Microalgae‑based architecture is gaining attention as a sustainable design solution for a variety of uses, and the concept could soon become a reality in Western Australia.
Amin Mirabbasi, a PhD student at Murdoch University’s Algae Innovation Hub in Australia, has spent three years designing microalgae filled photobioreactors, which can be incorporated into a variety of ways such as houses, apartments, and mining camps.
Amin believes Western Australia’s climate offers ideal growing conditions for microalgae. “Compared with colder European and southern Australian climates, Perth presents negligible freezing risk and high solar availability, which supports microalgae cultivation; however, overheating control is essential,” he said.
Microalgae deliver a range of environmental benefits, most notably through carbon capture and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Microalgae have been reported to exhibit CO₂ fixation efficiencies 10–50 times higher than terrestrial plants, together with rapid growth rates and high biomass productivity.
In addition to these benefits, Amin believes its ability to absorb heat is important for sustainable architecture. “Because the microalgae culture (water medium) absorbs heat and filters solar radiation, these photobioreactors can significantly reduce indoor overheating, as our tests showed,” he said. “In our climate, that means less reliance on air conditioning during peak hours, which translates into real energy and cost savings.”
In addition to mining accommodation, Amin’s research has included bio-urban designs, such as bus stops, shelters, garages and artistic streetscapes.
Many of his designs incorporate tubular photobioreactors which could be positioned along walkways, building exteriors and shopping districts, to create visually engaging public spaces. These can be fitted with LED lighting to illuminate the green culture at night.
“The beauty of these biodesigns is they combine science and nature in a way people can see and feel. Watching the microalgae grow, bubble and respond to light creates a biophilic experience that draws people in, connects them to nature and quietly reinforces sustainability awareness in everyday spaces,” Amin said.
His Urban Algae Tree embodies how microalgae technology can directly replicate nature. The tree-like prototype provides shade from the sun by absorbing heat, captures rainwater, and operates self-sufficiently by using its own harvested solar energy.
Having nearly completed his PhD, Amin said he is now focused on testing his ideas in the real world. “For me, this research isn’t about staying on the drawing board. It’s about turning ideas into tangible outcomes — designs that can be built, tested and implemented in real settings, where they can genuinely make a difference,” he said.
You can read the original article at www.murdoch.edu.au