How Many Fireplaces Might Be Saved?

Beneath the deteriorating Nineteen Seventies décor of a West Village townhouse have been a number of grand nineteenth Century rooms, stated Alan Barlis, an architect. “America has a bulldozer tradition,” he stated, and he has a ardour for sustainability.

The home, as soon as owned by Robert De Niro, had 14 fireplaces, although solely six really labored by they time Mr. Barlis obtained his fingers on it a decade in the past on behalf of a consumer.

The facade of the constructing has official landmark standing, however the interiors may be modified as an proprietor sees match. Mr. Barlis launched into detailed restoration, with an eye fixed towards ecology. They went from 14 fireplaces to 2 — one is within the basement kitchen and the opposite, with an authentic Brocatello marble mantelpiece within the rear parlor, is the star of the present.

Its mantelpiece too fragile to maneuver, the fireside was remade gingerly. A four-inch provide pipe obtained nested inside the outdated chimney shaft, to duct contemporary outside air down from the roof (supplying the oxygen wanted for combustion, outside air that by no means mixes with the room air). Can heavy, soiled firewood — sometimes chopped miles away — be thought-about extra sustainable than, say, a gasoline log?

“Nicely, wooden isn’t a fossil gasoline,” stated Jessie Goldvarg, an affiliate at Barlis Wedlick.