DESIGN AND ECOLOGY
Design for ecological impact transforms ideas into solutions, reducing waste and promoting sustainability to create a lasting positive change.
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REPURPOSING RAINWATER IN
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(FINAL IP PROJECT)
2024, 7 months - University
51% of household water is used in toilets & laundry—this system uses rainwater to reduce dependency on potable water, saving costs and resources. Using gravity driven mechanisms.
Rainwater is collected on the roof, where it undergoes an initial filtration process before being transported into the house. Within the household piping system, a finer filter further purifies the water.
The treated greywater is then directed to a modular storage tank, where it can be retained for use in laundry and toilet systems, which account for 51% of a household’s water consumption. The system operates using gravity as its primary mechanical force.
The main part of the project is the external roof tile, in standard size and shape to fgit with average tiles, where the rainwater is first collected and filtrated.
The water is then brought to the inside of the home, where a finer filter is located, taking advantage of gravity feed mechanism. Being inside the build environment the user has an easy access to the secondary filter.
The final part of the system, stackable, HDPE tank to store up to 500L of rainwater is user-friendly, cheap, modular and resistant.
Coming from Spain, where water scarcity is a major issue, when I moved to the UK for university I had the goal of creating products that raise environmental awareness and work on creating a positive impact on the environmental crisis. For this project I researched systems in the built environment that create a positive environmental impact in the house , such as gutters, rain butts, or solar panels, and took inspirations from nature such as reptiles in arid regions that use their skin to filter and collect water.
Furthermore, I have work experience at a company that works on filtration methods, taking it as inspiration for this project.
BENEFITS;
Environmental action
User Friendly and Non-Intrusive
Retrofitted
Gravity feeded
Procesbook;
Brand Identity;
Media and recognition;
"The Panasonic Design Impact Award" winner in London New Designers 2024.
"The Design Impact Award recognizes innovation within projects that look to fix real issues whilst also celebrating the true value Design as a meaningful and innovative process that can spark a change for good."
Finalist of "Green Concept Awards 2025"
International awards that recognize innovative and sustainable design concepts, part of the Green Future Club, which promotes sustainable innovation and connects designers, companies, and institutions working in actions towards a greener future.
Exhibition "Weaving the Future - Sustainable Design" Red Dot museum.
From April onwards, this project will be exhibited as part of the Red Dot museum alongside products that work for a sustainable future development. From April 2025
Full Design Report;
Bello Urbez, Martin 20015049. IP Final Report (small weight) .pdf
This project aligns with The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to the The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Due to the nature of the design, its aim in ecology and the production methods, it focuses on Goals 11 "Sustainable cities and communities", Goal 12, "Responsible consumption and production" and Goal 13, "Climate Action".
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