Client: GDF Suez
Location: Dijon, France
Project type: Deep renovation of 1970s office building
ISSOL® contribution: Custom-designed BIPV façade (Building Integrated Photovoltaics)
Installed power: ± 85 kWp
Surface area: ± 952 m²
Architect: Atelier Phileas (Paris)
Completion: 2013
Transforming heritage through photovoltaic design
When GDF Suez decided to give new life to their 1973 headquarters in Dijon, they chose not just to refurbish – but to reinvent. Working alongside Atelier Phileas and a team of dedicated engineers, ISSOL® was brought in to design and manufacture a fully integrated BIPV façade that would merge architectural elegance with cutting-edge solar performance.
A second skin with a purpose
Rather than placing standard PV panels on a rooftop, the team envisioned a vertical energy generator: a second skin wrapping around the building, providing solar power, thermal insulation and aesthetic value in equal measure.
The result: a custom-engineered, double-glazed glass façade integrating monocrystalline photovoltaic cells in a striking black matrix. Installed over nearly 1,000 square metres, the modules serve as:
- Solar generators, producing up to 85 kWp
- Sunshading devices, filtering direct sunlight and reducing cooling demand
- Architectural elements, giving the building a timeless, high-tech appearance
This façade doesn’t just support the energy performance goals of the renovation – it defines the building’s identity.
Meeting today’s standards, ahead of time
The refurbishment aimed to meet the French RT 2012 thermal regulations and achieve the BBC (Bâtiment Basse Consommation) standard – a benchmark for low-energy buildings. The BIPV system from ISSOL® contributed significantly to this target, alongside enhanced insulation and structural upgrades.
Inside the building, the presence of a ventilated air gap and discreet metal walkways allows for natural cooling and easy maintenance – combining functionality with long-term sustainability.
Why ISSOL®?
What set this project apart wasn’t just the scale, but the degree of integration. Every BIPV module was custom-made, engineered to align seamlessly with the structural rhythm of the building. There were no compromises between energy generation and design intent – a guiding principle of ISSOL®’s approach.
By working closely with architects and engineers from concept to completion, ISSOL® ensured a result that was not only technically sound, but visually remarkable.
Interested in architectural PV that delivers more than just energy?
The Solal project is a clear example of how BIPV can do more than reduce carbon emissions – it can elevate architecture, extend the life of existing buildings, and contribute to the built environment in meaningful ways.
Let’s discuss how ISSOL® can support your next project.
