Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) represent a huge opportunity to achieve nearly zero energy buildings, especially in the retrofitting of existing buildings. VIPs can be applied in conjunction with facade cladding elements, considerably reducing the heat losses or gains from the building by means of very slim wall construction systems or retrofit solutions. However, the fact that VIPs cannot be cut on-site, can be easily damaged during their handling, installation and use and have an envelope that can cause thermal bridging in the junction between panels or when combined with other materials, has hindered their penetration in the construction market. This paper presents two innovative facade retrofitting solutions, a rear ventilated facade and a stud mounted internal solution, that have tackled all these issues and provide thermal transmittances of 0.28 and 0.14 W/m(2) K in relatively slim insulation systems of 10 cm widths. Solutions have been installed on the entire facade of two existing buildings located in Bilbao (Spain) and Malmo (Sweden) subjected to an integral rehabilitation process, covering 2100 m(2). Buildings energy use have been monitored before and after the renovation, showing energy cuts of around 35% from pre-intervention status. This paper presents the lessons learnt during the design and installation process of the vacuum insulation integrating solutions in the facade of two existing buildings and the thermal performance results achieved after their retrofitting. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.