The Innovative Envelope research group has acquired expertise over the years as a result of the various integrated photovoltaic research projects (BIPV) conducted at both the national and international levels. In fact, it hosts the Swiss Competence Centre for BIPV.

Building envelopes can perform a vast range of functions and tasks: innovative windows and thermal insulation systems protect users from unfavourable climatic conditions. They can also be used to exploit solar heat through windows, and to optimise thermal protection levels. As well as regulating natural light and fresh air, envelopes can generate useful heat and electrical energy, integrating solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic cells.
We develop products in collaboration with manufacturers, we advise architects and designers, and, using a range of instruments, we test the components developed, both in the laboratory and on site.
Our research focuses mainly on the development, analysis and experimentation of innovative and sustainable solutions for multi-functional building envelope systems suited to the energy-efficient buildings project.

Research work focuses on:

• architectural and technological-construction solutions for multi-functional and efficient envelopes, conceived on the basis of an integrated approach aimed at minimising the needs of the building by ensuring that energy flow, ventilation and natural light are managed in an optimal manner
• integration of photovoltaic modules/systems (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) into buildings, with the role of construction components (for example, as roof tiles, facade cladding, windows or semi-transparent elements, solar shields or parapets) as an integral part of the architectural language, of the performance levels and of the technology of the building organism
• methodologies and techniques that foster the exploitation of solar energy in the built environment, and its integration into the design and construction process, for both new constructions and for the redevelopment of existing buildings
• techniques that foster the exploitation of solar energy
• multi-functional facade systems that integrate various technologies 
• development of components, libraries and platforms for the integration and interoperability of the digital BIM-based building process.