thermal performance with the durability expected from a mineral façade.
Reducing environmental impact
The environmental performance of a building depends on the complete project rather than on a single construction system. The GBE System® can nevertheless incorporate lower-carbon concrete formulations and insulation materials with reduced environmental impact, provided that they remain compatible with the technical requirements of the system.
This flexibility allows designers to optimise wall configurations according to structural requirements, thermal objectives, material quantities and the environmental targets applicable to each project.
The GBE System® does not by itself guarantee compliance with a particular energy or environmental standard. Its contribution must be assessed as part of the overall building design and in accordance with the regulations, calculation methods and performance targets applicable in the country concerned.
