Building powered by algae growing on its facade October 24, 2012
The BIQ house in Germany features a “bio-adaptive façade” that
uses microalgae to generate renewable energy and provide shade,
PSFK reports. Designed for the International Building Exhibition
in Hamburg, the zero-energy house will be the first real-life
test for the new façade system. Algae in the bio-reactor façades
grow faster in bright sunlight to provide more shade. The bio-
reactors power the building by capturing solar thermal heat and
producing biomass that can be harvested. To use bio-chemical
processes for adaptive shading is a really innovative and
sustainable solution so it is great to see it being tested in a
real-life scenario. As well as generating renewable energy and
providing shade to keep the inside of the building cooler on
sunny days, it also creates a visually interesting look that
architects and building owners will like. The building is due to
be completed in March 2013, and it will allow scientists,
engineers, and builders