How Many Fireplaces Could Be Saved?
Underneath the deteriorating Seventies décor of a West Village townhouse had been more than one grand nineteenth Century rooms, mentioned Alan Barlis, an architect. “America has a bulldozer culture,” he mentioned, and he has a zeal for sustainability.
The area, as soon as owned by way of Robert De Niro, had 14 fireplaces, despite the fact that most effective six in truth labored by way of they time Mr. Barlis were given his palms on it a decade in the past on behalf of a shopper.
The facade of the development has legit landmark standing, however the interiors can also be modified as an proprietor sees are compatible. Mr. Barlis launched into detailed recovery, with an eye fixed towards ecology. They went from 14 fireplaces to 2 — one is within the basement kitchen and the opposite, with an unique Brocatello marble mantelpiece within the rear parlor, is the superstar of the display.
Its mantelpiece too fragile to transport, the hearth used to be remade gingerly. A four-inch provide pipe were given nested throughout the outdated chimney shaft, to duct contemporary out of doors air down from the roof (supplying the oxygen wanted for combustion, out of doors air that by no means mixes with the room air). Can heavy, grimy firewood — generally chopped miles away — be regarded as extra sustainable than, say, a fuel log?
“Well, wood is not a fossil fuel,” mentioned Jessie Goldvarg, an affiliate at Barlis Wedlick.