The Power of ‘Presence’: How Gaggenau Is Shaping the Future of Luxury Living
A study in architectural integration reflects the priorities of today's most design-conscious buyers
In homes where cabinetry, stone, millwork and lighting are carefully orchestrated and every element feels intentionally connected to the architecture, appliances have the power to either disrupt or enhance that vision. That’s the ethos behind Gaggenau design language, where their collections become a part of the architecture itself.
That philosophy was brought to life through Gaggenau’s ‘Presence’, the brand's Milan Design Week 2026 installation at Villa Necchi Campiglio. Rather than presenting products as standalone objects, ‘Presence’ integrated Gaggenau's latest appliances into a carefully composed architectural environment. The new Vario cooling Expressive series was displayed alongside the brand's Expressive series ovens, demonstrating how appliances can become part of a larger architectural composition.
Developed with Munich-based architectural studio 1zu33, the installation also featured a culinary experience created in collaboration with three-Michelin-star chef Tohru Nakamura.
Designed with a modular approach to contemporary kitchen architecture, the Vario cooling Expressive series made its official debut with 11 new refrigeration models. The collection includes refrigerators, freezers and wine climate cabinets in sizes ranging from 18”, 24”, 30” and 35.5”, providing flexibility to tailor cooling solutions to a variety of design and functional needs.
For homeowners who entertain, collect or appreciate the ritual of wine service, the wine climate cabinets represent one of the collection's most distinctive offerings.
Sven Baacke, Head of Design at Gaggenau, comments: “We didn’t just create a wine climate cabinet. We developed a system that honours the ritual of wine – from storage to serving – with the same care as a winemaker would. The dark brushed stainless-steel and solid oak elements are more than materials; they evoke the cellar, the vineyard, the heritage. But more importantly, this innovation removes the friction between bottle and enjoyment. It makes the art of wine effortless, elegant and exact.”
Among the collection's most notable innovations is the automatic tempering, an industry-first technology that uses infrared sensors to read a wine's internal temperature and calculate when it will reach its ideal serving temperature. Moving beyond traditional storage, the groundbreaking feature introduces a new level of precision preparation by calculating and displaying the optimal time for a wine to be served, transforming the wine climate cabinet into an active part of the entertaining experience.
Preservation with precision
The Vario cooling Expressive series also incorporates Gaggenau’s Professional Freshness System, which moves beyond traditional crispers and reimagines the preservation of ingredients in the modern kitchen. Featuring independent motorized dampers that create distinct, scientifically calibrated microclimates within each drawer, the system works to preserve the flavor and texture of every ingredient.
A strategic signal for luxury homes
For builders targeting the upper end of the market, Gaggenau offers more than product features. It signals an intentional approach to design, performance and craftsmanship.
In competitive luxury markets, appliance selection has become a defining architectural decision. ‘Presence’ reinforced that Gaggenau’s role is not to dominate the kitchen, but to deepen the experience: quietly, precisely and with enduring purpose.
To learn more about Gaggenau collections, visit gaggenau.com.
About Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with over 60 flagships and showrooms in major cities around the world. The difference is Gaggenau.
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