The workshop began with guest lectures from a handful of experts on energy-positive buildings. One of them, Philipp Mueller, who is the Zero Energy Building (ZEB) consultant in Hydro, emphasized how important it is that architectural students see the many opportunities that lie in the façade.

"A good façade has a number of properties that can help reduce energy consumption in buildings in a natural way. In addition, the façade is the key to integrating active energy production into buildings," says Mueller.

"Letting in natural daylight gives you optimal lighting conditions, while at the same time reduces the need for artificial lighting. It's a win-win situation that delivers optimal energy consumption, comfort and well-being," he continues.

Important event

Cathrine Vigander, general manager and partner in Element Arkitekter AS and lecturer at AHO, says the students are keen to explore new opportunities that can contribute to energy-positive solutions.

"A strong focus on energy and the environment is a given and it is important to develop the students' interdisciplinary knowledge," says Vigander on the workshop that is being organized by AHO and Hydro.

The purpose of this event is to increase the second-year students' knowledge of glass, aluminium and the potential of the façade in an architectural and energy-friendly context.

"Students are highly skilled and engaged, so we have given them the opportunity to be innovative and to challenge existing solutions," says Vigander.

Expertise and cooperation

Hydro has expertise in developing products and solutions for zero-emission and energy-positive buildings. Mueller believes it is important to share this knowledge with future architects.

"Hydro develops façade solutions for energy-friendly buildings. These will be the buildings of the future and you will design many of them," Mueller told the students.

Mueller is supported by Vigander who believes that it is important to create connections between students and industry.

"By Hydro providing its expertise in aluminium and energy-positive solutions at events like these, we can create closer links between education and industry," says Vigander.

"Technology and architecture go hand in hand and it is important to focus on the future architects and engineers who will develop tomorrow's solutions," she concludes.

Practical workshop

During the workshop, students are divided into ten groups. Then each group presents their model of façades that contribute to energy-positive solutions. The materials they may use are glass, aluminium and insulation.

On Thursday 1 March, the students present their solutions and models. This is also when Hydro's CEO Svein Richard Brantzæg will join them to be inspired and to learn from all the workshop's different results.