BLOG POST #11

FIRES BURN FOR DIFFERENT REASONS

(The Modernization of Fireplaces)

fireplaces of the 1800's 

gascoals.net

allenbutlerhistory.com

grillingcompanion.com

Fireplaces began to become more popular during the Victorian era. Fireplaces were used for many things, heat being the main purpose. Other uses of a fireplace were cooking and they were used as a light source at night. During this era people began to utilize fireplaces for many productive things, as mentioned previously, but they also viewed fireplaces as a way to show a touch of class. Through the years housing designs changed little by little and so did the designs of fireplaces. The purpose of a fireplace still remained the same. They were used mainly for cooking, light, and heat.

"Fireplaces were the main source of heat for homes in  the 18th century. Most fireplaces of the day were very inefficient. They produced a lot of smoke and most of the heat that was generated went right out the chimney. Sparks in the home were of great concern because they could cause a fire that would quickly destroy the homes, which were constructed mainly with wood.Benjamin Franklin developed a new style of stove with a hood-like enclosure in the front and an airbox in the rear. The new stove and reconfiguration of the flues allowed for a more efficient fire, one that used one quarter as much wood and generated twice as much heat." 

(http://inventors.about.com/od/fstartinventors/ss/Franklin_invent_2.htm)

fireplaces of the 2000's 

http://www.modernhomez.net/2011/02/modular-fireplace-style-ecosmart-burner-one/

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://homedecorhousedesign.com

http://viewhometrends.com/modern-stylish-fireplaces-for-small-living-room/modern-stylish-fireplace-for-small-living-room2/

http://www.discountfireplaceonline.com/fireplaces/fire-magic-monarch/zen-electric-fireplace.html

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.toxel.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/fireplaces7.jpg

"Renaissance

Fireplaces is the world's first line of certified clean-burning, open fireplaces.  We have created a breakthrough in the fireplace industry by producing decorative wood-burning fireplaces that not only burn beautifully, but cleanly as well.  The emissions from our Renaissance Rumford are low enough to meet the most stringent emission level promoted by the EPA in the Voluntary Wood Burning Fireplaces Program for air quality and we have the awards to prove it. It's time that we brought open fireplaces into the 21st century, where open fires can provide ambiance and heat , all while burning so cleanly that there are almost no visible emissions."

(http://www.renaissancefireplaces.com/en/renaissance-fireplaces)

Fireplaces are now designed around whether they are aesthetically pleasing. They continually reach beyond our current design boundaries which continually makes fireplaces become more interesting and pleasing to the eye. The metamorphosis of fireplace from household objects into works of art and staple pieces of design has been a great success. Fireplaces are just one example of how throughout the years the design world grows and evolves. Design is always changing which means we will never get bored looking at yesterdays designs but we will be forever fascinated by tomorrow's design creations.