ortner + ortner baukunst: photovoltaic pavilion in potsdam

'solar pavilion' by  ortner + ortner baukunst, potsdam, germany
image © schnepp + renou
all images courtesy of odersun


austrian firm ortner + ortner baukunst have created 'solar pavilion', a space for social gathering on the campus of
potsdam university of applied sciences in potsdam, germany. four sides of the structure are formed with 4 meter tall
and 1 meter wide photovoltaic modules spaced at 1 meter intervals generating a permeable enclosure. specifically manufactured
for this application, the solar absorbing units are made from 25 mm thick security glass. the outward-facing side of
the panels are a black reflective finish while the inward-facing side is comprised of copper, an important component
of the PV system developed by frankfurt-based practice odersun.

defining the external appearance, the shell also contributes to the electrical concept and sustainability goals. a thin-film technology
provided the architects the same design freedom associated with glass. a mounting frame linearly a supports and holds
the facade in place.



light streaming through the voids between the PV panels
image © schnepp + renou



black exterior finish contrasts the warm copper of the interior face of the PV panel
image © schnepp + renou



corner entry into pavilion
image © schnepp + renou



enclosed with alternating PV and glass panels
image © schnepp + renou



within the campus context
image © schnepp + renou



rendering



rendering


project info:


builder: fachhochschule potsdam
location: potsdam
architects: ortner +ortner baukunst
year: 2011
module surface: 146qm
performance: 195wp/modul
building dimensions: 34,85 x 7,35m
module size: 3900x 1050x13mm
module weight: ca 190kg
fixing system: linearly supported, embedded modules in the mounting frame in esg-h panels.
electronic concept: low-voltage concept with parallel-connected super cells, serial-connected modules