Over 20% of Indian households have air conditioners, and fewer than a third own refrigerators, leaving millions uncooled in rising temperatures. Extreme heat in 2024 caused over 700 deaths, with 76% of the population at high risk. Terracotta, dating back 3,000 years, serves as a low-cost cooling alternative. Its porous surface allows for water evaporation, which cools the surrounding air. Architects are integrating terracotta in passive cooling designs, including ventilated screens and clay refrigerators, which optimize natural ventilation to reduce indoor temperatures.
Terracotta, an ancient material, is re-emerging in modern architecture as a low-cost, low-energy solution for cooling homes, using natural evaporation to regulate temperature.
With more than 700 heat-related deaths in 2024 and 76 percent of India facing significant heat risk, innovative solutions like terracotta offer crucial support against extreme temperatures.
Collection
[
|
...
]