When designing luxury homes or high-end multi-residential apartments, specifiers know that no detail is too small, especially when it comes to finishing touches. But one aspect that often gets left to the last minute is ventilation. And according to Wes Quick, Co-Founder of ventilation brand Expella, that's a missed opportunity.
“Ventilation is quite often a last-minute consideration, but it shouldn’t be,” says Wes. “It’s part of the building code and integral to occupant comfort, so we’re helping design professionals plan for it from the outset, without compromising on the interior design.”
Engineering meets elegance
Expella has been quietly reshaping expectations in the ventilation space since 2005. Originally an importer and installer, the company evolved quickly, driven by a passion for better design outcomes and user experience.
“We weren’t happy with what was available on the market,” says Wes. “So we utilised over 20 years of on-the-ground experience to start designing our own ventilation solutions, from the inside out.”
Now a sought-after name among Australia’s design-conscious professionals, Expella offers architecturally designed air systems that merge high performance with discreet, stylish finishes. Their collection includes designer ventilation grilles, high-spec exhaust kits, and their own patented design; the innovative odourless toilet—a fully self-contained unit with a built-in fan that vents odours directly into the sewer line.
Architectural grilles that disappear
Perhaps the brand’s most in-demand innovation is their shadow line architectural grille, a favourite among architects looking for subtle integration within their wet areas.
“It sits at the wall and ceiling junction,” explains Wes. “It just looks like a shadow line detail, not a grille. You can even integrate lighting into the diffuser, turning it into an architectural feature.”
These architectural grilles aren’t just beautiful, they’re engineered for performance and ease of installation. Expella's hands-on experience in construction means their designs consider how things are installed onsite. Every detail, from airflow efficiency to mounting simplicity, is optimised to support the designer’s vision without frustrating the builder.
Odourless toilets: The ultimate fixture for luxury bathrooms
Expella’s odourless toilets are set to be the epitome of luxury residential bathroom designs. Developed by Wes and his father, Geoff, Odourless by Expella features a patented, self-contained ventilation system that eliminates bathroom odour, making them ideal for ensuites, powder rooms or windowless bathrooms.
“The fan is built into the toilet. When the toilet is in use, it extracts air from the pan before it can spread through the bathroom, expelling the air directly into the sewer,” says Wes. “There’s no need for bulky ceiling fans or additional ducting. And the best part? There’s zero smell and no ongoing maintenance.”
The product has been independently assessed by the University of New South Wales, showing it outperforms traditional extraction systems in odour removal and is up to 99.7 per cent effective at eliminating toilet odours.
“People expect a certain level of refinement in million-dollar homes, and these toilets elevate the entire experience,” says Wes.
Complete systems designed for seamless integration
To round out its offering, Expella provides quiet, high-performance fan kits that work in tandem with its architectural grilles. The Quiet Flow Exhaust Kit, for instance, is designed for ultra-quiet operation while maintaining airflow levels well above building code requirements.
“Our range of extraction fans covers most price points,” Wes explains. “Some are compact and powerful, others are larger and nearly silent. All are hand-picked or custom-designed to deliver performance without disrupting the design intent.”
Whether it’s the precision-engineered grille that disappears into the ceiling, silent fans, or a toilet that redefines the bathroom experience, Expella products are designed for professionals who care about the details.
“We want to support architects and interior designers,” Wes emphasises. “Our products are designed to blend with your designs and make your job easier, so the result is as beautiful as it is functional.”
For more information or to explore Expella’s latest projects and product range, visit the brand’s ArchiPro profile or website.