We have been mesmerised by burning embers for almost a million years and the love of the hearth is deeply ingrained in the human psyche. Charles Darwin considered language and fire the two most significant achievements of humanity - and though now not as essential to survival – today, fire is seen more as comfort than necessity.
Research published in Evolutionary Psychology by anthropologist Christopher Lynn, found there was a significant drop in blood pressure when vitals were taken from a group just watching a film of an open fire.
While an open fire has been the focal point in every home since we began building houses, new building regulations introduced in 2014 have effectively banned open fires in newly built homes in our attempt to stay in line with European Union energy performances, which aim to have zero energy buildings and meet our climatic obligations.
Glen Dimplex’s origins precede these regulations. The firm has been making electric fires in Ireland for the past 50 years and its new Dimplex Flame design was developed at its purpose-built research and development centre in Dunleer, Co Louth. Boasting life-like effects without burning fossil fuels, it provides a realistic fire-feel for cosy winter nights in.
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While A-rated or homes with a high building energy rating (BER) do not need a fire to contribute heat, the soothing focal point of flames creates a simple way to add visual heat.
Dimplex’s Flame fires can be installed in all types of homes from bijou apartments to big open plan houses and period properties with an open chimney.
Interior designer Arlene McIntyre of Ventura Design, whose client list includes Trinny Woodall, Paul Costelloe, Vogue Williams and Milly Mackintosh is a big fan.
She regularly uses flame-effect fires to add that hearth-warming feel to her rooms.
At a recent penthouse project in Greystones Marina she says “the flames look so real with some even crackled to mimic the sound of a real fire” prompting several new clients to ask her to do something similar for them.
It’s a great option for those trading in an old home for something more modern, as a client who was downsizing from a large old pile to an apartment in Donnybrook found. “One of her biggest concerns was how to achieve the atmosphere from an open fire, which we created with a premium electric flame-effect fire”.
“At a recent penthouse project in Greystones Marina “the flames look so real with some even crackled to mimic the sound of a real fire”
For these fires to look the part they need to be “cleverly considered”, says McIntyre. “I like to wrap the fire in joinery where you create a case for the fire to sit within. It looks really smart.” This approach also lets you create a classic contemporary look in a room with a traditional, open fireplace.
Those living in period homes can also install the electric fires into existing 18th or 19th century fireplaces.
McIntyre says is also a popular choice for an upstairs living room. You don’t have to tramp fuel and dirty ashes up and down stairs. “They negate the need for cleaning and can create a cosy space within even the most modern of homes.”
A real selling point is that you don’t need a flue or even an open chimney to install the fire. With minimal disruption you simply plug it in and can enjoy instant warmth and visual heat at the switch of a button.
In a kitchen it gives “a lovely warm and cosy effect” and can be used to break up a large, open-plan space, explains McIntyre. And in a lounge or sitting room you can build a media wall around the focal point of a Flame electric fire, hanging a TV or projector screen above it.
Air quality is also a strong consideration. In its 12 Days of Asthma, The Asthma Society of Ireland says triggers to avoid over the Christmas season, include the smoke and fumes from open fires, which it says can be a big trigger for many persons with asthma, for particles get trapped in the lungs. It estimates that about ten percent or 470,000 people suffer from the condition, which is responsible for about 50,000 hospital admissions annually.
Prices for the Dimplex Flame fires range from €1,000 to €8,000 depending on size and function and includes a slew of contemporary designs to choose from. The design of the patented flames visible in the collection range from a convincing illusion to those that are all but indistinguishable from the real thing. It gives you a choice in how you wish to create your bespoke centrepiece so that it suits your home and mood.
Top models including the patented Vivente OptiFlame 3D fire, which has customisable design features including a choice of ceramic log options to create that realistic fireside glow. It also comes in three layout choices, from a single glass panel to a striking three glass fire, which gives a stunning panoramic effect.
A real fire-effect Dimplex Flame will deliver instant heat at the touch of a button. It’s a stylish way to snuggle up for winter.
You can switch it on and off via the Flame Connect app, which allows you to control the fire and customise its settings from the palm of your hand from anywhere in your home. Bliss!
To find out more you can call 01 8424833, email salesireland@glendimplex.com or for installation queries please email serviceireland@glendimplex.com and to see the full range of electric fires visit www.dimplex.ie/flame