Alternative energy kilns for ceramics
In 2009, Innovating Tradition and Studio Xaquixe began a successful collaboration to design and develop alternative energy pottery kilns for Santa María Atzompa, a community famous for its production of green-glazed pottery.
The objective of the project was to solve the technical, environmental and health problems related to the use of lead-free enamel, providing an appropriate solution to the context, helping to reduce costs, improving product quality and opening new markets.
This has been one of our most important projects, due to the scope of the problems it addresses, as well as the complex challenges and implications of modifying kilns that have been used for centuries.
Among the advantages of the Fire Dragons, the name given to these kilns, is that they can reach high temperatures, necessary to burn lead-free ceramics and improve the quality of the product. It has the potential to improve the working and health conditions of artisans and their families.
Fire Dragons can reduce energy costs, burnout and consequent loss of parts, as well as CO2 emissions, creating a healthier work environment.
Among the achievements observed with its implementation, there is the successful development of pioneering technology of this type, the production of the Ruiz family that began to produce lead-free ceramics in the kilns, as well as the changes in the work roles of the Ruiz family. , with the inclusion of new members. There was also an increase in interest in the process from the younger members of the family, attracting new people to the workshop.
