SunStyle participated in the construction of the French Pavilion for the 2020 World Expo, held in Dubai from 2021 to 2022. The goal was to align the building with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the UN and to reflect the sustainability of French progress. To achieve this, the building was constructed in accordance with the four fundamental principles of bioclimatic architecture: integration with the surrounding environment, comfort and health, the use of appropriate materials, and energy savings through autonomous solar energy production. To meet this last requirement, 4,060 solar tiles were installed over a significant surface area of 3,065 m², providing a total capacity of 437 kWp. As a result, the building achieved 70% energy efficiency.
The theme of the Pavilion, “Lumière, Lumières” or “Light, Enlightenment,” aimed to promote renewable energy while evoking the influence of Enlightenment philosophers from the 18th century. To embody this theme fully, the design of the Pavilion explored light in all its forms—as a source of inspiration, creativity, knowledge, and as a means of connecting with other cultures. The roof and exterior facades were covered with blue and green SunStyle solar tiles, inspired by Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. These solar tiles captured sunlight and converted it into energy for the building, creating an interactive light show. This innovative project was made possible by the color technology developed by SunStyle LTD, which allowed the tiles to be seamlessly integrated into the building’s aesthetic. Inspired by dragon scales, their design not only harmonizes with the building but also gives it a distinctive and unique character.
The solar tiles were installed on the flat roof and facades using a specially designed fixation system. This project demonstrates how the integration of solar PV into buildings represents not only a practical solution but also one that provides comfort for users and showcases architectural and design innovation. The pavilion was a great success at the exhibition and a true showcase of French excellence and know-how.
