For this house in Switzerland, a new kind of facade element was developed, consisting of paraffin-filled plastic containers between panes of glass. The system provides a thermal storage capacity ten times as great as that of concrete. The elements were used over almost two thirds of the south facade, obviating the need for storage mass elsewhere in the building. The elements also function as translucent thermal insulation and absorbers, as well as providing protection from seasonal overheating. The prismatic surface of the second layer of the triple glazing reflects high-angle solar radiation away from the building, while allowing low-angle winter sunlight to pass through.