Architecture Award Building-Integrated Solar Technology

Part 2 / 4 – Church in Trin, Switzerland | March 14, 2025

The Architecture Award Building-Integrated Solar Technology was launched by the Bavarian Association for the Promotion of Solar Energy in 2000, and has since been awarded ten times. The international award, which brings together architecture and solar energy, is open to projects from all over the world and honors outstanding planning and design of building-integrated solar installations.

During the most recent competition, the panel of judges selected some particularly interesting projects. The construction assignments are very varied, with different conditions, but all of the projects showed that the integration of solar technology is possible to a high standard while meeting design and technical ambitions.

2024 winner: Church in Trin, Switzerland

Dating back to 1491, the reformed church in Trin is a unique example of how historic preservation can be reconciled with sustainability. It was the first historic church of the Grisons to receive a fully-integrated solar roof with a capacity of 38.3 kilowatt (kW) that maintains the historic character of the building while setting an example.

The PV system consists of custom-made modules with satin glass that prevents glare. The roof-integrated solution perfectly blends into the protected townscape. The project overcame initial opposition from monument preservation authorities and the municipality in Trin by serving as a role model: It proves that climate protection can be implemented even in historically valuable buildings without detracting from their architectural substance. With this project, the church in Trin is sending a strong signal in support of the energy transition and a responsible stewardship of creation.

The project was awarded the Architecture Award Building-Integrated Solar Technology 2024.

Session at the Intersolar Forum 2025

BIPV - der Zauber der Unsichtbaren (German)
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
4:00–5:30pm
Intersolar Forum, Hall A3, Booth A3.150

Session partners

Further content from this series

Part 2 – High-rise residential building in Regensburg

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