In the realm of industrial design, the most profound breakthroughs often emerge at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern ingenuity. Designed by Chee Kin Chong and Kah Zun Ng, two students from WDO Educational Member Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Brikoole is a visionary creation that has earned its place as a groundbreaking innovation, recently earning recognition as Malaysia’s national winner of the James Dyson Award 2024. By seamlessly integrating evaporative cooling principles into building materials, Brikoole redefines what passive cooling systems can achieve. It offers a sustainable, energy-free alternative to traditional climate control, setting a new benchmark for innovation that blends functionality with environmental responsibility.

At its core, Brikoole is a passive cooling system that works in harmony with architectural structures. Unlike conventional HVAC systems that devour energy and demand significant infrastructure, Brikoole leverages controlled airflow and evaporative cooling to reduce indoor temperatures without external power. Its brilliance lies in its elegant simplicity: a modular design that can be easily incorporated into standard bricklaying and construction methods, offering a robust solution for today’s increasingly warming world.

A detailed breakdown of the functions, construction and configurations of Brikoole. Photo credit: Brikoole

The inspiration behind Brikoole is rooted in innovative thinking, drawn from nature’s systems and historic architecture. The design draws upon the sophisticated ventilation of termite mounds, the air-channelling genius of wind catchers in Middle Eastern architecture, and the tranquil cooling power of Salsabil fountains. Combined with the thermal efficiency of porous ceramics, these time-tested principles were reimagined and elevated through modern research and materials to deliver a solution that feels both timeless and pioneering.

Brikoole’s functionality is deceptively simple yet highly effective. Air enters the system through strategic ventilation openings and is channelled through an intricately designed 3D-printed mesh, kept consistently moist by an integrated water distribution system. As air moves through this humid interior, the natural process of evaporation cools it before being directed indoors, creating a refreshingly comfortable environment. Currently, the mesh is crafted from wood PLA, but the plan is to transition to high-performance ceramic, improving both durability and efficiency for real-world applications.

The journey from concept to realization has been marked by meticulous research, observation, testing, and iterative prototyping. Brikoole’s development involved extensive exploration of passive cooling techniques, complemented by advanced 3D CAD modelling and airflow simulations to optimize its performance. The result is a system that achieves an exceptional balance of adaptability, scalability, and architectural elegance, making it suitable for diverse building types and climates.

Looking ahead, Brikoole is focused on translating its innovation into impactful, real-world applications. The transition to ceramic mesh marks the next step in enhancing its efficiency and performance. Rigorous testing in tropical climates will validate its ability to meet the demands of challenging environmental conditions, while collaborations with forward-thinking construction companies aim to scale Brikoole globally.

Unlike conventional HVAC systems, Brikoole leverages controlled airflow and evaporative cooling. Photo credit: Brikoole

The team is also working to ensure that the innovative cooling system integrates seamlessly with common construction methods. Contractors can incorporate Brikoole into standard bricklaying processes or add it as a modular system into existing walls without requiring significant changes to building methods. This approach even allows for the application of the same cooling principle to concrete walls, ensuring broader adaptability and ease of adoption within the construction industry

Brikoole is not just an invention—it is a paradigm shift in the way we approach cooling in the built environment. By marrying the elegance of ancient wisdom with the possibilities of modern technology, this solution tackles one of the world’s most pressing challenges: rising temperatures and unsustainable energy demands. In an era where sustainability is no longer optional, Brikoole offers a beacon of hope—a cooling solution that is as environmentally responsible as it is brilliantly integrated into architectural design.

As cities grow hotter, Brikoole stands as proof that innovation inspired by nature is not only possible but essential. It is a breath of fresh air, designed to cool our spaces and inspire a future where sustainability and design exist in perfect harmony.