Arval, a long-term car rental company based in Italy, has recently received a new zero impact headquarters building on the outskirts of Florence. The Pierattelli Architetture-designed building, dubbed the “Photovoltaic Bolt” thanks to its arrow-like shape and large photovoltaic “wings,” is a Climate House Class A building without emissions and is self-sufficient thanks to geothermal pumps and a large array of photovoltaic panels.
The photovoltaic wings have a surface area of over 1,100 sm and comprise about 1000 panels. The flexible, high-efficiency panels are attached to a lightweight steel structure and are integrated with additional panels located on the roof. The bigger wing leans on the main entrance and has a dimension of 50 meters by 35 meters by 36 meters.
Courtesy of Pierattelli Architetture.
The smaller wing leans on the back elevation and measures 23 meters by 33 meters by 40 meters. The panels attached to the wings and the ones on the roof generate enough power to activate the geothermal pumps in the subsoil and make the building completely self-sufficient.
Courtesy of Pierattelli Architetture.
The buildings 7,000 sm of offices and common spaces are distributed over three floors and a basement. Each floor hosts about 200 employees. The spaces are articulated around a central dorsal on north-south axis to provide an east-west direction and guarantee a correct sunlight positioning.
Inside, a main hallway with a large glass wall across two of the floors fills the volume with natural light. Office floors are distinguished by colors so they can be easily identified by their function. The ground floor is ochre yellow for bureaucracy, the first floor is cobalt blue for managers and administrations, and the second floor is light green for the call center and learning center. The basement, meanwhile, hosts the technical spaces for energy control and a large break area made in a light brown color.
Courtesy of Pierattelli Architetture.
The Photovoltaic Bolt is one of the first directional buildings in Italy with zero environmental impact.
Courtesy of Pierattelli Architetture.
Courtesy of Pierattelli Architetture.
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Apr 5, 2021
Innovation One completes at University Research Park in Madison, Wis.
Valerio Dewalt Train designed the project.
Office Buildings | Mar 30, 2021
WELL Institute certifies a gigantic office complex with its highest health and safety rating
Poland’s Olivia Business Center one of the first to install ion air purification devices.
Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021
Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19
Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.
Office Buildings | Mar 24, 2021
JEA Headquarters tops out in Jacksonville
The building has recently topped out.
Energy Efficiency | Mar 23, 2021
ASHRAE’s new headquarters walks the talk about net-zero energy
The conversion of a 1970s’-era building demonstrates how older structures can be made more efficient and sustainable.
Office Buildings | Mar 22, 2021
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida unveils design for new chapter HQ
Arquitectonica is designing the project.
Office Buildings | Mar 16, 2021
Perkins&Will unveils design of its New York Studio
The studio supports hybrid work models with agile layouts and integrated broadcast technologies.
Laboratories | Mar 10, 2021
8 tips for converting office space to life sciences labs
Creating a successful life sciences facility within the shell of a former office building can be much like that old “square peg round hole” paradigm. Two experts offer important advice.
Office Buildings | Mar 4, 2021
1905 industrial building set to become Acciona’s new office in Madrid
Foster + Partners is designing the project.
Office Buildings | Mar 3, 2021
Turano Baking Company’s new HQ and test kitchen completes in Oak Park, Ill.
Wright Heerema Architects designed the project.
