High-End Designs

Commercial Properties

When working on High-end designs and commercial projects asking for a bio ethanol fireplace, it is usually not the budget but the available technical information and support as well as versatility of the actual unit that prove to be the most important.

Bio Ethanol Fires and Building Regulations

Currently, there are not specific building regulations for bio-ethanol fireplaces. If your project requires detailed data safety sheets and compliance documents you may need to verify your plans with Local Authority Building Control Services, more details and help can be found on the Building Regulations Approval page and on the Planning Portal.

You can also contact NHCB, where you can get technical support. NHBC is the UK’s leading standard-setting body and provider of warranty and insurance for new homes. Their role is to work with the house-building industry to raise the standards of new homes and to provide consumer protection for homebuyers. Their technical support team works with their registered builders and developers. They offer technical support and assistance to help at every stage of new home construction. Moreover, they provide with guidance on standards, regulations, research, and other technical issues.

Safety and Compliance When Using Bio Ethanol Fireplace for a Project

Even though your building regulations body may not have strict rules for placing a bio ethanol fireplace in the planned development, there are still some requirements to be met before you can specify your chosen fireplace in the project.

For a commercial environment such as hotels, restaurants, conference centres, etc., we recommend the following two bio ethanol burners:

  • Fire Line Automatic 3 – Remote Control Ribbon Burner by Planika

    This functional and versatile bio-ethanol burner comes in several standard lengths or bespoke between 790mm and 2500mm, according to your needs. However, it will meet all the requirements. It is one of the most popular bio-ethanol fireplace inserts in the commercial environment worldwide. In fact you’ll find it in the most exclusive hotels and restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, Moscow, London, and elsewhere around the world.

  • Prime Fire – ‘push-button’ and remote control bio ethanol ribbon burner by Planika

    Prime Fire is an entry-level advanced ribbon fireplace by Planika. It comes only in four sizes (590, 790, 990 and 1190 mm) and cannot be bespoke. However, it delivers high-profile performance and functionality, including relevant safety sensors. Like the FLA3, it utilizes the Burning Ethanol Vapours Technology by Planika.

What to Consider in a Commercial Development With a Bio Fireplace

Commercial projects tend to take much longer to complete than residential ones. The process can take up to a year or two. This is because you need to enquire about the product, get its specifications and finally order and receive it.

Key aspects to consider:

  • Who will operate the fireplace?
  • Burn time will depend on size of burner and how you regulate it.
  • How often can you refill it and is it possible given the projects’ circumstances?
  • What are the space limitations (room cubature, ceiling height, air conditioning units, vents)?
  • How big is the space and will it fulfil the needs of minimal oxygen supply and air exchange for the unit?
  • Consider approval, order, manufacturing and delivery leading times.
  • Is the project calling for any certificates and what are the specific building requirements? The use of a long flue-less fireplace may still need approval by a local authority.

Although currently there are no building regulations regarding bioethanol fireplaces, this does not mean that one can place them in any space or use any materials to surround the burner. The fireplace will produce a real flame and its housing must be fully fireproof. Please refer to Safety and Materials for more information on the topic.