SolarHearth
Sustainable Heat Meets Innovative Art
SolarHearth is a revolutionary passive solar heater that combines functionality with outdoor art. Created by award-winning sculptor and sustainability innovator Allison Newsome, this groundbreaking utility sculpture captures and transfers solar energy to heat buildings efficiently and sustainably.
How It Works
SolarHearth harnesses the sun’s energy using metal sculptural imagery that absorbs and transfers heat into a structure. Engineered for both performance and aesthetics, this utility sculpture provides an eco-friendly heating solution while serving as inspired public art.
A Fusion of Art & Sustainability
Allison Newsome, a Master of Fine Arts graduate from RISD and a Bioneer, is known for merging environmental resilience with artistic expression. Her work, featured at the Venice ECC Biennale, Boston MFA, Florida Botanical Gardens, and Historic New England, pushes the boundaries of sustainable design. SolarHearth follows in the footsteps of her renowned RainKeep sculptures, furthering the mission of integrating natural solutions into everyday life.
Measured Performance
Real-world data confirms SolarHearth’s efficiency. A weather station at its installation site is tracking its ability to generate substantial indoor heat even in frigid outdoor temperatures. Future updates will include detailed heat transfer data to showcase its effectiveness in various climates.
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January 3, 2025 data​
Transforming Spaces with Renewable Energy
It is very important to Allison Newsome that her work is designed for LEEDS credits, air quality and health. All materials are carefully chosen for their non toxic, sustainable, renewable, recyclable, life cycle and end cycle properties. Allison’s use of carbon activated and formaldehyde free cork, aluminum, powder coat, are materials that insure 0 outgassing. Installed on residential, commercial, and public sites, SolarHearth acts as an inspired artwork that uses passive energy to augment an existing heat system. Its sculptural form stands as a beacon, to hold our intention for clean environmental practices. SolarHearth is the A in STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math and demonstrates how art and utility through example, provide a powerful catalyst for profound conversation concerning clean energy.
