ELEN leaf - Electric vehicle charging station

Category
Public space, Product design
Location
Zagreb
Year
2016.
Size
50 m2
Client
HEP
Status
completed
Architect
architecture: Ivan Galić, design: Ana Banić Göttlicher, Maša Vukmanović 
Team
Damir Mance (architecture), Ivica Šaban (construction), Zlatko Galić (electric instalations), Elna Kabel (contractor)
Photographer
Ivan Dorotić
Download
factsheet[EN]
  • 3 28.0 mm 16.0 200
  • 1/40 50.0 mm 16.0 200
  • 1/125 50.0 mm 2.2 200
  • 3 14.0 mm 22.0 200
  • 1/5 14.0 mm 14.0 200
  • 0.3 50.0 mm 14.0 200
View more photos of our projects on Flickr

Elen Leaf is electric vehicle charging station, the first in Croatia to use solar energy for power. It consists of a canopy with solar panels, ultrafast charging stations and a distinctive totem. This technology and design unique charging station is a combination of electromobility and application of renewable energy sources.

The design of the station is inspired by the biological manufacturing process that triggers all life on earth – photosynthesis.

 

The primary location of photosynthesis in plants is a leaf, so it was perfectly natural for the cell design to communicate precisely that ecological aspect. In addition, the green-coloured gradient that moves from light green to dark green, almost black, to the top blended with the black color of laminated monocristal solar panels, on clearly articulated surfaces suggests the process of charging the car.

The station with its surface covers a standard parking space, so there is no usurpation of the space. A type object like this can be construction in various locations, and thanks to its modularity it can be manufactured and mounted relatively quickly. Steel construction skeleton with sheet also serves for drainage of roofing water, and is closed on the upper side of solar panels and light boxes of polycarbonate, and on the bottom side boxes of perforated steel sheet. In the ceiling of the canopy is incorporated line LED technical lighting in dilatations between the ceiling panels which further emphasizes the visual identity of the object.

ELEN leaf electric vehicle charging station won

iF DESIGN AWARD 2017

 

dizajn.hr

The light effect of the decorative character of the canopy through the light boxes emphasizes the bracket with the gradual reduction of intensity from lower to higher levels of the canopy bracket, and also the backing and construction of green paint on the horizontal panels.

The type object of the electric car charging station was used as a platform for integrating different approaches that combine architecture, design and sustainability. The seemingly simple object is designed as a distinctive character in space. In addition to the visually attractive cell Elen leaf integrates sustainable technologies within one of rare examples of the product design of this kind in Croatia. The project of the typical charging station for electric cars is a rare effort to investigate the response, as well as the combination of architecture and design.

Similar projects - Public space/Product design

Homeland Memorial

Zagreb | 2016 | 1200m2

Baška Waterfront

Baška, Krk | 2015 | 33500m2

Podgora Center

Podgora | 2012 | 12500m2