Elithis tower, Office building in Dijon, France
Elithis tower is an office building in Dijon that rises ten stories and features external solar shields covering its glass surfaces along with integrated photovoltaic modules. The facade combines these protective elements to regulate temperature and generate power directly from sunlight.
This building opened in 2009 as the first energy-positive commercial structure in France built at standard production costs. It demonstrated that sustainable design could work within typical development budgets.
The building stands in the Clémenceau district near the Dijon Auditorium and Convention Centre, forming part of the city's modern architectural landscape.
A digital display board on the facade shows real-time energy production data, allowing visitors to see the building's output at any moment. Most temperature control functions operate passively, so mechanical systems run minimally during daylight hours.
The building relies on cellulose insulation and movable solar shields instead of air conditioning to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. This approach shows how passive systems can replace conventional cooling methods.
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