Designer fireplace manufacturer, CVO Fire, is a leader in the field of producing attractive yet energy-efficient fires, counting companies such as Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Banyan Tree and the Connaught Hotel on its list of clients. Andrew Munro, managing director at CVO Fire, explains how the hospitality sector can combine aesthetic design with energy efficiency, and predicts the emerging trends for 2013.
Energy bills are continually on the rise, and this is having a major impact on what bar, restaurant and hotel owners are demanding from the fire and fireplace sector. However, style has never been as important as it is now, with businesses operating in difficult market conditions, to continually attract new customers and retain loyal ones. They need to stand out from the crowd – and interior design plays a huge role.
Energy-efficiency is now a growing priority, as businesses in many sectors come under increasing pressure to provide ways to help reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. Hospitality venues are looking for stylish yet affordable ways to provide that elusive ‘wow factor’ – and that’s where fires and fireplaces can play their part.
A striking fire provides a focal feature in a bar, hotel or restaurant – as proven with many of the companies CVO Fire works with – making a space more stylish and, of course, warmer when needed. Fires are now design options as well as a convenient heating method.
“Hospitality venues are looking for stylish yet affordable ways to provide that elusive ‘wow factor’ – and that’s where fires and fireplaces can play their part.”
Andrew Munro, managing director at CVO Fire
It’s easy to confuse energy-efficiency with being eco-friendly when choosing a fire for businesses. ‘Energy-saving’ is a much-used phrase, and something that everybody strives for – not least because saving energy often means saving money too.
The fireplace industry in the UK is playing its part in helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the demand for eco-friendly fires has soared in the last three years. But what’s best? How do you know if a fire is energy efficient and will save you money?
Put simply, always check a fire’s credentials to make sure that whatever is being spent on fuel – be it electricity, gas or bio-ethanol gel – is converted into as much heat as possible without wastage. This should be made clear in a product’s energy-efficiency rating.
There is a lot of choice in the marketplace for businesses with some of the newer options, including high efficiency (HE) fires. However, when planning a fire for a bar area, there are designs that stand out from the crowd and are proving the most popular both in the UK and abroad.
Balanced flue fires have become increasingly popular with bar owners, as they are energy efficient – with ratings of 75% or greater, meaning heat isn’t wasted – and have a sealed glass front. These fires don’t require external room ventilation as the fire vents directly to an outside wall. Air for combustion is drawn in from outside to further increase efficiency.
HE gas fires, a new style of fire to appear on the market in the last two years, are extremely popular as they can be used with a conventional chimney or a flue system. These glass-fronted fires are room sealed, do not require outside ventilation and are designed to save energy with ratings of 70% or higher. HE fires require a chimney, but can fit into old buildings to improve efficiency or installed in new-build properties to meet stricter regulations.
Round table and central fires offer unlimited possibilities. CVO Fire designs bespoke options to suit specific bars, hotels and restaurants. These designs create a real central feature in a room and can be designed with accompanying canopies, can be double-sided or offer a seated table option.
In the last few years, there has been a definite rise in demand from bar owners who want wall-mounted fires to allow for the installation of a TV above. However, customers should always check that these fires have been stringently tested to the highest European guidelines.
Patio heaters are now seen as a must for bar owners, as outside areas can increase the capacity of a venue – but the inclement British weather isn’t always conducive to outdoor entertaining. Patio heaters vary immensely and it is hard to find stylish models.
We’ve spent many months seeking the best designers and are now the exclusive retailer of Italkero’s striking outdoor heaters. This Italian firm is the epitome of style as one of Europe’s most sought-after designer fireplace brands. The company’s patio heaters have been used in major hotels, restaurants and wine bars around the world.
