Meet the eFacade PRO+ from Mitrex and Gensler
In this article, you’ll discover:
- How Mitrex and Gensler are teaming up to turn walls into power plants.
- Why solar panels can now look like wood or satin instead of just dark glass.
- The secret behind the honeycomb design that makes panels strong but light.
- How this technology pays off its carbon footprint in just one year.
Have you ever looked up at a giant skyscraper and just saw a huge wall of glass or concrete? I used to think buildings were just big shells that hold people and desks. But imagine if those walls actually did something useful. Imagine if the outside of the building could power the lights inside.
That is exactly what is happening now. Mitrex, a big manufacturer in North America, has joined forces with Gensler, a famous global design firm. Together, they have created something called the eFacade PRO+ with Honeycomb Backing. It sounds technical, but it is basically a smart wall that generates electricity from the sun.
A Shared Vision
I love when companies work together to make something better. This partnership is all about mixing great design with smart technology. They didn’t want to just make a solar panel. They wanted to make a building material that architects would actually want to use.
Danial Hadizadeh, the CEO of Mitrex, said this partnership is about “transforming buildings into energy-generating landmarks without compromising safety or aesthetics.”
Basically, they want buildings to look amazing and be useful at the same time. Brandon Larcom from Gensler agreed. He said that teaming up allows them to “push the boundaries of innovation” by putting solar tech directly into the facades. It creates solutions that are beautiful and help the planet.
Looks Like Wood, Works Like Solar
Here is the part that blows my mind. Usually, when we think of solar power, we picture those big, dark blue rectangles on a roof. They don’t always match the style of a fancy new hotel or office tower.
The eFacade PRO+ changes that. It allows for total freedom in design. Builders can choose almost any color or pattern. They can even make these solar panels look like wood grain, satin, or glossy finishes.
I think this is a game changer. You could walk past a building that looks like it is made of natural wood, but it is actually a high-tech solar power plant. It can handle curves, corners, and big shapes. It lets architects be creative without worrying about ugly equipment.
Why the Honeycomb Matters
The name “Honeycomb Backing” comes from nature. Think about a beehive. The honeycomb shape is famous for being incredibly light but super strong.
By using this shape on the back of the panels, Mitrex makes sure the walls are flat and durable. It doesn’t add too much weight to the building, which is important for tall towers. It keeps everything straight and sturdy for a long time.
Safety First
When you are building a skyscraper, you have to be careful. You can’t just slap anything on the side of a tall building. Fire safety is a huge concern.
The eFacade PRO+ is built to be safe. It uses non-combustible glass and has passed strict tests. It meets the rules for fire safety and can handle strong winds and impacts. This makes it perfect for those super tall buildings in busy cities.
Good for the Earth
We all know we need to take better care of our planet. What I like about this system is how efficient it is. These panels have a low carbon footprint.
In sunny places like Miami or Houston, these walls can “pay back” their carbon emissions in just one year. Since the panels are designed to last for 60 years, that is decades of clean, free energy. It cuts down on pollution and saves money on electricity bills.
It is really exciting to see technology like this. It proves that we don’t have to choose between a beautiful building and a green one. We can have both with Mitrex.
