Description
A unique machine that allows you to wash your laundry while doing your sport, the rower washing machine is a rowing system connected to the machine drum by a chain and elastic system. Traction and inertia ensure effortless laundry washing in 3 cycles.
Summary
Contents
- 1 Description
- 2 Summary
- 3 Introduction
- 4 Video overview
- 5 Step 1 - Step 1 - Collecting and purchasing equipment
- 6 Step 2 - Step 2 - Advice and precautions
- 7 Step 3 - Step 3 - Preparation of the washing machine
- 8 Step 4 - Step 4 : The washing machine stand
- 9 Step 5 - Step 5 : The rowing machine
- 10 Step 6 - Step 6 : Assembling the machine
- 11 Step 7 - Step 7 : Operating instructions
- 12 Notes and references
- 13 Comments
Introduction
Project
BIOSPHERE EXPERIENCE association experiments sustainable and desirable futures in which humans live in symbiosis with other living species. In 2024, Caroline Pultz & Corentin De Chatelperron spent 4 months experimenting how a low-tech lifestyle in an urban environment could look like: a lifestyle without waste, reducing water consumption by ten, meeting the UN's 2050 targets for greenhouse gas emissions, while remaining desirable and accessible to everyone. Armed with experts, volunteers and interns, they imagined and designed a forward-looking apartment-ecosystem called the Urban Biosphere, set up in the Parisian region at Boulogne-BTheillancourt. To complete the ecosystem, their colleague Emma Bousquet-Pasturel set up a vast network of mutual aid around the apartment. At the same time, Emma has been tasked with coordinating a participative science program bringing together hundreds of citizens from France and abroad to test a simplified version of some of the apartment-laboratory's low-tech systems in their own homes.
Ce tutoriel présente un module low-tech spécialement conçu pour l’expérience de 4 mois menée par Caroline et Corentin à Boulogne-Billancourt. Le module a été installé dans une salle commune située dans le même immeuble que l’appartement-laboratoire. Il ne s’agit donc pas d’un tutoriel du programme de sciences participatives.
The useful fitness room :
Inaugurated in October 2024, a shared “useful fitness room” is part of the building of the future imagined by Caroline and Corentin. It aims to rethink the way we organize our daily tasks and activities. Laundry, bread dough and even hummus can all be done at the same time as your sport session, thanks to useful fitness machines! No need to have one at home, the idea is to pool, share and meet new people right in your own building, without any headaches, all with machines that are 100% re-used & 100% human powered. This useful fitness room, commonly known as “Johnny's Fitness Club”, was designed by a team of volunteers guided by Johnny Allen from Auroville.
Rower washing machine:
This tutorial shows the steps involved in building most advanced machine we made: the rower washing machine. Before its installation in the new low-tech fitness room, this machine was used as a practical case study for six months at the ICAM Paris engineering school.
A little background on the machine presented in this tutorial: The machine was developed in several steps, the first one in partnership with ICAM Grand Paris Sud students. The project was initiated and coordinated by Corentin De Chatelperron, who worked with a group of two students and the ICAM teaching staff to produce a first prototype. This prototype was built around the main components of a washing machine, and custom-cut parts were added to create the structure and sealing. Following problems with leaks, Corentin and the volunteers team developed a new machine using a “whole machine" (stripped of its electronics). This machine was found in the street 200m from the apartment, so it was given a second life instead of being disposed in the bulky items.
Then, it was used several times throughout the Urban Biosphere experiment, by Caroline and Corentin, by Johnny and by other neighbors testing the "useful fitness room".
Improvements to be made: The machine still leaks slightly under the door (much less than on the first prototype). For a new, totally watertight version, it would be better to use a machine with a top opening. The only drawback: with this configuration, there's no longer any visibility of the wash.
Feedback from user experience: “Washing clothes with others is a really TOP experience! We tested 10 minutes each with 4 for each step of the cycle (washing, draining + spinning, rinsing, spinning). Thus, someone always has a visual on the laundry in motion during the rowing, we discuss, it becomes a collective game around a common goal, which is friendly".
The rower washing machine allows you to "gamify" the action and to have a more practical and pleasant use than when you are alone.
Almost as easy to use as a washing machine, the low-tech rower laundry washing machine replaces all the actions done by electricity with human energy. So you will just have to fill the drum with water, row, row, row and evacuate the water.
