Abstract: Using the lowest possible amount of resources, a system is to be provided with a structural element (1), which system allows the characteristics of a vacuum to be used in the construction sector in a particularly simple manner. In particular, with a substantial freedom from thermal bridges, it is possible to also subsequently insulate a building envelope, for example, in situ at the lowest possible cost and this insulation is to be flexibly adaptable to changes of the building envelope. For this purpose, the structural element (1) comprises two cover layers (2) arranged substantially parallel to one another and a closed frame structure (4) which is formed integrally with the cover layers (2) and is arranged between said cover layers (2) such that a gastight cavity (6) is formed, said cavity (6) containing a vacuum.