Integration of Photovoltaics in Architecture: Caroline Sohie Arup Associates, 37 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EY, UK
Integration of Photovoltaics in Architecture: Caroline Sohie Arup Associates, 37 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EY, UK
Integration of Photovoltaics in Architecture: Caroline Sohie Arup Associates, 37 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EY, UK
Caroline Sohie
Arup Associates, 37 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EY, UK
ABSTRACT
This paper positions the integration of photovoltaics discovering production methods which might make
in architecture within a holistic approach towards photovoltaics accessible to everyone.
sustainability. The following projects by Arup Associates1
clearly demonstrate this approach through very different The architecture which seeks to integrate photovoltaic
applications of solar energy: systems is very sensitive to these developments as they set
a series of rules regarding massing and orientation of the
• A showcase for photovoltaics. building, incorporation of technical requirements and the
• A strategic and practical application for a remote area. design of the external envelope.
• An infrastructure project supported by a central
government initiative. The building envelope has undergone many transformations
throughout architectural history but in essence the highly
technologically advanced curtain wall seeks to satisfy still
INTEGRATION OF PHOTOVOLTAICS IN the same fundamental needs as the hut or the Mongolian
ARCHITECTURE Yurta tent: to create the ideal habitat by offering shelter and
comfort .
Never before in history we have been so self-conscious
about the world resources. Our pursuit of renewable With the discovery of photovoltaics a whole new chapter
energies and the integration of these new applications in was initiated when suddenly the “architectural skin” was
our built environment is seen as us being responsible for found to have the capacity to produce energy as well.
future generations.
Currently the shape and appearance of Photovoltaic
In many cases the projects become demonstration projects applications are still very much dictated by its purpose but
of what may become technically achievable in the future. maybe in the future they will become more fabric related.
With these pilot projects we seek to inspire ourselves as
well as others. In the future “intelligent” cladding materials might be
developed and even programmed to become the perfect
Therefore it is important that these initiatives do not only integrator of form and multiple technologies going far
become a public relation stunt but also a testbed for the beyond fulfilling the absolute function of protection.
rapid development of technology that we shall witness and
participate in the future; even if right now there doesnʼt At present a lot of work has gone into rationalising the
appear to be an immediate need and we can switch off the different types of existing PV installations and in setting-
light, knowing that afterwards, we can turn it on again. out PV application guidelines for architects and engineers .
These installations range from very basic “bolt-on” options
So why do we, or our client for that matter, want to integrate with a minimal level of integration between solar panel and
the use of photovoltaic cells into our future projects? supporting structure to options where the PV Unit forms an
What is the idea, the purpose? integral part of the cladding system in which they can even
Is it a question of absolute need? Is it because of appearance be applied in louvers and shading systems.
towards the general public or of social consciousness?
Or are we driven by technical posibilities and curious to see Although we can try to rationalise and generalise these
where they lead? systems, the integration of PVs depends totally of the
architectural project in which they will be applied.
How the technology of photovoltaics will evolve is very Each project represents a case on its own with its particular
hard to predict. Except for the “natural” technological opportunities and constraints, informed by climate
progress such as increasing the efficiency of the PV conditions and programme, aesthetics and its function
panels, expansion of application possibilities,... this within society and local economics.
applied technology could one day undergo a phase change
through a drastic transformation of the product or through
This paper will illustrate the architectsʼ approach towards panels are fixed back with an aluminium pressure plate
the integration of Photovoltaic cells describing three to aluminium carriers, which are connected back to the
projects, which have been designed and developed by Arup primary timber structure.
Associates in recent years.
The south-facing solar wall is curved and angled to
Although these projects are radically different from each optimise absorption of solar energy and maintain a nearly
other, the approach taken by the designers is very consistent constant electrical output, whilst also shading the east and
and can be summarised in four important themes: west vertical walls to protect against excessive solar gain.
BP SOLAR SHOWCASE, Birmingham, UK. Double-glazed units with Pilkingtonʼs “K” low emissivity
glass are used on the East and west walls, combined with
plywood infill panels on the west wall. The level of glazing
and the amount of opaque panelling in the walls has been
designed to balance internal heat gains – incurred through
lighting, equipment and people – with heat losses.
1 BP SOLAR SHOWCASE, Birmingham, UK. The second system employs the principles of a Roman
Hypocaust: hot air is drawn from the top of the pavilion,
The BP Solar showcase is an exceptional type of building and blown through a second integrated duct, again to a
as it has no inherent site context. damper located next to the entrance. If the heat is not
needed internally, the hot air is directed to an underfloor
It was designed as a prototypical building, showing how chamber comprising ducts of clay land-drain pipes that
photovoltaic cells could be integrated into energy efficient diffuse the air through the underfloor joist zone. A “pebble
domestic and commercial buildings. bed” is used in this area, providing additional thermal
It was designed and built in just six weeks to coincide with mass to the structure, thus helping to minimise diurnal and
the G8 Summit of World Leaders held in Birmingham in seasonal temperature fluctuations.
May 1998.
Except for Photovoltaics other sustainable features were
This project was a joint effort by Arup Associates applied such as the recycling of rainwater, increasing
– architects and engineers- and Ove Arup & Partners – thermal mass, use of a prefabricated timber frame to create
photovoltaic, facade, acoustic, and IT/ telecommunications a re-usable building.
engineers.
In this building the integration off PVs is part of a holistic
The use of photovoltaics was the driving force behind this sustainable approach which encompasses all aspects of
113M2 pavilion, and the embracing architectural concept design and construction. The building is a prototype: its
an expression of the solar paths. orientation and the level of glazing and insulation, can be
adapted to suit its function and location.
The solar units are inherently part of the south-facing solar
wall/roof cladding system, designed and detailed by the After the G8 Summit the pavilion was relocated to Baglan
architects. Bay, South Wales, as a permanent visitor centre for an
A laminated plywood diaphragm with waterproof energy park. The project was awarded the UK Solar Award
membrane supports the solar roof. The PV laminated in 1999.
DRUK WHITE LOTUS SCHOOL, Ladakh, India. configuration, to accommodate sudden higher energy
demands or to work in conjunction with the main grid in case
its efficiency would be improved within the following years.
1 Arup Associates