10.07.2015   BACKGROUND

Mont-Cenis Academy building in Herne-Sodingen

The greenhouse structure includes two linear, three-storey wings that are arranged in two rows along a central axis. Inner spaces under glass are landscaped with water and greenery, creating a large-scaling winter garden. In the winter it works in tandem with the concrete and gravel floors to collect solar energy, while acting as a thermal buffer-zone. In summer PV modules integrated with glass roof act as shade-system device protecting against overheating and from too much light. The parts of the fagade can be opened to ventilate the greenhouse through natural cross ventilation.

fig.7 the semitransparent roof — and elevation PV system

The PV semitransparent system, applied in roof surface and integrated with glass area, don’t disturb natural lighting, but in some places limit visual contact with the surrounding from winter garden. Increased number of photovoltaic modules, integrated for example on the fagade’s areas, would generate more electrical power, but quality of inner physical environment would be much lower (light and shadow contrast, visual barrier). The only disadvantage of this envelope concept is worse conditions of daylight access in buildings inside (fig.7).

ARCHITECTURAL CONSEQUENCES.

The architecture of the building may be defined by selecting its features that include: urban matters (especially building’s closest surroundings), its function with sort of utility process in the interior, structure and aesthetics.

The real and potential impact of PV modules’ usage on the inner space environment may have its response in some of these features, causing architectural consequences.