Kitchen appliances are multiplying in our households. But how much longer can all of these devices be supported by limited resources? How can the volume and complexity of an American refrigerator be reduced to what is necessary? How can traditional cooling methods be adapted to use in contemporary kitchens?

The Cooling Bricks bring the time-honoured use of evaporative cooling methods into today’s kitchen. Industrial waste materials are mixed with local clay and when the clay is fired they leave capillaries that transport the water upwards. A suitable structure increases the surface area, which allows more water to evaporate. The cooling vessels lower the temperature, depending on the external humidity. Due to the cut-outs in the shelves, certain vegetables can be stored directly in the water. The high humidity inside the containers keeps fruit and vegetables fresh, but yoghurt, butter and cheese can also be stored.

Watch the Cooling Bricks video.

In 2019, Helene completed her diploma in product design at the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design. Her diploma thesis ‘COOLING BRICKS’ was nominated for the Pure Talents Award 2021 and she won the 2020 Distributed Design Awards. During her studies she gained experience as a freelance designer for the Bureau Kilian Schindler and founded her own studio.

Helene Lauppe portrait photograph by Jonathan Mauloubier