Very often, objects already familiar to many no longer cause strong positive emotions. So, for example, ordinary fireplaces will forever remain only fireplaces. They are no longer perceived as a highlight of the interior. Brick, decorated with decorative trim, they have become more practical and do not carry an aesthetic load.
Another thing is a hanging fireplace. This is already something new, although the design is by no means a novelty. Its device was invented 50 years ago. These products are not yet very common, but gradually gaining popularity.
A bit of history
The history of the very first suspended models is similar to the heroic epics of antiquity.
So, in the late 60s of the last century, the traveler, philosopher, graduate of the famous educational institution Dominic Imbert decided to take up creativity and created a small workshop in the southern part of France, in the small town of Viol-le-Forte.
There were no special conditions in this room, even the roof was in places with decent holes, windows were also missing. In winter, snow fell on the floor of the room. In order not to freeze when conducting creative experiments, the designer made the first fireplace hanging with his own hands and attached it to the wall.
Numerous guests who constantly visited this workshop were surprised at this product - everyone wanted to have the same at home.
Conservatives for a very long time did not accept Imber's innovations. At first, his business rested on orders from professional architects, artists, and people from Bohemia. Then the situation gradually changed, and now, over the years, suspended models became the property of museums of modern art in France. Then some exhibits settled in museums in Germany and the United States.
Hanging fireplace in the Russian markets
To date, these "soaring" interior items no longer cause such heated debate as before. People were shocked. Suspended products hit the market of our country in the late 90s.
Since then, they have been gaining popularity, although many are true to the classics.
The buyer of this fireplace is a connoisseur of the original look, innovation, modern design.
Special philosophy of suspended solutions
A hanging fireplace is perhaps the most striking manifestation of the theory of deconstructivism in the modern interior of apartments. These products look at the idea of a cozy home in a new way. In general, this is due to the unusual method of attachment. This equipment is not fixed to the floor, but to the ceiling. There are also models for wall mounting.
The massiveness and brutality so respected by many today are sidestepped and give way to lightness, irony and free flight of fantasy. These products with all their appearance emphasize a certain independence, they seem to declare that they have nothing to do with this world. See how the hanging fireplace changes space. The photo in this article cannot convey all the sensations, but you can see how it looks.
Aesthetic practicality
Although these products are more likely a protest against the theories of functionalism and rationalism, they are quite practical. Such "floating" structures can be installed in almost any part of the room, if the room has suitable load-bearing characteristics. Since the weight of these design centers is relatively small, these models are well suited for objects where it is not recommended to create a large load on the elements of the roof or floors. Another practical advantage is the saving of space. But the chimneys can be quite long.
These products look especially harmonious in a two-color design. They play the role of vertical dominant, increasing visually the height of the room. Such a hearth can give any type of room a special atmosphere.
What to do?
Often, a hanging fireplace is made primarily of metal. Therefore, their weight is quite moderate.
Due to the high fire resistance characteristics that cast iron or stainless steel has, such products show excellent operational capabilities.
In most cases, fireplaces have a modular design, and it will not be difficult to assemble them. Their installation also does not require a significant investment of effort and time. The appearance of such models is ultra-modern, it fits perfectly into interiors such as high-tech and the like.
The metal was chosen not in vain - it is extremely ductile. Designers, exploiting this property, give their products sometimes impossible forms. There are many opportunities for the manifestation of even the most daring creative ideas. Among the products you can see strict geometric lines and angles, and almost metal sculptures.
Designers regularly come up with new options, as a result of which a suspended fireplace can be created in the form of fancy plants, UFO plates, periscopes from submarines, and magic crystals.
This is a huge freedom for the flight of creative thought. And modern metal processing technologies make it possible to obtain very accurate products.
Determine the type of design
The design is different from that which is classical and accepted in society. The firebox is attached to the chimney, which vertically goes up and is mounted on the ceiling. This gives greater freedom of choice in terms of where this home will be located. Also, this design makes it possible to install this equipment where it is impossible to mount a conventional fireplace. It is possible to carry out installation in multi-storey buildings or cottages. Here's how a hanging fireplace works in a regular city apartment. Photos are presented in the review - carefully consider all the nuances.
