The invention of these Cool Bricks is a reminder that there are plenty of possibilities surrounding passive house design. Air conditioning is not the only solution to warm and stuffy interior spaces; resourceful and scientific thinking has produced masonry that can actually make a home refreshing in a scorching climate.
Virginia San Fratello and Ronald Rael have developed their eco-friendly Cool Bricks with inspiration from old Muscatese evaporative cooling windows. The lattice-like structure of the 3D-printed material is porous, keeping condensation inside, and enabling that to gently cool the air that passes through. Furthermore, the meshy facade of each block causes shade of fall on a great portion of the surface area, minimizing the sun's direct contact. The Cool Bricks thus keep themselves chilly as they softly pass fresh air to the inner sides of their irregular interlocking forms.
Breezy Masonry Innovations
These Cool Bricks Keep Home Interiors Cold in Hot and Dry Climates
Trend Themes
1. Passive House Design - Opportunity for innovative masonry materials that provide energy efficiency and comfortable interiors in hot climates.
2. Evaporative Cooling Technology - Potential for advancements in 3D-printed materials to create porous structures that cool the air through condensation.
3. Eco-friendly Architecture - Growing demand for sustainable building materials that contribute to energy conservation and comfortable living environments.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - Opportunity for builders and architects to incorporate innovative masonry materials into passive house designs.
2. 3D Printing - Growing market for 3D-printed materials capable of creating porous structures for evaporative cooling applications.
3. Green Building - Increasing focus on eco-friendly architecture drives demand for sustainable materials that improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort.