Forum Post: World's first algae house produces green energy at IBA Hamburg

The first house in the world to supply its own energy with unique “bioskin” through the cultivation of micro-algae is being presented at the International Building Exhibition IBA Hamburg in Germany. As a part of the International Building Exhibition IBA Hamburg, the Bio Intelligent Quotient (BIQ) House is the world’s first building to have a bioreactor façade. The façade of the five-story BIQ House comprises a vertical algae farm with an integrated bioreactor, turning the building into a Plus Energy House. This weekend, the house became fully operational as the glass façade was filled with liquid biomass. From now on, microalgae will be cultivated in 129 transparent glass panels, individually measuring 2.5 x 0.7 meters, which make up its “bioskin.” While these panels are used to produce energy, they also regulate light and provide shade. The combination of energy-saving algae and geothermal and solar energy will generate more energy than the residents of the house will consume.

Related Sources : http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/articles/9093/worlds-first-algae-house-produces-green-energy-at-iba-hamburg

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2013/may/01/business-earns-energy-accolade/