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

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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