For centuries the fireplace has been the heart of the home. The main heat source that cast a warm hue on the surrounding occupants, but more importantly:
The fireplace is the gathering place, the central focus, the heart of the home.
But several years ago California banned new wood burning fireplaces, and forced a gas insert retrofit in most remodels. More recently, many California cities banned new gas connections after researchers at Nasa discovered the gas grid is leaking methane into the atmosphere at an alarming rate. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
So with the recent regulations, it is almost impossible to keep your warm, cozy fireplace, especially for the sustainability focused. The question becomes:
What is the heart of the new American home?
For a while in the 90’s and early 2000’s, the kitchen was the heart. The entertainment & focal point for everything from dinner parties to homework, the central focus and gathering place for family and guests was the kitchen. Walls were removed for open concept plans, whole houses were opened up to create lofty, spacious interiors and counters made way for seating islands.
But today, as families order from Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Young families eat out more often than they eat at home. Some homes in larger cities don’t even come with a kitchen or permanent cooking facilities as we move into the new Millennium full steam ahead. Kitchens are getting smaller and more efficient than ever. More and more of our clients are closing up their kitchens, noting that they “don’t want to have to see the mess” when they’re in their living or dining rooms.
What now?
Where do we gather? What makes us feel warm? Where do we feel supported and sustained at home? What is our new main focal point?
At Blaine architects, we have weekly design charettes where we open a bottle of wine, join together and solve design problems. This is one we’ll be talking about. What are your thoughts?