MVRDV has unveiled the first images of its “Sun Rock” project, an environmentally and design-conscious energy complex. The characteristics of this particular “mountain”, from its shape to its facade, emphasize the generation of solar energy in the most efficient way possible, participating in Taiwan's green transition.
The main function of Sun Rock is to embed structures and store energy. Solar panels cover almost its entire surface, and the building can produce around 1 million kWh of green energy every year.
A solar mountain
The area chosen for this new facility (to be built by Taipower) receives a significant amount of solar exposure throughout the year. For this reason, the particular rounded shape of Sun Rock is designed to maximize the quantity of sunlight exploited to produce energy. On the south side, the structure slopes gently, providing a wide expanse of land exposed to direct sunlight during the central hours of the day.
“The façade fully exploits this solar potential by using a series of folds that support the photovoltaic panels on their upper surface. These folds help support the photovoltaic panels, which are arranged to take advantage of the strategically placed windows. Bending angles on all areas of the facade are adjusted to maximize the energy collected by the panels,” explain in MVRDV.
The innovation will add over 4000 square meters of photovoltaic panels to the “solar mountain”. The modules will produce nearly one million kilowatt hours of clean energy each year. It goes without saying that they will make the building completely autonomous.
Other features of the structure
The project is currently in development. The team is still considering alternative design choices that would lead to an even larger area of photovoltaic panels, with estimated energy production for the grid up to 1,7 million kWh per year according to calculations.
In summary: Sun Rock will measure 12.900 m (approximately 138.000 square feet). It will feature the “Data Room,” a giant atrium with real-time displays of data on Taipower's operations and the amount of renewable energy the company generates. On the first floor, a gallery space will offer the public a view of the “engine room” that makes it possible to capture energy.
Taipower's headquarters will be located on the top floor of this building, which includes a lobby with an executive elevator as well as two conference rooms, as well as an outdoor terrace on the fourth level with trees for tourists and Taipower employees.
