An Eternal Flame – Oblica

Words by Jackson Hides
Photography by Tatjanna Plitt, Sharyn Cairns & Tubes

Fire has been a source of fascination since early humans first harnessed its power, and this emotional connection is key to what makes it such an inimitable, luxurious source of warmth. Specialising in designer fireplaces and wood heaters, Oblica ensures that the fire is the natural focal point in the context of the contemporary home.

Oblica founders Guillaume Roux and Simon Guyon search the world over to find designs worthy of the luxurious warmth that only a fire can provide. “Fire is elemental, beautiful and primal,” explains Simon, adding that “Oblica believes that modern fireplaces and stoves are much more than just a source of heat. In the context of a well-designed interior, they are functional works of art.” This belief has led Oblica to develop strong exclusive relationships with the best manufacturers in each segment of domestic heating, including wood fireplaces, gas fireplaces and both hydronic and electric radiators.

Stuv 21 in Silver Linings house. Photography by Tatjanna Plitt

Oblica founders Guillaume Roux and Simon Guyon search the world over to find designs worthy of the luxurious warmth that only a fire can provide.

In the context of grander contemporary spaces, however, no design encapsulates this notion quite as effectively as Gyrofocus. This seminal design from Dominique Imbert was first released in 1968 and marked a revolution in fireplace design. The world’s first suspended fireplace, it features a 360-degree pivot and has become the signature model of manufacturer Focus. With a slew of awards, it has been exhibited in the Bordeaux Contemporary Art Museum, the National Centre of Contemporary Art in Grenoble, the Guggenheim Museum in New York and was even featured in a James Bond film (the holy grail of contemporary luxury endorsements!).

Understanding that not every room requires the extravagance of fire, Oblica has also gone about quietly and methodically curating a selection of radiators to sit alongside its fireplaces. Sculptural in form, the range sacrifices none of the customisation that is a trademark of Oblica products, offering warmth in discrete and energy efficient structures. With designs that are available in an array of materials, including100% recycled aluminium, the radiator range sits as the perfect complement to the company’s fireplaces, particularly suited to bathrooms and smaller spaces.

“Oblica believes that modern fireplaces and stoves are much more than just a source of heat.”

Owing to an unwavering and likeminded approach to design, Oblica remains committed to bringing luxurious warmth into the contemporary landscape through its collaborations with some of Europe’s most innovative fireplace and heating brands.

Stuv 21 in Toorak House by Lucy Bock. Photography by Sharyn Cairns