COCOON FIRES: A Lifestyle

The idea was to generate something a bit retro with a recent touch. One of the factors was the dimension of the fireplace which is not as big as classic fireplaces making it easy to handle, as it has the capability of being raised or lowered into 6 heights once installed. The other important aspect in the design was to make it hang from the thinnest pole possible to generate this floating effect and I believed the best shape would be that of a flying saucer. _Designer Federico Otero: COCOON FIRES

Federico Otero: Cocoon Fires
Winner of the Interior Innovation Award from the German Design Council
By: Judith Wallace

COCOON FIRES produces a stunning range of fireplaces and products that are as functional as they are beautiful. Designed by innovative and celebrated designer Federico Otero, the Cocoon models are an example of contemporary design made unique. Running on biofuel, the fireplaces are clean and environmentally friendly as the flame radiates warmth throughout the room. Their pieces will make great stylish additions to interior and exterior spaces. The ethanol based fireplaces are free of smoke. They represent not merely decoration but real fire- places which create an outstanding environment. It’s the cleanness of the design that makes the object so attractive and effective. COCOON FIRES products offer practical solutions with functional and eye-catching designs.

Prior to the U.S. launch of COCOON FIRES, Premier Guide Media caught up with Federico Otero, an Industrial and Interactive Designer from Latin America to discuss the new designs. Otero started his career as a designer in his natal city of Lima in Peru, and then moved to the U.S. to continue his studies at Purdue University. After working for several years as a lead designer for Delta Faucet Company and as a freelance designer for Marcus Koepke’s Design Studio, he decided to further his education at Domus Academy in Milan earning his Master’s.

His contributions to design include a wide spectrum that ranges from lighting, furniture, faucets, and luxury products. His design talent took him to Switzerland where he was designing watches for Tag Heuer. Currently he is freelancing in diverse design areas.

Otero’s work has been recognized in the business realm academia and the press. His work has been featured internationally including Interni, Vogue, Metropolis, CNN and Interior Design.

Tell us about your newest Model Vellum?

Federico Otero: COCOON FIRES Launches its latest model the Vellum in January of 2011 at the IMM Fair in Cologne, Germany. The Vellum is a wall mounted fireplace that allows for simple installation. The Vellum comes in 2 finishes: Black Carbon Steel Cocoon with Brushed Stainless Steel Facia Marine Grade 316 Mirror Polished Cocoon with Brushed Stainless Steel Facia. The Vellum is designed to be a sculptured art piece hanging on the wall with the addition of functionality.

What is the inspiration behind the design?

Federico Otero: The inspiration was a combination of creating an environmentally friendly product that would be aesthetically pleasing and would solve a problem. Using the ethanol systems was so attractive to me, the initial design concept was to maximize the potential of this by creating something suspended. Taking advantage like this of the fact that the bio-fuel based fireplaces don’t generate smoke or need a source of gas to be supplied. Suspension of the design would create a wonderful sensation of lightness. The name and the concept also have a strong link as the intention was to create a nucleus of warmth represented by a shape a mix of cave and a suspended cocoon.

Is it challenging to create a fireplace that is practical but still elegant?

Federico Otero: The idea was to generate something a bit retro with a recent touch. One of the factors was the dimension of the fireplace which is not as big as classic fireplaces making it easy to handle, as it has the capability of being raised or lowered into 6 heights once installed. The other important aspect in the design was to make it hang from the thinnest pole possible to generate this floating effect and I believed the best shape would be that of a flying saucer.

Why should a consumer choose Cocoon Fires Fireplaces?

Federico Otero: Cocoon Fires fireplaces run on bio-ethanol and are a clean and environmentally conscious design as they don’t emit smoke. Bio-ethanol is produced from potato, corn or sugar, creating a very clean emission when consumed.

Does Cocoon Fires carry other products?

Federico Otero: COCOON FIRES Range consists of 3 models each with 2 different finishes:

Models

• Aeris: Hanging Fireplace that can be hung in multiple locations. Height adjustable and 360 degree rotation

• Terra: Free standing portable fireplace

• Vellum: Wall mounted fireplace with the ability to mount on multiple locations

Finishes

Marine Grade 316 Mirror Polished Finish Black Carbon Steel Finish.

We use 316 Marine Grade Stainless steel with all our Stainless. The Black Cocoons are manufactured from High Grade Carbon Steel and then covered with High Heat Resistant Paint from the U.S. All our components including Hanging System, Burner Trays and Legs are also manufactured with Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel.

Where can we find these products for purchase?

Federico Otero: You are able to find our distributors on our website at www.cocoonfires.com or contact us to purchase one directly from us.