Gaggenau has opened 'Presence' at Villa Necchi Campiglio during Milan Design Week 2026, combining architectural installation design with the launch of its latest refrigeration platform.
Running from 21 to 26 April, the experience transforms the modernist Milan landmark into what the brand describes as a quiet retreat for the design community, centred on proportion, materials and sensory experience.
© Gaggenau
Kitchen sector spotlight
For the kitchen industry, the installation is significant because it serves as the official debut of the Vario Cooling Expressive Series, a new line of 11 refrigeration appliances including refrigerators, freezers and wine climate cabinets.
The collection is offered in sizes ranging from 18 to 35.5 inches, aimed at increasingly flexible kitchen layouts where integrated appliances must adapt to bespoke cabinetry, compact urban spaces and larger luxury schemes alike.
Smart wine and food preservation features
Among the headline launches is the Sommelier Sensor, which the company describes as an industry-first feature using infrared technology to read a wine bottle's internal temperature and calculate ideal serving readiness.
Gaggenau is also showcasing its Professional Freshness System, which uses independently controlled drawer microclimates designed to preserve ingredients more precisely by balancing humidity and temperature zones.
These features reflect a wider premium-kitchen trend: appliances positioned not only as functional tools, but as wellness, hospitality and entertaining assets within the home.
Appliances embedded into architecture
Developed with Munich studio 1zu33, the installation presents products as part of the surrounding architecture rather than standalone displays.
Highlights include:
- Expressive Series ovens framed by travertine stone
- Minimalistic Series integrated with mirrored and tinted glass
- Vario cooktops set into basalt and burnt wood
- Cooling appliances presented in burnished brass surroundings
This approach mirrors how high-end consumers increasingly shop for kitchens: by envisioning complete environments rather than selecting isolated products.
Culinary collaboration
The sensory programme includes hospitality created with three-Michelin-star chef Tohru Nakamura, with guests served light dashi and invited to private dinners for architects and designers.
Why it matters
As premium kitchen brands compete more directly with luxury furniture and architectural names, immersive design-week presentations are becoming strategic sales tools. For Gaggenau, Milan offers access to specifiers, interior designers and affluent global buyers shaping future residential projects.
More information:
Gaggenau
www.gaggenau.com
