With OUTSTEEL, Poujoulat fireplaces extends its playing field to the heat pump market, more precisely to its casing and its protection. Recognized for 70 years for its know-how in flue pipes and metal roof outlets, the company uses its skills to offer innovative solutions with a new complete range of heat pump and air conditioning covers in galvanized steel, in order to to protect and aesthetically conceal these outdoor technical units. Full, partial or simple "cap", the product fits each model of heat pump or air conditioning, regardless of the manufacturer.
Designed and manufactured in France, these covers fit perfectly into their environment to bring visual harmony. Easy to install, easy to access, the durable aspect has been incorporated into the design through the choice of materials and finishes.
Marketed from July 2021, the products of the OUTSTEEL brand will be distributed through professional networks (distributors, ENR heating engineers, swimming pool specialists), the general public and e-commerce. A look back at the genesis of the project and presentation of this new brand and of his products.
Conquering new territory: dressing the heat pump
1 - The genesis of the project: supporting consumers' need for decoration
Cheminées Poujoulat found that several neighboring countries, such as the Netherlands, had the idea of hiding their heat pumps to protect them against theft and bad weather, and to make them more aesthetic.
Another trend observed is the importance that the French give to their decoration: according to a study, it is 87% *.
In the current context, the garden has become a real extension of houses. And consumers' pleasure in personalizing it is no longer limited to landscaping: designer and decorative furniture, trendy colors and materials, smart and discreet storage are flourishing in the four corners of the gardens.
"Offering covers capable of covering 80% of the devices sold on the market, regardless of the configuration of the heat pump, on a wall or on the floor, seemed obvious to us", explains Stéphane Thomas, Strategy and Development Director.
* Omnibus study carried out by YouGov from November 13 to 14, 2019, with 1 people representative of the French population, according to the quota method.
2 - A new activity in line with the industrial know-how of Cheminées Poujoulat: the shaping of painted galvanized steel
As a brand of the Poujoulat group, OUTSTEEL benefits from a sharp industrial know-how acquired over 70 years which allows it to offer a range of customizable heat pump and air conditioning covers, with unparalleled design and finishes.
His perfect mastery of sheet metal processing is an asset in opening up the field of a new activity: cutting, laser cutting, bending, stamping, painting, etc. are all industrial techniques that can be used to design this type of product.
Designed in France, all models in the OUTSTEEL range are manufactured in the Poujoulat group's main factory in Granzay-Gript, near Niort, located at the same location as the head office. Its total area is 46.000 m², including a logistics area of 20.000 m².
A premium material, galvanized steel offers both flexibility and robustness to the heat pump and air conditioning covers to withstand external stresses and to be easily dismantled for maintenance of the unit, or in the event of a move.
3 - A new visual identity
So that OUTSTEEL can take off in new territories, the brand has dissociated itself from Cheminées Poujoulat.
The structure of the logo in two parts allows a good legibility of the mark: on one side "OUT" in English illustrates well the outside universe; on the other, the box around “STEEL” highlights galvanized steel, a robust material capable of withstanding outdoor conditions.
The “EXTERIOR DESIGN” signature highlights the brand's aesthetic creations dedicated to outdoor spaces.
A complete universe of pac caches to meet all tastes and budgets
Made from a top quality material (steel), customizable, adaptable, easy and quick to assemble, OUTSTEEL heat pump and air conditioning covers are full of inventiveness.
1 - A technical and aesthetic role
A design solution
Whether for heat pumps or air conditioning systems, OUTSTEEL products can be used to cover these outdoor units. They are aesthetic and actually more elegant than the unit itself, placed in the garden.
Guaranteed protection
Bad weather, unintentional shocks or child safety, OUTSTEEL steel protections withstand damage that may be caused by rain, hail, UV rays and leaves. If it is not sheltered and protected, the outdoor unit may be exposed to shocks which could disrupt its operation.
2 - Five models for three types of cache
The alliance between aesthetics and ingenuity
The concept of full cache is characterized by:
- a wall-mounted base, with a system of guides to adjust to the distances to the wall, depending on the size of the PAC and its depth,
- front and side panels to hide the heat pump for an aesthetic appearance, while allowing maximum air circulation,
- an optional underside to hide the installation when it is high up (in gables for example), perforated to allow water to pass through,
- a rear face as well as feet to camouflage the installation on the ground when it is far from a wall,
- several sizes and colors available.
The BROUSSE model was inspired by the curved lines that evoke tall grasses. The lightness of the plant is the source of inspiration for this full cover with an openwork design, easy to integrate and easy to live with.
It is available in 2 sizes:
- S: 925 x 700 x 471 mm
- M: 1 x 025 x 750 mm
And in 4 trendy shades: black, gray, brown or off-white. The product is delivered in a kit to compose yourself, depending on its configuration.
Price: from 290 € incl.
The BUBBLES model speaks for itself when it comes to its aesthetic. Its perforated facade recalls small bubbles in effervescence. It is characterized by access to the easiest and fastest device available on the market thanks to its removable faces, for easy maintenance.
It comes in 3 dimensions:
- S: 850 x 716 x 470 mm
- M: 950 x 766 x 520 mm
- L: 1 x 050 x 866 mm
In addition to the 4 basic solid colors, the BUBBLES model exists in an off-white and gray two-tone version.
Price: from 340 € incl.
Customizable at will
Made-to-measure product, the COLORS model is halfway between the full cover and the cap. It is available in 3 sizes (S, M and L) and is adjustable in height and depth. A nod to the roof, it consists of tiles positioned on a black metal frame that can be mixed in 4 shades of green and gray, like a patch work in order to offer a coherent whole according to tastes and colors of each.
Price: from 265 € incl.
Protection with ease and freedom
The general principle of the cap is summed up by:
- a base to be fixed to the wall
- take a level, drill and fix
The COVER model is intended to cover the outdoor unit and protect it from climatic conditions (UV, rain, wind). Available in dimensions 930 x 696 mm and in 4 basic colors (off-white, gray, black or green), this entry-level product offers a solution accessible to all budget levels.
Price: from 180 € incl.
Lhe CAP model comes in addition: it is more opulent in terms of finish and mechanical resistance, with anchoring feet on the ground or directly on the wall. The aesthetic is a little different with a product designed in 2 pieces, which give it a small slope, with a wooden core in the middle.
Price: from 195 € incl.
Accessible and easy-to-install products
1 - National distribution via professional networks, the general public and e-commerce
Distribution is planned in the usual network along 3 axes:
- Professional distribution with traditional distributors, heating engineers, renewable energy vendors and pool specialists,
- General public distribution with the GSB,
- E-distribution and dedicated e-commerce sites.
2 - Quick and easy installation for everyone
All OUTSTEEL models are easy to install. They can be installed by professionals who accompany the private individual, but also by the consumer himself.
Detailed installation instructions are supplied with each heat pump and air conditioning cover to guide the assembly step by step.
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