BIPV Project Case Study | Engaging an Existing Building in a Dialogue on “Renewal”

As a key demonstration project for the revitalization of aging office buildings in Changchun, the exterior renovation of the Northeast Electric Power Design Institute has recently been completed successfully. Grounded in the twin imperatives of urban renewal and green building development, the project leverages building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to breathe new life into a conventional office tower, achieving a comprehensive enhancement of its architectural form, aesthetic expression, and energy performance.

 

 

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Architectural Rebirth: From Traditional Curtain Walls to Sustainable Facades

 

The original curtain wall of the Northeast Electric Power Design Institute building is quite old, creating a disconnect between its façade and the contemporary urban landscape. In this renovation, the design team has adopted… “Curtain Wall Renewal + Functional Upgrade” With this goal in mind, the façade materials have been replaced with a green option that combines safety, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Photovoltaic building materials 。

 

The renovated building presents a crisp, well-defined facade order. The interplay of textures and the geometric juxtaposition of elements lend the entire structure a more contemporary, airy visual presence while preserving its structural integrity.

 

Before Renovation vs. After Renovation

 

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Yunshi Series BIPV: Photovoltaic materials can also serve as a design language.

 

This renovation utilizes Etna’s proprietary, in-house developed… Cloud Series BIPV, comprising 232 modules with a total installed capacity of approximately 20 kW. Drawing inspiration from the visual language of natural stone, these products transform BIPV from a mere functional component into a genuine building material.

 

• The texture is stone-like, with a warm and smooth feel.

The components feature a refined, natural surface finish that exudes the understated elegance of faux stone, seamlessly integrating with the building’s existing architectural style.

• Geometric rhythm, enhancing the sense of structural articulation on the facade.

The designer employs a multi‑texture patchwork approach, imbuing the facade with richer layers as light and shadow shift, thereby accentuating the building’s modern aesthetic.

• A restrained color palette enhances the building’s overall presence.

The use of low-saturation color schemes—such as gray‑white and cloud patterns—lends the facade a more professional, office‑like character while ensuring harmonious integration with the urban context.

 

 

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From “Decoration” to “Power Generation”: The Dawn of a New Chapter for Buildings

 

Etna BIPV not only meets the requirements for facade materials… Weather resistance, protection, and decoration Demand further endows buildings with Proactive production capacity Capability transforms ordinary walls into carriers of sustainable energy.

 

• Employ modular components that comply with building standards;
• Enhance the overall structural performance of the building’s exterior façade.
• Generate stable green electricity and reduce operational energy consumption.
• Enhance the building’s green rating and asset value;

 

At different times of the day, sunlight bathes the facade, creating a distinctive interplay of texture and light that makes the building both visually striking and energetically resonant.

 

 

Currently, the 15th Five-Year Plan proposes… “Building good homes that are safe, comfortable, green, and smart” The construction industry is entering a phase of structural adjustment and comprehensive upgrading. Under the overarching trends of the “dual carbon” goals and urban renewal, buildings are no longer merely static spaces or mere endpoints of energy consumption; instead, they can… Participate in energy production, improve the urban environment, and enhance building value. a comprehensive platform. This project is not merely a renovation of an old office building; it also represents another key initiative in the city’s green development, demonstrating “BIPV Retrofitting of Existing Buildings” Model Its replicability.

 

The future of architecture will be shaped jointly by aesthetics and energy. Etna Energy will continue to… Professional one-stop BIPV solutions , injecting greater possibilities into urban renewal, green building, and sustainable development.