Discover how to blend sustainable design with innovative natural cooling techniques.
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Rachel Farrington, a multidisciplinary artist and designer, has created a groundbreaking passive cooling wall that combines sustainable design with innovative natural cooling techniques. As part of a larger nonprofit project, this eco-friendly wall is helping to reduce energy consumption and maintain a comfortable temperature in a home that’s off-grid and on a tight budget.
How the Wall Works
What Makes it Stand Out
Building the Cooling Wall
Why Clay Imports Breeze Blocks
Expanding the Concept
Terracotta breeze block wall featuring integrated planters highlighting the natural integration of plants into the structure.
Photo of Rachel Farrington & Maylis Vasseu
How It Works: Nature Meets Innovation
Rainwater Collection: Water is collected from the roof and stored in a basin below the wall. A solar-powered pump circulates the water, allowing it to cascade down the surface of the breeze blocks in a gentle fountain.
Evaporative Cooling: As the water evaporates, it naturally cools the surrounding air—a highly effective method in arid climates like the Texas Hill Country.
Venturi Effect: The breeze blocks are designed to facilitate airflow through the constricted spaces, allowing cool air to pass through and further reduce the temperature in the room.
Water Recycling: The rainwater is used for multiple purposes—after cooling the air, it is recycled to flush the toilet, feed a biogas digester, and eventually irrigate a small garden. This closed-loop system makes full use of the water, preventing waste and ensuring sustainability.
Illustration of the passive cooling wall system, showing how collected rainwater is pumped over terracotta breeze blocks to create evaporative cooling, combined with ventilative cooling from prevailing winds, shaded by a rust-colored steel cap, and enhanced by integrated greenery.
What Makes the Cooling Wall Stand Out?
Not only is the cooling wall highly efficient, but it’s also a visual statement. The terracotta blocks create a warm, rustic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. The wall also functions with minimal energy input, relying on solar power for the water pump and rainwater for the cooling process.
So far, even in mild 80-degree weather, the cooling effect has been noticeable, with the temperature drop reaching up to 10°F. The sound of flowing water adds to the calming, cooling atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
Close-up view of a terracotta breeze block cooling wall with integrated planters, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Building the Cooling Wall: Hands-On Design
Rachel was heavily involved in every step of the project, from conceptual design to construction. “The most challenging part was building the form for the rainwater basin,” she admits. “It was my first time working with something of that scale, and keeping it perfectly straight was tough.” Despite the challenges, the wall was built with care, using Clay Imports’ breeze blocks and a few modifications, such as adding rebar and a wire mesh for support.
Side view of a terracotta breeze block cooling wall with integrated planters, a rainwater collection basin filled with river rocks, and a rust-colored steel cap.
Why Clay Imports?
Rachel chose Clay Imports for their high-quality, eco-friendly products, particularly the Pozos breeze blocks, which were ideal for the project due to their natural cooling properties. The blocks are designed with large holes, allowing both air and water to pass through effectively. Rachel also incorporated Ventana blocks, which allowed her to add plants for extra cooling and visual appeal.
“The integrity of Clay Imports is what drew me to them,” Rachel says. “There’s a lot of greenwashing out there, but they’re genuinely committed to sustainable practices and innovation.”
A pickup truck loaded with terracotta breeze blocks ready for installation.
Early stage of construction showing a wooden form for the rainwater collection basin, reinforced with steel tubing and filled with concrete.
Partially constructed terracotta breeze block wall with some blocks secured in place, set against the exterior of a screened structure.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Concept
Rachel plans to continue refining the cooling wall, including testing it with a solar array, a collection of solar panels, to provide additional shading and improve the breeze effect. She’s also interested in incorporating similar cooling systems into future public and residential projects, bringing passive cooling to a wider audience.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Cooler, Greener Future
Rachel’s cooling wall exemplifies how innovative, sustainable design can address modern challenges like energy efficiency and climate change. By combining natural materials with modern engineering techniques, Rachel has created a solution that not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances the beauty and functionality of the space.
Want to learn more about Clay Imports and our eco-friendly products? Explore our range of sustainable tiles and breeze blocks to see how you can integrate beautiful, sustainable design into your next project!
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