When it comes to designing a fireplace surround, there are few materials in an architect’s quiver. Those materials are exposed to temperatures that can crack marble or quartz. Tile can loosen and fall. The heat can cause paint to discolor or peel. Wood can warp, crack or even ignite.

Architects and designers have the potential to make a significant impact on the environment through the choices they make because buildings account for 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the emissions of new buildings can make a meaningful dent in overall emissions, contributing to the effort to curb climate change. This can be achieved with a focus on environmental design and by following a few key principles that bring buildings closer to net zero emissions and create healthier spaces for occupants.

For some clients, adding a modern fireplace installation to their home might feel like an intimidating hurdle. Get more clarity about your clients’ concerns and learn some of the most common myths that might be holding them back. The more prepared you are to answer questions about the modern fireplace you specify, the more likely it is to stay in the project. These FAQs should help you dispel some of the most common myths about modern fireplace installation. 

All Ortal fireplaces require a heat release to be located within six inches of the top of the fireplace cavity, which is most often near the ceiling. An integral component of Cool Wall Technology, the heat release allows hot air to escape so that the wall surrounding the fireplace can stay cool to the touch. A cool wall enables creative freedom for designers to use a broader range of materials. It also allows homeowners to hang art or a TV above the fireplace without sacrificing function.

The style of a fireplace can transform the aesthetic of a room, which is one reason many designers recommend upgrading to a luxury brand. A truly frameless look and high-end interior media with thoughtful design can make a world of difference, which is why it’s smart to include a luxury fireplace in the project budget from the beginning. Performance is another great reason to upgrade, especially for clients who want a functional unit that produces heat.

All types of clients, both commercial and residential, prioritize efficiency. Whether they are conscious of their consumption for environmental reasons or want to minimize overhead costs, specifying the most efficient direct vent gas fireplace can help them meet their goals. direct vent technology takes in combustion air from the outside and expels the exhaust outside while delivering heat to the surrounding space. 

Fireplaces that use this technology operate efficiently, consuming less fuel than other types of units. Of course, every manufacturer uses different systems for direct venting, so finding the most efficient one takes a little research.   

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. 

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.

Whether to mount a TV over a fireplace continues to be a hotly debated issue by designers.

The Hidden Costs of Heat Damage

Fireplaces get hot. That’s why people buy them—to enjoy the warmth of the flickering flames—but, over time, the heat from those flames can damage surrounding walls. It also ruins artwork and destroys electronics. Circuits short. Materials warp and crack. Smoke leaves a layer of soot.