Discover GROHE Water Prize Winner: A Terracotta Solution for Water Harvesting
GROHE has announced the winner of the 2026 GROHE Water Prize during this year’s World Architecture Festival (WAF) which is being held in Fort Lauderdale from November 18–20. The breakthrough project, titled "Bio-inspired Architectural Terracotta for Sustainable Water Harvesting," was led by Laura Garófalo, an Associate Professor from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Architecture. This innovative design integrates ancient ceramic craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital fabrication technology, using modular terracotta tiles to harvest fog, thereby promoting water self-sufficiency in arid, fog-rich regions.
The project draws inspiration from various natural forms and phenomena, including the intricate veining found in leaves as well as the water-collecting adaptations of the Namib Desert beetle. The terracotta tiles feature unique hydrophilic peaks that attract moisture and hydrophobic channels that repulse it, effectively trapping and collecting fog up to 400% more efficiently than traditional flat surfaces. This creative approach not only aids in water collection but also minimizes microplastic pollution, as the rigid mineral-based construction is a sustainable alternative to common synthetic materials used in other designs.
GROHE’s commitment to innovative water solutions is evident in their support for this award, which culminates in a £10,000 prize being awarded to Garófalo's team. Patrick Speck, the leader of LIXIL Global Design for Europe and the Americas and part of the judging panel, emphasized the significance of reimagining how buildings can interact with our natural resources. He noted that the project embodies GROHE's core principles of design that harmonizes nature with the built environment, aiming to transform building facades into active systems capable of harvesting water.
Laura Garófalo expressed her gratitude for winning the GROHE Water Prize, stating, "This recognition is vital for advancing our research into bio-inspired terracotta systems. The award allows us to further explore material experimentation that will lead to scalable applications in architecture aimed at sustainable water collection." She underscored the critical role that design and architecture play in addressing the pressing global water challenges, highlighting how such initiatives can enhance environmental resilience and improve community health.
The WAF included a highly competitive pool of submissions this year, with over 50 entries showcasing innovative ideas that reflect the evolving relationship between architecture and water within communities. Besides the winning project, some notable finalists included:
Since its inception in 2017, the GROHE Water Prize has spotlighted projects tackling global water-related challenges, highlighting the immense potential of design-focused solutions in enriching the built environment. This aligns seamlessly with GROHE's core values, which emphasize sustainable innovation, outstanding design, and cutting-edge technology to enhance everyday experiences and safeguard one of Earth’s most vital resources: water.
GROHE itself is recognized as a leading name in providing comprehensive bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. The company is part of LIXIL's globally renowned portfolio, which is devoted to harnessing water and housing innovations. GROHE's philosophy—"Pure Freude an Wasser"—reflects their commitment not only to quality and sustainability but also to enhancing the way people engage with water in their daily lives.
As highlights of WAF continue to surface, anticipations are high for the project's detailed presentation scheduled for November 19. Participants from around the globe will converge to engage with the ideas poised to reshape how communities interact with water resources— a testament to the innovative spirit that GROHE continues to champion.
The project draws inspiration from various natural forms and phenomena, including the intricate veining found in leaves as well as the water-collecting adaptations of the Namib Desert beetle. The terracotta tiles feature unique hydrophilic peaks that attract moisture and hydrophobic channels that repulse it, effectively trapping and collecting fog up to 400% more efficiently than traditional flat surfaces. This creative approach not only aids in water collection but also minimizes microplastic pollution, as the rigid mineral-based construction is a sustainable alternative to common synthetic materials used in other designs.
GROHE’s commitment to innovative water solutions is evident in their support for this award, which culminates in a £10,000 prize being awarded to Garófalo's team. Patrick Speck, the leader of LIXIL Global Design for Europe and the Americas and part of the judging panel, emphasized the significance of reimagining how buildings can interact with our natural resources. He noted that the project embodies GROHE's core principles of design that harmonizes nature with the built environment, aiming to transform building facades into active systems capable of harvesting water.
Laura Garófalo expressed her gratitude for winning the GROHE Water Prize, stating, "This recognition is vital for advancing our research into bio-inspired terracotta systems. The award allows us to further explore material experimentation that will lead to scalable applications in architecture aimed at sustainable water collection." She underscored the critical role that design and architecture play in addressing the pressing global water challenges, highlighting how such initiatives can enhance environmental resilience and improve community health.
The WAF included a highly competitive pool of submissions this year, with over 50 entries showcasing innovative ideas that reflect the evolving relationship between architecture and water within communities. Besides the winning project, some notable finalists included:
- - Projecto Vito Volcanic Catchment: An off-grid marine conservation headquarters situated in Fogo Island, featuring vaulted brick roofs that act as rainwater and fog-collecting systems in a region lacking surface freshwater.
- - Glasgow Bath Commons: A project aimed at transforming an abandoned railway viaduct and church into a civic water commons that incorporates rainwater harvesting, heat recovery, and fosters public bathing culture.
- - Lo—TEK Water: A field guide aimed at enhancing biocultural stewardship, integrating underwater reef infrastructure with frameworks of Indigenous co-governance.
Since its inception in 2017, the GROHE Water Prize has spotlighted projects tackling global water-related challenges, highlighting the immense potential of design-focused solutions in enriching the built environment. This aligns seamlessly with GROHE's core values, which emphasize sustainable innovation, outstanding design, and cutting-edge technology to enhance everyday experiences and safeguard one of Earth’s most vital resources: water.
GROHE itself is recognized as a leading name in providing comprehensive bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. The company is part of LIXIL's globally renowned portfolio, which is devoted to harnessing water and housing innovations. GROHE's philosophy—"Pure Freude an Wasser"—reflects their commitment not only to quality and sustainability but also to enhancing the way people engage with water in their daily lives.
As highlights of WAF continue to surface, anticipations are high for the project's detailed presentation scheduled for November 19. Participants from around the globe will converge to engage with the ideas poised to reshape how communities interact with water resources— a testament to the innovative spirit that GROHE continues to champion.
Topics Other）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.