A hotel in Denver, Colorado was built after designers took inspiration from the aspen tree that happens to be so loved in the state. But aside from how gorgeous it is, the fact that it removes more carbon than it actually uses also makes it the first of its kind within the country.
In every aspect of the build, from cement-works, to smelting, to the heavy machinery that was used in making the Populus Hotel, they made sure to assess everything in order to lessen the chances of unnecessary emissions.
Designed by Studio Gang, located in Chicago, the hotel is finally almost done. The hotel lacks parking, but this was done on purpose, so there was no need to dig or build an underground concrete lot. Rather, the hotel is hoping that guests will take a bus or a train into the transportation hub that sits right across the street from them.
The hotel’s low-carbon concrete façade and skeleton are inspired by the aspen bark, while the material that was used is considered super insulating. This also means that it will substantially lessen the consumption of energy.
The deep-set windows are meant to work in the same way, lessening the amount of sun that can directly enter the room. The designers also share that just as the trees grow, they shed the lower branched which leave dark, eye-shaped marks on the papery bark of their trunks.
Moreover, the roof is filled with solar panels. And for each ton of CO2 that comes from the use of energy, the hotel will also buy off the “carbon offsets,” in other words, trees that will be planted elsewhere by a third party in order to be CO2 absorbers all throughout their lifetime.
Jon Buerge, who happens to be the chief development officer at Urban Villages – which is the sustainability-focused developer behind the project, spoke with Fast Company, saying, “Internally, we often say if we can show people how to make money doing the right thing to change the world, it can be replicated.”
Buerge added, “And so our projects are very profitable. We don’t ever come in saying, you know, well, if we use this material, and we reduce our return on investment, is that okay? It’s more saying, we’ve got to justify it. We have to make sure that the decisions we’re making are good for the planet and good for the business.”
Their website also shares, ‘Populus is designed to become an energetic new social center in downtown Denver. Located on a prominent corner site, the building greets the neighborhood equally on all three sides, welcoming visitors and residents and connecting Denver’s civic, arts, and commercial districts.’
The expected opening date for the hotel is next year. It will have 265 rooms, including a rooftop terrace garden and a dining area with incredible views, including the State Capitol building and out towards the Rocky Mountains beyond.
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