Kuijpers – Helmond

Colored solar façade
The Kuijpers façade is oriented to the south and has a total surface area 152 m². The curtain wall consists of 196 Solarix elements, of which 177 are fitted with colored solar panels. The expected yield is approximately 8600 kWh per year, similar to the energy use of about 3 households. This project realizes a CO2 reduction of at least 3.7 tons.

Solar Design
Helmond marks the first application of the start-up’s integrated concept on this scale. The next project, the façade of a new, healthy work environment Pharos in Hoofddorp, will follow next year. Studio Solarix is a collaboration of artist and designer Reinier Bosch and architect Marloes van Heteren, whose ambition is to upscale the principle of ‘solar design’ worldwide. Both founders received a Dutch Design Award for the Solarix design to make buildings more sustainable, connective and appealing.
Aukje Kuijpers, CEO of Kuijpers and 2018 Dutch Businesswoman of the Year, immediately saw the potential of Solarix and adopted their concept as launching customer. Kuijpers is a national service partner, engineer and designer of technical solutions for buildings. Their portfolio consists of museums such as the Rijksmuseum and Hermitage in Amsterdam, theme park the Efteling and the Elisabeth Hospital in Eindhoven.

Customized down to the smallest details
The Solarix element is highly customized, down to the smallest details. The folded, aluminum/composite element needs to be structurally sound whilst also supporting the PV module and integrate LED lighting. The PV modules are also custom-made in 3 colors and 3 sizes. In total, 9 types of modules were installed. The cables are hidden behind the curtain wall into the building where the PV yield is monitored and the LED programs are run.