The Paper Clay Air-Humidifier

The Paper Clay Air-Humidifier is a sustainable home humidifier that employs the physics principles of capillary action and evaporation to perform with no electrical needs. It serves as an alternative to the classic electric evaporative humidifier. The humidifier is made of two components – a base and a corrugated earthenware structure. As the corrugated earthenware structure gradually absorbs the water from the base, this water evaporates through pores to moisten the room (up to 25sqm, with 200g of water per hour) without creating a cold air stream. Earthenware is a natural material that, when cooked at a low temperature, stays porous without decomposing, has good water absorption capabilities and retains its form. For the project, a composite earthenware paper clay is used to achieve better absorption and evaporation than a normal one. The corrugated structure also increases the surface area in contact with the air, and creates an object that is lighter and easier to handle. Grooves are made on the back of the main structure to add efficiency to water absorption. The sturdy glazed ceramic base is designed with a sloped surface that allows it to hold approximately 4-litres of water. It is also designed to make visible the water that is flowing through the paper-earthenware structure. This is all achieved without any electronic indicator. Instead, water level can be measured as it is seen rising to the surface of the structure. Furthermore, using white as a colour hides the limescale filtered out by the micropores, which helps the humidifier maintain its pure aesthetic at all times. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Concept | Domestic Aid