Algenhaus, Bioreactor house in Wilhelmsburg, Hamburg, Germany
The Algenhaus is a residential building in Wilhelmsburg with special glass panels on its facades where microalgae grow. These panels on the southwestern and southeastern sides create a green surface that changes constantly throughout the day.
The building was developed as an experimental project and completed in 2011. It was created as part of a major exhibition for new architectural ideas in Hamburg.
The building shows how residents can live alongside natural biological processes in a modern setting. The algae panels shape how the neighborhood looks and feel in an unconventional way.
The building can be viewed and photographed from outside, and the algae panels are most visible on sunny days. Interior access is limited, so visitors should check in advance whether guided tours are available.
The building was among the first in the world to use microalgae on a large scale for energy production directly in its facades. This technology allows the algae to produce heat and biomass while filtering natural light into the building simultaneously.
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