Energy from the facade

Office building with PV facade on secure fischer substructure

Energy from the facade
In Steinheim an der Murr, Flex Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH realized a modern new administrative building between 2024 and 2025 that combines a clear architectural language of form with high energy efficiency. The idea for the PV facade came from the architectural firm ludwig + ulmer from Murr: On around 700 m² of facade area, high-performance photovoltaic modules from Solarwatt were directly integrated into the building envelope. The secure hold is ensured by a technically advanced, durable, and low thermal bridge substructure from fischer.
This resulted in a durable, safe, and energy-optimized PV facade – without compromises in load-bearing capacity and aesthetics.
Mirco Kurth, Technical Field Service, Project Development, Domestic Architect Service at fischer BWM Facade Systems

High-quality building envelope with double benefits

The building measures 44.85 m × 17.78 m × 14.68 m and was constructed using reinforced concrete. For Flex Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH as the client, the focus was on a building envelope that convinces both visually and energetically. The PV system is not just mounted on the building but fully integrated as building-integrated photovoltaics into the ventilated curtain wall facade (VCF) – making it an integral part of the sustainable energy concept. 

The planners addressed the requirements for design, function, thermal insulation, and especially fire protection (building class 4, flame-retardant) in an aesthetically appealing and economically efficient way. Two trades worked closely together in the implementation: the solar installer ELDI Solar GmbH from Stuttgart and the facade specialist Metallbauer Reinhardt GmbH from Bad Rappenau. The result is an office building whose facade combines aesthetics, safety, and economical, sustainable power generation.

Project profile administrative new building Flex Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH

Architectural firm
ludwig + ulmer, Murr
Fire Protection
Building class 4, flame retardant
Ventilated curtain wall facade (VCF)
Risk: Without suitable fire protection barriers, fire and smoke can quickly spread behind the facade cladding.
Trades
Solateur: ELDI Solar GmbH, Stuttgart. Facade construction: Metallbauer Reinhardt GmbH, Bad Rappenau.

The fischer system solution for the solar facade in detail

Glass-glass solar modules of the type Solarwatt vision GM 3.0 construct were used, mounted via fischer facade systems. The basis of the solar facade substructure consisted of angle-shaped L-wall brackets FLH R made of stainless steel, part of the vertical support system ATK 100. These brackets score with very good building physics properties and anchor the construction with minimal thermal bridging in the reinforced concrete facade using fischer fasteners.

Installation of PV Modules Using the Clamp System

In the further construction, the system was supplemented by T-profiles as well as the ATK 103 P20 support structures, which, in combination with the vertical substructure, ensure secure load transfer. The photovoltaic facade mounting of the modules themselves was carried out using the clamp system. Since the geometries of the clamps and ATK-103-P20 profiles are precisely matched, the PV modules could be hung quickly, securely, and in compliance with standards. For optimized load distribution, vertical hat profiles ATK 103 V were additionally used, allowing the modules to be directly hung into the horizontal support system.

Tested system solution with low energy standard

The installation-friendly substructure meets the low energy standard and, together with the Solarwatt vision GM 3.0 construct glass-glass modules, forms a tested and approved system solution. The use of the stainless steel brackets FLH R minimized thermal bridges and maximized the energy efficiency of the entire building envelope. 

“In addition to the perfectly coordinated system solution for the PV facade of the new office building of Flex Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, we offered comprehensive technical support including joint consultation and collaboration with the module manufacturer to optimally meet static, structural, and design requirements,” emphasizes Mirco Kurth, Technical Field Service, Project Development, Architect Service Domestic at fischer BWM Facade Systems.

Groundbreaking Solar Facade: Aesthetics and Safety Combined

The project in Steinheim impressively demonstrates how modern architecture and forward-looking energy generation merge. Supported by the secure facade systems from fischer, the project on 700 m² proves that maximum energy efficiency and aesthetic elegance can be achieved without compromising load-bearing capacity.
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