Energy Save

M R290 - Next gen heat pumps!

A climate-smart heat pump solution for residential heating, embodied in a calm and sophisticated design that is equally suitable as part of the home or as a technical installation.
✦ Design Strategy
✦ Product Design
✦ Prototyping
✦ Research
Modern kitchen interior featuring sleek, integrated appliances with a focus on minimalist design. A large energy-saving unit from 'ES Energy Save' is built into the cabinetry, displaying a digital interface. The space is illuminated with soft natural light, highlighting the clean lines of the kitchen, including a contemporary stove and minimalist pendant light fixture. This design showcases energy-efficient technology and premium kitchen design, emphasizing modern aesthetics and functional innovation.

ABOUT

Energy Save approached Cliff Design with a clear request to design their next generation of indoor heating pumps. The goal was to enhance the design language while balancing different contexts and target groups, ranging from end-users to installers. Part of the scope was also to identify a design language that could be applied to other product line-ups.


Energy Save specializes in developing heat pump-based systems and concepts, offering cost-efficient and high-quality energy products with a reduced environmental impact. The product range extends from 6 kW domestic heat pumps to 1.4 MW systems for commercial buildings.

Photo courtesy of Magnus Lundin.

A designer working on a project, pinning notes and sketches to a wall covered with product concepts and images. The board features various design ideas and prototypes, showcasing the creative process in product development. The designer is focused on refining details, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in the design process, as carried out by a product design agency specializing in industrial design and modern product innovation.
A collection of 25 different heating pump design concepts displayed in a grid layout, each featuring unique shapes, textures, and modern design elements. The sleek, minimalist refrigerators showcase varying door styles, finishes, and configurations, emphasizing innovation in appliance design. This image highlights the creative process of a product design agency specializing in industrial design and modern kitchen appliance innovation.
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Three 3D-rendered heating pumps design concepts, showcasing sleek and modern designs with minimalist features. Each refrigerator has a unique combination of smooth surfaces and integrated handles, emphasizing functionality and industrial design innovation. The ES logo is visible on the lower section of the units, highlighting brand identity. These concept designs reflect the work of a product design agency focused on creating modern, energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
Four 3D-rendered heating pump design concepts, each showcasing distinct modern design features, such as integrated handles, sleek surfaces, and varied finishes. Detailed design notes are visible around the concepts, highlighting functional elements and user interaction points. These concepts represent the innovation and creativity of a product design agency, focusing on industrial design and energy-efficient appliance development.
A series of six 3D-rendered heating pump design concepts, each featuring sleek, minimalist forms with smooth surfaces and modern styling. The designs incorporate different door configurations, integrated handles, and a mix of black and white color schemes, emphasizing innovation in modern appliance design. These concepts highlight the work of a product design agency focused on industrial design innovation and energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
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A designer wearing a VR headset and holding controllers, engaging with a virtual reality environment in a product design studio. The blurred background shows design sketches and concept images pinned to the wall. This image highlights the use of immersive technology in product design, showcasing a product design agency’s approach to modern industrial design innovation and prototyping through virtual reality.Close-up of a designer’s hands writing on pink sticky notes attached to a board, capturing ideas and sketches as part of a brainstorming session. The notes show quick sketches and annotations, reflecting the early stages of the design process. This image emphasizes the creative and collaborative approach of a product design agency, focusing on concept development, idea generation, and innovative product design solutions.Two sleek, matte black heating pumps by ES, positioned against a stylish wooden slatted wall. The minimalist design of the refrigerators emphasizes clean lines and contemporary aesthetics, with the ES logo prominently displayed on both units. This image highlights energy-efficient, modern appliance design, showcasing the innovation of a product design agency specializing in industrial design for kitchen appliances.Three sleek, white energy-saving appliances from the ES Energy Save series, mounted against a clean, minimalist wall. The units vary in size and feature digital interfaces, emphasizing modern design and energy-efficient technology. The streamlined design of these appliances highlights the innovation and sustainability focus of a product design agency specializing in industrial design for energy-saving solutions.
Designers collaborating at a workspace, arranging various material samples, textures, and color swatches on a table. The materials include metal, plastic, and fabric samples, indicating the early stages of product development. Sticky notes with design labels and sketches are also visible, reflecting the detailed planning process. This scene showcases a product design agency's focus on material selection, industrial design innovation, and creative collaboration in the product design process.
Close-up of a designer’s hand reviewing printed design concepts on a table during the product development process. The image shows various prototypes and material samples, including a translucent green acrylic piece. This scene captures the detailed and hands-on approach taken by a product design agency, focusing on industrial design innovation, material experimentation, and creative product development.

