# Bio-Based Refrigerators The How to Grow a Refrigerator Rethinks Sustainable Cooling By Amy Duong | Published 2026-07-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/how-to-grow-a-refrigerator References: [ualshowcase.arts.ac.uk](https://ualshowcase.arts.ac.uk/@audreylevy)  The How to Grow a Refrigerator project is a conceptual appliance by designer Audrey Levy that explores bio-based materials and electricity-free cooling. Also titled Xero Cool, the compact refrigerator replaces conventional plastic foam insulation with [bacterial cellulose xerogel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freezill-soft-cooler), a lightweight, compostable material grown using bacteria. Combined with felted wool and macrofluidic cooling panels, the design reimagines refrigeration through renewable materials while presenting a softer, organic appearance that contrasts with traditional household appliances. The concept pairs the insulated structure with a solar-thermal absorption cooling system that uses heat collected from the sun to power refrigeration without continuous electrical input. Levy proposes using bio-based absorbents and refrigerants alongside [passive cooling technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celcius) to reduce reliance on conventional refrigeration systems and associated emissions. It is developed as part of the designer's 2026 Biodesign graduate project at [Central Saint Martins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-blanket). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Bio-based Appliances:** Compostable insulation, grown cellulose components, and renewable material systems point to household products that reduce plastic dependency while reshaping appliance aesthetics. - **Electricity-free Cooling:** Solar-thermal absorption and passive cooling designs signal new refrigeration models suited to off-grid homes, climate-stressed regions, and lower-emission domestic infrastructure. - **Organic Product Design:** Softer textures, felted surfaces, and visibly grown materials create opportunities for appliances that communicate sustainability through tactile and biological design cues. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Appliances:** Refrigeration manufacturers can reference bio-derived insulation and non-electric cooling concepts as pathways toward lower-impact product portfolios. - **Sustainable Materials:** Bacterial cellulose xerogel, wool composites, and bio-based absorbents expand the market potential for renewable materials in performance-critical consumer goods. - **Clean Energy:** Solar-thermal systems integrated into everyday appliances highlight emerging overlaps between renewable energy capture and low-power climate control technologies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Arcade Building Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-super-mario-donkey-kong-arcade.md) - [Culturally Sensitive Luxury Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mandarin-oriental-costa-navarino.md) - [Dessert-Inspired Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vandythepink-x-asics.md) - [Contemporary Electric Microcars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-amble-one.md) - [College Campus Interior Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bard-college.md) - [Artisanally Inspired Lighting Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peralta-vidavi.md) - [Technical Bag Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jjjjound-x-porter.md) - [Design-Forward Shared Vacation Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shared-vacation-home.md) - [Architectural Material-Focused Paltforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assessing-tactile-materials.md)