The beauty of a classic Rumford masonry fireplace, originally designed by Lord Rumford in the 1800's, is something homeowners can now enjoy in the new Town and Country design. It has been fashioned to replicate Lord Rumford's inspiration using the archetypal wood burning look of the past combined with the newest gas fireplace technologies of the present.
The Town and Country direct vent fireplace has an extremely tall opening of 36" along with a shallow firebox and slanted back panel, maximizing the radiant output and making it a quintessential elegant fireplace. This revolutionary design represents a breakthrough for direct vented zero clearance gas fireplaces: Up until now the exposed metal remaining after the fireplace is finished has put limits on the aesthetic appearance.
The Town and Country direct vent fireplace provides a totally open look as there are no panels or louvers on the top or bottom or at the base of the fireplace. This means the fireplace opening is flush with the floor level, allowing finishes to be brought right to the edge of the aperture on all four sides. The benefit to the consumer is that the metal surround no longer dominates or takes away from actual beauty of the log set and flame. The Town and Country is able to achieve the zero clearance finishing specification by locating the control valves and ignition from a separate control panel connected by a conduit to the fireplace which can be flush mounted to the side of the fireplace build out.
The Town and Country incorporates a clear ceramic glass that disappears into the firebox, accentuating the flame's view. This high temperature glass is designed to maximize heat transfer from the firebox to the room, unlike low cost builder direct vent units which use tempered glass which ends up restricting heat transfer and is susceptible to thermal breakage.
One of the drawbacks associated with other direct vent fireplaces is found in the lazy, shorter flame, thus defeating the goal of replicating a real wood fire. To overcome these anemic flames, the Town and Country fireplace pioneers a new decorative direct vent technology which has the fireplace designed to sustain higher temperatures just like a real wood fire. Utilizing 61,000 BTU's, the Town and Country generates a 650° F temperature within the fireplace and chimney, creating a draft necessary to replicate the flame of a real wood fire. The design uses an A vent, the same as wood burning fireplaces, and can be vented through a wall or vertically through a roof. A separate air supply duct is brought to the fireplace to provide a balanced system.
The combination of technology and finishing potential make the Town and Country a leading-edge creation. From it's herringbone brick pattern and ceramic log stack emitting a life like flame pattern to the optional andirons and screen, the Town and Country is the first of its kind to offer homeowners a stunning gas fire that can be featured in the grandest of rooms.
Robert Koby is the owner of Vancouver Gas Fireplaces, Vancouver's most innovative and service oriented retailer and wholesaler of quality gas, wood and electric fireplaces.
