COLMO Chinese-Style Domino

A revolutionary flip-top stove that redefines cooking spaces. When flipped upward, it creates a spacious preparation area and seamlessly integrates into open kitchens. When lowered, its specialized co-operation between burners and smart hood, providing an optimal cooking experience.

Challenge

Society and technology are evolving rapidly, and the lifestyle concepts and living environments of China’s high-end demographics have undergone profound changes. The primary challenge of this project was addressing the evolving needs of next-generation high-end households for cooking solutions.

Research & Insights

The trend of open kitchens and “specialized tools for specialized tasks” has gained popularity among affluent families. Traditional Chinese stoves, cluttered in design and lacking precision, no longer fit this modern environment.

Solutions

With advancements in gas injection mixing technology and updraft combustion systems, the stove can now rotate vertically: lowered for use and raised to save space and blend into the surroundings. Built-in hoods with multi-duct ventilation systems enable smart co-operation between stove and hood, ensuring no smoke escapes. Additionally, steam cleaning technology allows the appliance to self-clean when closed, saving time.

By deconstructing 22 traditional Chinese cooking techniques, the team categorized them into three core methods: “Ventilated Steaming,” “Fierce-Fire Stir-Frying,” and “Gentle-Simmer Stewing.” These are achieved through specialized modules, precision-engineered burners, and precise time-temperature-electronic controls tailored to each cooking style.

Outcomes

The Chinese-Style Domino has pioneered a new direction for high-end kitchen design in China and has received recognition with the 2023 iF Design Award.