chalet
Minimize it. This renovated fireplace has an elegant, minimalist hearth and and a steel mantelpiece that’s integral with the firebox opening and front. The flush hearth virtually disappears, reflecting only the fire. The architects have cleverly clad the original fireplace opening in steel, set slightly in front of the existing wall plane. By offsetting the plane of the steel from the wall, they created a simple mantel that serves double duty. Not only is it a place to display objects, but it conceals a sliding glass door, which protects the area from errant sparks and keeps building heat from escaping when closed. The steel plate on the right side extends beyond the code-required minimum to conceal the sliding door in the open position. One can imagine that the area to the right on the hearth also offers a place to store a few pieces of wood. Not only is this functionally appropriate, but it’s proportionally beautiful.When to use: To highlight simple forms.
Luminaire
Q