The transformation of Brussels’ former Citroën garage into KANAL – Centre Pompidou has become one of the largest projects completed with FINEO vacuum glazing by AGC, combining heritage preservation with improved energy and acoustic performance.
The 1930s complex, once Europe’s largest garage, features historic steel façades with welded L- and T-profiles designed for single glazing. With rebate depths of only 4 to 5.5 centimetres and decades of deformation, conventional insulating glass could not be accommodated without altering the original structure.
AGC supplied FINEO 10 with low-iron Clearvision glass, measuring just 9.7 mm thick while achieving a Ug value of 0.8 W/(m²K). Thermal and dynamic simulations were conducted to assess condensation risks, while a project-specific fixing system was developed and tested at Ghent University.
Approximately 1,400 unique panes, covering around 2,200 m², were installed in the Workshop façades. Despite extensive deformation, none required remanufacturing due to incorrect dimensions. 
The 25-metre-high Showroom received approximately 530 FINEO units integrated into the thermally broken Janisol Arte 66 steel system.
Reusing the historic Workshop façades avoided an estimated 61 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, demonstrating how advanced vacuum glazing can enhance building performance while preserving architectural heritage.
Source: FINEO with additional information added by Glass Balkan
