In the tranquil, tree-lined streets of Surry Hills, Gaggenau, the luxury appliance brand with a 340-year history, has opened the doors of its flagship Sydney showroom. Partnering with architectural firm 1zu33, the showroom is a space where architecture and history interact with culinary ambition.
Gaggenau’s CEO of Australia and New Zealand, Andrew Jones, spoke on the design philosophy: “Gaggenau Sydney signifies the expansive global reach of our ethos. Our flagships across the world emphasise the expert performance of our portfolio while creating intimate worlds that embody each city at its core.”
Housed in a 260-square-metre heritage building that was once a post office, the showroom is divided into two main sections: facing the street and opening up to an inner courtyard. This layout enables the space to co-exist with the surrounding suburb’s architecture while maintaining an application-driven focus.
Visitors first encounter The Social Hub — a space defined by its dark, hand-applied plaster finish, Black Douglas fir boards, textured wall tiles and blackened steel joinery cladding. Gaggenau’s Customer Experience Manager, Aleks Efeian, says, “Each detail comes together to provide a personalised, holistic experience…”
Hendrik Müller, the lead designer and CEO of 1zu33 says of the intent: “The street-facing front of the showroom emphasises exhibitions, drawing inspiration from the surrounding restaurants and bars. It serves as a social space, with a dark and eclectic design that welcomes everyone. The space includes a wine and coffee bar, a nod to the hospitality industry.”
In this front-facing part of the showroom, the colour scheme leans towards dark and muted tones, featuring dark render, black cabinets, black steel and textured tiles. The layout pays homage to the space’s history as a former post office, with a blackened steel counter.
Moving further into the space, The Home of Gaggenau reveals a contrasting design approach. Soft oak floorboards, walnut cabinetry and expansive stone benchtops set a different tone, creating a sense of domesticity. A fully functional chef’s kitchen showcases Gaggenau’s 400 series, emphasising the brand’s commitment to culinary artistry.
Envisioned as a more domestic-scaled setting, this more private back area draws on “Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics” according to Müller. “There is a large dining table in walnut, a show kitchen with a granite splashback, and a long counter that extends to an outdoor courtyard,” he says. Wooden beams and an oak floor create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, demonstrating real-world applications for Gaggenau products in a soft minimalistic design.
Recognising the value of Sydney’s incredible climate, a courtyard space adds another layer of liveability. In this area, natural stone has been laid in a herringbone pattern on the ground, alongside limewashed textured walls, contributing to the warmth of the space.
Linking these two zones is The Difference — a dimly-lit chamber that exhibits raw materials like iron ore, cobalt and silicon. A hidden video screen behind a spy mirror activates to display a 90-second video detailing Gaggenau’s history and its connection to culinary landscapes.
Natural and artificial light interact within the showroom to amplify the various textures and materials. “The space features touchpoints embodying the brand’s long-lasting history and dedication to craft while celebrating the inspiring breadth of our products,” adds Efeian.
Müller, notes, “The new flagship concept looks at buildings with a tighter connection to the city it’s located in. Gaggenau Sydney represents the characteristics of its context, offering distinct elements throughout the design that draw from its surroundings and are infused with the brand’s authentic manner.”
The architectural and design elements of Gaggenau Sydney not only showcase premium appliances but also create a multidimensional experience for visitors. The showroom’s meticulous design engages with its local context, reflecting the brand’s rich history and its contemporary aspirations.
Gaggenau
gaggenau.com
