Mumbai’s SBUTCluster1 Project Sets a New Standard with Record-Breaking BIPV Solar Facade. The Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT Cluster1) project in Mumbai is a landmark initiative prioritizing community development and environmental stewardship. Aesthetic Designs, being and architects for the project and a leading architectural firm recognized for its innovative blend of creativity, functionality, and sustainability, plays a pivotal role in shaping this transformative project.
One particular building within the SBUT Cluster1 project, Al-Rehan, has garnered significant attention for its groundbreaking facade. Al-Rehan boasts the distinction of housing India’s tallest Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Solar facade.
This translates to solar panels strategically incorporated into the building’s exterior, enabling the generation of clean energy on-site.
The BIPV facade on Al-Rehan is not merely an aesthetic addition. The team at Aesthetic Designs conducted comprehensive research to identify the most efficient panel type, size, and placement for maximizing energy production.
Utilizing advanced analyses, such as solar irradiation and overshading assessments, they ensured optimal positioning by focusing on areas receiving maximum sunlight throughout the day.
Al-Rehan’s design transcends mere functionality and prioritizes cost-effectiveness. The architects implemented an ingenious solution for servicing the panels from the front of the building, eliminating the need for a dedicated service corridor and streamlining maintenance processes.
This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes the anchored system, lessening the structural load on the building. Additionally, the design incorporates optimized joinery details, leading to reduced material consumption and enhanced façade performance.
Considering the scale of Al-Rehan’s BIPV facade, one of the largest in India, the design team meticulously addressed critical factors like wind loads and safety.
This involved a robust anchorage system seamlessly integrated with Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) components.
Furthermore, meticulous detailing ensured seamless transitions between GRC-to-GRC, GRC-to-solar, and BIPV-to-glazing elements, guaranteeing the facade functions as a unified and cohesive system.
Notably, the north-facing facade utilizes glazing panels that aesthetically complement the south-facing solar panels, ensuring a balanced visual presentation.
Al-Rehan’s BIPV facade transcends its role as a clean energy generator. It stands as a testament to the immense potential of sustainable design within the architectural landscape.
This project serves as a groundbreaking example for future developments, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious India.
Fact File
Designed by: Aesthetic Designs
Project Type: Architectural Company
Project Name: The Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Principal Architect: Ar. Juzer Chahwala
CEO: Ar. Huzaifa Chahwala,
Firm’s Website Link: Aesthetic Designs
Firm’s Facebook Link: Aesthetic Designs
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]