TerraCool: an inventive architectural solution

Presented as part of the ‘Urban Oasis’ theme at Dutch Design Week 2023, TerraCool is a ceramic cooling system that uses evaporation to passively cool its environment. Created by Architect Dilara Temel and Industrial designer Lachlan Fahy, the surface geometries of TerraCool not only optimize its cooling capabilities, but also provide it with structural strength that allows for easy integration with any architecture.

Passive cooling through evaporation

TerraCool presents a pioneering solution which capitalizes on the natural porosity of fired terracotta, a material used for cooling in Iran, India, Egypt, and Spain, to generate a cooling effect. Water infiltrates the ceramic surface and evaporates, which allows an efficient cooling of the air surrounding it – a concept inspired by advanced heat exchangers. Aiming to counter the increasing issue of urban heat islands which affects urban living conditions and public health. TerraCool proposes an affordable passive cooling remedy which makes use of ceramic’s porous attributes for cooling by evaporation. Its innovative minimal surface geometries boosts cooling efficiency and structural stability. Developed by Lachlan Fahy and Dilara Temel, the project is intended to make evaporative cooling an integral part of architecture through its modular design, parametric adoptability, and simple manufacturing process.

Inventive geometric structure

This design is based on hollow geometries, emphasizing a high-ratio of surface area to internal volume. To enhance interaction between the ceramic and the air. This concept was derived from triply periodic minimal surfaces, which are utilized in advanced heat exchangers for power plants due to their shared need for separate, interpenetrating channels with an ample volume-to-surface area proportion. As such, these shapes afford fluid flows to move without hindrance. Furthermore, aerodynamic contours are known to help augment evaporation in ceramic evaporators. Minimal surfaces additionally possess a strong structural integrity, paramount for TerraCool. As its shape needs to uphold its own weight and the water it contains.

The design process behind TerraCool

The comprehensive design process of TerraCool culminates in the formation of modular ceramic bricks via a parametric design system that nominates input parameters to create uninterrupted surfaces. Afterwards, these units are produced using subtractive or additive manufacturing methodologies, guaranteeing accuracy and productivity. Additionally, the use of the positives as molds for various brick modifications drastically reduces production time and permits customization. Furthermore, modifications can be made depending on regional climates and resources. Therefore, enabling TerraCool to be a customizable and sustainable cooling solution. Ultimately, this revolutionary process molds together modern digital technology and traditional handiwork, to produce a seamless cooling solution.