Oct. 18, 2023
In the midst of early autumn, Basongcuo, situated at an elevation of 3480 meters, is blanketed by a lush primitive forest. The Basongcuo Linca of Songtsam, a project nearly 8 years in the making, is located in the Jeba Village on the southern shore. It stands as one of Songtsam's largest and most advanced hotels, as well as the first green, low-carbon hotel.
The year 2022 witnessed a strategic collaboration between Songtsam Group and Siemens Energy to advance green, low-carbon, and circular development in rural areas. The partnership introduced Gain Solar's photovoltaic roof tiles and employed Siemens Energy's low-carbon energy system solutions, exploring the harmonious integration of culture and technology.
The hotel's roof, constructed with nearly ten thousand pieces of Solar Tiles, glistens in the sunlight. Complemented by Siemens Energy's intelligent energy control system, the Solar Tiles not only provide clean energy but also feed excess electricity back to the hotel, ensuring efficient energy utilization.
According to statistics, the installed area of the Basongcuo Linca of Songtsam totals 6931 square meters, with a total capacity of 841.81 kW. The hotel is estimated to generate 3123 kWh of electricity daily, meeting the power needs of 122 rooms for 6 hours a day, along with a 100 kW direct current lighting system for the lobby, meeting rooms, and restaurant operating 24 hours a day. The annual average replacement of traditional energy consumption is projected to be around 1 million kWh, equivalent to reducing approximately 1080 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The BIPV smart solution, innovative ecological materials, and efficient logistics management's modern and refined technology have given rise to Gain Solar's Solar Tile. It possesses a unique breathable function (waterproof and breathable), meeting the requirements of the Tibet Autonomous Region's Civil Building Energy Efficiency Technical Standard DB54/T0275-2023.
With high flexibility to resist base deformation and cover fine cracks, Solar Tile is suitable for regions with extreme weather, abundant sunlight, and strong UV penetration. The standardized size of 1197*397 also avoids transportation issues associated with large building materials, ensuring smooth construction.
To better protect the natural environment of Basongcuo, the construction team adopted a dry hanging construction method, following the trend of Basongcuo Lake and mountains to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment during installation. This approach has absolute advantages in shortening the construction period and improving seismic performance.
In addition, a slope-mounted installation method was locally adopted on the lower level to create ventilation gaps between Solar Tile and the roof, promoting natural ventilation while enriching the roof's expressive form.
Each piece of Solar Tile is a poem, telling the story of Basongcuo in its own way. The significance of the Basongcuo Linca of Songzan extends beyond its rich natural landscapes and comfortable living experience; it reflects profound considerations for culture.
Through the exploration of the historical, theoretical, and practical relationships between local landscapes, architectural culture, and historical culture, Gain Solar aims to construct a new BIPV smart system solution that not only aligns with China's national conditions but also embodies modernization at a higher level.