Through the years fireplaces have evolved and so has the importance of form vs function. Fireplaces were once used for heating spaces, that function was essential, they were clunky and prominent in the main living spaces of the home. Over time as central heating became accessible and popular, the need for fireplaces diminished and they took on more of an aesthetic purpose, form over function. A fireplace, for form or function, creates a cosy aesthetic adding warmth to a home and another interesting design element.
Nowadays clients have particular requirements for climate control in their home, with sustainability at the core of this. We are seeing other means of heating such as reverse cycle air-conditioning which can be offset via PhotoVoltaic solar panels, building orientation, insulation upgrades, hydronic under floor heating etc.
Fireplaces are and will always be a wishlist item to incorporate into a custom home. They ultimately hit the romantic side of the soul like no other element to be built into a home can, while also utilising the hunter gatherer trait some have.
FirEplaces remain popular, there are so many versatile options available in this market there is a fireplace to suit everyone. Yes, there are many models that will heat your home brilliantly and there are some that will take the chill off the air but look stunning. Classic wood burners are popular with those that enjoy the experience of lighting and maintaining a fire, and that classic wood burning smell. Contemporary bioethanol burning linear fireplaces will suit a modern design home with a low maintenance busy family.
The Cocoon fires are beautiful contemporary bioethanol fireplaces with no smoke, ash or soot, eliminating the need for a flue. This makes installation quite simple with the fire itself low maintenance. There are different options available, we have specified the sculptural Aeris, ceiling-mounted fireplace, there are freestanding, floor mounted or wall installed alternatives, these products are great for compact homes. Another modern option is the bioethanol linear fireplaces, these are a stunning addition to the contemporary home and are very versatile to slot into a particular design. A recent Weststyle home utilises an 1800mm long linear fireplace to suit the interior space, this was put to spectacular effect using a polished plaster bulkhead that seemed to effortlessly float above.
These Cocoon and Linear bioethanol fireplaces have been on the market for a while, they are becoming increasingly popular in the last decade due to two main reasons; homes with limited space can enjoy a fireplace as they slot into a compact interior. There is also flexibility with design as you can specify a linear fireplace anywhere from 500mm up to beyond 2 metres, these can be single sided, double sided, or a corner fireplace.
When selecting a fireplace I would advise you to think about function first, what is it that you want your fireplace to achieve? Is it the main heat source for the space? Or is it mainly aesthetic? And then look at how it integrates into the interior of your home, next to/below a TV or cabinetry etc There are so many options available there is definitely a fireplace solution to suit every home. Above all, a fireplace needs to be incorporated into the core of the home from the get go to allow for the mechanics, clearances and flueing requirements.
Fireplaces have come so far, some models have already caught onto the connected home requirement by adding data points so you can operate them via smartphones, but not all can do this. Similar to the direction of many industrial products I believe we can push these items further in terms of sustainability and maintenance.
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Matthew is a Site Supervisor with over 10 years’ experience in luxury, bespoke residential construction. His career has seen him manage a wide range of high-end residential and commercial projects, while also sharing his expertise as a Building Studies lecturer at North Metro TAFE.
A Registered Building Practitioner with a Diploma of Building and Construction, Matthew is recognised for his strong communication, collaborative approach, and commitment to quality outcomes. In 2017, he was a finalist in the Ric New Rising Star Awards, a reflection of his drive and dedication to the industry.
Matthew thrives on problem-solving and enjoys working closely with architects, engineers, and trades to deliver projects that are both unique and of the highest standard. For him, the greatest reward is seeing happy clients at the end of the build, achieved through his “one team, one dream” style of collaboration.
With over 25 years of experience across the building industry, Simon brings a wealth of practical knowledge and a calm, solutions-focused approach to his role as Maintenance Supervisor at Weststyle. Holding a Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery, his career has spanned a wide range of trades.
For the past decade, Simon has worked as a full-time maintenance contractor and supervisor, honing his skills in problem-solving and attention to detail. His relaxed yet professional nature allows him to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
Simon enjoys the variety that comes with maintenance work, no two days are ever the same, and takes pride in working on Weststyle’s beautiful homes and meeting the wonderful clients behind them. Always prepared and ready for any situation, Simon approaches each job with care, precision, and a genuine dedication to quality.