Algae-Powered Building Is A Cool Place To Live

129 algae filled louvered tanks hang over the south-east and south-west faces of the 15-unit apartment that has been constructed in the city of Hamburg, Germany. The unconventional architecture is the brainchild of SSC Strategic Science Consultants and Splitterwerk Architects and named the Bio Intelligent Quotient (BIQ) House. The building is covered in green exteriors with a giant cartoon-like bubble on one side with the word "Photosynthesis?" on it. The primary purpose of the project is to provide an alternate and organic way to heat and cool large buildings. The algae, which was collected from the nearby Elbe river was put into large thin rectangular clear cases. Nutrients and carbon dioxide are provided to the algae by an automated system. The building uses both solar thermal and geothermal energy to regulate temperature.

The tanks are attached to the scaffolding such that they are capable of turning towards the sun for maximum exposure. Consequently, the algae grows, more so in summer, hence giving shade to the building and keeping it cool. The excess heat that builds up inside the algae tanks is transferred to saline water tanks which lie beneath the building for later use. After a certain amount of algae growth has been reached, it is harvested in a processing facility in the building. The resulting biogas from the biomass can be burned to provide heat in the winter. The building will undergo a feasibility test to determine if such a model could be replicated in other cities. Rethink the unanimous look of disapproval towards algae. More power to Green!

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