Fanora: Smart Switch Panel Inspired by Folding Fans

Blending Chinese Tradition with Modern Smart Home Innovation

Fanora stands out as a smart control terminal that artfully combines the visual language of ancient Chinese folding fans with the demands of today’s smart homes. The folding fan, a symbol of etiquette and sophistication among ancient scholars, is seamlessly integrated into Fanora’s design, reflecting both cultural refinement and technological advancement. This approach not only elevates the aesthetic value of home environments but also communicates the user’s appreciation for tradition and innovation.

Constructed from 6063 aluminium alloy and finished with sandblasting and anodising, Fanora’s main body exudes durability and elegance. The pendant, crafted from natural Hetian jade and polished by skilled artisans, adds a tactile and visual richness. The panel features eight ergonomically curved buttons, produced using CNC technology, ensuring both comfort and precision in operation. The fine sand texture of the buttons effectively resists fingerprints, maintaining a pristine appearance.

Fanora’s unique properties lie in its harmonious blend of art and function. The smart panel supports robust appliance control, scene customisation, and environmental adaptability. Embedded sensors within the jade pendant enable automatic adjustments to lighting and air conditioning, responding in real time to environmental changes. The Scene Capture function allows users to save and restore preferred settings with a single press, offering unparalleled convenience and personalisation.

Designed and developed in Guangzhou, Fanora reflects extensive research into evolving user preferences, which now prioritize not only functionality but also aesthetics and cultural resonance in home products. The design team overcame significant challenges in replicating the intricate structure of a folding fan while integrating advanced smart technology. By using the ribs as panel supports and the fan surface as the control area, Fanora achieves a seamless unity of form and function.

Fanora’s innovative approach has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, highlighting its creative ingenuity and contribution to quality of life improvements. This accolade affirms Fanora’s status as a benchmark for blending art, science, and technology in contemporary home design, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both beauty and intelligence in their living spaces.

Fanora exemplifies how traditional cultural elements can be thoughtfully reinterpreted for modern lifestyles, setting a new standard for smart home devices that honor heritage while embracing the future.