You would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t enjoy gazing into a warm fire, but many people hesitate to incorporate fireplaces into their homes, fearing high upkeep or space constraints. However, there has been tremendous innovation in the hearth industry over the past few years in venting and heat-management technologies, as well as more modern aesthetics and smart, connected fireplaces. This course will discuss 10 hearth innovations that architects should be aware of when helping clients decide which fireplace type, style, and features best suit their needs.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how fireplaces have evolved from an essential aspect of living to a decorative heating appliance with multiple uses, and understand what innovation means in relation to the hearth category.
  • Define venting and heat-management concepts, and describe how modern fireplaces can improve occupant experience and thermal comfort.
  • Examine innovations in fireplace aesthetics such as no-glass gas fireplaces, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and those that are ideal retrofit solutions.
  • Explore features of smart, connected fireplaces and how they provide safety, sustainability, and convenience for users.

Pre-Requisite: None.