Journal
Blog
Design ideas, technical guidance and news from Ortal.
Mar 6, 2023 · Articles
Can Ortal Help With Your Fireplace Plan? Check.
Project Planning Checklist
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Mar 6, 2023 · Articles
Stay At The Top Of Your Game
Continuing Education AIA Credits
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Feb 21, 2023 · Articles
Get Real: Reimagining the Wood Fire
900h-Front 31 with Dark Brown Logs
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Dec 2, 2022 · Articles
Reaching New Heights in Fireplace Design
31H with Driftwood Media
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Dec 1, 2022 · Articles
What Exactly Is Meant By “Traditional”?
In a typically traditional design, the fireplace style might seem predictable. Of course, due to pollution from wood smoke, burn bans, sustainability issues and simple heating efficiencies, a gas fireplace is likely to take the place of a wood-burning option, complete with a chimney, creosote and…
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Dec 1, 2022 · Articles
A Design Focal Point With Endless Possibilities
It’s probably safe to say that most architects and designers look for ways to express themselves in unique ways with products that allow some degree of customization. That’s not to say that a well-designed product won’t produce an ideal solution within a design, but it’s always a bonus when a pro…
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Dec 1, 2022 · Articles
A Very Cool Fireplace Innovation
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.
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Dec 1, 2022 · Articles
A Powerful New Approach to Fireplace Placement
Architectural design and creativity have always been hampered by mechanical limitations. There are two ways to react. First, you can accept the limitations and design within the convention. There’s hardly any shame in that. It’s 99 percent of good, responsible design. But it can be frustrating to…
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Dec 1, 2022 · Articles
Your Clients Can Enjoy the Aesthetic of a Fireplace Anytime.
We’re always looking for ways to extend the viability, efficiency and functionality of a luxury gas fireplace through innovative solutions. By developing our heat control system, we’ve found a way to accomplish that goal. In essence, our engineers have worked to ensure that a fireplace can do mor…
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Nov 17, 2022 · Articles
What Can We Offer Architects? In A Word, “Flexibility.”
The number of building products that architects and designers specify in a house or building is staggering. By working with professionals for many years, we’ve found they often need more than the right product. For that reason, Ortal puts a great deal of effort into offering even more than indust…
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Jul 28, 2021 · Articles
From The ’70s To The Present
During the renovation of a 1970s Lakeview residence in Calgary, Alberta, designer Lindsey Tsang of LD&A wanted to honor the original, multi-level design while updating the interior space. With its multiple, split-level transitions, a vaulted ceiling and wide, main-floor windows, the residence pro…
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Jul 12, 2021 · Articles
Enhance Your Vision Without Material Limitations
During the construction of a new home in Santa Monica, Calif., Dorothy Alon of Sophea Interior Design saw opportunities to complement and enhance the modern farmhouse style that characterized the home. The boutique firm, located in Encino, CA, specializes in providing interior design of high-end …
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