Rutes, Filtre Ceràmic d'Aigua

The Rutes project is framed within the field of sustainable product design and emerges as a response to the challenges of climate change and the long periods of drought that affect our Catalan territory. It seeks to reduce water consumption in the domestic sphere by promoting the reuse of wastewater generated in daily activities and fostering greater awareness in consumption habits. The proposal offers a second life for these water resources, making use of them before they are discarded and thus contributing to a more responsible and sustainable use within the home.

To achieve this goal, Rutes materializes in the design and production of a ceramic filter that allows the collection and purification of domestic wastewater. The initial phase of the project stems from research focused on the effects of the climate crisis on water resources and on exploring combinations of ceramic materials with filtering agents, such as activated carbon or zeolites. This research makes it possible to define the most effective and, at the same time, sustainable filtration system, designed to be naturally integrated into the everyday life of households and people.

Clay, which turns into ceramic through heat, is the main material of Rutes. The choice is based on its proximity and natural character, as it is a resource extracted directly from the earth, reinforcing the project’s sustainability by reducing its ecological footprint. In addition, ceramic provides porous properties that facilitate water filtration through dripping, while also reclaiming Catalan and Mediterranean artisanal traditions. Each prototype is fired and evaluated according to indicators such as filtration speed and the quality of the water obtained.

On the other hand, the creation of a self-built wood-fired kiln for firing the ceramic pieces gives the project greater emphasis on Mediterranean craftsmanship. At the same time, it makes the process more personal and independent, but also more variable and slower.

Within the same project, a glass jug is also designed to hold the filter. It serves a dual function: acting as a support during filtration and making the device easily transportable within the home. This jug plays a role in highlighting the very functions proposed by the filter. Its conical shape allows it to fit into any container with a circular opening, increasing its versatility and adaptability to different domestic environments. This approach helps position the user as an active agent of change, promoting direct participation in water management and reuse.

At a conceptual level, Rutes aims to rethink the current paradigm of domestic water consumption by proposing a way to recycle wastewater in an integrated and accessible manner through a question: could water be recycled, just as we do with plastic or paper?

Rutes combines sustainability, design, and artisanal tradition to address a current and urgent problem: water management in the domestic context in the face of climate change. The proposal integrates a practical, functional, and adaptable system that not only facilitates water recycling but also connects with Mediterranean culture and Catalan craftsmanship. At the same time, it places the user in an active role, encouraging reflection and transformation of the way we consume and manage water resources at home. The project, therefore, is not only a functional object but also an educational and transformative tool that invites us to rethink consumption habits and explore new ways of making use of natural resources.