The firebox has a weight that is significantly lower than that of traditional models.
Often it is made of metal and not finished with stone or ceramics. In general, the weight of the entire structure, depending on the model, can be up to 50 kg. During installation, no foundation is needed, no wall insulation is required. In addition, you can make a hanging fireplace with your own hands even at home with equipment and drawings.
How to do it yourself? Choose fuel type
By type of fuel, products for working with biofuels and firewood are distinguished. Wood models are equipped with both open and closed fire chambers - they have a protective door made of glass-ceramic. The trends of recent years dictate the increased area of the transparent window for filling the fuel, as well as the use of panoramic glazing.
Open fireplaces without doors are more relevant for spacious rooms. These rooms should be ventilated as often and thoroughly as possible. For houses with double-glazed windows, it is desirable to have a forced ventilation system. Fresh air must also be forced into the furnace. When an open flame burns, it consumes a large amount of oxygen than if it burned in a closed firebox.
Homemade Metal Wood Fireplaces
Metal has significantly more advantages than brick. Yes, and in modern apartments it is unlikely to establish a serious foundation for a classic fireplace. Naturally, the metal also has flaws. Among the advantages you can highlight the price, higher efficiency, low weight, excellent strength.
Among the shortcomings are a limited period of work, high fire hazard and short heat dissipation.
Metal is much easier to process, and its strength can be compared with ceramics. Having the necessary equipment in the garage, you can make your own metal fireplaces using a photograph of your favorite model. After all, what is it? This is a designer stove-stove, which is mounted on the ceiling to the chimney.
Choose material
Stainless steel is very popular as a material.
Its temperature limits are about 600 degrees with a 2-hour exposure. A sheet with a thickness of 4 mm is suitable for a fireplace. However, there is no need to talk about the regular use of such a metal. If such a fireplace is heated intensely, there is a risk that it will burn.
Industrial fireplaces are made of special heat-resistant steels. Modern special steels, even with a thickness of only 1.5 mm, have a service life of more than 20 years. With low weight, excellent heat capacity and thermal conductivity - this is a guarantee of high efficiency.
The manufacture of pendant fireplaces from such steels is available only to those who have sophisticated welding technology and equipment. Cooking such steel using artisanal technologies does not make sense. Heat-resistant stainless steel after such executions will simply lose its properties, and the fireplace will crack.
In addition to steels, cast iron can also be used. Among the advantages - low price. For fireplaces, a sheet with a thickness of 6 mm is suitable. It is impossible to use sheets of smaller thickness - it will crack. The thermal conductivity of this metal is small, but it will do for heating small rooms.
How to make a hanging fireplace with your own hands
So, before you start assembling and manufacturing, you need to purchase some necessary materials. As mentioned earlier, this is a sheet of metal with a thickness of about 3 to 5 mm. He will go on to create a firebox and chimney pipe.
Naturally, it is easier and cheaper to purchase such a product directly from the designer.
It’s unlikely that you can create a similar aesthetic thing with your own hands, but if something practical is needed, then you should try. In order to make a hanging fireplace with your own hands, drawings will certainly be needed, but no one will give them to you. Have to develop them yourself, from photographs. In general, you can do even without them - the design is simple.
By welding from a metal sheet, a casing or furnace is created, then it is welded to the pipe, which, in turn, will be connected to the chimney. Modern products are equipped with electronics, which provides forced air blowing into the combustion zone, as well as a system for forced blowing of combustion products. It is necessary to install restrictors for hot air in the pipe, otherwise you may encounter a problem that a hanging fireplace has. Hot air from above is a sign of an improperly designed chimney.
Operational Features
When using absolutely any models of fireplaces, it is worth strictly observing the safety rules.
This is very true for models where the firebox is open. Do not place flammable materials near the fire.
Sometimes the design can rotate. This is a technologically advanced and modern solution, for example, this may look like a hanging fireplace in a hi-tech interior. These models give the room unprecedented dynamics. So, you can turn the hearth in the right direction and remodel the interior.