THE FUEGO BLOG

Exhibit design appears to be getting the attention it deserves. Last week I was in Builders Book Source in Berkeley and there were eight big glossy books on the subject. From a designer's perspective, what's not to like? A chance to work at the fringes of architecture wrestling with form, materials and light. And the artifact is a tangible structure that people interact with physically.

The Fuego trade show booth is a case in point. For this project we had two things going for us: A beautifully designed product to display and a client that is receptive to compelling, unique exhibit solutions. The materials we chose are those used by architects (wood slats, concrete panels, rubber flooring) as opposed to the typical exhibit materials (stretched fabrics and curtains). For a theatrical touch we projected digital clouds drifting on a field of blue onto a grid of screens over the booth. 

The end result was a form that pulled people in—a space where people wanted to linger, that harmonized with the product designs and allowed them to shine. In the end, a very satisfying result.

At the HPBExpo, we came across the German Grill, run by husband and wife team Ron and Patricia Weitnauer. Robert and I met with the Weitnauers in their booth for a product tour, and we were very impressed with the design and the thoughtful features included specifically for the charcoal barbecue audience. The German Grill actually won the BBQ 2008 Vesta Award for Charcoal Grill. Ron later told us that the product was designed by his son, Andy Weitnauer, an industrial designer who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and recently received a master’s at Cranbrook Academy. Bravo, guys! Very impressive and a job well done. Congrats on the award.

Given that this is my inaugural entry for the blog, it seems fitting that it’s about the latest Fuego product, the Modular. After Alex and I created the 01 and 02, we had a serious “so, what’s next?” moment. So we started with the foundation of what Fuego is all about: outdoor living, modern design, and socializing with friends. Looking at trends in outdoor grilling, the obvious target to apply our philosophy to was the outdoor kitchen, a growing trend among homeowners.

When we observed what was out there, we saw more of the same old stuff. Pseudo industrial appliances jammed in permanent stucco and tile structures. Pretty boring and nothing Alex and I would want in our back yards (if I had one – I’m a city dweller). So we decided to bring the Fuego idea to the outdoor kitchen and the Modular was born.

What the Fuego Modular is about is an extension of the 01 and 02 to a larger scale, with more capability and social content. We decided on a modular system so that customers really could design their own Fuego. We defined what we wanted in it: grills, cook tops, storage, warming drawers, refrigeration and a sink, along with the famous Fuego ability to hang with the cook, a tenant of the experience. The first thing I decided was that I wanted this to feel freestanding, like a big piece of furniture. Light, strong, but independent from the architecture of the home. This not only gives it a special quality, it gives the homeowner the ability to move it, add on, etc.

But the biggest issue I faced was getting the form right. I wanted it to be dynamic and have life, not feel stagnant. All my first concepts worked functionally, but were big, heavy and static. Then, while looking at some European cabinetry that cantilevered off the wall, I became inspired. I wanted to lift the entire system off the floor and make it float. Open up the underside. I cut up the model we were making and came up with the aluminum frame structure that ties all the modules together. This then extended to hold the counter surface. It worked perfectly and became the backbone (literally) of the whole system. Then it was easy. Just use the Fuego form, detail and material vocabulary and it was done. Right? Not quite.

After I built the final mock up, it still needed something to make the composition work and be truly dynamic. But what? At one point Alex and I talked about adding lighting, so I took another look at it and created the cantilevered, asymmetric light accessory. It took the design to the level I wanted. That’s the way it is in design. A single detail will make something perfect. Never underestimate this.

Our crew is all geared up for the Hearth Patio Barbecue Expo this week at the Atlanta Convention Center.

In 2007, we launched the award-winning Fuego 01 and Fuego 02 freestanding grills. This year at the HPBExpo, we're featuring another all-new outdoor grilling and entertaining concept - the Fuego Modular. Since its concept sneak preview at the Kitchen/Bath industry Show last year in Las Vegas, the product has received rave reviews. Last month, the Fuego Modular was awarded the 2007 Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award. What an honor!

Due to the overwhelming positive public response that we continue to receive about the Fuego Modular, we have decided to put the concept into production. We've been busy getting all our ducks in a row and expect a limited quantity to be available by the fall of 2008. Check back for updates.