Populus, designed by Studio Gang, is the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S., located in Denver. The hotel’s distinctive design was inspired by the white-barked aspen trees of Colorado, with its façade resembling clusters of tree “eyes” formed by curved panels made from glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), a low-carbon material. Architect Jeanne Gang, along with environmentalist developers Urban Villages, created a structure that blends biophilic design and sustainability.
The 13-story building incorporates technological innovations like prefabricated, lightweight panels that act as rain screens and energy-efficient windows. Populus aims to achieve LEED Gold Certification and has eliminated on-site parking to reduce its carbon footprint. The hotel also offsets emissions by planting over 70,000 Engelmann Spruce trees in Colorado.
Inside, local materials are central to the design, with reclaimed Wyoming snow fences and terracotta tiles made from Platte River mud featured prominently. The hotel’s interiors, by Heather Wildman of Wildman Chalmers, feature earthy tones and tactile textures, contributing to the building’s warm, natural aesthetic.
