LafargeHolcim meters solar film-faced UHPC cladding wattage

A two-year collaboration between LafargeHolcim Ltd. and Dresden, Germany-based Heliatek GmbH has netted a photovoltaic concrete façade product capable of generating double the amount of energy typical of roof-based solar panel arrays. At 60 percent of the exterior, the cladding has the potential to generate 30 percent of a 10-story building’s annual energy requirements. Unveiled at Batimat 2017 in Paris, it combines LafargeHolcim’s Ductal ultra-high performance concrete, suited to architectural applications in ½-in. or greater thickness; and, Heliatek’s flexible, ultra-light HeliaFilm, weighing 1 kilogram/square meter (2.2 lbs./10.75 sq. ft.) and produced in shades of blue, gray and green.



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Prior to unveiling the Ductal/HeliaFilm cladding last month, Heliatek demonstrated the power generating potential of its signature product placed along precast concrete and natural stone façade elements and fiber cement panels. PHOTOS: Heliatek GmbH

“LafargeHolcim seeks to offer sustainable, high-performance construction solutions that improve energy efficiency for buildings,” affirms Group Head of Growth & Innovation Gérard Kuperfarb. “With Ductal/HeliaFilm, building owners and developers as well as architects and engineers will be able to mitigate energy costs while enjoying the benefits of a very light, low maintenance and long-lasting cladding solution.”

The LafargeHolcim Research & Development team focuses on addressing today’s major construction challenges, he adds, noting how the Ductal/HeliaFilm product emerges with widespread recognition that a) 30 to 40 percent of global energy consumption is tied to building heating and cooling; and, b) decentralized energy generation is among critical levers to reduce owners’ operating expenses and optimize national power grid use.

“HeliaFilm is the active element which transforms building cladding into a power station,” affirms Heliatek CEO Thibaud Le Séguillon. “This is the path to green, localized electricity.”