An unfinished structure had been deserted by its owners for a long time due to lack of financial resources. When a city couple took possession of it, the interior of the house was modified by the designer Sonia Van der Beken.

A cottage is a refuge to escape from the hectic city life. The goal, from the start, was to create an environment that would satisfy the desire to combine functionality and closeness to nature, in a place designed for relaxation as well as for entertaining family and friends.

The limited space, with its cathedral ceiling and imposing windows, left little space to welcome a fireplace. The Stûv 30-Compact H was the ideal choice. It was perfectly suited to the space available. Other than its high performance and manufacturing quality, its sleek design transforms it into a sculpture that highlights the architectural elements that surround it.

The imposing windows are the bridge between the exterior and the core of the house. The fireplace was especially chosen to extend the cooler evenings, both indoors and outdoors. Its pivoting central part ensures that the flame is visible at the desired location.

During extended blackouts the Stûv 30-Compact H makes it easy to maintain comfortable heat. Its efficiency is undeniable. Used during the whole year, it is most effective during the cold season and adds to the ambiance of outdoor evenings during the summer. For comfort and ambiance, the Stûv 30- Compact is a smart choice.

Following the eco-responsible owner-constructed house, this young nomadic family settled in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. The couple chose to place a Stûv 30-compact H in the center of the house in order to take full advantage of its comforting warmth.

“Our goal in designing the house was to find the perfect balance between durability of materials and comfort. A wood stove is definitely one of the accessories giving soul to a house while providing a source of heat that makes you feel good at each fire! And it sends good vibes to all family members.”
– Karolina & Julien

Woodburning fans love the comforting feeling that their fireplace or stove provides. In the spirit of the season, we’ve unearthed for you some great gift ideas made right here in Quebec.

You’ll even find inspiration for those who don’t have a wood-burning unit, but love the atmosphere it gives off!

GIFTS THAT MAKE EVERYONE FEELING GOOD

 

Bring tradition

Bring tradition back to the children’s bedroom with Ora, which recreates the warm atmosphere of a wood-burning stove.

 

Let’s get wrapped in softness

Wrap up in a large, quality blanket in front of a fire in the middle of a winter day … happiness! This eco-friendly everyday blanket is the perfect gift for those who are more sensitive to the cold. Available at Mini Tipi.

 

Give a Moment of Respite

A hand-crafted mug that can be used for a good hot drink in the morning in front of a crackling fire. A must for the cold season. Available at Atelier Trema.

 

Give the Word Well-Being its Full Meaning

Putting on comfortable slippers and having a good time around a fire is the definition of well-being. Made in Quebec from genuine sheepskin, they will keep your little ones warm. Available at Simons.

Create Magical Memories

Like fire, the board game is a central unifying element around which we get together. Made by Atelier-D, these games will allow you to meet up with loved ones and create, without a doubt, a ton of memorable moments! Available at Atelier-D.

 

THE ESSENTIALS TO HAVE

Carry logs with style

This sturdy bag makes carrying logs over the shoulder easier and without getting dirty. A perfectly suited gift for wood fire lovers. It is handcrafted with a heavy duty waxed canvas. Available at The Robinson Company.

 

Storing Wood Effortlessly

Hinter company | Photo Guillaume St-Amand

This mobile log rack designed by Stûv offers a modern look and makes the fireplace space more functional. It is practical and it fits in any decor! Available at authorized Stûv retailers.

Keep the Flame Alive

These tools forged by hand by the Quebec artist Thomas Lefebvre are the perfect combination of design and functionality. They become an element of the decor while ensuring an optimal fireplace experience.

 

THE HEIGHT OF EXPERIENCE

Get Away for a Weekend

Hinter company | Photo @nineteenphoto

A stay in a cabin or house fitted out by Hinter Company allows you to reconnect with nature. Treat yourself or a loved one for a weekend with a Stûv 30-compact.

Offer Comfort in the Heart of Nature

Dômes de Charlevoix | Photo @JeanneMap

The Dômes de Charlevoix offer an experience that combines nature and comfort. Each dome has a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding area. This is an ideal option for glamping enthusiasts since there is a variety of attractions including a Stûv 30-compact.

 

All of these ideas are sure to appeal to any wood-burning enthusiast and create a sense of tranquility during beautiful winter days. You just have to choose which of these gifts will make your fan happy!

Stûv 6 – How to Restore an Old Masonry Hearth to Its Former Glory
Does your house have a masonry hearth that leaves something to be desired, seeming like a gaping hole to the outdoors that drains the energy from your home and the money from your wallet? Are you torn between your enjoyment of wood fires and feeling duty-bound to condemn the fireplace that is part of your home’s history? Rest assured, there are several ways to add style to an old masonry hearth while making it more energy-efficient.

