New smart fireplaces are here. Rinnai's beautiful and innovative range of fireplaces has gotten even smarter with the launch of their new Wi-Fi-ready gas fireplaces in New Zealand.
The whole Novo range can be wifi-enabled and used with smart apps with the Rinnai Wifi Module Kit.
The Novo Fireplace uses a direct vent flue system that is sealed from the room, with easy-to-fit options for masonry or mock chimney installations.
The fireplaces are also ‘smart’ — all the fireplaces can be Wi-Fi enabled (with the wifi kit), to allow use with a smart app and a simple remote.
"The simple remote was born from our research with customers, who told us they ‘just want to be able to turn the fireplaces on and off, and adjust the flame height’," says Alice Wu, fireplace expert and Specification Manager for Rinnai New Zealand.
"They don’t want all the complex functions on the remote itself, so we went with a simple interface. Advanced features such as timer and temperature settings can be found on the app."
“..and, being Wi-Fi enabled, users can access their fireplace from anywhere — so they can control their fireplace from their phone. This makes it easy to make sure your fireplace is roaring before you walk in the door,” says Alice.
An ideal no-fuss replacement for a freestanding wood fireplace, Rinnai’s Freestander gas fireplace with Wi-Fi control comes with,
“Those that chose the cabinet said it reminds them of a traditional fireplace and therefore think it looks more realistic," said Alice Wu.
"Meanwhile, the ones who chose the plinth option said they like the look as it’s more unique and modern. Therefore we decided to offer both base options to suit different preferences and looks of homes.”
In addition to the Freestander, the Rinnai’s smart fireplace collection includes the Novo Cube.
This remote-controlled fireplace is specially designed to be installed on a choice of fixed furniture, providing unlimited design opportunities.
The inbuilt style has the most modern look of the three fireplaces.
Speaking about the research and development that has gone into each of these high-efficiency gas fires, Alice said,
"In this model, we’ve replaced the glass heat shield with the option for a very fine, barely visible mesh. The very popular premium classic fascia is also available for villa-style living spaces."
Rinnai, a leading supplier of architecturally designed fireplaces in New Zealand, has extensive experience helping interior designers, architects and homeowners get their fireplace right — a quarter of a century.
Alice says that while this experience is a significant factor in its record of over a million appliances installed into Kiwi homes and businesses, it doesn't just stop there.
"One of our greatest strengths is our manufacturing story," says Alice. "All our fireplaces are made in New Zealand — manufactured in our factory in Auckland. In fact, any Rinnai fireplaces that you find in the world are made by Rinnai New Zealand."
The Inbuilt style has the most modern look of the three models of Novo fireplace.
“We’ve taken Neo — one of our most popular fireplaces — and upgraded the technology, modernised the looks based on the feedback and latest design trends… and the new Novo range was born,” says Alice.
The Novo was designed after researching the fireplace market and trends, and it is meant to complement various architectural designs.
"We did this by talking to architects, designers and homeowners on their preferences and what they want their fireplaces to do for them."
One of the most significant things Rinnai learned from its research was the market’s appetite for choice — so Rinnai took this and developed the Novo to have three different models: the Freestander, the Cube, and the Inbuilt fireplaces.
"We found that our customers wanted something compact, and they want the design flexibility that allows fireplaces to be integrated into different living spaces," says Alice.
The Freestander comes with either the cabinet or plinth options.
Of course it’s not just about the design and aesthetics.
The new Novo fireplaces are convenience, great design, and great functionality rolled into one — with the option of three distinct models. And, Alice says, it was absolutely a team effort to get it into people’s living rooms across the country.
“A lot of team effort has gone into this project,” she says, “and we’d also like to thank the architects, designers and homeowners for their help and valuable feedback.”
The fireplaces can all be Wi-Fi enabled, so they can be controlled from anywhere.
Shop the entire smart gas fireplace range from Rinnai: Novo Freestander Fireplace, Novo Cube Fireplace, Novo Inbuilt Fireplace.
