Journal
Blog
Design ideas, technical guidance and news from Ortal.
Aug 2, 2019 · Articles
Feature Analysis: Finding The Best Gas Fireplace For Your Client
Once you’ve gone through the schematic design process and decided that your client wants to include a fireplace, you have to decide which model is right. Choosing the best gas fireplace for your design isn’t always easy. There are plenty of options available, and not all of them have the same fea…
Read more →
Jul 8, 2019 · Articles
Three Fireplaces, One Luxurious Mountain Home
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains about nine miles west of Aspen, Snowmass Village is the second-largest ski area in Colorado and frequently ranked as one of the best in North America. Perched atop the resort’s historic Gug
Read more →
Jun 27, 2019 · Articles
Popular Questions Customers Ask When Purchasing a Space Creator
Whether you have designed an open floor plan that could use a little structure or your client simply wants a statement piece in their home, a Space Creator Fireplace is an excellent solution. Rather than sitting flush against a wall, Space Creators extend perpendicularly from the wall or stand al…
Read more →
Jun 25, 2019 · Articles
A Feast for The Five Senses in Montérégie
At 230,000 square feet, the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Center in Saint-Hyacinthe, Montérégie is the largest convention and exhibitions center outside the Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City. The multifunctional building features 30 furnished rooms for events, with a very large main room, …
Read more →
Jun 17, 2019 · Articles
How to Determine the Best-Fit Fireplace for Your Floor Plan
Unlike traditional fireplaces, which have certain design limitations, modern fireplaces allow you to work with a broad range of floor plans. Whether a client wants the fireplace to be a focal point of the room, an accent feature that blends in when not in use, or a functional feature that provide…
Read more →
Jun 14, 2019 · Articles
Compliance Checklist: Fireplace Codes and Other Resources for Builders
Fireplaces add beauty and comfort to a room, but they don’t come without safety concerns. Fortunately, a fireplace that is designed to meet building codes, installed to the manufacturer’s specifications, and properly maintained can provide a lifetime of safe heat and light. The responsibility lie…
Read more →
Jun 11, 2019 · Articles
Steps to Selecting a Luxury Fireplace for Your Next Design Project
As a focal point of any room, a luxury fireplace should be selected with care. Anything that doesn’t seamlessly blend with the space, in terms of both quality and design, will stand out, and not in a good way. By working closely with clients and manufacturers, you have the ability to select the l…
Read more →
Jun 4, 2019 · Articles
Gas vs. Wood Fireplace: How Dealers Can Help Homeowners Navigate the Buying Process
Fireplace dealers are often the primary source of information for homeowners who have questions about whether to get a gas or wood fireplace. Of course, every homeowner has different needs and a unique vision for their home. Being prepared with answers to the most commonly asked questions will he…
Read more →
Jun 3, 2019 · Articles
5 Creative Ways to Earn AIA Credits
The design and construction industry is constantly evolving, which is one reason professionals must continue to learn and grow throughout their careers. Design professionals who belong to the AIA must earn a certain number of continuing education credits to maintain their membership credentials. …
Read more →May 31, 2019 · Articles
A Historic Home Welcomes a Contemporary Ortal Fireplace
Photo by Christopher Stark (@christopherstark) “Without the Ortal fireplace, something would be missing.” California-based designer Brigitte Wettstein of BW Design Studio was recently asked to create a contemporary interior for a historic San Francisco home—all while keeping the exterior intact. …
Read more →
May 16, 2019 · Articles
5 Benefits of Incorporating Cool Wall Technology into your Fireplace Design
Many homeowners desire a space with a luxury fireplace as the focal point, especially when designing a new home. However, the limitations of conventional fireplaces can impact your ability to bring the design vision to life. Factors such as clearances and heat barriers can alter the intended desi…
Read more →
May 14, 2019 · Articles
5 Trends in Contemporary Living Room Design
Living room design has evolved over the decades from formal sitting rooms to a nexus of family entertainment to casual multipurpose rooms. One common thread throughout this evolution is that living room design is centered around creating spaces for people to gather. The elements in the space, fin…
Read more →