# Terracotta Cooling Devices MALU Uses Evaporative Cooling with a Terracotta and Wood Construction By Amy Duong | Published 2026-06-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/malu References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/06/18/austrias-clay-cooler-is-the-ac-killer-nobody-saw-coming/)  MALU is a cooling device designed by Katja Posch as part of her master's thesis in Eco-Innovative Design at FH Joanneum in Graz, Austria. The project applies the principle of [evaporative cooling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-personal-cooling) through a compact structure made from terracotta and wood. Measuring 700 millimetres tall and 280 millimetres wide, the device consists of a [terracotta cylinder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emisferi) supported by a wooden stand and topped with a circular wooden tray. Water introduced through the tray is absorbed by the porous terracotta body, which releases moisture through evaporation to help lower surrounding air temperatures. The terracotta walls measure 8 millimetres thick and incorporate three horizontal vents that distribute cooled air. A [small electric fan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aecooly-cold) positioned within the wooden base can draw air through the cylinder, though the system can also operate without mechanical assistance. The terracotta body and wooden stand can be separated for repair or recycling. Image Credit: Katja Posch ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.2/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 78% - 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) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Passive Evaporative Cooling:** Porous natural materials create a pathway for low-energy temperature regulation in homes, offices, and public spaces facing rising cooling costs. - **Low-tech Climate Design:** Traditional cooling principles paired with contemporary product design present alternatives to compressor-based systems in regions with dry or temperate climates. - **Modular Circular Appliances:** Separable components and recyclable material assemblies support longer product lifecycles while reducing maintenance barriers for climate-focused consumer devices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sustainable Home Goods:** Eco-conscious consumers are creating demand for functional decor that combines natural materials, reduced electricity use, and compact indoor comfort benefits. - **Building Climate Control:** Energy-efficient cooling products expand the market between passive architecture and mechanical HVAC systems for small-scale thermal management. - **Hospitality Design:** Hotels, cafes, and wellness spaces benefit from visually distinctive cooling objects that enhance guest comfort while reinforcing sustainability-led brand environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Audio-Focused Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tab-plus-gen-2.md) - [Mesh Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-gelstratus-mc.md) - [Led Visor Replica](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyclops-premium-roleplay-visor.md) - [Skeleton Mouse Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kotinos.md) - [Monitor Corkboard Frames](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contour.md) - [Modular Public Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hang-on-table.md) - [Anime Collector Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seiko-fullmetal-alchemist.md) - [All-In-One Ai Companion Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisioned-ai.md) - [Developer Portfolio Templates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ay-portfolio-template.md)