Architectural and aesthetic integration of BIPV/BAPV/PVT solutions

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Products/Technical solution, Technologies and Building systems

DESCRIPTION:

Technical systems such as solar thermal and photovoltaic solutions are integrated into the vertical building envelope. New solutions are tested alongside emerging European standards for integrated building envelopes, developed through research and collaboration between the PV industry and the glass sector. These developments have influenced architectural and aesthetic outcomes, contributing to a new generation of architecture aligned with Green Deal objectives.

BUSINESS ROUTE

Target Users

Architects, Constructors, Local authorities, Policy makers and regulating authorities, Research community

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Trento, Italy

Continental

Sustainable Building (Re)Design

VALUE

Since the turn of the century, energy efficiency objectives in Europe have conditioned architectural concepts from a morphological point of view, starting from the surface-shape relationship of buildings, and today the new forms of integration between building and energy production systems are creating opportunities for developing a new aesthetic, technological and construction language. Incorporating a prefabricated envelope system and an industrialised product allows for a relationship between the various components, including the technical energy systems (PV, HVAC, etc.). Driving the production process of the BIPV envelope system in off-site industrialised architectures makes it possible to analyse, with greater control, the possible strategies for integration of the various plant systems and transparent or opaque envelope components, with adequate verification of performance compared to standard on-site construction practices. It can also facilitate economies of scale in planning the final cost of the product, an aspect that today constitutes a deterrent to experimentation in many European countries.

APPLICATION

Within the ARV project, this solution was developed in the Province of Trento, where the construction sector is strongly oriented towards industrialised and off-site building solutions, particularly in engineered wood components. The PVT (photovoltaic–thermal) system can be applied in both new construction and building renovation through adaptations of the building envelope, with industrialised production enabling higher levels of customisation. Depending on design and market needs, the solution can be configured as a repeatable wall module or integrated into window systems. This approach supports the transition of BIPV/PVT solutions towards three-dimensional, industrialised components aligned with Industry 4.0 practices. The innovation, currently patent pending, consists of a prefabricated PVT module designed for integration into the building envelope as an active façade system. Full-scale mock-ups have been produced to assess technical performance and begin physical testing.