The winners of the 4th edition of the Design Warm Contest have been announced in Milan, honouring the most innovative towel warmer designs tailored for the hospitality sector. Organised by Scirocco H, Italy's first company to launch the towel warmer, the contest is the only one of its kind in the country. With the patronage of ADI, Association for Industrial Design, the competition is open to both students and professionals nationwide.
© Scirocco
Taking top honours in 2025 are "VEA" by interior designer Simona De Fazio, in the Professionals category, and "SPACE UP" by Maria Giulia Ferroni and Maria Claudia Scopetti, students from NID, Nuovo Istituto Design di Perugia, in the Students category. The winners received cash prizes of €5,000 and €2,000 respectively, and the opportunity for their designs to be brought to production under contract with Scirocco H.
© Scirocco
VEA draws inspiration from modular origami, with its sculptural surface of angular folds designed to distribute heat in an enveloping way. Crafted from aluminium for its high thermal conductivity, it is offered in two sizes to suit diverse hotel bathroom layouts. The radiator features mixed heating technology, both hydraulic and electric, with a remote app-control system and a quick-dry function for towels and fabrics.
SPACE UP, meanwhile, looks to nature for its conceptual spark, echoing the woven nests of weaver birds. It introduces a three-dimensional approach to radiator design. The piece consists of a circular metal body housing an electric resistance, while heat is distributed via a conductive polyester rope, designed to evoke hand-woven structures. The result is a radiator that 'does not simply adhere to the wall, but transforms it.'
A Special Mention was awarded to the IUAV University of Venice, recognising the school's four-year participation with 35 entries and six finalists, demonstrating consistent quality and innovation.
'We are particularly attached to the theme of hospitality,' said Sabrina Mora and Filippo Arbellia, directors and partners at Scirocco H. 'We were really pleasantly impressed by the projects... extremely creative solutions, such as those that won the contest, and that we think can have real feedback from a design and implementation point of view.'
© Scirocco
About Scirocco H
Founded in 1989 in Modena by Maria Pia Bertona, Scirocco H was among the first to develop designer towel warmers, blending engineering with aesthetic appeal. Now based in the industrial heart of Novara, the company entered a new creative era in 2013 under the leadership of Filippo Arbellia and Sabrina Mora, redefining radiator design for contemporary living.
More information:
Scirocco H
info@sciroccoh.it
www.sciroccoh.it