Decentralised rooftop PV is the largest supplier of clean power in Australia. With grids catching up, a range of storage options available and rapid uptake of electric vehicles, it is time to build onto this success. Neat brings together designs that define this purpose.

THE SMITHSONIAN TROPICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, PANAMA, KISS + CATHCART, ARCHITECTS

April 14, 2016 by Giles Hohnen

Completed in 2003, the Smithsonian research campus in Panama goes some way towards an ideal of “zero-impact”. Minimising energy demand, the building uses natural ventilation, double roof shading with semi translucent canopy roof, dual stage split system with individual units for specific spaces and ceiling fans throughout. The buildings 30kW BiPV roof produces approximately 75% of the buildings base energy requirements.