How about these? Don't know anything about the co. (it's based in BC, Canada). Especially liked the "Bouquet" design (web page allowed me to view the unit in the ON and OFF positions). Check out the FAQ....

Here is a link that might be useful: ThermArt

You cannot just "convert" a woodburning fireplace to a gas fireplace. You have to install a gas insert. I have seen the fireplaces that you are talking about, and those are "gas fireplaces". i.e. they are built-in, new-construction, UL listed, factory-built gas fireplaces.

I do not see any gas inserts that copy exactly what you have in mind, however, there is the above link and another one that I have provided of some alternatives.

Your builder CANNOT just stick in some sand and a gas pipe and call it a gas fireplace. No doubt, your insurance company would not insure your house for such a "do-it-yourself" type unit. You and your contractor would be breaking many laws in "making" your own gas fireplace. Your contractor would be an idiot if he/she agreed to do it. Think of the liability and safety issues!

Don't do it. Find a gas insert that suits you best.

Here is a link that might be useful: Valor gas inserts

Thanks for the suggestions.

Twocats, the link you suggested was helpful, much better than anything I've been able to find in North America, but not quite what I'm looking for.

Xanndra, I know what you're saying about codes and such, but my current fireplace already has a gas pipe with holes running in it. I can run it as it is, without any logs in it, and it would look like a pipe with flames coming out of it, not particularly attractive. I don't think it would be any less safe since it would basically be the same thing (it might even be more safe since I wouldn't be burning wood in the fireplace...no soot, embers, etc. to worry about). BTW, I live in San Francisco, in a house that is over 100 years old, so I think the expectations re: construction might be a little different than if I was in an area with homes built more recently. I understand the concern re: insurance, but the fireplace will be used only for "atmosphere", and will never be on when we're not in the room.

Have you ordered gas inserts from companies in the U.K., and are they easy to install?

You might try e-mailing the UK co. to see if they have a North American distributor which has authorization to ship to & install for use in the USA.

Don't know if this is the same co. you saw (link below), but they DO have some lovely contemporary alternatives to gas logs -- pyramids & rods, etc. The next step, as Xanndra pointed out, is whether they are available as units that will work in an existing fireplace or are for new construction only.

I would think someone in the US offers something similar. I have seen gas firepits, but only for outdoor use.

Yes, sorry about my first post. That was for new construction only.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Inferno (UK)

Inferno's look Fabulous! Very creative!

Yeah, but Inferno only makes gas FIREPLACES not a gas INSERT like the op wants.

Have you seen the Cyclone by Heat-n-Glo? It's definitely unique, but far too pricey for my budget...but it's so cool looking!

Here is a link that might be useful: Cyclone

I agree, Inferno has a great selection of fireplaces. Why don't we have anything remotely similar in the U.S.? We seem so far behind on many design fronts...or maybe that's just what the prevailing market is here in the U.S.

Xanndra, I guess I just don't quite understand the differences between fireplaces and inserts. Obviously they are different, but why couldn't some of the components of a fireplace be used as an insert?

Cyclone is a great site too! I especially like the idea of the "fresh air fireplace"
I agree, the US could offer more style. I fell inlove with www.FireOnIceGlass.com and that started me searching for a creative fireplace for my bedroom. rcinsf, what do you think of this product? They have interesting flame pans too.

I converted my woodburning fireplace to gas without an insert. It's just a gas burner with logs. It's actually very common. It would be easy to remove and return to
the original wood burning fireplace.

Thanks to twocats, I checked out thermart and it was love at first sight for DW and me.

Here are some addtional links:

http://www.vangasfireplaces.com/files/thermartarticle.html
local supplier --good writeup

In your experience as an architect, builder, or interior designer, you may have encountered any of the following issues while discussing the inclusion of a gas fireplace into your client's home:

* They don't want a typical log fireplace.
* They don't want to lose space in the room.
* They are looking for the right heat output capacity.
* They don't have an existing vent opening or chimney.
* They want the fireplace to match the contemporary décor.
* They don't want to renovate the whole wall area to accommodate a chimney or hearth.
* They worry that small children will get injured by the hot front of a ground level gas unit.

ThermArtTM is the solution to any of these concerns and especially issues around space and venting.

http://www.mrtimes.com/issues04/093204/news/093204nn1.html

local new report has company info

ThermArt looks fabulous but I didn't understand about the portable unit, do you?

I googled the ThermArt site, and the word portable did not come up.

If you email them, they are very responsive.

I called recently and the inventor, Nick Barber, answered the phone. He is the real McCoy. He obviously loves what he is doing and is very generous with information, of which he has quite a lot.

Here are some things I have learned:

They look the best at highest flame. That means you want to have your ThermArt provide fewer BTU's than you will need at the coldest times, in order to have healthy flames on days that are not bitterly cold. (So you will want some supplement for the coldest days of the year).

The material they use for designs can be cut like wood.

They are very accomdating with original designs. Their wave design was actually done by a customer.

If you want to wall mount the unit and can't vent directly out the wall, you will need about 15" or 16" of clearance.

There are two units, as of now, a fireplace insert and a wall-mount unit. This is not clear on the website.

They are planning to introduce a new unit in March that is two and a half times as wide.

These are the main components:
Gas component  Mertik - Maxitrol G60 series is their newest design and is taking off like wild fire in this industry for use in the top models of each manufacturer, and weÂve found that it is the best control system in the market today. We had sample controls before the certification testing was completed to check out its performance. This component is made in Germany.

Ceramic glazing  Shott, Robax glass has inherent qualities better than other ceramics available, this product is also made in Germany.

Refractory  Skamol, this product has been used in many applications, it is ideal for use because of its machining qualities, rigidity or durability in handling, the product does not soften or disintegrate when exposed to heat the material is inert and is environmentally friendly.

Burner  Aeromatix stainless steel burner from England. High efficiency burner.

We are currently waiting for a proposal from our fireplace installer (he did our wood fireplace rebuild). Our installer said the the price was reasonable given that you're not just getting a fireplace, but a work of art.

What is the approximate pricing of these things? They are beautiful.

I am still waiting for a quote from my installer.

The fireplace itself goes for $6500.