The design was developed as part of the international competition “Agrivoltaics for Noah’s Ark – Photovoltaic Rice Landscapes” organized by NeoruraleHub, and was awarded 1st prize in 2022. The goal was to develop a system that integrates photovoltaic technology into an existing rice-growing landscape while taking into account agricultural machinery, irrigation systems, and optimal light conditions. Agri-photovoltaic systems combine renewable energy production with active agriculture, making a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of rural areas. By enabling dual land use, they generate both photovoltaic electricity and agricultural yields, while simultaneously restoring and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
At the heart of the design is a filigree, cable-net structure. The advantages of this structural system lie primarily in its lightness and efficiency: thanks to its filigree, catenary-based form, the system integrates harmoniously into the landscape and requires significantly less material than conventional installations. The large spacing between supports minimizes interference with agricultural operations and maximizes productive cultivation area, while the flexible structure can be easily adapted to different site conditions. In addition, the system allows for the integration of agrotextiles and precision agriculture, making it well prepared to meet future climatic challenges.
LMNTAL continues to support Studio Alami in the further development of the project, providing comprehensive structural consulting on load-bearing systems and material utilization, while also playing a key role in the form-finding process and the structural detailing of the cable-net system. We view this interdisciplinary collaboration as a key factor in the project’s success.