PROJECTS
Merck Darmstadt OPV – World’s First Energy-Efficient ETFE Façade | Taiyo Europe
| Location | Darmstadt, Germany |
| Region | Europe |
| Material | ETFE, Other |
| Layers | 1 |
| Architect | HENN Architects |
| Engineering | LEICHT Structural eingineering and specialist consulting GmbH |
| Application | |
| Market Sector | Institutional |
| Size | 265 sqm |
| Year | 2019 |
Taiyo Europe successfully completed the Merck Darmstadt OPV façade project in March 2019, delivering a visually stunning and technologically advanced solution that reflects Merck’s forward-looking vision.
The scope of work included steelworks and the installation of a single-layer ETFE system, printed and equipped with photovoltaic (PV) modules.
By integrating OPV (Organic Photovoltaic) modules directly into Taiyo’s color-printed, translucent ETFE films, the design team achieved both aesthetic excellence and functional sustainability.
The resulting façade stands as a trendsetting showcase of innovation, harmonizing architecture, design, and renewable energy.
The World’s First Energy-Efficient Membrane Façade
Within the framework of a collaboration between Merck, ASCA®, and ETFE specialist Taiyo Europe, the world’s first energy-efficient façade project in membrane architecture was developed at the Merck building in Darmstadt.
The goal was to create an extravagant façade equipped with an OPV system that is impressive not only for its functionality but also its design.
The project demonstrates how printed organic photovoltaics can make a significant contribution to building energy efficiency — the system feeds the generated power back into the building’s electrical grid.
This represents an aesthetic and technical milestone in the field of membrane construction: for the first time, a high-quality, energy-producing ETFE façade has been realized, setting new standards for sustainable architecture.
Architectural Highlights
– ETFE single-layer system with customized digital printing
– Integrated ASCA® OPV modules for energy generation
– Lightweight steel support structure ensuring design flexibility
– Collaboration between HENN Architects, LEICHT Engineering, and Taiyo Europe
Project Significance
The Merck Darmstadt OPV project marks a turning point in modern façade engineering — combining energy production, transparency, and design freedom.
This innovative collaboration demonstrates how ETFE membranes can evolve into energy-active architectural surfaces, paving the way for sustainable building envelopes of the future.
Explore more ETFE projects:
Project Database
Need further information?
Contact Us
