Tag Clay

In the world of innovative design, industrial designer Lea Lorenz has unveiled Tony, a revolutionary portable refrigerator and food container that takes inspiration from an age-old tradition of using clay pots to store fruits and vegetables. Tony represents a modern reimagination of the traditional clay jug cooler, utilizing the power of evaporative cooling to create an eco-friendly and electricity-free solution for preserving perishables.

Designer: Lea Lorenz

At the heart of Tony lies its porous raku clay shell, a material that naturally absorbs water from a reservoir. Through the process of evaporation, this unique cooling system brings the interior temperature to a range of 13°C-17°C without relying on electricity. Lea Lorenz explains that this temperature range creates an ideal storage environment for foods that are sensitive to extreme cold, such as fruits and vegetables, which can lose flavor and undergo undesirable post-ripening processes in traditional refrigerators.

To achieve the optimal cooling effect, Lea Lorenz conducted extensive experiments with different types of clay and clay mixtures. The results revealed that a Raku clay shell absorbs water from the tank most effectively. Each Tony clay container comprises a water tank, a food container, and a lid, allowing each section to operate independently with its water supply. The outer wall’s surface is meticulously subtractively machined to increase the surface area for enhanced water evaporation and a quicker drop in temperature inside.

Understanding the impact of external factors like sunlight and nearby heat sources on internal temperature, Lea paired Tony with a wooden stand for increased mobility. This allows users to move the clay cooler around, ensuring optimal storage conditions for fruits and vegetables.

Lea Lorenz addressed the importance of proper fruit and vegetable storage by designing Tony as several rectangular clay containers of varying sizes that can be stacked on top of each other. This innovative approach provides a designated space for each group of produce, contributing to longer freshness and reduced spoilage.

Lea emphasizes the environmental sustainability of Tony throughout its lifecycle. The Raku clay is responsibly sourced from the Westerwald region of Germany, minimizing transport routes and reducing CO2 emissions. The production process involves firing the clay coolers at the lowest possible temperature of 1000°C for minimal energy consumption. Furthermore, Tony is built to last, and if it becomes non-functional, the clay coolers can be recycled by grinding them into fireclay, which can then be used to manufacture new coolers.

Tony by Lea Lorenz is not just a functional and aesthetically pleasing design; it represents a thoughtful and sustainable solution to food storage. By marrying traditional methods with modern technology, Tony offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional refrigeration, promoting food longevity, reducing waste, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

In a world where access to clean drinking water is an essential necessity, Mexican company Ecofiltro has emerged as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Dedicated to providing affordable and effective water filtration solutions for households across the country, Ecofiltro has introduced a remarkable product that merges age-old tradition with cutting-edge technology. The Ecofiltro Ecological Stackable Water Filter, a conical wonder that filters water through the force of gravity, is not just a filtration device; it’s a testament to the power of nature-inspired design and ingenuity.

Designer: NOS Design

At the core of Ecofiltro’s revolutionary water filtration technology lies a clever concoction of activated charcoal, clay, and colloidal silver. This unique blend forms the bedrock of a purification process that goes beyond mere water cleansing, tapping into the wisdom of ancient practices and scientific understanding. Clay pots were very commonly used in the Indian tradition to store water. Drinking water through a clay pot has been a very old Indian tradition. It has various natural cooling properties, It is alkaline in nature, helps boost metabolism, is gentle on the throat and it also helps retain PH levels in our body, keeping digestive problems, acidity, or gastric problems away and we feel more hydrated and fresh. Clay Bottles are environment friendly and it’s a great initiative to keep them in trend with the contemporary world. Here’s a closer look at the components that make this filtration marvel a reality:

Activated Charcoal:

The Ecological Stackable Water Filter employs activated charcoal’s potent adsorption process, which chemically binds impurities to its surface. This process distinguishes adsorption from absorption, resulting in the thorough removal of contaminants such as bacteria, chlorine, lead particles, and unpleasant odors.

Clay:

Harkening back to the age-old Indian tradition of using clay pots for drinking water, this filter pays homage to the manifold benefits of clay. The filtration process through clay imparts a natural cooling effect and alkaline properties that can aid metabolism, maintain optimal pH levels in the body, and keep digestive and gastric issues at bay. Moreover, water stored in clay containers often carries a distinct sweetness attributed to the minerals present in the material.

Colloidal Silver:

The addition of colloidal silver infuses the filter with antibacterial properties, preventing the growth of bacteria and algae within the filtration system. This ensures that the filtered water remains safe and free from potential contaminants.

Ecofiltro seamlessly blends the richness of cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics through the design of the Ecological Stackable Water Filter. The culmination of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering results in a product that embodies both form and function:

The filter’s conical shape is expertly molded from natural materials, bypassing the need for chemicals or electricity. The filter is offered in three elegant finishes—Light Amber, Pure White, and Vibrant Blue—that cater to diverse preferences while seamlessly integrating into modern kitchens.

Ecofiltro’s design philosophy is evident in the filter’s transparent construction, which showcases the mesmerizing filtration process. A textured surface creates captivating light patterns, guiding the water’s journey from a circular inlet at the top to an elliptical base that optimizes countertop space.

Practicality is paramount, and Ecofiltro has carefully considered stackability, ease of cleaning, and manufacturability in its design. The inclusion of a steel key for dispensing water further enhances user convenience, making the filter a seamless and effortless addition to daily life.

Ecofiltro’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility underscores the core philosophy of the Ecological Stackable Water Filter. With a focus on ecological responsibility, minimal electricity dependence, and stackable design, the company demonstrates its dedication to minimizing environmental impact while making clean water accessible to a wider spectrum of individuals.

The Ecological Stackable Water Filter from Ecofiltro represents a harmonious convergence of time-honored traditions and modern ingenuity. Through the symbiotic blend of activated charcoal, clay, and colloidal silver, this innovative filtration solution not only purifies water but also encapsulates the essence of ancient practices that prioritize health and well-being. With its captivating design, steadfast commitment to sustainability, and affordability, Ecofiltro has achieved the remarkable feat of turning a functional necessity into a symbol of innovation, care, and optimism for a more sustainable future.