How We Store Fresh Before

In our era of abundant electricity, we’ve grown accustomed to uninterrupted power and the convenience of refrigeration. However, it’s fascinating to recall ancient practices, where people stored natural ice cubes and utilized ice cellars to preserve food, alongside innovative methods like sealed porcelain and bamboo containers. These age-old techniques can inspire modern product designers like Lea Lorenz, whose creation, the “Tony” clay refrigerator and food container, draws inspiration from traditional clay pots.

How “Tony” Works

“Tony” represents a remarkable reimagining, harnessing the inherent cooling properties of clay for an eco-friendly, electricity-free solution to keep fruits and vegetables fresh without chilling. Constructed from porous Raku clay, “Tony” absorbs water from the tank, creating a gentle interior temperature between 13°C to 17°C through evaporative cooling—ideal for temperature-sensitive produce while preserving their natural flavors.

Lorenz ingeniously reduced the clay facade’s material to boost surface area, enhancing water evaporation and expediting temperature reduction. Furthermore, the “Tony” Clay Refrigerator stands as a testament to sustainability, as it can be ground into refractory clay, recycled, and reused to craft new products. This innovative and aesthetically pleasing design offers a practical and environmentally conscious means of preserving fruits in our modern lives.

Expanded Thinking

Beyond our homes, envision the broader application of such natural designs in supermarkets—a potential avenue to save substantial energy and costs, while advancing sustainable interior design practices.