Reinterpreting Heritage through Innovation: Lessons Learned from BIPV Integration in the Renovation of Gare Maritime

INCREASE has recently published a new case study analysing the use of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in the southern façade of Gare Maritime in Brussels, as part of the building’s ambitious renovation. This is the first in a series of three case studies exploring the integration of BIPV in heritage contexts.

Through real-life examples from across Europe, the project aims to better understand how solar technologies can be incorporated into historic buildings while respecting their architectural and cultural value. Gare Maritime was selected as the first case study due to its significance as a symbol of industrial expansion and a key contributor to Brussels’ economic and social life during the 20th century. Following a major renovation completed in 2020, the former freight station was transformed into a vibrant mixed-use space that successfully combines heritage preservation with ambitious sustainability goals.

Balancing Heritage Preservation and Energy Innovation

Through interviews with developers, architects and technology providers, the case study explores how BIPV was integrated into a heritage setting and identifies lessons that can inform future projects.

The findings show that the integration of BIPV responded to multiple objectives. Beyond generating renewable electricity, the modules were primarily used as a solar-shading solution to improve indoor comfort and prevent overheating while respecting the architectural constraints of the historic façade. As Gare Maritime already features one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic installations in the Brussels-Capital Region, the energy generated by the façade-integrated modules is relatively limited. Their main added value lies in providing solar protection in a context where conventional external shading systems could not be installed.

At the same time, BIPV helped designers recreate the fine-scale appearance of the building’s original glazing, allowing them to reinterpret its historic identity through contemporary technologies. The project demonstrates how BIPV can serve not only as an energy solution, but also as an architectural tool when carefully integrated into a heritage renovation.

The case study also highlights several key challenges and best practices. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of early collaboration between developers, heritage architects, engineers and technology providers to reconcile conservation objectives with technical feasibility. They also pointed to challenges related to industrial standardisation, the rapid evolution of photovoltaic technologies and the relatively high cost of BIPV compared to conventional solar solutions. Nevertheless, the Gare Maritime experience illustrates how innovative, heritage-sensitive approaches can create new opportunities for integrating renewable energy technologies into historic buildings.

INCREASE presented the case study during the New European Bauhaus Festival

The case study was officially presented during a satellite event of the New European Bauhaus Festival held at Tour & Taxis in Brussels. Bringing together professionals from the fields of heritage, architecture, photovoltaics and policymaking, the event provided an opportunity to discuss how innovative technologies such as BIPV can contribute to the renovation of historic buildings while supporting Europe’s sustainability objectives.

🔗 Read the full case study here.