Algae Building

The first building in the world to be powered by algae was recently put into full operation in Hamburg, Germany as part of the International Building Exposition. Retrofitted with a “bioreactor façade” that is supplemented with solar panels, the BIQ building is a totally self-sufficient, zero-energy design.

Panels mounted on the sun-facing sides of the building contain algae, which feeds on carbon dioxide and nutrients supplied hydroponically. The algae are harvested to produce a bio-fuel pulp that can be burned to generate energy. As a side benefit, the panels also provide shade to reduce consumption needs.

The building itself (which consists of 15 apartments) is also based on a flexible, innovative concept in which the layout of the bathroom, kitchen and sleeping areas can be modified by residents according to their needs. Adaptable spaces such as these are viewed to be the wave of the future in housing design.