Solar Phenomenon: How to Harness the Sun with a Sustainable Curved Solar Roof
Architect Christian Wassmann and CertainTeed combine forces to create a sustainable masterpiece.
Photo: Iwan Baan
When architect Christian Wassmann set off for upstate New York in search of land to build a home for his family, he had a particular vision in mind. Guided by his belief that architecture should connect people to each other, to themselves and to the cosmos, he sought to design a home that not only respected the environment, but was integrated into it.
What he found was a pristine 14-acre site overlooking the Hudson Valley anchored by an ancient 12,000 year old glacial boulder perched on the property’s highest point. Rather than viewing it as an obstacle, Wassmann embraced the ancient stone as the heart of his design. Every room in the house flows around it, as if the structure had emerged organically from the land itself. The result is a fully sustainable sanctuary that honors and lives in harmony with the natural world.
The Solar Challenge
Designing a home that intertwines so intimately with the natural environment posed several unique challenges, and the vision to integrate the massive boulder as the central element required architectural innovation. Wassmann’s deep commitment to achieving a minimal environmental footprint inspired the home’s unique curved solar roof.
Photo: Christian Wassman
However, implementing this vision required unconventional solutions. Traditional solar panels are designed for flat or sloped roofs, making it a challenge to adapt them to the unusual curve shape without compromising efficiency or aesthetics.
Photo: Christian Wassman
Wassmann had to find a product that could conform to the roof’s geometry while maintaining maximum exposure to sunlight. Additionally, the integration of solar technology had to be seamlessly woven into the architecture, preserving the home’s aesthetic.
The Solution
This challenge led to an exploration of cutting-edge solar technology that could be integrated and customized to the roof’s architecture. After careful research, Wassmann selected SunStyle by CertainTeed, an innovative solution designed to merge advanced technology with aesthetic beauty.
Photo: Christian Wassman
These distinctive solar tiles seamlessly integrate solar energy generation into the unique geometry of the roof without compromising on design or functionality. The dragon-scale tiles combine solar-active glass with customizable edge pieces, making them an ideal choice to accomplish this unique shape. Advanced calculations allowed for strategic layering and variable mounting plates, making them layer perfectly to create the smooth, flowing shape. Premium photovoltaic cells provide efficient energy production, while edge-to-edge coverage optimizes performance.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Beyond energy efficiency, the solar tiles also offer superior durability. Designed to withstand harsh weather like hail, snow and high winds, they’re ideal for the Catskills’ unpredictable climate. Self-cleaning feature reduce maintenance, and if replacement is ever required, it’s a quick, non-disruptive process.
The Result
Today, the completed architectural masterpiece—aptly named the Rock ’n’ House—stands as a testament to Wassmann’s belief that innovation, beauty and environmental harmony can coexist. Engineered for longevity, its advanced solar technology not only elevates sustainable living but also demonstrates how similar systems could flourish in sun-drenched regions like Colorado, where clean energy potential perfectly complements mountain modern design.
CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior products, including roofing, siding, trim, insulation, gypsum, and ceilings. Their mission is to transform the world into a better, more sustainable home through an ever-evolving range of innovative building solutions. To learn more about SunStyle, visit CertainTeed or call 800-233-8990.
