A natural evaporative cooler made from terracotta that refreshes your space and eliminates CO2 emissions.
*Terra Air was shortlisted for the 2023 RSA Student Awards and the 2024 IDI Graduate Design Awards
The Opportunity
I saw an opportunity to create a low-tech, eco-friendly, AC solution that aesthetically fits into the home.
Deeper Research
How might I design a natural evaporative cooler for the home that reduces CO2 emissions and spreads awareness?
Moodboard
Design Intent
Terra Air is a terracotta cooler that uses natural evaporative cooling technology. Terra Air minimizes keeps you comfortable in extreme weather, reduces energy consumption, and is easily integrated into the daily routine of watering the plants. The addition of the planter also acts as a natural air purifier.
Features & Benefits
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Spreads Awareness
Creates healthier and more sustainable consumer habits both at time of purchase and throughout use
Purifies Air
The use of air purifying plants is a great, natural way to clean the space around you
Reduces Energy Consumption
The small fan at the bottom of TerraAir uses only a fraction of the energy for a similar, cooling affect of an AC unit
Minimizes Heat
Utilizes natural cooling methods using water and terracotta that is amplified with a lower power fan
Ideation
Prototypes + Development
From my sketches, I chose the concepts that fit the brief best and built rough mockups to get a sense of scale and interaction points. The model I went with had a better vent system which creates a more simple form and water pour passage.
Materials & Manufacturing
The planter uses a self watering wick, the main body is ribbed with a small shelf at the bottom to catch any condensation run off, and all terracotta parts are press molded to achieve irregular shapes.
Air Flow
