Advanced Active Facade

Architectural design strategies to integrate innovative photovoltaic technologies into residential façades.

At a time when the energy transition has become a priority challenge, the integration of photovoltaic systems on the building envelope (BIPV) constitutes one of the efficient principles to increase the production of renewable energy in the urban fabric. In this context, the interdisciplinary research project entitled Advanced Active Façade (AAF) was carried out as part of the National Research Program “Energy Turnaround” (NRP 70) of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), in collaboration with the Centre suisse d’électronique et de microtechnique (CSEM) based in Neuchâtel and the company H.Glass.

The approaches based on an interdisciplinary conception of façades integrating multiple objectives, in particular the maximization of the potential for architectural integration, the prefabrication of elements, a low environmental impact, and an increased efficiency in photovoltaic technology. The system is conceived as a self-supporting, prefabricated wooden skeleton, on which are mounted an interior coating, thermal cellulose-based insulation, and customized active panels on the outside. At the same time, it facilitates architectural integration, a high degree of prefabrication of elements, low environmental impact, and efficiency in photovoltaic technology.

Research Partners
Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST), PV-LAB, CSEM, Glass 2 Energy SA (G2E)

Research Team LAST
Prof. Emmanuel Rey, Dr. Sophie Lufkin, Dr. Angela Clua Longas

Funding
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) – National Research Program NRP 70

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Thematic supplements

		Solaris #04 Solare Lehre – Enseigner le solaire – L’insegnamento del solare Hochparterre Thematic supplements, August 2020
		Solaris #03  Die Haut des Hauses – La peau de la maison – La pelle dell’edificio Hochparterre Thematic supplements, June 2019

Article

Integrated thinking for photovoltaics in buildings Christophe Ballif, Laure-Emmanuelle Perret-Aebi, Sophie Lufkin, Emmanuel Rey in Photovoltaics blends in  Nature Energy, vol. 3, 438-442 June 2018

Thesis

Main publications