Almudena: typography, heritage and sustainability

A sustainable water jug ​​that unites aesthetics, function, & ecology, creating a sculptural vessel. Emotionally connected to Madrid’s iconography, inspired by the Virgin of Almudena, patron saint of Madrid, it emerges as a complement to its companion, Saint Isidro, the city’s patron saint. Its artisanal production, using slip casting, immersion glazing, single firing, and local commerce, reduces its environmental impact. The strawberry tree handle acts as a crown, and the crimson color comes from the municipal flag. The white clay symbolizes purity and lends distinction to this water vessel.

Design

Almudena is a traditional Spanish water jug (botijo). The crimson color is taken from the city’s flag. Its compact size holds 750 ml of water. The jute band acts as an absorbent barrier, preventing condensation from forming on the jug. It is packaged in a standard cardboard cylinder already available on the market. For product protection, the usual plastic wrapping is replaced with honeycomb-structured paper.

Innovation

A botijo ​​cools water through evaporative cooling, making it an eco-friendly alternative to electric systems. Almudena represents a formal reinterpretation of a classic object deeply rooted in Spanish culture. Its anatomy stems from the initial letter of the name Almudena. The handle, made of strawberry tree wood (the tree featured on the city’s coat of arms), becomes her halo, and the jute band becomes her belt. White clay is associated with the pure soul and provides distinction in water pottery, truffled with the typical brown.

Sustainability

Production by local artisans stimulates local commerce and reduces environmental impact. Slip casting, immersion glazing, and single firing allow for efficient use of materials and energy. Almudena is made of ceramic and wood, both of which are separable. At the end of its useful life, the wood is reused as fuel and the ceramic as chamotte for future clay pieces. The packaging is printed with one color.