The Serpentine SolarShuttle, a 40 passenger solar boat launched in London’s Hyde Park on July 2006, has become an icon for the future of alternative transport.
Visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, it is an ambassador for London and new sustainable solar technology.
The project was self initiated and self funded by Christoph Behling and SolarLab. It is something we deeply believe in as it shows how far an inspiring idea can reach without any marketing or media budget.
Visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, it is an ambassador for London and new sustainable solar technology.
The project was self initiated and self funded by Christoph Behling and SolarLab. It is something we deeply believe in as it shows how far an inspiring idea can reach without any marketing or media budget.
The SolarShuttle features 27 curved glass solar modules to collect energy from the sun which forms a geometric canopy over the ship's sustainable wood decking.
THE SOLARSHUTTLE IS TOTALLY SILENT AND POLLUTION-FREE
Being powered by two electric engines which run solely on power from the sun.
THE SOLARSHUTTLE IS TOTALLY SILENT AND POLLUTION-FREE
Being powered by two electric engines which run solely on power from the sun.
WATCH CHRISTOPH BEHLING TALKING ABOUT SOLARLAB AND THE SERPENTINE SHUTTLE
The SolarShuttle is not only powered by sunlight, it is also designed with light and shadows in mind.
Several mock-ups were made to create the final translucent interior.
The SolarShuttle shows the potential of high-tech, design and nature when perfectly aligned. Its main aim is to inspire a new era of exciting sustainable design.
The SolarShuttle is not only powered by sunlight, it is also designed with light and shadows in mind.
Several mock-ups were made to create the final translucent interior.
The SolarShuttle shows the potential of high-tech, design and nature when perfectly aligned. Its main aim is to inspire a new era of exciting sustainable design.
When not in use and docked, the SolarShuttle becomes a floating power generator, feeding surplus electricity back into the National Grid. Compared to a diesel powered boat of similar size, our boat eliminates the production of 4900lbs of CO2 per year.
'Committed to the power of design in transforming lives, SolarLab’s quiet vision to seduce rather than force ecological change in society is setting a benchmark in architecture, product design and engineering.' Design Week - 11 January 2007
SolarLab Solar Shuttle from Studio Behling on Vimeo.
The Serpentine SolarShuttle won innovation, design and sustainability awards globally in its first year on the Serpentine’s waters.
- Winner: Conde Nast Traveller Innovation & Design Award for Sustainable Innovation
- Winner: Travel and Leisure Award for Best Transport
- Shortlisted for the Responsible Tourism Awards
- Invited to join the Observer Ethical Awards jury
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