by Niall Deiraniya, general manager, DRU Fires UK
The Coronavirus pandemic has seen many people confined to their homes over the spring and summer. One positive outcome is that spending on home improvements has held up, and autumn is when we turn to the fireplace for comfort.
And today’s contemporary fires offer a wealth of design options and striking architectural features that will grace any home, from the refurbishment of a single dwelling to new developments.
Refurbish your existing fireplace
The British fireplace is an iconic structure but we don’t just have to settle for a traditional fire. You can replace the fire and surround with new designs in gas or wood, which deliver low emissions and greater energy efficiency.
Take, for instance, the new Global by DRU 55XT CF gas fire. It fits into a chimney with minimal building work, features the latest log fire effect, can be combined with a range of fire surrounds and is at least 75 per cent efficient. It is also available as a balanced flue fire so it can be installed using a false chimneybreast or by inserting the fire inside a cavity wall.
The wonder of wood
Wood fires and stoves are hugely popular and the latest, most efficient models are another great way to transform a tired looking fireplace.
You can install a modern wood fire into the existing chimney. You can even have a two-sided or three-sided model, creating a beautiful flame picture from multiple viewing points.
Or how about hollowing out the chimney opening to accommodate a freestanding wood stove? This is easily achieved with the Dik Geurts Ivar or Aste, which combine rustic charm with modern, efficient performance.
Create a new architectural feature with your fire
Contemporary gas fires with the balanced flue system are not limited in size or design. You can have two or three-sided fires, tunnel fires and extra tall fires like the new Maestro 75 Tall. They can be hidden behind false chimneybreasts or integrated into dramatic room dividing walls and other architectural features.
You can also select a stunning freestanding gas stove like the DRU Passo Eco Wave model, which has a fashionable cylindrical shape and a variety of elegant colour finishes.
All DRU designer gas fires can be effortlessly controlled using the exclusive DRU Eco Wave app for smartphones and tablets.
Online CPD course
DRU has developed an online CPD course that enables architects and specifiers to update their knowledge of gas and wood fires and stoves, together with the latest technical innovations and energy efficiency standards. The course is available at www.ribacpd.com/dru.
So, as the country emerges from lockdown, take advantage of the growing interest in contemporary fires and stoves by home improvers and house builders.
For more information visit www.drufire.com