Fireplace safety is an issue that designers, builders, and homeowners should always prioritize, which is why it’s a good idea to highlight some of the features that help keep your clients safe when helping them decide what type of fireplace is right for them. In addition to direct venting to maintain good air quality and a unique burner design for maximum efficiency, Ortal fireplaces also offer the latest advances in safety with two heat barrier options: micro-mesh and double glass. 

Whether you are designing a grand country house, an elegant suburban home, or a sophisticated condo in the city, your clients want certain luxury home interior features. Even if they don’t express it, they want people to walk into their homes and be impressed with their tasteful choices. They also want to be surrounded with fixtures and features that provide convenience and comfort, without compromising on style.

It’s hard to imagine a time when there were almost no accommodations for people with disabilities—in public spaces, homes, or transportation. Yet, many disabled people can still vividly remember the challenges of trying to get around and work in a world designed exclusively for the able-bodied people.

Both designers and homeowners have plenty of options when selecting a fireplace. Aesthetics are, of course, a major factor, but many modern fireplace manufacturers offer similar-looking options for corner, tunnel, and space creator models. With so many contemporary fireplace options, it can be difficult for consumers to distinguish the differences between them. 

For many people, when they envision a fireplace, the mantel above it is a key feature. It’s where keepsakes, family photos, and other decor are displayed. It’s a place where seasonal decorations come out of storage once a year to spark fond memories. In many homes, the mantel is the centerpiece of the room.

Green building has shifted from being an emerging trend to a choice that the majority of people are making. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), 57 percent of building owners plan to make their projects green by 2021. One reason for this is that tenants seek out LEED buildings because they provide value through lower operating costs and higher employee productivity and retention. LEED buildings also have a higher resale value, so they’re smart investments for your clients. 

Once you’ve gone through the schematic design process and decided that your client wants to include a fireplace, you have to decide which model is right. Choosing the best gas fireplace for your design isn’t always easy. There are plenty of options available, and not all of them have the same features. Analyzing the following key features can help you come to a decision that both honors your design and ensures that your clients get exactly what they want.

Whether you have designed an open floor plan that could use a little structure or your client simply wants a statement piece in their home, a Space Creator Fireplace is an excellent solution. Rather than sitting flush against a wall, Space Creators extend perpendicularly from the wall or stand alone in the center of a room, creating separation and two distinct spaces.

At 230,000 square feet, the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Center in Saint-Hyacinthe, Montérégie is the largest convention and exhibitions center outside the Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City. The multifunctional building features 30 furnished rooms for events, with a very large main room, two-story meeting rooms, private executive rooms and a business lounge.