Focus has come a long way since its founder Dominique Imbert created a fireplace design like no other: the first 360 degree pivoting fireplace made from a dramatic forged steel hearth with an extended flue, that has become the trademark of the company. The story starts in the foothills of the Cevennes in the medieval fortress town of Viols Le Fort, where it still has its HQ today. The company has grown from one man beating metal to a growing workforce of nearly 100 in the South of France. Its reputation for its handcrafted fireplaces has gone global, with Focus being specified by some of the world’s leading architects on projects ranging from houses to hotels.
Focus host talk in The Forum at 100% Design
Xavier Lucas, Sales Director of Focus Fireplaces will highlight global architectural projects where its now iconic fireplaces have been specified. With new Ecodesign regulations fast approaching in 2022, hear how Focus is addressing sustainability head on with its DEFRA and Passivhaus approved designs. Find out how Focus fires are installed in low energy buildings; why you should consider clean combustion alternatives and how decorative fires are making waves in the hospitality sector.
Wood v Gas
Focus has built its reputation on research and development and now includes 17 gas models in its catalogue. Focus gas fires emulate flames and the play of a real wood fire to an astonishingly authentic degree, whilst eliminating its disadvantages. All the gas fires in the Focus range are equipped with a CE-certified gas burner that can operate with either natural gas or propane. The state-of-the-art combustion system in Focus gas fires guarantees both ease of use and high performance.
Slimfocus – DEFRA Approved – Wood burning solution
Recently Focus has designed Slimfocus, a DEFRA approved fire which is ideal for urban areas where there are restrictions on wood burning fires and stoves. The Slimfocus is a periscope of flames. Its hearth is either suspended (in which case it can pivot) or supported by a base and fixed in place. Its streamlined shape takes up little space, whether it is positioned centrally in a room, near a wall or in a corner. Its exceptionally fluid lines make it one of Focus’s most stylistically revolutionary fireplaces.
WHITE HOT AND ON FIRE
Focus has also recently launched a range of white metal fires. In a bold move Focus has selected classic models – the award-winning Gyrofocus,Domofocus and Bathyscafocus – from its extensive collection and transformed them into the white knights of interior design. Offering a lighter touch to interior schemes, the whiteness shines out and provides a delicate contrast to the roaring flames within.
As Dominique Imbert explains how the white colour gives the model a totally different look: “The play of light and shadow that is reflected on the white surface brings lightness to the metal body and transforms it into a luminous sculpture whether the fire is on or off.”
The satin white surface of the fireplace is easy to maintain. For small alterations, a paint spray resistant to intense heat is provided.
Focus fireplaces, chimneys and stoves combine beauty and brains, function as well as form; to create a range of nearly 70 designs for inside and outside. A large number of Focus models come in either wood-burning or gas versions, with a choice of finishes and colours allowing individual customisation to complement customer projects.
The Focus collection includes ceiling, wall, built-in and outdoor fireplaces which look equally at home in broad range of spaces from houses to hotels, from lofts to bungalow, barns to beach dwellings and so much more. There is a world of possibility when using these sculptural products.
OUTDOOR FIRES & BARBECUES
With statement style and campfire charm, a selection of Focus’ elegant models are also available for outdoor use – for warming, cooking or both. Alfresco evenings are one of life’s simple pleasures, and when the temperature dips, a Focus fire will elegantly extend the enjoyment of a garden or outside space. These architectural centre pieces not only create a convivial atmosphere when they are in use, they make a style statement all year round, so the outside can look as beautiful as the inside whatever the weather. A range of Focus’ outdoor fires and barbecues, mix earthiness with elegant aesthetics and ease of use.
The finish of each model has been designed specifically to resist outdoor conditions: each fireplace is treated with an anticorrosion coating and a resistant black paint or hematite rust that transforms over time, creating a beautiful patina.
Award Winning
Focus has been the recipient of many international awards in recognition of innovation and design. Most recently Focus was awarded the prestigious Iconic Award 2019. This is awarded by the German Design Council and is an international competition for architects, designers & construction sector. Focus was Winner of the Interior Innovation category.
Augmented reality, an intuitive application
Focus is always ahead of the curve and with its Augmented reality app it offers customers the opportunity to visualise a Focus fireplace in their project. An essential planning tool for interior designers and architects as it allows for a realistic 3D visualisations. In addition, a specific program allows you to see the model of your choice from all angles, thanks to the automatic scaling option. Easy to use, the app is available on Google Play and App Store.
Practical information – www.focus-fireplaces.com
App available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish.
