Solar Factory
2009
This proposed net zero facility for the manufacture of solar panels was developed to allow visitors to experience a culture that thrives on renewable energy. The importance of walkability and the use of personal electric vehicles to explore the site is emphasized with the provision of permeable meandering paths within a truly sustainable environment. The site minimizes the outward exposure of the industrial processes and maximizes nourishing green space dispersed with various examples of solar harvesting systems on display for clients while allowing daylight to flood the interiors of all structures.
Upon site entry, the two levels of offices are lifted halfway up the factory floor to reveal a transparent corporate expression emerging from the earth while enabling the vehicular parking areas to be concealed at the original ground level. An iconic dome that greets staff and visitors symbolizing the orange sunsets of the area contains the main conference room overlooking the green roof of the factory with a tiered multi-media lecture theatre viewing the manufacturing underneath. Access for tours to a high-level catwalk system is immediately adjacent.
The angular office block sheltered by a unique structural rib system, roof and glazing design vividly reacts with the rolling green hills on the exterior while allowing daylight penetration into the grand hall and work areas. As the darkness approaches the dome fueled by the sun softly glows in the distance, commemorating a new and lasting relationship with nature.