Metalfire Architectural fireplaces

Flames in Mind

Belgian manufacturer Metalfire produces fireplaces that blend in with the architecture, while giving character to every spacial surrounding. The fireplaces do not address the rustic, but demonstrate a sensitivity for contemporary interior design aesthetics. Environmental issues will play a particularly important role with the beginning of the year 2022. Fire will become safer and cleaner at the same time.

Fire is the oldest spectacle in the world. For thousands of years, people have stared into the blazing flames, which captivate the gaze with their rhythmic dance as if in hypnosis. The gentle crackling and the pleasant scent of the wood enchant the senses: a perception that is not losing its impact, but seems even more relevant today. We have entered a new liaison with the home during the pandemic – and the warmth and cosiness of fire is part of that. Despite their archaic effect, fireplaces can follow today's visual sensibility to enter into a seamless connection with the architecture and the furnishings.

A pioneer in producing contemporary fireplaces is the Belgian manufacturer Metalfire. Since its founding in 2003, all products are fully handcrafted at the headquarter in Evergem in the north of Ghent, East Flanders. The company has caught the eye of architects and interior designers around the globe. As distinguished from many competitors Metalfire fireplaces are developed from an aesthetical point of view without disregarding the functionality. The interior cladding can be customized as well as the finishing frames and extensions, allowing a wide range of adaptions.

To achieve a high degree of transversality, the products follow a calm, purist design language that does not impose itself on the spatial surroundings. The fireplaces are the opposite of intruders. They blend harmoniously into an environment, they complete the interior. At the same time, they are able to stand out. The brand has been successful with its characteristic vertical, ribbed cast iron slats. They form the background for the fire. Like a miniaturized theatre stage on which the flames appear in front of metallic sceneries.

In 2021 the company introduced two new finishings that expand the existing range and insert additional dynamics. The first series is called Triangle, following a more strict and angular design language. Although the second series is also defined by the distinctive materiality of cast iron. But Round, as it is called, embraces the senses with fluid shapes. This design has been developed by Belgian architect Benoit Viaene in collaboration with Atelier Franssens – a company known for bespoke architectural tiles made by hand. In both cases, the rhythm of the ribs creates a dialogue with the dancing lights and shadows evoked by the flames. But also during the day, exposed to full sunlight, the fireplaces accentuate the interior with their sculptural language. “I wanted to explore how a fireplace can look lively and captivating, even when it’s not being used“, says Benoit Viaene.

Ecological aspects have also an impact on the world of fire. On 1 January 2022, a new regulation on domestic biomass appliances will enter into force in the European Economic Area (EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) – with binding requirements regarding energy efficiency and pollution. From this date, every fireplace manufactured or sold in Europe will have to correspond with the so-called EU Ecodesign 2022 regulation. The objectives are ambitious: Emissions are expected to be reduced by 80 per cent.

Metalfire is already meeting the new standards with the Ultime D series. The closed, wood-burning fireplace has an insulated combustion chamber with a Vermiculite or 10 mm flat steel base plate with ash box and cast iron grate. The air supply is divided into three channels, a primary, secondary and tertiary air supply, which can be controlled separately. The fireplace is enclosed by a frame made of solid, 10 mm thick steel. This assures an optimum combustion and a high efficiency. The appliances are independent of room air, allowing a maximum level of security while being suitable to all homes that are built according to the latest building regulations.

Here, too, the character of the fireplace is defined by its insertion into the room boundaries. In other words: the puristic metal frame surrounds the glass front screen and merges directly into the wall. Its materiality – whether plaster, natural stone, terrazzo or wood – completes the visual appearance of the fireplace. It is not a singular, detached object, but always an integral part of the interior. The spatial effect takes place on a multi-sensory level: the fireplaces enhance the atmosphere through the soft crackling of burning wood and its relaxing scent. They create a timeless calm in any room. Like the primeval fire thousands of years ago – only safer and much cleaner.

A FAMILY COMPANY DEDICATED TO GRANDEUR

OUR STORY

As a family company, Metalfire started small. Rooted firmly in both Belgian soil and core family values such as integrity, accountability and trust, our company stands for no-nonsense entrepreneurship. Then again, it is our ever burning passion for beauty that leads us to build innovative fireplaces that have an unmistakable air of grandeur. Now, owing to this dedication, Metalfire fireplaces are distributed and enjoyed all over the world – from Sweden to Japan. With the Metalfire development program, we keep our global distributors informed and able to bring the best service possible.