Process

The collaboration focused on understanding the needs of homeowners and installers. The team prioritised technical sophistication for installers with features that simplify installation, operation, and maintenance. Scandinavian design principles guided us, emphasising precision, confidence, and a modern aesthetic that endures over time.

Two modern energy-saving appliances from the ES Energy Save series, displayed against a minimalist light blue background. Both appliances feature sleek, rectangular designs with digital control panels, emphasizing functionality and contemporary aesthetics. The larger unit stands on the floor, while the smaller unit is wall-mounted, showcasing versatility in modern appliance design. This image highlights energy-efficient technology and industrial design innovation.
A modern kitchen with a minimalist design, featuring integrated appliances and clean lines. The ES Energy Save unit is built into the cabinetry, displaying a digital control panel. The kitchen also includes a sleek induction cooktop, a bold orange faucet, and a contemporary pendant light fixture. The overall design emphasizes functionality, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetics, showcasing the innovation of a product design agency specializing in industrial design and energy-efficient appliances.
Close-up view of the ES Energy Save logo engraved on a sleek metallic panel of a modern appliance. The minimalist design and clean lines emphasize the high-quality craftsmanship and energy-efficient technology of the product. This detail shot highlights the branding and industrial design innovation of a product design agency specializing in energy-saving solutions.
Two sleek white ES Energy Save appliances positioned against a light blue wall, featuring modern digital control panels. The larger unit stands on the floor, while the smaller one is wall-mounted, showcasing the versatility and space-saving design of these energy-efficient products. The minimalist aesthetic and clean lines emphasize the innovative approach of a product design agency specializing in industrial design and sustainable technology.

Result

Minimalistic clean surfaces and precise technical details create sophisticated elegance. The design blends seamlessly into the home while meeting the high technical standards installers require. Concealed components enhance aesthetics and simplify installation. Overall, the design offers long-term value, providing a visually pleasing, easy-to-use, and reliable product for end customers and installers. It’s an investment that elevates the home and ensures all parties’ satisfaction.

Close-up of a white ES Energy Save appliance with a sleek design and a digital control panel. The engraved ES Energy Save logo is visible on a brushed metal accent, emphasizing modern aesthetics and energy-efficient technology. In the background, a blurred second appliance highlights the cohesive design language of the series. This image showcases the innovation and minimalist design focus of a product design agency specializing in industrial design and sustainable technology.
Modern kitchen with a minimalist design featuring an ES Energy Save appliance integrated into white cabinetry, next to two sleek black ovens. The kitchen island has a bold orange faucet and a smooth countertop, complementing the clean lines and contemporary aesthetic. A wood-paneled wall and soft lighting enhance the warmth of the space, highlighting the blend of energy-efficient technology and stylish design.
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Two designers from a product design agency posing in a creative workspace, featuring a modern, casual setting with a comfortable seating area and a wall covered in artistic sketches and doodles. One designer is seated on a gray couch, while the other stands, both casually dressed in jeans and t-shirts, reflecting a relaxed and innovative work environment. The bright, well-lit room showcases the agency's focus on creativity and collaboration in industrial design.

Final Thoughts

Collaborating with Energy Save was a rewarding and inspiring journey. While many constraints of the product often create a creative challenge, it will force us to think differently and explore ideas we might not have considered in a less constrained setting.
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One of the key challenges was to identify the right balance between the needs of two distinct user groups: homeowners and professional installers. Our goal was to design a product that fits beautifully into a modern home environment while also being technically appealing, easy to install, and simple to maintain. We were able to meet the two different needs by integrating complex technical elements into a clean, minimal design.
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Working with a young and ambitious company like Energy Save was especially exciting. Our mission was to help position them as a distinctive brand in the heat pump market by identifying their unique selling points and expressing them through a thoughtful, well-crafted product solution.