Two Swiss designers have created a game-changing, low-energy cooling system using modular terracotta bricks, perfect for hot climates. The bloc° system uses 3D-printed terracotta modules that absorb and evaporate water, cooling air by up to 9°C without drawing electricity from the grid. The stackable, modular design makes it ideal for urban settings like bus stops, school gates, public plazas, and outdoor workspaces.
The system features evaporative cooling using wet clay channels, supported by a solar-powered fan that circulates water from an internal reservoir. This low-energy, water-efficient solution offers a passive, sustainable alternative to mechanical air conditioning. Inspired by traditional clay pot coolers and nature’s own cooling systems, like cacti and termite mounds, bloc° is designed for seamless urban integration.
Digital modelling and VR testing refined the design to fit perfectly beside street furniture, turning overheated paved areas into pockets of cooler, safer air. As extreme heat becomes increasingly deadly, the designers hope bloc° will become a common fixture in hot-climate cities, offering accessible and energy-efficient relief where people need it most.
