ELEN Leaf
Covers footprint of standard parking space, ensuring no additional land take while enabling rapid charging under protective canopy. Croatian Designers’ Association Award (17/18) and iF Design Award 2017 position it as reference project at intersection of design, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure.
Project Type Product Design | Infrastructure
Client HEP Supply
Year 2016
Recognition Croatian Designers’ Association Award 17/18, iF Design Award 2017
Overview
ELEN Leaf is Croatia’s first ultra-fast electric vehicle charging station powered by solar energy, developed for HEP Supply. It combines charging canopy with integrated solar panels, ultra-fast charger, and distinctive totem into single, recognizable piece of infrastructure.
Brief
HEP Supply set out to create flagship charging station clearly communicating their commitment to electromobility and renewable energy. Brief called for design that could become repeatable type-object, visibly associated with sustainability, and suitable for deployment across different locations without occupying more space than standard parking bay.
Approach
Concept takes cue from photosynthesis, the biological “production” process powering all plant life. Since leaf is primary site of photosynthesis, station’s canopy adopts leaf-like form and orientation to symbolize transformation of sunlight into usable energy for vehicles. Surfaces articulated with gradient of green tones transitioning from lighter at base to darker near solar panel plane, visually suggesting process of charging as energy moves upward. Steel structural skeleton supports laminated monocrystalline solar panels on top and is closed with polycarbonate light boxes and perforated sheet metal below, integrating drainage and lighting into clean, unified form.
Role & Collaboration
Design Maša Vukmanović, Ana Banić Göttlicher
Architecture Ivan Galić (NOP studio)
Project team Damir Mance architecture, Ivica Šaban construction, Zlatko Galić electrical engineering, Elna Kabel d.o.o. contractor
Photographs Ivan Dorotić
