Better than Precast: 3D GFRC facade
Through the use of glassfibre reinforced concrete formparts just 13 mm thin, Rieder offers an innovative alternative to conventional solid precast elements. While traditional concrete precast components are often characterised by large material thicknesses and correspondingly high weight, these slender 3D elements enable a significantly more resource-efficient and structurally effective facade solution. The reduced material usage not only saves valuable raw materials, but also decreases weight, transport effort and the load on the supporting structure.
Despite their minimal thickness, the elements offer high stability across large spans and open up new design possibilities for architects working with precise, geometrically complex facades. At the same time, the moisture-resistant material structure and low susceptibility to soiling ensure durable, low-maintenance facade surfaces. The advantages of the lightweight components are also evident during construction: thanks to factory prefabrication and a well-considered fixing system, the elements can be installed efficiently and precisely on site.
Use Case: Wind- and weather-resistant building envelope
The result is a facade solution that combines the robustness and materiality of concrete with a sense of lightness, enabling innovative design and construction possibilities for resource-efficient facades, as impressively demonstrated by PREVIER in Hamburg’s HafenCity.
The monolithic-looking building envelope made of glassfibre reinforced concrete acts like a tailored shield against the elements, combining sculptural form with functional precision. Around 17,000 m² of facade area, composed of individually developed formparts and flat large-format panels by Rieder, bring together technology and aesthetics in six warm shades of red to create a durable solution.
Commissioned by BGW and VBG, the project meets the demands of weather resistance, lightweight construction and installation efficiency in an exposed location to a high degree. Designed by the architectural practice Auer Weber, it incorporates 2,645 vertical pilaster strips in a double U-profile, 2,500 horizontal parapet profiles in a U-shape and approximately 1,500 m² of panels. While the large-format surfaces create calmness, the 3D elements give the facade relief and structure. This results in depth, rhythm, shading and a differentiated facade expression.
Material overview
The glassfibre reinforced concrete elements combine the advantages of both materials and offer technical, aesthetic and ecological qualities for a wide range of facade applications.
Product range
Concrete skin - large-format panels
The 13 mm thin facade panels, available in various colours, surfaces and textures, offer extensive design freedom for individual building envelopes. The material is non-combustible, weather-resistant and durable. Custom formats of up to 5 metres in length enable diverse architectural expressions.
Öko skin - vivid facade slats
With öko skin, Rieder offers concrete facades in a slatted format. Different surface treatments create a lively play of colour. Depending on the finish, the material gains a distinct visual and tactile character. The slats are easy to install and, unlike wood, require no painting or sanding.
Formparts - shaped 3D concrete elements
As monolithic-looking concrete fins, formparts offer a high degree of flexibility and a wide range of design options. The components, with their finely detailed appearance, are customised to project requirements and enable complex 3D geometries with both rounded and sharp-edged solutions. The elements can be prefabricated in the factory under controlled conditions, ensuring high quality standards and efficient on-site installation. Their low weight and ability to span large distances make them suitable for facades with demanding geometries.
Rieder products can also be used for solar shading. The material provides an efficient and innovative way to help regulate facade temperatures. Buildings with glassfibre reinforced concrete envelopes do not contribute to the urban heat island effect.
Mission Green
A key driver of continuous development is the ambition to go beyond sustainable concrete facades and actively contribute to the ecological transformation of the built environment. Through innovative facade technologies, durable materials and sustainable solutions, Rieder supports future-oriented architecture.
In 2026, this commitment will be further developed with the launch of the new Green Report, which transparently outlines progress, goals and ongoing sustainability initiatives.
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Please send an enquiry via the contact form to obtain all the necessary information from Rieder
Tel.: +43 (0)6542 / 690 844