As reported by Solar Age, the data base on solar architecture, three of this year's Iconic Awards went to photovoltaic products and projects using solar energy. The prize is awarded by the German Design Council. Colt, the planner of sun protection facades, was awarded the prize in the category Facade Design for Ellisse, their glass sliding element for facades. The semi-transparent solar cells laminated between the two sheets of glass provide the shading.
The jury was not only impressed by the unusual shape and sophisticated design of the Ellisse PV slider. After all, Colt manages to make the slider easy to move despite its great weight. The jury also honoured the amount of energy gained from the building envelope.
Façade module convinces the jury
The module manufacturer Avancis has also won a prize in the facade design category. The jury highlighted that the Powermax Skala does not reveal its power generation functionality at first glance. This is because photovoltaic technology remains largely invisible under the homogeneous glass surface, which is also available in various colours. In addition, Avancis has fastened a rail for attachment to the facade on the back of the module.
The jury awarded the City of Freiburg the title of Architects’ Client of the Year. It thereby honours the municipality's commitment to environmental protection and energy transition. Future-oriented energy supply concepts based on energy saving, the use of renewable energies and energy efficiency are intended to help Freiburg reduce harmful emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 and to become climate-neutral by 2050.
Solar facade at the town hall as landmark project
Many cities have set themselves this goal. "But if a city can succeed, then Freiburg", the jurors are certain. "For decades, Freiburg has consistently pursued the transformation to a green city," the jury explained, citing a number of projects implemented in Freiburg. The new city hall in Freiburg is equipped with a solar facade that, together with an additional photovoltaic system on the roof, produces more electricity than is consumed in the building. (su/mfo)
The videos from the 2019 pv Guided Tours at The smarter E Europe (Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive, EM-Power) in Munich are now online. Here you can follow the tour on building-integrated photovoltaics.
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