In 2021, SunStyle terracotta-colored solar tiles were used to eco-responsibly renovate the Domaine de La Plume, a unique property and hotel near Nice, France. Originally an 18th-century bourgeois residence, the Domaine now hosts seminars and individual guests, offering experiences centered around well-being, hands-on activities, and learning at a permaculture farm school. Situated on 9 hectares of land, the Pavillon de La Plume overlooks the Pré-Alpes d’Azur Regional Nature Park, and its rehabilitation was guided by one principle: to integrate perfectly with its natural surroundings.
In line with eco-responsibility, the residence’s old roof tiles (terracotta canal tiles) were replaced with solar tiles that produce renewable and decarbonized energy. To preserve the building’s natural beauty and identity, SunStyle proposed using terracotta-colored solar tiles, ensuring no compromise on the architectural uniqueness of this historic building. The 295 SunStyle solar tiles form the pavilion’s four-sided roof, complemented by copper pipes for rainwater management. The 265 m² solar roof, with a capacity of 25 kWp, combines both active and inactive tiles to create a uniform appearance. This technology meets 80% of the building’s electricity needs, providing a long-lasting source of green energy. The 6 mm thick tiles textured glass and are designed to withstand hailstones up to 50 mm in diameter.
The Domaine de La Plume exemplifies the successful integration of SunStyle terracotta solar tiles into a sustainable project, harmonizing with the region’s traditional architecture.
