ING Office Almere
The project
For the existing ING office in Almere City, Solarix has renovated the facade with aesthetic, energy-generating solar panels. ING owns several buildings across the Netherlands and is actively working to make its real estate portfolio more sustainable. This project marks the start of a broader ambition: to make the bank’s network of offices more sustainable through smart, aesthetic energy solutions.
As a first step, Solarix collaborated with ING to explore the potential of adding a solar façade to the existing building. The process began with a SolarScan — an in-depth analysis that provides detailed insight into the possibilities of integrating Solarix solar panels within a specific project. Our structural and building physics experts carried out an extensive solar study, including shadow analysis, and assessed design options, positioning, and detailing of the panels. The SolarScan thus forms the basis for architectural advice, a targeted cost estimate, and a calculation of the expected payback period.
Based on these insights, a proposal was developed and elaborated into a permit application. The aesthetic review committee responded positively and expressed appreciation for the careful and subtle way in which the solar panels were integrated into the existing facade.
In total, 165 m² of Solarix solar facade panels were added, demonstrating how the renovation of existing buildings can contribute to future-oriented sustainability. In close collaboration with ING, we sought a solution that both offers aesthetic value and supports the building’s energy ambitions. The result is a refined solar facade that harmoniously blends with the existing architecture.
Solarix Solar Facade - ING Office
The solar facade has been designed to blend seamlessly into the existing architectural appearance of the Almere office, while still standing out as a recognisable addition. The solar panels are carefully matched to the colour palette of the brick facade, subtly contributing to a renewed, future-proof aesthetic.
A total of 164 Solarix facade panels have been installed, covering an area of 165 m², of which 158 m² are active and 7 m² are dummies. Of the total area, 138 m² consist of coloured panels matching the brick architecture, and 27 m² of black panels applied to the technical room on the roof.
Coloured solar facade
For the main facade, panels from the Solarix Line High Efficiency collection were chosen, offering an attractive combination of aesthetics and high performance. These panels combine a warm, natural hue with black accents, allowing them to integrate elegantly into the facade while providing excellent energy yield.
The suede black solar panels on the technical room create a calm yet powerful contrast, enhancing the sleek and unified look of the overall building design.
By carefully balancing colour, dimensions, and positioning, a facade has been created that not only generates energy but also enhances the architectural quality of the building. The ING Almere solar facade demonstrates how solar facade renovation can sustainably transform existing buildings — with respect for architecture and an eye toward the future.
Client: ING
Project team: Solarix, Hurks (architecture), Breedveld & Schröder (facade installation & electrical systems)
Colour and design selection process
To determine the right colour and most suitable design for the solar facade, Solarix worked together with the client to test different samples directly on the façade of the ING office in Almere. By assessing the colours, gloss and textures in natural daylight, it became clear which option best complemented the existing brick architecture. Through this collaborative process, a careful choice was made that enhances the building’s appearance while contributing to ING’s sustainability ambitions.
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