Ecacia: A Solar Experience Of The Innovative Kind

30 Sep 2022 CW Team

Ecacia is a prototype of a tree-like structure designed by London-based architect Samuel Wilkinson that collects solar energy and provides shelter to the public during extremely hot weather. Ecacia was designed by Wilkinson's Studio on the lines of a species of acacia tree native to the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa, which is distinguished by a broad canopy that allows it to absorb a lot of sunshine.

Recently, prototypes of Ecacia were developed in collaboration with US start-up Solar Forma, which aims to create solar products that serve more than just power generation in public urban spaces.

Embedded in the Ecacia's faceted nonagonal roof are 708 monocrystalline silicon solar cells. In conjunction with accompanying electricity storage, this solar canopy can power nearby public amenities or kiosks, or charge electric vehicles (EVs) and bikes. Ecacia can also be plugged into the grid. Moreover People can gather under the large shaded area under the timber-lined roof, which measures seven metres wide. With four programmable LED lights concealed within the "branches," Ecacia illuminates the surrounding area at night with a soft glow, allowing the canopy to glow at night. Solar Forma intends to incorporate a misting active cooling system into the product so that it can provide additional relief from extreme heat.

The "trunk" of the prototype can be either 6.7 metres or 5.2 metres tall, consists of a steel frame and an aluminium plate, installs in just one day, and can withstand gusts of up to 160 kph. In designing this prototype Ecacia has put Biomimicry which attempts ‘to mimic nature in order to address human difficulties’ to good use.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..