LOCHINVAR KNIGHT XL COMMERCIAL BOILER
When Lochinvar decided to redesign their commercial boiler line, they wanted a new look, along with performance improvements and cost reduction. The Knight XL was selected to be the first in a series of redesigns, establishing the product brand language for the rest of their products.
Brownlie Design created a development strategy that was primarily focused on the Knight XL, but also took into consideration the other products in the line. Initial presentations showed multiple leading-edge design approaches for Knight XL, with “family look” design options for the other products also depicted.
Key to this project was understanding that boilers and heating equipment are viewed as appliances. We conducted an audit of the appliance marketplace, studying the types of materials, manufacturing processes, and appearance details used in the industry. Armed with this knowledge, our development team created a sophisticated, appliance-like design theme that would translate well across Lochinvar’s entire line of high-efficiency boiler and hot water heating products.
WEIL-McLAIN RESIDENTIAL BOILER
Prior to working with Brownlie Design, Weil-McLain was skeptical about outsourcing product development work. Their project leaders and decisionmakers had the perception that industrial designers create only out-of-the-box conceptual ideas that do not necessarily translate to practical products. During the development of the ULTRA series of residential heating boilers, we used our comprehensive development process to design a product that has redefined the look of home heating equipment for the North American market. Development activities included initial concept generation, functional prototype construction, material selection, and production-ready 3D CAD documentation. Brownlie Design is now considered a trusted partner in the ongoing development of new products by Weil-McLain.
CARRIER CHILLER CONTROLLERS
Carrier, a manufacturer of rooftop air conditioners, needed to update their controller technology to include touchscreens. Brownlie Design was engaged to develop a new, cohesive look for the four sizes of controller enclosures. We began by auditing competitive and similar products. We then interviewed in-house stakeholders located in North America and Europe to gain an understanding of the market and Carrier’s brand goals. Because these products can be in service for 10 years or more, a clean, contemporary appearance was needed. 3D CAD surface models were created, allowing for the construction of appearance mockups. These were used for internal and external reviews to fully vet the design and determine customer preferences. To complete the project, Brownlie Design collaborated with offshore development assets to ensure the design intent was maintained throughout the detail design process.
LOCHINVAR KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL BOILER
Brownlie Design provided Lochinvar with a striking design for the Knight Residential Heating Boiler. This high-efficiency boiler is cost-effective, easy to service, and simple to operate, with a distinctive appearance reflecting the Knight design theme. The energy-saving controls are easy to understand and conveniently located for the homeowner. The Knight boiler has been very well received by contractors and homeowners and has been extremely successful in the marketplace with sales significantly outpacing the forecast. The design was awarded a Silver Medal in Appliance Design Magazine’s Excellence In Design awards competition.
PHOENIX CONTROLS CLIMATE CONTROLLERS
Phoenix Controls, a Honeywell subsidiary, manufactures precision airflow equipment for research laboratories, state-of-the-art hospitals, and the world of emerging sciences. Brownlie Design was asked to establish a striking and highly recognizable brand image for their monitoring products. The Room Pressure Sensor Monitor is the most visible, interactive element of the airflow system. This vanguard product established the company’s new brand language with a high-end metallic finish, slim profile, and no exposed fasteners. The monitor is easy to assemble and designed to fit over a typical 3-gang electrical box. The appearance has been very well received, positioning Phoenix Controls as the preferred choice of architects, installation personnel, and service technicians.
