Meet the Groundfridge – the stylish, modern twist on the classic root cellar that’s saving energy and keeping your food fresher for longer.
Did you know that your fridge uses around 1 to 2 kilowatt-hours of energy daily? That’s a significant amount when you think about it. Enter Floris Schoonderbeek, a Dutch designer who’s reimagined food storage with an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative.
The Groundfridge harnesses the ground’s natural insulation to maintain a cool, steady temperature year-round. It’s equipped with a ventilation fan and timer to draw in cooler nighttime air, creating an ideal environment for storing fruits, vegetables, cheese, wine—you name it.
The coolest part? It’s designed for convenience and style. Built offsite, the Groundfridge is installed in the ground and covered with soil. The only visible feature is its sleek, colorful oval door (and optional solar panels, if you want to go fully green). Inside, there’s plenty of room—enough for two people to stand comfortably and a whopping 3,000 liters of storage capacity.
Schoonderbeek’s inspiration stems from adapting to the changing world due to climate change. His studio philosophy focuses on “practical solutions for a creative life in a more beautiful world.” The Groundfridge is an excellent example of this ethos, using natural elements like the ground’s insulating power and the cool night air to work its magic.
And it’s not just about energy savings—it’s also a step forward in tackling food waste. With millions of food items, like bread, wasted every day in cities like London, innovations like this play a critical role. Designers and innovators worldwide are stepping up, from AI systems helping professional kitchens reduce waste to terracotta containers that extend the life of your produce at home.
Ready to revolutionize how you store food? The Groundfridge is more than a fridge—it’s a glimpse into a future where sustainability meets everyday practicality.