Advantages of the machine:
The washing rowing machine has many advantages:
• Use mechanical energy rather than electrical energy. The idea is to be as autonomous as possible and conserve electrical energy for other uses. • Reduce water consumption: in 2024, a machine consumes between 40L and 80L of water per cycle depending on its class and up to 90L to 110L for a class D (https://eau.selectra.info/consommation/machine-a-laver) machine, which represents a significant part of a household's water consumption. The rower washing machine only requires 20L of water, which is between 2 and 4 times less than a conventional machine (test carried out to wash 1kg of dirty laundry at 60°). • Eliminating the use of electricity and reducing water consumption also means lowering your bills. It is also a great financial advantage. • Control the recovery of grey water: by taking care to use suitable products (here we use the ultra-concentrated washing powder of the Biovie brand), it is quite possible to reuse the washing water for uses that don’t require the use of drinking water. (Ex: at the Urban Biosphere, the grey water and the products used are ultra healthy and are put in the watering-can to water the plants in the garden). • Allows you to exercise in a useful and pleasant way for about 40 minutes • Easily repairable and upgradeable: designed on this model to operate a washing machine, this machine can be infinitely optimized and adapted to various uses. • Placed in a fitness room, this machine allows you to create social links, to help your neighbour and to meet very diverse profiles who are ready to commit to the transition.This tutorial describes the manufacture of the rower washing machine in three main steps as well as a quick instruction manual to make it easier to handle. The model proposed in the tutorial can be adapted-modified-improved according to your desires, your material and your skills.
Youtube
Materials
This is an exhaustive list of materials. If you already have some elements, we advise you to favor second-hand and to adapt their diameters and sizes throughout the tutorial.
• x1 Washing machine (preferably end-of-life or recycled) • x1 Palet • x1 Bicycle chain - 2m (here: Ref. 663077 on Décathlon) • x1 Chain quick-release (optional - if you need to assemble 2 chains - Ref. 628423 on Décathlon) • x1 Tensioner - 1.5m • x2 Freewheel sprockets (here: Ref. 1507047 on Décathlon) • x1 Derailleur Pulley (here: MEIJUN 16T Bicycle Rear Derailleur Pulley on Amazon) • x2 toggle latches • x2 Ball bearings (here: Ref.6004-2RS on RS Online) • x1 Pulley • x1 water tray: here Sundis 10L storage box • x1 Cord : 78cm minimum • x1 Metal axle diam. 20mm x 30cm • x2 L-profiles • x1 footrest (here: Pro footrest
Tools
This is an exhaustive list of tools, to be adapted according to what you already own.
• Screwdriver / Drill / Screwdriver
• Flat wrench or pipe wrench
• Allen key
• Grinder
• Hand saw or jigsaw
• Hacksaw or grinder
• Measuring tape
• Sanding paper
• Protective equipment :
◦ DIY gloves
◦ Safety goggles
Step 1 - Step 1 - Collecting and purchasing equipment
Depending on the level of finishing required, the adaptation of the model and the use of recycled materials, we estimate the cost of the rowing machine to be between 100 and 150 euros.
Before making your purchases, we strongly advise you to read the entire tutorial, as the list of equipment can be adapted to suit what you have at home.
Apart from the machine, which will be more difficult to find (waste disposal center, recycling center, 2nd hand that no longer works, ...), all the materials needed to build this machine can be found in DIY or gardening stores, or can be salvaged.
A quick note on the choice of machine: choose a “top” washing machine with a top opening to avoid leaks. Our experience with a machine with a front door revealed a leak at the front of the drum on the door side, under the machine...
For tools and equipment, before you buy, we invite you to look for places like recycling centers or object libraries. You'll be able to find what you need, as well as advice from enthusiasts.
Step 2 - Step 2 - Advice and precautions
Before you start fabrication, make sure your workspace is secure and that your tools are optimally stored.
• Make sure your tools are in good condition and suitable for the job in hand. • Read tool instructions carefully and pay attention to pictograms on packaging. • Set up in an open, well-ventilated and well-lit area. • Equip yourself with the necessary protective equipment: gloves, shoes, goggles, clothing, helmet, protective mask, earplugs (headphones/earplugs)... • Unplug power tools and close products when not in use. • Ask those around you for help if you have to handle heavy loads (tools, materials, etc.) - In the case of this machine, don't move the washing machine on your own!
