【Japan Archives】

Home rain catching is Japan Archivesa pretty slick affair these days, no longer relegated to the realms of industrial water towers.

This new Dutch design is the newest backyard version of a trusty ol' water tank, a water-saving device dubbed the Raindrop.

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The Raindrop is essentially an enhanced rain barrel, designed by Dutch designer Bas van de Veer as a graduation project in 2009 and produced by Dutch pottery company Elho in 2011. It's now received a redesign— new colours, new finishes and more compatibility with drain connections — unveiled during the Spoga Gafa trade fair in Cologne in Sept. 2017.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Van der Veer did extensive research on household water use, identifying potential collecting and saving opportunities — in particular, the roof.

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"The project started with a desire to design a product that contributes to a better environment, considering the way we deal with water in particular, and tries to do so in the most effortless, accessible and elegant way possible," Bas van de Veer told Mashable.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Handmade in the Netherlands, the Raindrop collects water from your roof via your own 50-80mm drainpipe into a bulbous barrel. There's a small tap at the base of the barrel for hose connections, and a small watering can.

Importantly, the Raindrop isn't made to store filtered drinking water, instead just water for non-consumable use, like watering your garden.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The Raindrop retails for €249.95 ($297), and will be available in 2018 in selected garden centres, DIY shops and online stores. Europe will be the starting target market.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

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