Everything is visible as long as we follow the sun
The ultimate goal of solar architecture services is to offer a unique and specific architectural design for each project. The concept is a precise response to the energy requirements of the project, aiming to minimize energy consumption while maximizing electricity production, all while considering the architectural preferences of the client.
Unique design, integration of passive and active solar components for improved energy efficiency class, and finally, exterior and interior visualization of the project are offered.
In the first conceptual phase, a comprehensive, external visualized geometry of the building is created, depicting the specific shape and dimensions of the building components. Additionally, a schematic of the building's energy functionality is provided to demonstrate its energy performance in relation to the solar orientation and project location. In the next step, basic architectural layouts are provided to be handed over to the architectural firm for the creation of standardized architectural plans.
Both. If needed, a printed version of the concept is provided alongside the digital design.
These passive solar components are typically integrated into the design based on the project's needs: solar collectors, solar facades, sun protection devices, thermal mass, insulating window frames, light control elements, overhangs and canopies, green roofs, shading films, heat storage, energy-efficient glazing, shutters, insulation, ventilation systems with heat recovery, shading panels, solar water heating systems, reflective elements, passive cooling systems, thermal bridge-reducing constructions, and photovoltaic integration.
A solar architecture concept provides a unique architectural design with comparatively lower energy demand.
Exact measurements of the building site, an explanation of the project's intended requirements regarding the number of floors, rooms, etc., as well as a basic description of the planned materials and the desired shape of the intended house.
After an initial consultation, the basic shape is designed in coordination with the client to integrate their views and preferences. In several further steps, the concept is developed through additional agreement points. Finally, the refined concept is handed over to the client, who forwards it to the responsible architectural firm to create standardized architectural layouts based on the concept.
In the initial phase, the core phase of the concept begins with the geometric exterior design. During the modification process, the interior design is developed with details about the rooms and the functionality of each floor in accordance with the client’s requirements.
Essentially, a regular visualization is deeply integrated into the services of the solar architecture concept. Evisuell+ services are also provided with a more detailed explanation as part of this service.
Evisuell+ is a package that combines 3D visualization, heating demand calculation, and PV power generation analysis to provide an accurate estimate of the energy efficiency class and optical characteristics of a building.
Das Evisuell+-Paket beinhaltet vier wesentliche Leistungen: Es visualisiert die Architektur, liefert eine Projektübersicht, erläutert die erreichbare Energieeffizienzklasse und analysiert die PV-Stromerzeugung.
All four services can be offered individually for both new buildings and existing structures.
With Evisuell+, the customer can not only take a look at the visual design but also at future energy savings, energy efficiency class, and PV electricity generation.
In the Visualization section, sufficiently visualized exterior views are created to accurately represent the future geometry of the building with the specified materials.
In the Project Overview section, the physical properties of all components of the building envelope are presented, consisting of walls, roofs, ceilings, windows, and doors.
In the Heating Demand section, ten different variants with varying heat transfer properties of walls, roofs, ceilings, windows, and doors are compared to estimate which combination of components leads the building to which energy efficiency class.
In the PV Electricity Generation section, ten variants of different PV products with varying efficiencies are compared to determine which type achieves the highest electricity generation rate. For all ten PV installation types, a visual representation of the roof (or another component such as a wall) with the exact PV dimensions and optical properties is presented to compare the visual differences of the building with different PV types.
Basically, there are two uncertainties before installing PV systems. The first relates to the decision about which type of technological product to install, as there are many different photovoltaic systems on the market with varying efficiencies. The second uncertainty concerns the appearance of the roof (or another part of the building) after installation regarding the different dimensions of photovoltaic products and the varying roof coverage, especially in the presence of skylights and/or other building elements. Evisuell+ provides an accurate prediction of the final energy efficiency of the selected type of photovoltaic system compared to others, allowing the customer to easily compare the investment costs with different electricity generation capacities. From an aesthetic perspective, Evisuell+ also gives a precise idea of how the building will look with different photovoltaic systems and which type of PV system offers a better visual appearance compared to other PV systems.
The entire 3D modeling, energy performance, and PV electricity production are carried out using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), an energy balancing and planning tool for efficient buildings and renovations. The planning tool PHPP was developed by the Passive House Institute in Germany.
Both. If needed, a printed version of the notebook is provided alongside the digital version.
In the first section, numerous exterior shots of each side of the building are provided. Additionally, for the various offered PV types with different dimensions, different house images are visualized with each PV type in two different horizontal and vertical installation configurations.
For Evisuell+, the same planning documents as those used for a regular visualization are utilized. Therefore, the construction plans of the various floors and the construction views are sufficient. Depending on market availability, five different material categories and various types of PV productions are used. For specific material types and PV productions, the exact type with the precise physical, thermal, and electrical properties is used based on the manufacturer's data sheet.
It depends on the size and complexity of the project. Since the same 3D data used for the elemental visualization is utilized for Evisuell+, an additional week is sufficient to prepare Evisuell+ for the visualized project.
Instead of just providing an accurate exterior representation of the building with or without photovoltaic systems, the energy efficiency class that the building can achieve through specific material combinations is shown. Additionally, taking into account the prices of various types of photovoltaics that can be used, a precise estimate of electricity generation is provided. This allows for a parallel comparison of energy efficiency classes and PV electricity generation already in the early construction phases.
An exterior and interior visualization of the building with high presentation quality is offered. If required, additional short and long exterior and interior videos are created to better showcase the project.
As an additional service, the Evisuell* package can be offered, which provides a guideline for the energy efficiency class of buildings and can be combined with the visualized images.
Regardless of the agreement, enough pictures will be taken of each side of the house to present the concept and provide a good idea of the future home. Additional pictures of each side will be taken as needed and upon request.
If required, additional night lighting is offered without extending the preparation time.
Both. If required, a printed version of the notebook will be provided in addition to the digital version.
The prerequisites for the creation are the floor plans of all floors and the building views. A detailed explanation of the type and color of the materials and components used also contributes to a more precise visualization.
This depends on the size of the project and the desired details. A few more days are required for interior visualization.
Through the combination of the three main services offered by Evisuell Studio: visualization, energy efficiency class guidelines, and guidelines for PV power generation, our clients save valuable time and avoid unnecessary effort. This comprehensive package optimizes both the time invested and costs. With a conception of solar architecture, this package will be even more efficient!