What do you get when you merge form and function? You get one very cool, yet practical fireplace, writes Jane Evans
THE words “cutting edge” and “fireplace” are not usually found together, but a West Australian design company is forging that union.
Cocoon Fires is the brainchild of Perth Gallery director Anthony Hinchcliff and US-based designer Federico Otero.
The two formed an unlikely partnership when Hinchcliff took a two-year sabbatical that saw him travel extensively through South America in 2004.
There he stumbled upon a vivacious Latin American design culture, made up of a new breed of designers pushing the traditional boundaries, and recognised the opportunity to introduce it to Australia.
In 2008, Hinchcliff established Apartment By Design, a Northbridge shop and gallery space showcasing the furniture and artwork of several Latin American designers, including Otero.
Cocoon Fires are a unique range of sleek, pod-shaped, stainless and carbon steel fireplaces that come in compact freestanding or suspended form.
The fires run on ethanol, a biofuel that can be derived from plants including corn, wheat, barley and sugar cane.
Ethanol releases no harmful emissions while burning, making the fires clean and environmentally friendly.
While Otero is the creative force behind Cocoon Fires, Hinchcliff has propelled their product into a global market.
Since launching the innovative and striking fireplaces in New Zealand in late 2009, the product is now available in America, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Europe and the UK.
After exhibiting at the 2010 International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, the Cocoon Fire was declared a “hot pick” by the NY Daily News.
The product was also the recipient of an excellence award at DecorEx South Africa earlier this year.
“The principle behind the cocoon fire is a functional piece of art,” said Hinchcliff.
“We like the notion that when it’s not being used, it looks great just standing on its own.”
For more information visit www.cocoonfires.com -