michelle kaufmann designs

We love modular design and design for double function almost as much as we love sustainable design. So anything that combines these three design elements is bound to catch our attention, which is just what the Rainwater HOG has done. The HOG is a rainwater catchment and greywater storage system consisting of slim modules that can be placed within, around, or underneath a home. Because of their size and dimensions, the HOGs fit into spaces where larger water storage tanks couldn’t normally be installed. They are designed for flexibility and can stand upright or be placed on their sides depending on the demands of the space into which they are going. This very cool, very smart water conservation tool can also help a building become more energy efficient via passive cooling.

During hot summer days, the HOGs double as highly effective thermal mass, absorbing heat instead of letting it enter the home thanks to the high R-value of the water stored within the tanks. They’re doing a fantastic job of using them as thermal mass in Australia’s Department of Sustainability where, from a bank of 104 HOGs, stored rainwater is circulated over the roof at night to cool it, then held in the foyer during the day in exposed HOGs to keep the interior of the building cool. HOGs can be installed within the framework of a building’s walls, floor or ceiling, or be exposed and used as long bench seating. The HOGs also qualify a project for more LEED points: 9 for a new home and 8 for a remodel. Within the green advocacy community we don’t usually smile on water hogs, but these HOG are certainly an exception.