MVRDV Creates Dome-Shaped Sun Rock That Can Generate Nearly One Million Kilowatt-Hours of Clean Energy Per Year

This latest project named “ Sun Rock” by Netherlands-based MVRDV features a dome-shaped sustainable and design-minded power supply building that is expected to generate around 1 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy every year. Located in Changhua Coastal Industrial Park near Taichung in Taiwan, the colossal, solar-panel-clad structure focuses on producing solar energy as efficiently as possible. Accommodating storage spaces, a maintenance shop, and a public gallery, the project is aimed to be "a built manifesto for Taipower’s carbon-free future". The project is expected to be completed by 2024. Read more about the project below at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

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Designed for Taiwan's government-owned power company Taipower, the 12,900-square-metre structure will serve as an operations facility for sustainable energy equipment. The aim of making this project is to maximise solar energy production

Idea Behind The Dome-Shaped Structure

As the site receives maximum sunlight throughout the year, the plan was made to harness this limitless renewable energy. The dome shape of Sun Rock allows it to increase the absorption of sunlight.

"On the southern side, the building slopes gently downwards, creating a large surface area that directly faces the sun during the middle of the day. At the northern end, the domed shape maximises the area of the building exposed to the sun in the mornings and evenings," said MVRDV.

Solar Potential of the PV Clad Facade

The facade of the structure is designed in a way that increases its solar potential. It contains a series of pleats that support solar panels on their upper surface.

These are properly mixed in windows wherever is required. The angle of these pleats is fine-tuned according to all parts of the exterior to maximise the energy-generating potential of the photovoltaic panels. With this strategic arrangement, the building can produce around 1 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually with the area of supporting at least 4,000 square metres of PV panels on its surface. The produced energy is equivalent to burning 85 tonnes of crude oil — and making the building completely self-sufficient, according to the firm.

The firm is looking for alternative design options that would add an even greater area of solar panels, with calculations showing “the building could even generate surplus energy of up to 1.7 million kwh annually to contribute energy to the grid.”

Also Read: Fascinating Red Ceramic Façade with Sculptural cuts | RED7 by MVRDV in Russia | SURFACES REPORTER

What is Inside It?

The Sun Rock building contains a data room, featuring a soaring atrium that provides real-time displays of data about Taipower’s operations and the amount of renewable energy produced. 

It will also house a gallery space on its first floor, overlooking a maintenance workshop that enables visitors to have a closer look at the machines that make renewable energy possible, from PV panels to massive wind turbine blades.

The top floor will have another gallery for exhibitions while at roof level, under the covering of a dome of solar panels lies a terrace adorned with trees for both observers and Taipower employees to relax and enjoy.

Project Details

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