TULIKIVI PLC
THE MODULAR MOOD SOAPSTONE FIREPLACE LINE:
VASA, VASKI, KIRAKKA, LOUHI AND VALKIA
Design: Tulikivi Plc / Eliisa Elo and team, Creadesign Oy / under the direction of Hannu Kähönen 2004–2006
MOOD is a modern line of fireplaces meeting environmental standards, conserving stone material and employing the same modular stone sizes in all its models.
Soapstone is a type of rock that conserves heat well while also being fire-resistant. It is thus an excellent material for fireplaces, hearths and ovens. During the Art Nouveau era in the early 1900s, soapstone was a popular material for fireplaces and was exported to a great deal from Finland to Russia.
The Tulikivi company, which processes soapstone, was originally founded in 1893 as
Suomen Vuolukivi Oy, but its operations died down in the 1920s. In 1979 it went into new ownership, and began a new rise. At present, Tulikivi plc and its subsidiaries are the world’s largest utilizers of soapstone and also the largest manufacturer of heat-conserving fireplaces.
In 2006 the Tulikivi group had a turnover of approximately € 82 million, of which exports accounted for roughly one half. The main export countries are Germany and Sweden, and vigorous growth has come under way in Russia and the Baltic countries, among other areas. Research and development costs corresponded to 2.2% of turnover in 2006. The group has seven production facilities and employs almost 700 people.
Work on developing the MOOD line of products sought to introduce new design concepts in fireplaces and thus interest new customer groups in the traditional stone material. The EU environmental norms that will come into force in Finland in 2008 also required greatly improved wood-burning technology to reduce particle emissions.
TEKES, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation was involved in the technological development of the fireplaces. An important factor in reducing particle emissions is the fit of the fireplace shutter, which was studied a great deal. The design of the new product line was carried out by Creadesign Oy under the direction of Hannu Kähönen. Demand was initially surveyed also in the main export countries.
To make optimum use of Tulikivi’s stone working methods in the fireplaces, the dimensions of the stone parts were standardized in all the models. New cutting methods also permit more precise use of the quarried rock. The finished surface is also obtained directly from the cutting, without separate treatment, polishing etc. All the Tulikivi plants follow the ISO 9001 quality system.
Launched in the summer of 2006, the new product line has been well received, particularly in Central Europe. The fireplaces are of clean-cut simple form and their large glass shutters give prominence to the basic elements of fire and stone. There has been additional work on the details, and for example the ash box has been hidden from sight. The fireplace models can be fitted with stone benches, firewood boxes and other items, also after installation.
Tulikivi Plc.
FI-83900 Juuka
Tel. +358 (0)207 636 000
Fax +358 (0)207 636 120
www.tulikivi.fi
Hannu Kähönen, Jari Murto, Eliisa Elo