Designing Energy- Generating Buildings Through Bio- Integrated Systems
By Manzil Studio LTD- 8 min read
Introduction: The Future of Architecture Is Living, Breathing and Green
What if the walls of our buildings could grow fuel, clean our water and filter out air. All while housing daily life? That’s the question I explored in my architectural dissertation.
Titled “Condition Improving Algal Bio- Fuel Creation Utilising Wastewaters Within the Built Environment.” The research investigates how algae cultivation systems, powered by light and fuelled by wastewater. Becoming an integrated part of the buildings and cities, we live in.
Within architecture, buildings should just minimise environmental harm, they should actively regenerate.
Existing growth system in New Jersey. 70,000 sq. ft tall structure
Why Algae? A Living Machine for the Built Environment
Algae are among the most energy-efficient organisms on the planet. These tiny plants grow rapidly, absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen and thrive in wastewater. Under the right conditions, they also produce lipid- rich biomass that can be converted into biofuel.
The goal of my research was to explore how algae systems could:
- Be integrated into architectural design
- Improve building performance
- Reduce environmental impact
- Enable new approaches to energy, water and waste
This concept belongs to a new generation of bio- integrated architecture, a design approach that merges ecological systems with the built environment.
The System: Closed- Loop Algae Cultivation
At the heart of the proposal is a closed- loop system involving:
- Photobioreactors (PBRs) – transparent tubes or façade panels where algae are cultivated
- Wastewater Inputs- Providing the nutrients that algae need to grow
- Light and CO2- Essential for photosynthesis and biomass generation
- Harvest and Reuse- Turning Algae into energy, fertiliser or material
These systems aren’t science fiction, they already exist. Buildings like the BIQ House in Hamburg and installation like Process Zero in LA have proven that algae can power homes, treat greywater and lower urban carbon footprints.
Exploration of kinetic designs acting as facades integrated on the building to create biofuels
Interior space of where growth takes place
Algae in Action: Key Benefits to the Built Environment
- Renewable Energy Generation
Algae biomass contains high levels of energy rich lipids. Once harvested, it can be converted into biodiesel, bioethanol or biogas. Offering an on- site renewable energy source. Algae can produce up to 15,000 gallons of oil per acre annually, far more than crops like soy or palm. Some systems generate 50- 150g of biomass per square metre per day in optimal conditions.
- Wastewater Treatment
Microalgae thrive in nutrients rich wastewater. When integrated with greywater systems from homes or buildings:
- They help remove pollutants
- Reduce load on municipal treatment facilities
- Allow water to be recycled for non- potable uses (e.g. toilets, irrigation)
- Carbon Capture (CO2 Sequestration)
Algae absorb CO2 during photosynthesis. Integrated into building’s façade or infrastructure, algae systems can:
- Offset emissions from traffic and energy use
- Help reduce a buildings carbon footprint
- Improve urban air quality
Some systems absorb up to 85% of CO2 from industrial sources
Architectural Applications: From Façade to Infrastructure
My dissertation examined three cultivation methods suitable for integration into architecture:
- Open Pond System
Cheap and effective, limited in urban areas due to space, contamination risk and climate exposure
- Closed Vertical Growth Systems
Space- efficient, higher yield and adaptable for urban facades or rooftop installations. Works well in buildings with limited footprints.
- High- Tech Photobioreactors
Glass tubes or flat panels mounted on buildings. These are the most viable for architectural integration, though higher in cost.
Case Studies: What’s Already Happening?
BIQ House, Hamburg
The worlds first algae powered building, featuring façade mounted bioreactors. It supplies its own energy and demonstrates algae’s aesthetic and functional potential
First worlds green facades using microalgae
Sidwell Friends School, Washington DC
Uses constructed wetlands and living machines to treat wastewater, combining landscape and education
A schematic design of wastewater of how it is processed in the building
Process Zero, LA
A zero-energy lab with algae facades that treat blackwater and generate biofuel. Water is zoned into three treatment zones to maximise filtration and reuse.
Process zero, LA
Challenges and Considerations
No innovations are without its hurdle. Key limitations include:
- High initial costs for photobioreactor systems
- Maintenance and operation expertise
- Efficiency trade- offs in colder climates
- Public perception of algae as “clean” and “desirable”
Yes, these are technological and cultural challenges, not structural ones. The systems work. The question is how we bring them to scale and integrate them thoughtfully.
Future Possibilities: The Design Studio Prototype
As part of my dissertation, I proposed an algae- integrated retrofit for a site in Philadelphia, transforming an oil tank into a biofuel generator.
Features Included:
- South facing green façade panels
- Curved polycarbonate photobioreactors
- Biomimetic design echoing natural growth patterns
- Wastewater cycling within the building system
- On- site energy production and public interaction zones.
This wasn’t just an academic exercise, it was a real proposal for how architecture could evolve.
Institute for Biofuel Futures: Algae System’ (Design Project in Philadelphia)
Final Thoughts: Algae Isn’t the Answer, But Its Part of It
Algae cultivation won’t replace all traditional energy or wastewater systems overnight. But it offers a compelling proof of concept: that the building of the future won’t just consume less, they’ll generate, filter and grow.
They’ll be living systems
Just like the people and communities they support
Want to Learn More?
Ive written a visual dissertation here
If you’re a client, planner or a designer interested in regenerative architecture, sustainable design systems or bio- integrated future. Let’s talk!
Manzil Studio LTD
Architecture I Interior I Planning
