Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning Europe (MHIAE) is thrilled to announce that its next-generation residential air conditioning range, the ZT Series and its Hydrolution EZY range, a compact, modern outdoor monobloc air-to-water heat pump have scooped awards at the prestigious 2026 A’ Design Awards. Hydrolution EZY secured the competition’s highest Platinum Award, while the new ZT Series residential air conditioning range received the coveted Gold Award.

Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, part of the wider Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, both products were recognised for combining advanced engineering, energy efficiency, and user-focused design. The A’ Design Awards celebrate the world’s leading designers, brands, architects, and innovators whose work advances society through exceptional design quality and functionality.

Hydrolution EZY Receives Platinum Award
The award-winning Hydrolution EZY range impressed judges with its refined appearance, sustainability credentials, and focus on user comfort. Featuring a jet-black finish and clean, minimalist lines, the unit has been designed to integrate naturally into both contemporary and traditional European architecture.

Using R290 natural refrigerant with an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 0.02, the Hydrolution EZY range reflects the growing demand for low-carbon heating technologies capable of supporting the transition towards Net Zero.

Performance and acoustic comfort were also key considerations within the design. The unit achieves a sound pressure level of just 34 dB(A) at maximum capacity thanks to features including a sound-absorbing double base plate and large fan design, helping ensure quiet operation suitable for residential environments, including night-time use.

The range also incorporates advanced remote monitoring capabilities, enabling users to monitor operating status, optimise performance, and identify issues remotely via smartphone connectivity. To support the safe use of R290 refrigerant, the system includes multiple safety sensors, a sealed internal structure separating ignition sources, and a dedicated venting system designed to safely discharge gas externally in the unlikely event of a leak.

ZT Series Secures Gold Award
The ZT Series was recognised for combining elegant aesthetics with practical functionality and high-performance engineering. Designed to blend discreetly into living spaces, the unit features a soft, understated front panel that gently transitions into the refined edge detailing, and the concealed screws, as standard, create an uninterrupted, seamless appearance.

Despite its compact dimensions, the A+++ system delivers powerful heating and cooling performance. Through component optimisation and aerodynamic fan technology, the ZT Series achieves improved seasonal efficiency while maintaining low operational noise levels. The system is also capable of continuing heating operation even when outdoor temperatures fall to -20°C.

Installer usability also played a significant role in the product’s development. Working closely with installers, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems introduced easily removable panels to simplify pipe routing and a detachable fan assembly to facilitate maintenance and servicing.

A Commitment to Sustainable Innovation
The recognition at the A’ Design Awards further reinforces MHIAE’s commitment to delivering innovative, energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies that combine high performance with exceptional product design.

Both the Hydrolution EZY range and ZT Series demonstrate the company’s continued focus on developing solutions that address evolving customer expectations for sustainability, efficiency, aesthetics, and ease of installation. Their development also comes at a time when the role of cooling technologies is becoming increasingly important within the built environment. Recent research published by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) warned that British buildings were built for a climate that no longer exists, with overheating risks expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.