The Dutch architecture firm MVRDV is collaborating with the Taiwanese power company Taipower to launch a unique clean energy project.
In a recent announcement on the company’s website, MVRDV unveiled plans to construct a massive building powered almost entirely by solar energy at the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park in western Taiwan.
The building, named Sun Rock, will include offices, maintenance workshops, storage spaces, and a public exhibition area, and it is set to become the future operational facility for the government-owned power company Taipower.
Rendering of the completed Sun Rock building. (Photo: MVRDV)
The highlight of the project lies in its façade. It is almost entirely enveloped in solar panels, though it still features windows and vents to promote natural light and air exchange.
According to MVRDV, the site for Taipower’s new facility receives a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year. Consequently, the circular shape of Sun Rock is designed to maximize energy harvesting capabilities.
On the southern side, the building slopes gently, creating a large surface area to capture direct sunlight during the day. On the northern side, the dome-shaped design helps to maximize sunlight exposure in the morning and afternoon.
The solar panels will be arranged in “folds,” with angles that can be adjusted to convert light into energy most efficiently.
Solar panels installed in adjustable folds. (Photo: MVRDV)
By combining these measures, the building can support at least 4,000 square meters of solar panels, generating nearly 1 million kWh of clean electricity annually. This not only ensures the building’s operational self-sufficiency but also has the potential to supply surplus energy to the local power grid.
MVRDV stated that they will continue to explore additional design options to further expand the solar panel area, hoping to increase the building’s annual electricity output to 1.7 million kWh.
