Honeycomb-inspired terracotta wall can cool homes without chemicals or electricity – Yanko Design

Ant Studio’s Beehive is a pioneering solution that combines traditional cooling techniques with modern design to provide an eco-friendly alternative to energy-intensive cooling and air purification systems. Created by Monish Kumar Siripurapu, New Delhi-based architect and founder of Ant Studio, the Beehive system exemplifies the company’s commitment to integrating art, architecture, technology and nature. As the country experiences rising temperatures this summer, with New Delhi recording temperatures as high as the 50s Celsius (over 122°F), Beehive offers a low-cost traditional cooling system that uses material properties and of physics to help deliver cooler temperatures without electricity or coolant.

Designer: Ant Studio

The Beehive system works on the principle of evaporative cooling, a technique that has been used for centuries. The system uses terracotta pots soaked in water to create a cooling effect as the water evaporates. This natural process is enhanced by the formation of biofilm on the pots, which facilitates air purification. The Beehive’s modular design is not only zero plastic and zero emissions, but also aesthetically pleasing, making it an ideal solution for outdoor working conditions in urban environments.

Earthen pots have long been recognized for their cooling properties. The Egyptians fanned the porous water pot to get fresh air. The Romans, following a similar concept, hung a thick, damp material on the doors of their houses or tents. Others, wealthy, built an artificial canal channeling water along the walls of their homes to reduce the temperature in extreme heat. These ideas from the past have been analyzed and then assimilated and are now adapted to contemporary needs, demonstrating the enduring value and sustainability of traditional practices. The Beehive Project embodies this philosophy, merging the cultural and environmental benefits of traditional methods with modern design and technology.

What sets the Beehive apart is its plastic-free and emission-free design. The use of earthen pots is deeply rooted in Indian culture, where these pots have been used for centuries to keep water cool, making this craft easily available and recognized in India. This ancient wisdom is ingeniously adapted into a contemporary design that is both durable and aesthetic. La Ruche shows how ancient techniques can be revitalized to meet modern environmental challenges.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the Beehive project aims to revive the endangered craft of pottery. By hiring local artisans to construct the terracotta cones, Ant Studio generates employment opportunities and supports traditional crafts. This approach not only ensures the creation of high-quality components for the Beehive system, but also contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and the economic well-being of local communities.

A notable application of the hive took place at the Deki Electronics factory in Noida. The factory faced extreme heat generated by a generator located at its entrance, which posed health risks and reduced worker productivity. Ant Studio’s Beehive system provided a cost-effective and efficient solution to this problem. The system’s ability to significantly lower temperatures through evaporative cooling has proven beneficial in making the working environment more bearable and safer.

Although the beehive pattern is an effective and aesthetically pleasing design, it is important to consider that some people may experience discomfort due to trypophobia, a fear of groups of small holes. To make the system more inclusive, Ant Studio could explore alternative shapes and designs that offer the same cooling efficiency without triggering trypophobia. This might involve experimenting with different designs or geometric arrangements of terracotta pots that retain their functional benefits while appealing to a wider audience.

The Beehive air cooling system has gained international recognition, winning the Asia Pacific Low Carbon Living Challenge and a $10,000 grant from UN Environment. This distinction highlights the system’s potential to revolutionize cooling solutions on a global scale. Ant Studio has successfully installed Beehive in 20 different locations, including factories and new construction. Despite the challenges of standardizing the manufacturing process, which relies on local potters and artisans, the startup continues to inspire both artists and energy pioneers in India.

Siripurapu envisions a future in which personal cooling systems like Beehive could transform the cooling industry. Instead of cooling entire rooms, these systems could focus on cooling the air around individuals, significantly reducing energy consumption. The Beehive system not only addresses immediate cooling needs, but also supports the revival of traditional pottery crafts, generating employment and preserving cultural heritage.