Artful Flames – The Stûv Range from Oblica

Available from Oblica, the Stûv range of high-performance fireplaces articulate a history of fine craftsmanship and masterful functionality. More than just a means of efficiently heating a room, these are objets d’art that frame and amplify the beauty of the flames.

Built on the vision of Belgian designer Gérard Pitance, Stûv has been creating industry-shaping products for decades, with an emphasis on function, precision and detail that reflects Belgium’s proud industrial heritage. The very first, and now retired, iteration, the Stûv 60 was created in the early 1980s. From here, each successive piece has upheld the same signature principle of functional design that seamlessly coheres with both lifestyle and aesthetics.

At the centre of the current range is the Stûv 30. A tall, barrelled design, its central feature is the patented three-door system, enabling distinct modes to suit a range of occasions. An internal cylinder rotates around the hearth to create three different options. In its starting position, the steel door conceals the fire completely, creating an understated means of radiating heat – the glowing embers just visible through a thin perforation in the door. Moving around, the Stûv 30 now allows a full view of the flames through a glass door. The fire is given centre stage now, moving in licks of light while safely contained within the chamber. A final rotation and the fire is opened to the room. Uninhibited, the full glow, heat and scents of the flames now communicate freely with the space.

Stûv’s experience in refining the intricacies of household fire means every piece offers highly efficient heating in an elegantly minimal aesthetic.

Extending into a host of distinct iterations, the Stûv 30 is also available in the Stûv 30 High, Stûv 30 Compact, and Stûv 30 Compact H. The family resemblance is immediately evident across these models and each retains the rotating three-door design. They also share a discreet ash drawer for effortless maintenance and an optional indoor barbeque attachment, as well as an invisible swivel base. The base allows the entire chamber to rotate and face any direction in the room.

Complementing the Stûv 30 are a number of more conventional looking but equally innovative fireplaces. The Stûv 6 is a rectangular wall insert, while the Stûv 16 is a freestanding cube, which can be wall hung or incorporated into a modular base complete with drawers for wood storage. Finally, Stuv 21 completes the product family with larger single and double sided inserts in various sizes. They bring a strong visual presence and big heat outputs for larger living spaces.

The fire is given centre stage now, moving in licks of light while safely contained within the chamber.

Stûv’s experience in refining the intricacies of household fire means every piece offers highly efficient heating in an elegantly minimal aesthetic. These bold statements of sturdy industrial design conceal a multitude of innovations that place Stûv amongst the most efficient fireplaces available. The entire Stûv range is passive house ready, making it a natural choice for those building highly energy-efficient homes.