Geometry That Generates Energy: The Solar Facade of Breidablikk Gården
Asplan Viak and SolarLab integrate custom building-integrated photovoltaics into a Norwegian office.
1Architectural Integration of Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic systems are evolving from add-on rooftop equipment into integral building envelope components. In modern sustainable design, solar elements influence building geometry, environmental performance, and weatherproofing. Rather than separating energy systems from architecture, facades and louvers can simultaneously generate electricity, offer passive shading, and protect structural walls from environmental exposure.
2The Breidablikk Gården Project
Located in Haugesund, Norway, Breidablikk Gården is an office building designed by Asplan Viak with custom facade cladding engineered by SolarLab. The project combines rooftop solar panels with an integrated solar facade to contribute directly to urban renewal. The architectural concept harmonizes high-performance renewable generation with the existing urban aesthetic.
3Angled Zigzag Geometry
Because southwestern Norway experiences low winter sun angles, standard vertical elevations limit solar capture. The east and west facades utilize angled panels turned toward the south, forming a repeated 30 cm zigzag pattern around window openings. This geometric layout optimizes incoming solar radiation while naturally shading interior office spaces.
4Dual Solar Performance
The articulated facade geometry serves dual environmental functions. Tilting the photovoltaic surface maximizes energy harvesting throughout changing daylight conditions, while the resulting window recesses reduce direct solar heat gain. Combined with screen curtains, this passive shading structure significantly decreases the building's overall cooling demands throughout warmer operational periods.
5Capacity and BREEAM Standards
Breidablikk Gården achieves a peak photovoltaic capacity of 39.9 kWp, with the solar facade producing roughly 100,000 kWh of electricity annually. Combining the facade array, roof panels, and energy-efficient building systems enabled the project to secure a BREEAM-NOR Excellent certification, validating its comprehensive approach to commercial building decarbonization.
6Simulation-Driven Design Process
Custom facade geometry required SolarLab to deploy a specialized digital workflow. The methodology integrates three-dimensional architectural models with local climatic datasets to simulate solar yields before manufacturing. Designers evaluated energy production curves and visual geometry through 3D models and parametric data graphs during early project phases.
7Envelope Engineering Details
Constructed from low-carbon timber framing and prefabricated wall modules, the building positions the solar layer as an exterior ventilated rainscreen. Mounted on horizontal rails, the assembly shields underlying components from harsh Nordic weather. Furthermore, the electrical circuits are engineered specifically to maintain system resilience during partial facade shading.
8Multifunctional Urban Expression
An iridescent surface coating changes visual appearance based on shifting light conditions and viewing angles, giving the building a dynamic urban identity. The project demonstrates how building-integrated photovoltaics can unite structural protection, passive shading, renewable microgeneration, and architectural renewal into a single, cohesive building envelope solution.