Fisher & Paykel’s modular range of Column refrigerators, freezers and wine cabinets are designed to provide flexibility for how people shop, cook and entertain. Their zoned compartments, variable temperatures and intuitive technology offer exceptional functionality and personalisation, and they seamlessly integrate within cabinetry, designed to fit flush, with no visible hinges or grilles.
We spoke to Mark Haydon, Chief Designer, to learn more about the development and design of the Column range.
Fisher & Paykel first introduced the Column range in 2018. Columns was developed to fit the evolving function and use of the kitchen – its increasingly integrated architecture and design, as well as addressing the importance of food care and reducing food waste.
Building strong relationships with Australian and New Zealand architects and designers has enabled the company to gather insights through workshops and discussions that inform the development of its products. “We are proud Antipodeans and a lot of the architecture happening in Australia and New Zealand is world class. Learning what is motivating these architects and designers and their clients has been a powerful mechanism for product development over the last few years,” says Mark. “Many of the discussions hinge around design, such as the materiality and functional and emotional aspects, and also include lighting and sustainability.”
In addition to architects and designers, Fisher & Paykel works with a range of cross-functional experts both inside and outside the company to develop products within the Column range. Technical development by the engineering team optimises the refrigeration environments for different food types, with food care knowledge provided by in-house food scientists, while the electronics engineering team finetunes lighting utilising industry insight. “We gather input from designers and architects regarding colour temperature of lighting and how that matches and aligns with the rest of the kitchen environment. And we balance that with our electronics engineering expertise around how different lighting colour can affect the perception of items in the fridge,” Mark says.
Outside specialists also provide expert support, input and knowledge. Working with prominent master sommeliers ensured the Column Wine Cabinet provides the perfect conditions for cellaring, storing and serving all wine varietals. The stainless-steel interior paired with a charcoal air filtration system maintains a hygienic internal environment, and the glass door inhibits the transfer of UV light.
The oak shelves are the key touchpoint inside the Column Wine Cabinet and, like everything Fisher & Paykel does, they are designed for aesthetics, function and performance. “We put a lot of effort into the materials and details to ensure precision and an emotional connection,” says Mark. The design team selected oak to reference traditional oak wine barrels, and chose a darker, more subdued finish that would not compete with the design of a kitchen. The shelves are designed to gently cradle the bottles and protect the labels, and they fully extend on soft sliders so there is minimal vibration and no knocking or scratching.
Cyclic testing for every product, particularly for moving parts such as shelves, drawers and doors, ensures functionality, performance and longevity. “We set up machines to open and close doors and drawers the number of times we imagine that will happen over a product’s lifetime. Typically, it’s the equivalent of 20 years of use, so it opens and closes 300,000 times to make sure the whole system can stand the test of time and use,” Mark explains.
Mark and the Fisher & Paykel team are currently developing the Column range to include different sizes of refrigeration and freezer modules. A recently released Column incorporates both refrigerator and freezer, and internal water dispenses will be integrated. “We are always improving and optimising storage environments for food care, and sustainability – both in materiality and energy usage – it’s front of mind in every project,” says Mark.
Fisher & Paykel’s Column range makes it easier to live a healthier life. With beautiful, practical and integrated design, they become part of the heart of the home and a backdrop to modern living.
For more information visit fisherpaykel.com
