This Underground Fridge Doesn't Need Electricity

Root cellars are far from new. Before fridges and electricity existed, digging a hole in the ground was just one of the many ways people went about preserving their perishables. Despite taking its cues from this old method, the Ground Fridge still feels like a fresh idea.

Created by Dutch designer Floris Schoonderbeek for the brand Weltevree, the Ground Fridge is exactly what it sounds like. To install the circular structure, a hole is dug in the ground, the fridge is placed halfway down, and then the displaced dirt is put on top. This insulation keeps the food at roughly 10°C (50°F) all year round—no electricity needed, although some may opt to use it to illuminate the interior. While the container isn't as cold as a traditional fridge, it's perfect for fruits, vegetables, cheese, and wine. 

The enormous fridge is 2.2 meters (7.2 feet) in diameter and boasts an impressive 3000-liter capacity. It has built-in steps, wooden shelves, and a thin string of lights.

The fridge is not yet for sale, but it has an estimated price of $16,000. Clearly not for casual users, this upscale root cellar will likely be best put to use by community gardens and local farmers.

Even so, it's pretty, well, cool to see this kind of emphasis placed on sustainable food storage solutions. Looking to test out your own root cellar? You can make it happen with just a trash can. 

[h/t: Contemporist]

All images courtesy of Weltevree.