Prompted with designing houseware, I opted to design for health, home and garden.
In an ever warming world, Terracot trellis naturally cools your patio or balcony.
Why?
&
yet...
100%
surveyed were interested in plant-based solutions to heat.
Plants coupled with terracotta helps:
Retain water & prolong cooling
Offer shade from harsh sun
Sequester carbon dioxide
Improve mental health & wellbeing
How It Works
Evapotranspiration:
Hot air's energy is transferred by the drying of water in porous terracotta.
This effect cools an environment by 10-15 degrees, while plant shade can cool spaces by 40 degrees. Coupled, Terracot trellis can cool spaces by up to
55 Degrees F.
User Customization
3 hues of natural terracotta will be offered
Enables user personalization, doubling your cooling trellis as a custom art piece
Storyboard
Is It Safe?
Inspired by jet engine inlets, the cylinders are aerodynamic while maximizing cooling area.
Terracot's rounded, organic form allows wind to pass over & through, without turbulence.
Slightly larger in the middle compared to ends, the cylinders are held in fencing using tension.
If the 3.5' wide base is not enough stability, paracord & stakes are included to tie to railing or secure to the ground.
Can It Be Too Humid?
Dont fret over plant growth on cylinders. Terracot was designed with outside factors in mind, as moss shades more sun, retains more moisture & sequesters more CO2, while offering bespoke, rustic look.
Persistent moisture may sound scary, as mold & insects are often thrown into the discussion.
However, Terracot was designed so the trellis is easily aerated & plants remain healthy while moisture is used for cooling only.
Through the journey
Why Not Solar?
Although solar power would make Terracot trellis more "natural" by not relying on an outlet's AC power, it was decided against in the user's best interest.
The downsides of solar power are:
-
Cost compared to power cord
-
Dependence on sunlight
-
Extra space used
-
Power storage isn't sustainable
Rechargeable batteries used to store power for when it is not in use only have a lifetime of 2-5 years. Considering this product is used in warmer settings, the rate at which it'd lose power is greatly accelerated, per graph above.
80%
surveyed mentioned they do not enjoy product maintenance & repairs. To deliver a product truly meant for comfort & relaxation outside, solar panels were omitted.
Physical Modeling
To secure the terracotta the safest way, the fencing system of the third model was moved forward with, as well as the water recycling system of the second.
3D Concept #1
Final Model
While originally designed for easy manufacturing & assembly, changes were made to better resemble a welcoming art installation users would prefer at their home.
Features & Materials
Initial Research
