Prestigious German Design Award goes to luxury appliance brands showspace

Designed by Damian Hannah of German Kitchens

BSH Group’s new New Zealand showspace UnserHaus, has been recognised at this year’s prestigious German Design Awards – winning Excellence in Retail Architecture.

UnserHaus is something ground-breaking and forward-looking for New Zealand – an innovative, hybrid space for connecting and celebrating food, culture and advanced technology.

Based in Parnell, UnserHaus is derived from the meaning ‘Our House’ in German. The UnserHaus venue showcases the latest in innovative home appliance technology from three iconic luxury German appliance brands – Bosch, NEFF and Gaggenau.

The  space is a collaboration between local designers, craftsmen and artists and with this award is now recognised as a world-class retail architecture project.

The German Design Award is a highly esteemed honour, awarded to projects that represent excellent pioneering contributions to the international design landscape. 

UnserHaus designer Damian Hannah, of German Kitchens, designed the bespoke showspace for all three brands to coexist harmoniously. Hannah drew inspiration from BSH’s distinctive style.

The designer has made clever use of material features with elements like bespoke stone fabrications personally hand selected from Germany, the reuse of Australian railway posts, and the choice of Brazilian quartzites, all of which complement the space’s functional, visually pleasing environment. 

“This has been my biggest commission to date," says Hannah. "It encompassed so many moving parts, we were sourcing materials from all over the world to ensure the highest quality furnishings.”

UnserHaus sales manager Sara Isherwood said, “It’s amazing our showspace has been recognised at such an esteemed international level and particularly to be recognised in Germany, through the work of local creatives. It’s testament to New Zealand design and we’re delighted to have worked with a talent like Damian and his team.

The contemporary space is divided into three zones; each brand inhabits its own distinctive space and includes unique, interactive characteristics in each of the three functional demonstration kitchens, while a comprehensive design aesthetic unites all the areas. 

Bosch

The Bosch area is a beautifully uncluttered appliance showspace, home to over 100 different appliances while still feeling spacious. The zone hosts training courses and live cooking demonstrations and incorporates smart, hidden walls that create a feeling of space.

NEFF

The NEFF room mirrors an atmospheric New York style loft, with informal eclectic dining and fresh produce on show to enhance cooking appliance displays. Warm colours are splashed with natural, neutral tones – the room hosts cooking demonstrations for UnserHaus clients to delve into product knowledge on a deeper level, both pre- and post-product purchase.

Gaggenau

The luxurious Gaggenau area is an open-plan living space, with materials hand-picked from Germany in monochromatic shades, including white and grey stone, timber and porcelain. This area incorporates Auckland’s dynamic city life, with views of the Sky Tower and passing trains. With a dedicated wine area, the space redefines luxury with its elevated, modern aesthetic.

UnserHaus is at 65 Parnell Rise, Parnell, Auckland and has complimentary, covered parking for visitors.

About Damian Hannah and German Kitchens

Damian Hannah is a highly qualified, award-winning kitchen designer who owns and manages German Kitchens. German Kitchens is Wellington’s oldest imported kitchen company and has been designing, selling, importing and installing German manufactured kitchens, appliances, wardrobes and furniture since 1991.

Story by: Damian Hannah