Rebecka Österlund

What if materials themselves could become an active part of the environments we live in, rather than relying on electricity-powered products? In a world where most systems require continuous energy input, this degree project explores how the inherent properties of materials can offer an alternative.

“Adaptive Atmospheres” is a passive air regulator that operates without electricity, balancing humidity by both absorbing and releasing moisture according to the air’s needs. Combining science and design, the project investigates how both new and traditional materials can help reduce energy consumption in our homes while maintaining a stable indoor climate.

In modular systems, clay is combined with advanced materials such as, MOF,
(Metal-Organic Framework), and foamed cellulose, creating a structure that functions like a lung in interaction with its surroundings. The design can be adapted to different rooms and needs, where its function is driven not by technology, but by the materials’ own properties.