# Algae-Powered Building The BIQ House Generates Both Energy and Shade for Those Residing Inside By Meghan Young | Published 2012-10-23 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biq-house References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2012/10/algae-powered-building.html) & [splitterwerk.at](http://www.splitterwerk.at/) The BIQ house is a natural progression from [buildings covered in vertical gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rooted-potential). While its predecessors were decorated as such for looks and an environmentally conscious statement, the BIQ house uses energy generated from the [algae covering it](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puddle-pavilion) to provide power as well as shade for those residing inside. Designed by Splitterwerk Architects, in collaboration with Colt International, Arup, and SSC, for the [International Building Exhibition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/endangered-species-series) in Hamburg, Germany, the BIQ house is set to become the first real-life test for bio-adaptive façade systems. Due to be completed in March 2013, the BIQ house will grant scientists, engineers and builders the opportunity to access how well a system like this will work. Jan Wurm of Arup notes, "It also creates a visually interesting look that architects and building owners will like." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Bio-adaptive Façades:** The use of algae to generate energy in façade designs is a trend that promises energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and visually stunning building styles. - **Sustainable Architecture:** A trend that is turning toward environmentally sustainable architecture, where designs incorporate features that naturally contribute to cleaner living, carbon neutrality, and reduced greenhouse gas footprints. - **Energy-generating Façades:** A trend, where new ones of energy such as algae are used to generate renewable energy in façades, which reduces dependence on the grid and fossil fuels. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** Construction industries can take advantage of this technology to lower the cost of their operations and improve the quality of their designs. - **Architecture:** Architecture industries can take advantage of this technology to design buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, visually stunning, and cheaper to erect. - **Energy:** Energy industries can take advantage of this technology to harness and store clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in a more sustainable energy future. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Algae-Powered Air Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algenair-aerium.md) - [Algae Lit Retail Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesop-hainan.md) - [Off-Grid Self-Sufficient Island Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-house.md) - [Algae-Based Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chandeliers-sconces.md) - [Water-Powered Family Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breach-house.md) - [Probiotic Sustainable Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alive.md) - [Algae Resin Pavilion Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puddle-pavilion.md) - [Low-Carbon Biomimetic Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tonkin-liu.md) - [Net-Positive Energy Botanical Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-selby-botanical-gardens.md)