Biophilia in Bloom: My Stay at Populus, the World’s First Carbon-Positive Hotel

If you’re looking for inspiration in sustainable design — look no further than Populus, the brand-new hotel in downtown Denver that’s redefining what luxury, nature, and responsibility can look like when they come together beautifully.

I just had the pleasure of staying here, and let me tell you… WOW!!!

This isn’t just a hotel. It’s a living, breathing example of biophilic and sustainable design done right — and it’s no surprise Populus was recently voted #1 hotel in the U.S. and named to Time magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2025” list.

Carbon-Positive by Design

Most buildings use resources. Populus gives back.

This is the world’s first carbon-positive hotel, which means it removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits — an incredible feat in the world of hospitality. Through innovative choices like low-carbon concrete mixes, recycled materials, and their “One Night, One Tree” initiative (which plants a tree for every guest stay), Populus is literally helping reforest the planet.

What impressed me most was that sustainability isn’t just a line in the brochure — it’s built into every touchpoint:

• Room keys? Not plastic. A lightweight balsa wood disc, handed to us in a wildflower seed sleeve that you can actually take home and plant. Brilliant.

• Chairs that look and feel like buttery leather? They're made from mushroom leather — a renewable, biodegradable alternative that feels luxe but treads lightly.

• Countertops and tables? Created with live-edge reclaimed wood, preserving our forests while showing off natural beauty.

• No single-use water bottles in sight. Just refillable water stations, well-placed and beautifully designed.

Biophilic Design that Feeds the Soul

The architecture, created by Studio Gang and developed by Urban Villages, is inspired by a grove of aspen trees — and you can feel it the moment you see the building.

Each room features the signature “eyeball” windows, in varying shapes and sizes, which play with light and frame views in the most unexpected and delightful ways. Our room (after a sweet surprise upgrade from our friends) was a “hammock” room, meaning our eyeball window was padded with cushions — the perfect place to lounge and take in the sweeping skyline views of the Capitol and City & County Building.

Natural materials, neutral tones, soft textures — every detail whispers calm, comfort, and connection to nature. From the lighting to the color palette to the textures under your fingertips, this is biophilia at its best.

Design With Purpose

As someone who teaches sustainable design and advocates for ethical, eco-conscious choices in every space we shape, Populus felt like the future I’ve been hoping for. A future where innovation meets responsibility. Where luxury doesn’t mean excess — it means intentional beauty that nourishes both people and planet.

This is the kind of place I’d bring students, clients, anyone who wants to understand what sustainability looks like when it’s woven into every element of a space — and not just tacked on as a feature.

Let’s hope this sets a new standard for what hotels — and all buildings — can be.

I’m so inspired!!!

PS: Have a question about biophilic or sustainable design? Curious how you can apply these concepts to your own space or brand? Let’s talk. 🌿

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