Composite concrete panels offer a modern solution inspired by 19th-century ingenuity, such as pavement vault lights with glass prisms cast in concrete to illuminate interior spaces. GBA has reimagined this concept with engineered precast concrete and glass panels, suitable for ceilings, canopies, sky bridges, or even backlit installations for added drama. These translucent composite panels deliver the look and feel of precast concrete while being significantly lighter and available in various colors, finishes, and glass block options. With durable, fire-resistant construction and lightweight insulation, composite concrete panels are ideal for interior accent walls or dividers that benefit from natural or artificial light.
The finished texture gives the look and feel of a sandblasted concrete finish when utilizing a grey color. Precast panels are available in four standard colors but can also be customized to match the color intended for the desired project goal. GBA works with you to design artificial concrete wall panels utilizing the latest in current building materials and supplying hundreds of glass block and brick options worldwide. The glass blocks are secured within the precast concrete panels using a combination of high-strength construction adhesive and grout joint around the perimeter. Depending on the thickness of the panel and the glass block selected, the precast wall panel weight is approximately 10 pounds per square foot. Multiple panels of this fire retardant insulated system, can be mulled together to make a design statement for decorative wall or ceiling panels.
Artificial concrete wall panels with glass block are made of such lightweight material that the panels are hand carriable making the installation process so much easier. Similiar to molded concrete walls, these precast panels can be constructed in an "assembly line" fashion on the job site. Common applications installed by GBA have been incorporated as accent walls. An accent wall by definition is a wall that is different in design from the other walls in that room. The color of the wall may be different, it could be textured, or made of an entirely different material. Precast concrete walls made with glass make the perfect accent wall due to their versatility.
In Toronto, Ontario, WeWork installed our Composite Precast Concrete panels into their multipurpose office space. This creates a unique and inviting seating area without feeling completely closed off from the rest of the office. The circular glass block incorporated into the panels was completely clear, allowing the maximum amount of light to pass from one office area to the next.
Due to the lightweight nature of the precast concrete and glass paver panels, they can even be hung decoratively from the ceiling. This particular application can give any room a modern design with lights passing through the glass pavers set within the precast concrete.
Photo above shows precast concrete and glass paver panels hung from the ceiling at WeWork, located at 1100 King Street, Toronto.
"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company
"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C
"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler
"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting
"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors
