With the tourism industry becoming more eco-conscious, the first carbon-positive hotel in the US has begun construction in Denver, Colorado. The latest project of the environmental real estate developer Urban Villages hotel Populus is expected to open by the end of 2023. Designed by Studio Gang (an architectural and urban design studio) the 265-room hotel will offer a rooftop restaurant and bar with 360 degrees views.
The hotel will also have a green roof with native plants to help with temperature control inside the building, filter the air in gathering spaces, and help the building’s overall green design. Solar panels on the rooftop will fulfill the energy needs. The hotel will also buy offsite renewable energy.
Image: Studio Gang
The carbon positive aspect of the venture comes through a collective effort between Urban Villages and Studio Gang. Moreover, the collaboration emphases on low-impact material ranges and system efficiency that mark the sustainability foundation within the aspen-tree-inspired hotel with it mimicking the shape of tree trunks.
Jon Buerge, the chief development officer and partner at Urban Villages, said;
We’ve created Populus to be a catalyst for change and to meet the increasing preference by today’s consumers to travel responsibly, experience places in an authentic way and connect more deeply with nature and each other. An earth emergency demands that we strengthen our influence, and Populus is just the beginning.
Image: Studio Gang
The wedge-shaped hotel achieves its carbon positive goal through the use of low-carbon concrete and high-recycled content material. With the use of fewer materials and minimizing construction waste, the structural efficiency was increased throughout the 14-story edifice.
Its window overhangs provide shading and energy-efficient design. Different sizes of windows all over the building offer plenty of natural light and breathtaking views of the Colorado background. Moreover, the company has made an initial pledge to plant over 5,000 acres worth of trees offsite to counter its carbon emissions. Populus is aiming to achieve LEED Gold Certification.
Image: Studio Gang
Grant McCargo, Urban Villages’ cofounder, chief executive officer, chief environmental officer and partner, said;
To truly impact our earth, carbon neutral developments are no longer enough. Populus will be entirely carbon positive starting with its construction and continuing through to its ongoing operations while acting as a vibrant social center for locals and visitors.
The hotel is ditching parking to avoid the carbon footprint of extra concrete used for the underground lot, while the rest of the edifice will use low-carbon concrete. Moreover, other materials will be locally sourced, recycled, or otherwise more sustainable than traditional selections.
Image: Studio Gang
Via: Inhabitat