This re-thinking of central heating systems is by Moritz Walter, done while pursuing his Master of Industrial Design degree at the Weissensee Kunsthochschule Berlin. Rather than relying on central boilers and radiators, Moritz took a cue from space heaters—minus the metal fins. Instead, Walter did testing with electrically-heated fabric, then experimented with a variety of elegant forms to support the fabric.

HOTSPOT - DECENTRAL HEATING

How do we want to heat in the future? We will have to switch to sustainable and renewable energy sources, as fossil fuels do not offer a long-term perspective. Furthermore, conventional heating systems with complex infrastructure only insufficiently meet individual heating needs. The project HOTSPOT explores the possibilities of decentralized, electricity-based heating.

By creating small heat zones in the room, heating is both more comfortable and efficient. I developed a product-family with two objects: a heat panel for large-area radiant heating as well as mobile, modular heat-storage units for near-body heat transfer. The objects are capable of responding flexibly to individual heating needs and they fit seamlessly into residential environments.

Walter, now a dual-degree industrial designer, won a 2025 Rising Talents Award for the project.