This is a non-exhaustive list of tips and precautions.
Step 3 - Step 3 - Preparation of the washing machine
1- Lighten the machine
Depending on the model and year of manufacture, washing machines can be more or less complex. As a result, they are more or less easy to dismantle.
As electronic components are no longer useful on this 100% mechanical system, they need to be removed.
Here are a few examples:
• Pressure switch • Programmer • Thermostat • Heating element • Thermistor • Motor • Circulation pump • Drain pump • Hot / cold water solenoid valve • ...
Start by removing the plate at the rear of the machine, using a suitable screwdriver.
Remove the lining (foam, insulation, etc.) inside.
Remove the electronic components from the rear of the machine, leaving only the outer casing, the drum, the porthole with its safety lock, and the water drain.
! Be careful not to injure yourself when working inside the machine, as the working space is restricted and there is a risk of injury. If the machine is rusty, don't hesitate to use WD40 or equivalent.
2- Make an opening for the transmission system to pass through
Choose the side where the rowing machine will be placed (here on the left, at the rear of the machine) and trace the shape of the opening. The opening is in the corner (see dimensions).
Then use the grinder to cut the opening. Don't hesitate to do this in several stages if necessary.
For the finishing touches, use the grinder to make straight edges and adjust any small defects, and place silicone or sealant on the edge to prevent cuts.
! Caution: using a grinder requires care and protective equipment. Make sure you follow safety rules and perform the operation in a suitable location.
3- Installing the transmission system
At the rear of the drum, replace the machine's transmission pulley with a bicycle sprocket (freewheel). Create an adapter by welding in a screw, or install the sprocket directly using the hex head screw provided (tapped hole on the machine).
To avoid derailing, we've cut a circle out of a melamine panel.
To ensure correct operation, check that the sprocket is centered on the drum.
4- Customize the machine (optional)
This is an optional step that won't affect the operation of the system, but it does make your washing machine unique. Play around with the buttons, the detergent tank, the porthole and all the sides to personalize the unit and adapt it to its place of use.
Step 4 - Step 4 : The washing machine stand
The washing machine stand is an essential element for gravity drainage. With the machine positioned high up, the water can drain directly into the drain pan.
The support shown here has been designed to be as simple as possible for the draining function, and should be optimized from an aesthetic point of view.
Take the pallet and dismantle the base and the middle dice.
The machine support must be adapted to the wash water recovery tank. It will serve as storage for the latter and must be adapted at 2 points:
• Position and fix the soleplate and dice so that the drip tray can pass through. • Add boards to raise the pallet so that the drip tray can pass underneath.
On the upper part of the pallet, create a place to position and block the machine. You have several options:
• Option 1: Take the measurements of the machine base and create a square frame with the measured lengths as internal dimensions, then fix the frame to the pallet. • Option 2: Position the machine on the pallet and adapt the boards so that they are flush with the machine. This means manufacturing with the machine on the pallet, or moving it twice. • Option 3: If you have a better solution, please share it with us.
Step 5 - Step 5 : The rowing machine
1- Board cutting and material preparation.
Preparing the work will enable you to assemble the entire rowing machine without any surprises. There are several parts to prepare:
Wood cutting :
Part Quantity Original panel Dimensions (cm) 1 2 L x 10cm x 3cm 110 x 10 x 3 2 2 L x 10cm x 3cm 70 x 10 x 3 3 2 L x 10cm x 3cm 27 x 10 x 3 4 2 L x 10cm x 3cm 53 x 10 x 3 (see plan) 5 2 L x 10cm x 3cm see plan 6 1 Single plank 2cm thick or assembly 26 x 43 x 2 7 1 Panel ep. 2cm 27 x 21 x 2 8 2 Panel ep. 2cm 22 x 12 x 2 9 2 Wood part 15 x 2 x 3 10 1 Bar diam. 40mm diam. 4 x 40
Equipment preparation :
• x1 Tensioner - 1,5m • x1 Freewheel sprockets • x1 Derailleur sprocket • x2 toggle latches • x2 Ball bearings • x1 Pulley • x1 Metal axle diam. 20mm x 30cm • x2 L-profiles • x4 seat castors • x2 rod diameter 1cm
• • Hardware :
◦ Wood screws
◦ Brackets
◦ Hooks
◦ Quick link(s)
◦ Handle
2- Seat fabrication
Find a salvaged seat, buy an upholstered one or make your own. The aim is to provide a pleasant surface on which to sit.
