Fisher & Paykel, the premium New Zealand-based appliance brand, has opened its first Canadian Experience Centre in Toronto. Located at 90 Fraser Avenue in Liberty Village, it marks the fourth global flagship for the brand, following locations in Auckland, London, and Melbourne. The new 4,100-square-foot space showcases the brand’s commitment to innovative kitchen and laundry solutions while celebrating Toronto’s industrial heritage.
The new Fisher & Paykel Experience Centre is housed within the historic Boiler House of the Toronto Carpet Factory. The space has been transformed by renowned Canadian firm Omar Gandhi Architects, who worked alongside strategic brand partner Alt Group to create a setting that integrates luxury with heritage. The design preserves the site’s original red-brick masonry, industrial steel beams, and weathered brick facades while incorporating sustainably sourced North American timber and locally quarried stone.
The centre’s distinctive red-hued plaster walls add warmth and contrast, creating an inviting space that seamlessly blends history with modern elegance. Sculptural ceiling installations contribute to a sense of intimacy within the expansive showroom, while carefully curated details elevate the customer experience.
A Multi-Zoned Showcase of Innovation
The Fisher & Paykel Toronto Experience Centre is divided into several zones, each designed to highlight a different aspect of the brand’s appliance offerings and kitchen philosophy:
The Social Kitchen: This interactive space is centred around a stainless-steel Arclinea island and a custom dining table designed by Canadian artisan Christian Woo. The Social Kitchen accommodates up to 20 guests for the brand’s exclusive Mastery of Temperature culinary experiences, allowing visitors to see Fisher & Paykel appliances in action.
The Minimal Kitchen: Crafted by Gibson Greenwood, this space embodies the essence of Fisher & Paykel’s Minimal Style appliances. Integrated seamlessly into the cabinetry, these appliances focus on aesthetics and efficiency.
The Professional Kitchen: Designed in collaboration with Henrybuilt, this space showcases Fisher & Paykel’s Professional Style appliances. The refined timber millwork and premium finishes elevate the experience for visitors seeking high-performance kitchen solutions.
Additional Spaces
Beyond these three main kitchens, the Experience Centre features:
- Apartment Kitchen: A compact luxury kitchen setup.
- DCS Outdoor Kitchen: A dedicated space for chef-level outdoor cooking.
- Fabric Care Experience: A showcase of Fisher & Paykel’s innovative laundry appliances designed for garment care.
Blending Industrial Heritage with Contemporary Design
The architecture of the Toronto Experience Centre is a testament to Fisher & Paykel’s commitment to blending innovation with history. The adaptation of the historic Boiler House retains its landmark brick chimney, steel columns, and hardwood floors, creating a layered, textured environment that evokes both nostalgia and modernity.
A unique hidden induction ‘hot rock’ plinth, along with a product sculpture placed within the building’s chimney, adds sculptural intrigue to the space.
Omar Gandhi, Founder of Omar Gandhi Architects, emphasized the importance of maintaining the original character of the site. “Weathered brick, textured plaster, and exquisite stonework combine to evoke emotional resonance,” he said. “Jane Jacobs once said, ‘new ideas need old buildings,’ and this project reflects that philosophy.”
Fisher & Paykel’s Global Expansion and Vision
The opening of the Toronto Experience Centre is part of Fisher & Paykel’s broader global strategy to enhance its brand presence through immersive retail environments. CEO Daniel Witten-Hannah highlighted the brand’s synergy with Canada’s design-conscious consumers.
“Canada and New Zealand share a deep respect for culture, design, and environment. Through our work with Omar Gandhi and our luxury kitchen partners, we’re showcasing the potential of our appliances in some of the world’s best kitchens, framed by Toronto’s rich industrial heritage,” said Witten-Hannah.
Fisher & Paykel’s ethos, ‘Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand,’ emphasizes insight-led design, sustainable innovation, and material authenticity. The Toronto location embodies these principles, providing an educational and experiential space for architects, designers, and homeowners.
Programming and Interactive Experiences
The Experience Centre will also host exclusive events and educational experiences:
- Guided Tours: Visitors can explore the centre through curated tours that highlight the brand’s design philosophy and appliance innovations.
- Mastery of Temperature Culinary Experiences: Chef-led demonstrations showcasing the precision and versatility of Fisher & Paykel’s cooking appliances.
- Plan-and-Choose Areas: Design professionals and homeowners can explore personalized kitchen solutions tailored to their needs.
A Legacy of Innovation: Fisher & Paykel’s History
Founded in 1934 by Sir Woolf Fisher and Maurice Paykel, Fisher & Paykel began as an importer of Crosley refrigerators, Maytag washing machines, and Pilot radios into New Zealand. The company transitioned to manufacturing in 1938 and later expanded into global markets, producing high-end kitchen and laundry appliances.
A key milestone in its history was the acquisition of H.E. Shacklock Ltd in 1955, strengthening its local production capabilities. By the 1960s, Fisher & Paykel had begun exporting to Australia and East Asia, setting the stage for its international growth.
A Leader in Appliance Innovation
Fisher & Paykel has long been recognized for its pioneering designs, including:
- DishDrawer™ Dishwasher: A revolutionary two-drawer dishwasher system.
- ActiveSmart™ Refrigerators: Advanced refrigeration technology that adapts to usage patterns for energy efficiency.
- AeroTech™ Ovens: Precision-engineered ovens with superior temperature control.
The company also expanded into healthcare in the late 1960s, developing respiratory humidifiers, which eventually led to the creation of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, a separate entity today.
Future Growth and Commitment to Quality
Despite becoming a subsidiary of Chinese multinational Haier in 2012, Fisher & Paykel continues to operate independently, maintaining its dedication to innovative design and superior craftsmanship. The brand holds over 420 patents and distributes its products in more than 50 countries worldwide.
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