We were delighted to attended the recent Financial Times Future of Construction Summit in London.
The focus of the conference this year was Driving Productivity Through Disruptive Innovation and Collaboration. There were a number of innovative and interesting presentations, debates and fireside chats. However, the highlight of the day that stood out to us was introduced by Jerome Stubler, CEO of VINCI Construction – HORIZON, their new innovation of a PV (Photovoltaic) panel, with their partner Sunpartner Technologies.
HORIZON is a unique 3-in-1 solution that combines a window, a sunshade and a blind. Because it is connected, it can be operated remotely using a smartphone, remote control or building management system. Horizon’s opacifying ability and real-time control system can cut a building’s energy consumption by up to 30% by diminishing the effects of overheating and efficiently using air conditioning. HORIZON opacifying window consists of two photovoltaic panes mounted in an apron. The apron captures light and converts it to electricity. The energy produced feeds the shading system integrated in the upper frame.
Richard May, Director says:
‘This is a fantastic step forward in the evolution of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology and with time, I can see these being fitted both to new buildings but also retro fitted to offices, PRS schemes, student residences, shopping centres and anywhere else which has large amounts of glazing. I can also see the benefits for the scholastic buildings where solar gain and reduced funding will require Academies and Trusts to view investment in this type of innovation critical.’