studio gang's aspen tree-inspired hotel 'populus' opens its doors in denver, colorado

populus hotel opens with nature-inspired architecture

The newly completed Populus Tower, designed by architecture practice Studio Gang, has officially opened its doors in downtown Denver, Colorado. With its eco-conscious architecture and nature-inspired facade, Populus is a landmark project that integrates architectural innovation with biophilic design principles. The 265-room hotel, developed by Urban Villages and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, aims to reconnect guests with nature in the heart of the city. See designboom’s previous coverage here!

‘The opening of Populus marks an incredibly significant milestone and represents a new model of environmentally conscious hospitality that will forever change the guest experience for mindful travelers, while adding vibrancy to the city of Denver,’ said Jon Buerge, President of Urban Villages. ‘We are excited to watch Populus come to life as the center of a thriving community, becoming everything from the new neighborhood hotspot to a must visit hotel destination, all while inspiring the industry to rethink how hotels can prioritize the health of the planet in a positive, engaging, and meaningful way.’

Populus is a newly completed hotel in downtown Denver designed by Studio Gang | image © Jason O’Rear

studio gang draws from colorado aspen trees

Studio Gang’s design for Populus takes direct inspiration from Colorado’s beloved aspen trees, known scientifically as Populus Tremuloides, which serve as a recurring symbol of the state’s natural beauty. The hotel’s most defining architectural feature is an array of eye-shaped windows, which the architects shape to reference the dark markings found on the bark of aspen trees. Each window varies in size and function, offering expansive views of Denver’s skyline at the building’s base and more intimate, private settings for the hotel rooms above.

The windows also play a functional role. They are designed to optimize energy efficiency by reducing solar gain through outwardly extending ‘lids’ that shade the interior. The thoughtful use of materials and form contributes to Populus’ ability to perform well in Denver’s varying climate conditions, marking Studio Gang’s first project in Colorado as both a visual and environmental success.

the architecture is inspired by the natural ecology of Colorado, especially its aspen trees | image © Jason O’Rear

inside the new hotel

Inside the Studio Gang’s Populus hotel, studio Wildman Chalmers Design and studio FOWLER Architecture and Design have created an interior environment that complements the nature-focused theme. The hotel’s interiors incorporate natural materials, such as reclaimed wood and sustainable textiles, to evoke the feeling of moving through a forest. The lobby is characterized by warm tones and wood accents, reminiscent of a forest floor, while the hotel’s guest rooms and upper levels aim to represent the trunk and canopy of an aspen grove.

This theme is further enhanced by the use of environmentally responsible materials. Reclaimed wood from Wyoming, biodegradable carpeting, and beetle-kill pine headboards are just a few examples of the sustainable choices made throughout the building. The hotel’s focus on biophilic design and sustainability is evident in every detail, from the natural light flooding the rooms to the earthy textures and finishes.

windows evoke the eye shaped marks of aspen tree bark and vary in size | image © Jason O’Rear

Populus seeks to shape and contribute to the evolving landscape of Denver. By incorporating biophilic design principles and landscaping by locally-based studio Superbloom, Studio Gang has redefined what an urban tower can achieve. The hotel’s design is a reflection of Denver’s unique balance between city life and closeness to nature.

‘Denver strikes a unique balance between being a vibrant city and a gateway to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes,’ says Jeanne Gang, Founding Partner of Studio Gang. ‘Our goal was to draw from this distinct urban character and rich ecology to create a building that would help define the skyline of this thriving city.’

What’s more, the project actively supporting environmental stewardship. For every night spent at the hotel, a tree is planted, creating a direct impact on the environment. This initiative aligns with the ethos of Urban Villages, the project’s developer, which is known for its commitment to sustainability.

eco conscious features include shading elements and energy efficient materials | image © Jason O’Rear

Populus plants a tree for every night a guest stays | image © Jason O’Rear

large windows throughout the hotel offer views of denver and the rockies beyond | image © Yoshihiro Makino

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image © Jason O'Rear

image © Yoshihiro Makino

image © Yoshihiro Makino

image © Yoshihiro Makino

image © Yoshihiro Makino

image © Yoshihiro Makino

image © Yoshihiro Makino

image © Yoshihiro Makino

project info:

project title: Populus | @populus_denver

architecture: Studio Gang Architecture | @studiogang

location: Denver, Colorado

client: Urban Villages | @urban.villages

operator: Aparium | @aparium

interiors: Wildman Chalmers Design | @wildmanchalmersdesign

landscape: Superbloom | @studiosuperbloom

program: mixed-use

structural engineer: Studio NYL

interior design: Design Agency

civil engineer: Kimley-Horn

MEP/FP and sustainability consultant: WSP

acoustic engineer: Arup

lighting consultant: LS Group

vertical transportation consultant: Lerch Bates

code consultant: Advanced Consulting Engineers 

previous coverage: February 2021

completion: October 2024

exterior photography: © Jason O’Rear | @jasonorear

interior photography: © Yoshihiro Makino | @yoshihiromakino