On this machine, the students responsible for its design opted for an ergonomic seat from WateRower (manufacturer of sustainable sports machines): Siège Chêne
Step 6 - Step 6 : Assembling the machine
Assemble the sub-assemblies produced in the previous steps:
• washing machine • the stand • the rowing machine
1- Assembly and fixing
• Position the stand where the machine is to be used • Place the machine on the stand, level with the wedge frame • Position the rower, align the pulleys and secure the rower to the stand with the brackets.
2- Setting up the transmission
• Pass the chain over the sprocket on the drum. • Attach the string to the end of the chain and to the handle. • Lock the handle
3- Tests
Once all these steps have been completed, the rowing machine is ready for use. A final test will ensure that everything is securely fastened, that there are no blockages, and will allow adjustments to be made to the tension of the turnbuckle to adapt the system's elastic return.
Sit down, slide your feet into the footbraces, take hold of the handle and row back and forth a few times.
The second test is the wash test. The idea is to check that everything works when loaded (laundry + water) and that there are no leaks or water drainage problems.
To start with, take some old clothes or dishcloths of little value and follow the instructions.
If all goes well, the machine is ready to use and wash your clothes.
If not, proceed with adjustments and settings.
4- Finishing
Don't hesitate to personalize your machine, adding accessories such as a mechanical counter, ...
Step 7 - Step 7 : Operating instructions
Now that the machine has been manufactured and assembled, we'd like to provide you with an instruction manual to guide you through the use of the rowing machine. It's up to you to test, experiment and document your washing sessions to create your own washing program. Don't hesitate to share your experiences and tips with us!
• Place laundry in machine (up to 3kg)
• Add detergent (preferably natural: Biovie reference shown in the document)
• Add about 5L of water. Don't let it overflow!
• Close the machine window
• Select the program or pretend to do so
• Stand on the rowing machine
• Row in 3 cycles of 100 strokes each: (nature of the 3 cycles to be confirmed)
◦ Cycle 1: laundry cleaning
▪ Row for 15 min at constant speed, depending on the effort you wish to make.
▪ Drain dirty water
▪ Row for 2 min to extract dirty water.
◦ Cycle 2: rinse
▪ Drain the tank and fill with clean water (approx. 5L).
▪ Rinse for a further 10 min at constant speed according to the set rhythm.
◦ Cycle 3: Spin.
▪ Empty tank
▪ Row for 10 min at high speed
▪ Drain tank one last time
• Collect your laundry and hang it out to dry.
Water is drained by gravity. During use, the drain hose is placed high up so that the water remains in the machine. When draining, the hose is placed in the recovery basin under the machine. Water drains by gravity. It is also possible to install a tap and create a more sophisticated drainage system.
{{How can I recycle wash/rinse water?
Make sure that you generate clean grey water, i.e. that the washing products used are ultra-safe and that the washed laundry does not leave any residues (dyes, paint, etc.). If this is the case, you can reuse this water to water your garden
If not, and in case of doubt, it's best to filter the water or flush it down the drain to avoid polluting plants.
For your information: As part of the Urban Biosphere project, we have used as much natural-fibre clothing as possible, rather than synthetic, to avoid any possible release of microplastics into the water, and to avoid contaminating the plants.}}
Notes and references
Tutorial written by Anthony Delforge, with help from Gabriel Babin & Alexandre Capart (ICAM) and Caroline Pultz, published by Agathe Meurisse
References and inspiration
◦ Water consumption figures :
https://eau.selectra.info/consommation/machine-a-laver
◦ Rower V1 : Guide de montage & Guide d’utilisation - Rapport de projet des étudiants de l’icam (Gabriel BABIN - Alexandre CAPART)
◦ Inspirations : https://waterrower.fr/
◦ Social network publications : https://www.instagram.com/2050now/reel/DCr3qOTtXOD/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBJPZdqASjb/
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