Cloud to Cloud: An exploration of green hydrogen and the future of porcelain

Cloud to Cloud was a collaboration between Iris Ceramica Group and Architects Szczepaniak Teh. Iris Ceramica Group is spearheading the de-carbonisation of the ceramics manufacturing sector by re-engineering their production process to run off green hydrogen. 

Cloud to Cloud was a captivating meditation upon hydrogen in its most commonly encountered form – water. It also emulated the water cycle, communicating a message about natural systems, circularity, and the complex beauty of something we take for granted.

Water emerged from a cloud-shaped structure connected by hundreds of strings to a glass-bottomed pool. A special property of water means it can adhere to the strings but also roll along them. The water dripped into the pool creating exquisite light ripples, or caustics that remind us of our Sun, the energetic heart of our existence and a huge ball of fusing hydrogen. 

Iris Ceramica Group wanted to create an opportunity to tell the design community about their drive to decarbonise, their development of green hydrogen, and the fact that they are paving the way for new manufacturing standards. They certainly chose the right practice to collaborate with! Cloud to Cloud was a festival highlight with many hundreds of visitors dropping in to speak with creators Nicholas Szczepaniak and Wen Ying Teh.

Iris Ceramica Group CEO Federica Minozzi, joined Solus Creative Director Sam Frith, and one half of Szczepaniak Teh, Nicholas Szczepaniak on Tuesday evening during CDW to discuss Cloud to Cloud, its significance for the Italian group, and the process of collaboration.

The well-attended event was a great way to frame the conversation for the week. Federica said, “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Solus and Szczepaniak Teh on this important piece. Green hydrogen promises to decarbonise the sector. We have to make it happen.” 

Federica announced the development of H2 Factory™, a new We launched our new showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week with a stunning installation from our key partner Iris Ceramica Group. cutting-edge production plant in Castellarano, Italy, that will start using green hydrogen thanks to a bespoke system. The facility, which will be powered by hydrogen from 2025, will produce ‘4D Ceramics’ (the fourth dimension refers to sustainability), large full-body technical ceramic surfaces in 12 and 20mm thicknesses, which are particularly ideal for the luxury furnishing sector.

A 1 MW green hydrogen production system is being created for the factory. The hydrogen will be extracted from rainwater by electrolysis powered by a 1.2 MW photovoltaic system. The hydrogen will then be used to feed the kiln, with a mix of up to 50% of natural gas. A kiln that is 100% hydrogen-powered is also being researched. The expected annual production of around 132 tonnes of green hydrogen will replace about 500,000 cubic meters of methane gas per year. The blend will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, saving around 900 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The H2 FactoryTM is a significant investment in sustainability for Iris Ceramica Group. It is the first hydrogen-powered ceramic factory in the world, and will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 900 tonnes. The factory is also a testament to Iris Ceramica Group's commitment to innovation and its focus on developing high-end ceramic materials.

“We are looking at a new dawn for the ceramic industry and the sector as a whole. The underlying principle of our green hydrogen factory is what I define a new industrial humanism, with a central focus on sustainability and all its factors: environmental, social and economic. The challenge is to assure significant savings of CO2 in the next two years, paving the way for the ceramic sector and the whole district, demonstrating that even an energy-intensive industry can become a virtuous ‘net zero’ energy transition model.

“We hope that other companies will follow our example, to the advantage of the whole community, also leading to the training of new professional expertise,” declared Federica Minozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramica Group.