*Image made using AI
HEAT - Solidarity in a changing climate
We were tasked to find solutions how to combat heat based on solidarity. My team and I decided to work on drinking-water which we saw as an essential to manage rising temperatures.
Water purification
This system uses solar energy and natural condensation to turn undrinkable saltwater into safe, remineralized drinking water. Its open-source design allows businesses like NGOs to produce it cheaply, providing a sustainable solution to water scarcity.
Small Scale Water Purification
Semester Project
2026
Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design
Partner: Karla Biehrer, Arved Kappelhoff
How it works
Dirty saltwater is poured into the top of the device, where it collects in a black central bowl. Linen cloths draw up the water through capillary action. As heat builds inside the object, the water evaporates and then condenses on the outer foil. The condensed water runs down into a bowl at the bottom.
Before entering the bottle, it passes through a small capsule that can be filled with different materials to remineralize the water, making it safe to drink.
Construction
The system uses only as little components as possible, making it easy and affordable to produce and assemble. Its main parts connect through a bayonet mechanism. The linen cloths, which naturally wear out over time, can be easily replaced with any natural fabric.
Packaging
Designed for global shipping and immediate deployment, the entire purification system packs compactly into a custom 43x43x13 cm cardboard box, with every component securely slotted into its own dedicated space.
Easy 5 - Step Assembly
