Nichetto Studio’s ‘Astro’ fan wins Wallpaper* Design Award for Best Domestic Design

An intelligent fan with retro good looks wins Best Domestic Design, as voted by our discerning jury. View the entire Judges’ Awards preview here.

‘Astro’ fan, by Nichetto Studio, for Tubes

Designed by Milan-based Nichetto Studio to look like ‘a small spaceship that is about to take off’, this multifunctional heater and air purifier is smart in every sense of the word. Controlled by either touch sensors or remotely (through an Android or iOS app), the intelligent device cleanses the air thanks to an active carbon filter with 85-95 per cent efficiency, neutralises unwelcome odours autonomously with adjustable intensity, and blasts warm air when needed.The versatile thermo-ventilator is available in four lacquered matt colours – quartz grey, silk grey, ocean blue and coral red – and two different leg-length options. Featuring soft curved edges and a retro look, ‘Astro’ is part of Tubes’ Plug & Play collection, a range of freestanding designs that can be positioned anywhere in the house or in the office.

Key features: Intelligent multifunctional fan heater and air purifier
Materials: High-density expanded polyurethane, metal

BEST DOMESTIC DESIGN SHORTLIST

‘Stardust’ door handles, by Stéphane Parmentier, for Maison Vervloet

A graphic spin on hardware design, ‘Stardust’ is a collection of industrial door handles and doorknobs featuring designer Stéphane Parmentier’s distinctive ‘double zero’ motif. Handmade by Brussels-based artisans for Maison Vervloet, the handles and knobs comprise two layers of meticulous circular perforations, which overlap to create elongations and distortions, and are described by Parmentier as being ‘tattooed on the collection like an industrial code’. The design was a technical feat that proved challenging to the atelier team, but they persevered and even extended the pattern to the curvatures of the handles for both an engaging aesthetic and enhanced grip. Available in either oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass or satin nickel, ‘Stardust’ showcases Parmentier’s graphic experimentation.

Key features: Intricate door hardware featuring Parmentier’s ‘double zero’ motif, available in a range of styles, configurations and finishes
Materials: Oil-rubbed bronze, satin brass or satin nickel

‘Hive View’ security camera, by Fuse Project, for Hive

Yves Béhar’s design studio Fuseproject has created a cubic, internet-controlled camera in collaboration with British Gas’ sister brand, Hive. Bringing surprising sophistication to indoor security, the intelligent device begins recording when it detects sound or motion, beaming a notification to the user’s smartphone. Cast in plastic with an aluminium arm and rotating zinc-weighted base, the camera offers flexibility and can be mounted onto a wall or placed on a flat surface. ‘The lens provides a full 130-degree view, with the spinning base, leaf-like curvature of the arm and camera attachment enabling users to cover the angle they want,’ says Béhar. ‘Hive View’ is available in either white and champagne gold or black and brushed copper combinations, adding elegance to surveillance.

Key features: Indoor security camera with motion sensor and built-in app
Materials: Aluminium, PCABS plastic, zinc

‘Gliss Master’ walk-in closet system, by Vincent Van Duysen, for Molteni & C

Vincent Van Duysen’s walk-in wardrobe system for Italian furniture house Molteni & C is more than just a piece of elegant storage: not only does it boast the usual clever accessory drawers and smooth glass doors, as well as Van Duysen’s signature bronze finishes, but it is also firmly part of the Internet of Things, incorporating the latest air purification and perfuming technologies. Molteni & C’s Aircub technology and luxury Swiss appliance brand V-Zug’s Refresh-Butler enables the wardrobe to freshen, sanitise, dry and even de-crease clothes, the entire process conveniently controlled from a smartphone. After banishing pollutants by ionisation and ozonisation, it releases a delicate fragrance through micro-cavities incorporated in the system’s panels, which can be arranged in either fitted or freestanding versions.

Key features: Walk-in wardrobe with advanced garment care system
Materials: Tempered glass, wood, aluminium, melamine, eco-leather

Electric kettle, by Vipp

Best known for designing robust bins that are a little too good for trash, Danish brand Vipp recently launched a new kettle, following five years of research and experimentation. ‘Our electric kettle borrows its shape from the old-school dome-shaped kettle, yet with the convenience of electrical heating,’ explains Vipp’s chief designer, Morten Bo Jensen. It is reinforced with a double-layered shell, which prevents an overheated surface, while maintaining heat within. The kettle’s powder-coated black steel surface and stainless steel swivel base with soft silicone details adhere perfectly to Vipp’s minimalist, monochrome style.

Key features: One-litre capacity electric kettle with double-layered shell and swivel base
Materials: Stainless steel, silicone, powder-coated steel, fabric-covered cord