The origin of masonry hearths
Why does restoring a masonry hearth seem so complicated? First, it’s important to understand their history. Many years ago, masonry fireplaces in living and dining rooms were the sole means of heating the house and cooking food. Several ancestral houses have this type of fireplace in the kitchen, made with stones and fitted with a wood beam, to look like they are part of the house’s foundation. Which is true in a way. The hearths were built at the same time as the home, which is why they were made of brick or stone. They were built to last, by a master mason using specific know-how. Over time, with the emergence of other heating methods, these masonry fireplaces became an architectural element often placed in the living room to enhance the decor.
In the 1980s, prefabricated fireplaces replaced masonry hearths in newly built homes. These new appliances recreated the look and ambiance of a hearth without the complexity or cost.
Knowing this, it is worth exploring the possible ways of preserving the priceless heritage of these hearths, which would be nearly impossible to build today.

The solution: a wood-burning insert that will stand the test of time
Due to their old construction technique, masonry hearths have never been adapted to current standards. These fireplaces are in no way airtight and emit fine particles at a rate well above the requirements for North America. However, there is a simple solution within everyone’s reach: installing a wood-burning insert. This type of appliance has been designed specifically to make any masonry hearth energy-efficient. It consists of a combustion chamber made mainly of steel and materials with heat-accumulation capacities (like cast iron or vermiculite), which is inserted into an old hearth and connected to a flue pipe placed in the existing stone or brick chimney. It’s a simple solution and a reasonable investment. A professional working in the stove and fireplace industry will be able to help you choose an insert that is both efficient and in compliance with the standards in effect in your municipality. Also, if you’re a wood fire enthusiast and your hearth was converted to gas at some point, it can be reconverted to wood by installing such an insert.

There is a wide variety of wood-burning inserts on the market that can easily be installed in old hearths, including the Stûv 6, which boasts a sleek design that perfectly suits the look of authentic masonry fireplaces. It stands out from its counterparts due to its streamlined door frame offering a generous view of the fire and its small size, which makes it easy to insert in a masonry hearth.
A wood-burning insert like the Stûv 6 makes the fire the focus again, giving your old masonry hearth new life. Many new memories will be formed around this appliance, which offers a heating capacity adapted to the energy needs of today’s homes while creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the wood fires of the past.

This article is for information purposes only. We invite you to call a structural specialist or certified installer if you have any doubts about the solidity of your hearth or if you wish to make changes to it. They can tell you if the work would be feasible. In any case, by consulting a specialist, you will ensure that your fireplace is compliant with the applicable by-laws.

Wood heating: the City of Québec adopts a fair and responsible by-law
A new by-law regulating the use of wood-burning heating appliances (R.V.Q. 2954) will come into effect in the Québec City area in September of 2026.

What will it entail?
The new by-law aims to limit fine particle emissions as a way to ensure better air quality. To achieve this, the City has decided to require that all wood-burning appliances on its territory have EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification. This is a wise decision as certified appliances have a small environmental footprint compared to older-generation models.

Who is subject to this by-law?
All owners of a wood-burning stove or fireplace located in the Québec City area must comply with the by-law and have a certified appliance by September of 2026. It is important to note that the installation and use of all fireplaces (including decorative fireplaces), as well as pellet stoves, is still permitted. However, starting on September 1, 2021, whenever a smog warning is issued, it will be forbidden to use any solid fuel-burning heating appliances, including all types of fireplaces, even certified ones.

The different types of authorized appliances
Wood-burning stoves
Slow combustion wood stoves are an interesting option as they provide efficient heating. Also, some models, like the Stûv 16-cube and 16-H and the Stûv 30, have a contemporary look that suits all decors. These are just some of the EPA-certified wood stoves available on the market.

Decorative and performance wood-burning fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplace enthusiasts in the Québec City area will be happy to know that they can continue enjoying this type of appliance.
Fireplaces categorized as decorative will still be permitted. These fireplaces, which generally have a guillotine glass pane to gain access to the open fire if needed, are not legislated by the new by-law since their use is considered occasional.
Wood-burning fireplaces like the Stûv 21 and Stûv 21-clad create a wonderful ambiance, offer remarkable heating power and striking architectural integration. These models, which truly enhance the look of a space, are ideal to have during very cold weather or a power outage.

There are also other models to choose from. The Stûv 16-Z or combo, a zero-clearance fireplace that can be installed during construction or renovation, is the ideal solution for both efficient heating and a commitment to the environment since it meets the EPA standard’s requirements.

Wood-burning inserts
Wood-burning inserts are perfect for installing in masonry hearths. Some models, like the Stûv 16-in, feature a timeless look that suits all home decoration styles, while others, like the Stûv 6, offer reduced insert dimensions for installation in smaller spaces. These two inserts meet EPA and CSA requirements. Both offer an easy way to breathe new life into an old masonry hearth!

In closing, there are now many products on the market that optimize the wood heating experience while respecting the environment. Québec City’s new by-law gives wood fire lovers a world of possibilities for replacing their older-generation appliance.