The Populus hotel in Denver, Colorado, is an extreme eco build that promises to plant a tree for every guest's stay and features biophilic design inspired by the state's native aspens. Olivia Palamountain reports

The 265-room Populus, developed by Urban Villages and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, marks what its creators call America's first carbon positive hotel, offering "a new model of environmentally conscious hospitality".

Designed by Studio Gang, the building's distinctive façade mimics aspen tree patterns, with "lids" over each window providing natural shade. The structure incorporates low-carbon concrete and an insulated façade system, while avoiding on-site parking to reduce its carbon footprint.

Progressive sustainability features include a biodigester that converts all food waste into compost for local farms, and the use of reclaimed materials throughout - from Wyoming snow fencing in the lobby ceiling to carpeting made from recyclable materials that biodegrade in landfills.The hotel even features a sculpture constructed from nearly 500 sheets of Reishi™, a revolutionary material engineered from mycelium, the root structure of fungi.

"The opening of Populus marks an incredibly significant milestone and represents a new model of environmentally conscious hospitality," says Jon Buerge, president of Urban Villages. "We are excited to watch Populus come to life as the centre of a thriving community, while inspiring the industry to rethink how hotels can prioritise the health of the planet."Populus' in-house art collection, curated by environmental activist Katherine Homes, includes local bird songs in elevators recorded in Rocky Mountain National Park and pressed native wildflowers in guest rooms.

The hotel's two restaurants - Pasque for all-day dining and the rooftop Stellar Jay - champion local produce and small-scale suppliers under Executive Chef Ian Wortham. A four-season roof garden supports biodiversity with native plants and trees.

The property has already offset its embodied carbon footprint of 6,675 mTCO2e through certified carbon credits and a reforestation programme that planted over 70,000 trees in Gunnison County.

Through its "One Night, One Tree" initiative with the National Forest Foundation, it aims to plant up to 20,000 additional trees in 2024. Guest rooms range from minimalist Grove and Aspen rooms to the luxurious Pando Suite, featuring unique "window hammocks" - curved, cushioned benches offering views across Denver and the Rocky Mountains.

Rooms range from US$300-$500 per night. The hotel offers seasonal promotions and exclusive packages, such as a suite upgrade with a US$100 dining credit.

Image credits: Steve Hall, Yoshihiro Makino and Jason O'Rear