# Algae-Covered Glass Tower Concepts XTU Architects is Proposing a Set of Four Twisting Structures By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-05-10 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tower-concept References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/10/xtu-architects-architecture-concept-glass-towers-algae-hangzhou-china/) & [xtuarchitects](https://www.xtuarchitects.com/new-blog/2018/4/24/xtu-frenchdreamtowers-hangzhou-trailer) French studio XTU Architects developed a glass tower concept for a site in Hangzhou, China that fuses design and innovative technology. The structures are not only intended to beautifully twist from the base upward but they also incorporate a patent-pending insulation technology that involves [micro-algae](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puddle-pavilion). The "bio facade" that is featured in XTU Architects' glass tower concept has multiple benefits. On one hand, it "uses the thermal building to regulate the culture temperature of the algae" and keeps the energy from escaping. On the other hand, it actively offsets the environmental impact of the building "by [absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picoplanktonics)." This glass tower concept aims to solve the issues faced by traditional buildings having to do with heat escaping and solar glare. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Glass Tower Concepts:** Exploring innovative designs and technologies for glass tower construction. - **Bio Facades:** Developing building facades that incorporate bio-based materials and technologies for enhanced energy efficiency and environmental benefits. - **Micro-algae Insulation:** Implementing patent-pending insulation technologies using micro-algae for improved insulation and sustainability in building construction. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Opportunities in designing and constructing innovative and sustainable buildings using glass tower concepts and bio facades. - **Construction:** Incorporating new technologies and materials like micro-algae insulation for improved thermal efficiency in building construction. - **Environmental Technology:** Developing and commercializing bio-based insulation technologies, such as micro-algae, for broader applications in the construction industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Twisted Concrete Tower Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alta-tower.md) - [Low-Carbon Biomimetic Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tonkin-liu.md) - [Organic Striking Tower Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaves.md) - [Lotus Plant-Inspired Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-future.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Curved Green Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-island.md) - [Algae-Based Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chandeliers-sconces.md) - [Algae Lit Retail Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesop-hainan.md) - [Greenhouse Office Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-for-roundtable.md)