Sun Rock: Solar-Optimised Facility for Renewable Energy Operations
Sun Rock, currently under construction in Changhua County, Taiwan, is an operations and maintenance facility for Taipower, the government-owned power company. Designed by architecture firm MVRDV, the building is developed in response to Taiwan’s transition toward renewable energy. Its form and material choices are centred around optimising solar energy generation.
Functional Purpose and Site Context
The facility is located in the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, near Taichung, on a site that receives high levels of solar exposure throughout the year. Sun Rock houses office space, a maintenance workshop, storage areas, and public exhibition facilities.
Its architectural form was developed to maximise solar capture: the building is rounded in plan, with the southern side sloping downward to face the midday sun, while the northern dome-shaped section increases exposure during morning and late afternoon hours.
Integrated Photovoltaic Façade
A key material innovation in the project is the pleated façade structure, which integrates photovoltaic panels across nearly all exterior surfaces. The pleats are angled to enhance solar efficiency and include windows where required. This system enables the building to generate approximately 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, contributing to on-site energy needs and potentially feeding surplus energy back into the grid.
The façade design was informed by environmental data analysis, adjusting the panel angles to optimise solar gain on each part of the building. These measures support the goal of making the building self-sufficient in energy use.
Public and Educational Components
In addition to its operational functions, Sun Rock incorporates several public-facing spaces. The ground-level atrium, known as the “Data Room,” displays real-time information about energy generation and Taipower’s operations. A gallery on the first floor offers views into the maintenance workshop, and an upper-level exhibition space is included for further public engagement. A rooftop terrace, partially shaded by the solar dome, provides outdoor space for staff and visitors.
These features support Taipower’s aim of increasing public awareness of renewable energy technologies and their role in future infrastructure.
Technical Approach and Design Process
The design process for Sun Rock was data-driven, with a focus on environmental performance. MVRDV used solar exposure simulations to inform decisions about massing, orientation, and panel placement. The building’s energy performance was prioritised throughout the development, with architectural strategies aligned with sustainability objectives.
Source: MVRDV
Images: MVRDV