Architectural integration of solar thermal elements in the building envelope

For architects solar thermal technologies and possibilities are not yet playing the important role which the technologies, design possibilities and environmental concern justify. Solar thermal technologies have been present in the build environment for decades in the northern region of Europe, but mainly as standard elements meant for application on roofs in the private sector. This simple application form is not always attractive to architects, who would prefer design freedom and also integration possibilities when drawing up a building project, be it a new building or a renovation project. This paper will try to identify some of the areas which could be of special interests from an architect's point of view.