Iron Building Materials and Construction Components Design · 2020
Energola Side Shutter for Pergola
- A' Design Award 2020 Iron Winner in Building Materials and Construction Components Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Energola
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,983
- Verification code 094EC7CE5F · Verify this award
About Energola Side Shutter for Pergola
Energola is a side shutter designed for pergolas, balconies and large glazed spaces. Each wing carries a micro photovoltaic panel, so the shutter gives shade and also produces electricity. All wings rotate, and sun and wind protection can be adjusted with a remote control. The movement system is powered by solar energy, and surplus production can be sent to the building energy network. The structure is based on extruded aluminium profiles, which can be separated easily for recycling. The standard module is 1000 mm wide and 2200 mm high and can be scaled to suit requirements.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The presented side shutter is a multi-functional product dedicated to pergolas, balconies, and large glazed spaces. In addition to the sun protection function, energola also produces energy. Each individual wing has a micro photovoltaic panel. All panels rotate, so you can adjust the sun and wind protection. Mobile energy functions are powered by clean solar energy and production surplus can be sent to the building's energy network.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The standard module has a width of 1000mm and a height of 2200mm, however, it can be scaled and adapted to the user's requirements.
- Tags
- Solar panels, Photovoltaic, Facade Shutter, Architecture, Pergola
- Production Technology
- The Energola design is based on extruded profiles. Solar panels are mounted on the main profile. This method of assembly allows to easily separate materials so that the product can be recycled.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge of the project was to create a product that would retain its lightness despite the internal electronics and photovoltaic panels.
- Project Duration
- the project was developed in Warsaw. Conceptual work lasted from september 2019. After many prototypes and tests, the project was finally implemented in January 2020.
- Operation Flow
- Energola is a moving product that adapts to current needs. Using the remote control, the user can control the tilt of the wings. Operation is simple and requires no additional power supply.
- Research
- The main research was to develop a wing rotation system that would be lightweight, compact and solar powered at the same time. The first tests were made on 3D printed models. The wing loads were tested many times, which allowed the development of aluminium profiles with the required parameters.
- Inspiration
- In modern construction, solar farms can be used practically anywhere, all you have to do is design a suitable solution. We were looking for solutions that use the sun to produce energy in a product that by definition protects against the sun.