Solar tech meets design. Creating beautiful solar materials for places where they would normally not be.
đŹ Material R&D
âď¸ Custom solar solutions
Innovatie en materiaalontwikkeling stonden centraal tijdens ons gesprek met Sol R&D op Material District. đą
We spraken met Max over hun visie op duurzame materialen en hoe onderzoek en design samenkomen om nieuwe toepassingen mogelijk te maken. Inspirerend om te zien hoe materiaalinnovatie een steeds grotere rol speelt binnen interieur en design.
Bekijk de video en ontdek het verhaal achter @sol_rnd op @materialdistrict
#MaterialDistrict #MaterialInnovation #InteriorDesign #DuurzaamDesign
âĄď¸Solar sculpture for CupraâĄď¸
We made the custom translucent solar panels for the âSolar Waveâ, Cupraâs latest installation at Frankfurt Airport, designed by @germansermics
đ Colored.
đ˛ Textured.
đ Powered by light.
đ¸ Image courtesy of @cupra_de
The making of: Sun Catcher
We used a special type of glass called Cathedral glass. It breaks and scatters the light to create a wavy textured look.
The glass was tempered to make it strong and suitable for outdoor use. The glass is first heated to 600-700 C and then cooled down again in a matter of seconds.
The cells for this piece were soldered and placed by hand. Back contact cells were used (IBCs), these are like the V8 engine of solar panels: compact, powerful and designed for peak performance.
Day 1 at Future Facades is done!
Come find us tomorrow at the Maze of Innovation and Facinating Facades Expo by @materialdistrict at Jaarbeurs Utrecht.
Weâre showcasing our latest aesthetic solar panels that turn façades into energy-generating design statements.
Last chance to visit â see you there!
#FutureFacades2025 #SOLRD #BIPV #FaçadeDesign #SustainableArchitecture #SolarDesign #MaterialDistrict #Jaarbeurs
Suncatcher
By @riveroshan and developed by @sol_rnd
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Sun Catcher explores the intersection of architecture, art, and sustainability.
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Milan Design Week 2025
April 7 - 13
On show at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, as part of Alcova 2025.
âď¸
âSun Catcherâ A solar art installation that lights up at night.
By Rive Roshan x SOL R&D
Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, ALCOVA
Sun Catcher is a site-specific solar installation presented at ALCOVAâs Villa Bagatti Valsecchi that reactivates the historic siteâs fountain. This installationâs radiating arch catches the sunâs light. As one approaches, the form is reflected in the water below, completing the circle, creating an illusion of the sun. The piece transforms as you walk around the piece and as the sun hits it from various angles. At night the installation glows like the sun with light that uses energy harvested from the day.
Amsterdam-based design studio Rive Roshan collaborated with SOL R&D â a startup specialized in aesthetic photovoltaics to harness the innovative materialâs selective light reflection, playing with colour-shifting layers that delight the eye while also generating solar energy.
âď¸ Some moments are unrealâŚ
Tomorrow Sunday 13 April will be the last chance to catch our site specific installation âSun Catcherâ @alcova.milano Villa BAGATTI Valsecchi.
This site-specific solar art installation made in collaboration with @sol_rnd , harvests the energy of the sun by day and illuminates from the power at night.
Video by @maxdijken
When the sun goes down, all the lights go out and the visitors of @alcova.milano leave the grounds of Villa Bagatti Velsecchi the sun comes out and dances with the rhythm of the breeze. A performance for the creatures of the night.
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âSun Catcherâ
A collaboration between Rive Roshan and @sol_rnd
A site specific solar art installation in the historic fountain of Villa Bagatti Velsecchi during Milan Design Week 2025
The moment âSun Catcherâ lit up after a day of harvesting energy from a day of sun was a magical moment. At night it shines bright against the backdrop of a serene natural landscape on the grounds of Villa Bagatti Valescchi @alcova.milano
Mist started rising from the still waters that completed the full circle of the sun in the reflection.
This poetic site-specific solar art installation is by @riveroshan and developed by @sol_rnd
Photo by @maxdijken
At this yearâs Milan Design Week, weâre proud to present Sun Catcher: an installation that shows how solar technology can be both functional and visually inspiring.
Developed by SOL-R&D in collaboration with @riveroshan , Sun Catcher explores the intersection of architecture, art, and sustainability.
đ On view at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, as part of Alcova 2025.
We are excited to announce our collaboration with @sol_rnd â âSun Catcher,â a site-specific installation at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, presented at @alcova.milano during Milan Design Week.
This installation revives the villaâs fountain with a radiating arch that is designed to catch the sunâs light.
The innovative material captures solar energy during the day, which is then used to light the installation at night. Itâs a demonstration of how art and sustainable technology can work together.
Meet us at the fountain to see âSun Catcherâ in person during Milan Design Week 2025.
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đ Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, via Vittorio Emanuele II, 48
đ April 7 - 13, 2025 â° 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
đ Press Preview: April 6
For press inquiries: [email protected]
#SunCatcher #RiveRoshan #SOLRnD #ALCOVA #VillaBagattiValsecchi #DesignExhibition #SolarEnergy #InstallationArt #milandesignweek2025
