CMF Design Transforms Solar Panels with Natural Impressions

Made from textured tempered glass, the collection consists of eight designs (two roof tiles and six façade modules) inspired by impressions from the natural world and weathered/aged materials.

The roof tiles emulate oxidising copper and iron through mottled colour and patina-like patterning, while a reflective finish adds a further glimmering, metallic quality. See our A/W 21/22 Colour & Materials Direction Earth for more decorative tarnished surfaces.

Meanwhile, the façade modules feature material effects – such as streaked paint, worn brickwork and weathered and scratched metal imitations – alongside nature-inspired designs. A painterly wash of soft yellow and orange hues references warm summer skies, while spring leaves inform a pattern that resembles foliage through dappled light. 

Aligning with themes in our S/S 21 Colour & Materials Direction Bio-Fantasy, these patterns add an organic and softening quality to hard and technical building materials.

This also channels the transformative effects of biophilic design, and demonstrates how subtle tactility and visual cues can help to make our urban environments more aesthetically pleasing. Read more about biophilic design in Materialising Modern Work.

Look out for our upcoming CMF industry report, which highlights the latest colour and material innovations specifically designed to tackle issues within cities and urban environments, publishing January 28. For more renewable-energy-generating solutions, see Electrified Streetscapes.