Libeskind’s CityLife Residences: 65 % less gravel for basement walls with Defender
30 October 2025
Milan’s CityLife Residences by Daniel Libeskind combine architectural design with innovative construction.
Defender was chosen for basement wall protection, embedding sustainable profitability into the project’s very foundations.
Milan’s CityLife Residences, designed by the star architect Daniel Libeskind, stand as a testament to architectural innovation – not only in their striking façade but also in their construction. The builders chose Geoplast Defender for basement wall waterproofing protection, enhancing the project’s sustainable profitability.
Gravel basement wall protection: more material, time, and labor
Basement structures are vulnerable to water ingress and soil pressure, requiring effective protection of the waterproofing membrane. Conventional methods typically involve at least 20 cm of gravel backfill combined with a dimpled membrane. This approach consumes significant space, time, labor, and materials, increasing both project costs and environmental impact.
Defender: 65 % less gravel for improved sustainable profitability
To overcome these challenges, our experts recommended Geoplast Defender for basement wall protection. Made from 100 % recycled plastic, Defender replaces the traditional 20 cm gravel layer with just a 7 cm recycled plastic panel – reducing gravel use by at least 65 %. This innovation brought multiple benefits to the project’s sustainable profitability:
Reduced transport
Replacing large quantities of gravel with lightweight recycled plastic panels significantly cuts transport needs, reducing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and logistical complexity.
Fast and easy installation
Defender is designed for quick assembly in just 5 easy steps, minimizing on-site labor requirements and improving project timelines.
Greater cost-efficiency
Lower material quantities, transport, and labor costs enhance construction efficiency and increase overall project profitability.
Improved sustainability
Defender replaces aggregates that require mining, machinery, and long-distance transport, reducing environmental impact and improving project sustainability.
To use Defender in your next project, contact Luca Zausa at luca.zausa@geoplastglobal.com or contact him on Linkedin.
