Sustainable air purifier with biodegradable filters
breathe
This project focuses on designing a sustainable air purifier to address urban air pollution, replacing non-recyclable HEPA filters with eco-friendly alternatives.
Main goal
Developed with Weitzer Wood Solutions, this sustainable air purifier uses natural materials and filters, working without electricity. Inspired by termite mounds, it features a tunnel system for efficient air exchange.
Achievements
In this project, I studied future mega-trends using the German Zukunftsinstitut's Trend Map, advanced my Rhino 3D and Grasshopper skills, and improved my sketching abilities.
Personal gains
Inspired by termite mounds, I designed a system for air exchange without electricity, using natural tunnel systems for sustainability and efficiency.
Inspiration
In collaboration with Weitzer Wood Solutions, I explored future wood applications for 2030, focusing on trends like New Work, Ecology, Health, and Urbanism. This led to addressing rising air pollution with a sustainable design solution.
Research
Form Finding
The design, inspired by termite mounds, features a tall, cone-like shape for optimal airflow and a sleek, Scandinavian aesthetic to fit European households.
Filter Layers
Made with pine wood for healing effects and regional aspects, the purifier uses a tunnel system inspired by termite mounds to clean air through moss, wood wool, and natural nanofiber filters.
Protection
To protect the moss layer from direct sunlight, a ceramic component was seamlessly integrated, providing shade to increase the life span of the moss filter and keeping it from dehydrating.
I used Rhino 3D and Grasshopper to design the Voronoi-style perforation for the ceramic moss filter protection, enhancing my software skills.