A groundbreaking heating concept that uses electrically-heated fabric instead of traditional radiators has earned its creator, Moritz Walter, a prestigious 2025 Rising Talents Award. The innovative project, called HOTSPOT, represents a complete rethinking of how homes could be heated in the future, moving away from centralized boiler systems toward decentralized, electricity-based solutions.

Walter developed the concept while pursuing his Master of Industrial Design degree at Weissensee Kunsthochschule Berlin. His approach drew inspiration from space heaters but eliminated the typical metal fins that characterize conventional heating devices. Instead, he conducted extensive testing with electrically-heated fabric materials and experimented with various elegant forms designed to support and showcase the heating fabric.

The HOTSPOT project addresses fundamental questions about future heating needs, particularly the urgent requirement to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable and renewable energy sources. Walter identified significant shortcomings in conventional heating systems, noting that their complex infrastructure fails to adequately meet individual heating requirements. His solution focuses on creating small, targeted heat zones within rooms, making heating both more comfortable for users and more energy efficient overall.

The designer developed a comprehensive product family consisting of two distinct objects that work together to provide flexible heating solutions. The first component is a heat panel designed for large-area radiant heating, while the second features mobile, modular heat-storage units specifically engineered for near-body heat transfer. This dual approach allows the system to respond dynamically to individual heating preferences while integrating seamlessly into residential environments.

Walter, who now holds dual degrees in industrial design, emphasized the project's focus on decentralized heating as a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods. The HOTSPOT system's ability to create localized warming zones represents a significant departure from the one-size-fits-all approach of central heating systems. The innovative use of heated fabric technology opens new possibilities for heating design, potentially revolutionizing how residential and commercial spaces approach climate control in an era of increasing environmental consciousness.