Agency Entreautre and designer Simon Pavey have developed an ecological cooler made of terracotta, designed to provide cooling without air conditioning. The principle is based on traditional cooling methods from hot regions. The developers see 3D printing as a way to combine these with modern technology in a sustainable way.
The terracotta cooler consists of a porous container that is filled with water. Via evaporative cooling, this creates a cooling air flow. The complex geometry of the interior was generated using Grashopper and manufactured using a 3D printer for ceramics built by Dutch artist Olivier Van Herpt.
The goal was to optimize cooling performance by maximizing the wetting surface for the air. Tests of the prototype in hot environments will now show whether it can provide an efficient and ecological alternative to conventional air conditioning systems.
According to the developers, this type of natural cooling can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption compared to air conditioning systems. Especially in times of rising temperatures and high electricity costs, the 3D-printed terracotta cooler could therefore offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for private users and companies.
Whether the historically inspired innovation catches on depends on the results of ongoing tests. However, the concept illustrates the potential of combining traditional knowledge with the latest technology to meet current challenges.
Learn more about the design from Simon Pavey.
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