Federico Otero: Cocoon Fires
Industrial designer Federico Otero spoke with Premier Guide Miami about the U.S. launch of COCOON FIRES, his bio-ethanol fireplace line that won the Interior Innovation Award from the German Design Council — covering the design inspiration, the floating Aeris model, the new Vellum wall-mounted piece, and the brand's full product range.
From the Vault · 2011
This is an archival piece from the Premier Guide Miami collection. The coverage, context, and details reflect the time it was originally published.
Federico Otero said it plainly: "The idea was to generate something a bit retro with a recent touch. The other important aspect in the design was to make…" — and Premier Guide Miami was in the room when it happened.
COCOON FIRES produces a stunning range of fireplaces and products that are as functional as they are beautiful. Designed by Federico Otero, the Cocoon models are an example of contemporary design made unique. Running on biofuel, the fireplaces are clean and environmentally friendly — the flame radiates warmth throughout the room while remaining free of smoke. Their pieces make stylish additions to interior and exterior spaces alike.
Otero is an Industrial and Interactive Designer from Lima, Peru. He moved to the U.S. to study at Purdue University, then worked as a lead designer for Delta Faucet Company and as a freelance designer for Marcus Koepke's Design Studio before earning his Master's at Domus Academy in Milan. His work spans lighting, furniture, faucets, and luxury products — including watch design for Tag Heuer in Switzerland. His work has been featured internationally in Interni, Vogue, Metropolis, CNN, and Interior Design. Prior to the U.S. launch of COCOON FIRES, Premier Guide Miami's Judith Wallace spoke with Otero about the new designs.
PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: Tell us about your newest model, the Vellum.
FEDERICO OTERO: COCOON FIRES launched 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. It comes in two finishes: Black Carbon Steel Cocoon with Brushed Stainless Steel Facia, and 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.
PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: 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 of the fact that 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.
PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: Is it challenging to create a fireplace that is practical but still elegant?
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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 — 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.
PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: 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.
PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: Does Cocoon Fires carry other products?
FEDERICO OTERO: The COCOON FIRES range consists of three models, each with two different finishes. The Aeris is a hanging fireplace that can be hung in multiple locations — height adjustable with 360-degree rotation. The Terra is a free-standing portable fireplace. The Vellum is a wall-mounted fireplace with the ability to mount in multiple locations. Finishes include Marine Grade 316 Mirror Polished and Black Carbon Steel. We use 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel with all our stainless pieces. 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 the Hanging System, Burner Trays, and Legs — are also manufactured with Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel.
PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: 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.
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