Take a behind the scenes look at what makes Ironhaus stand out from the competition.
Strike Marks: The Making of a Craftsman
Are you drawn to fireplaces that have a unique design and you can actually feel the metal without worrying that it might break underneath your hand? If so, then you can appreciate the quality products made by the Ironhaus Blacksmiths in our forge. Learn about our passion for working with metal from our CEO Tim Campbell…
Do you know what strike marks can tell you about a piece of metal?
It says that the person who worked with the metal knew exactly when to strike at the proper temperature in order to craft that piece rather than muscle it into shape.
This is blacksmithing as an art form and when done correctly it is a mastery for all of your senses.
Tim Campbell knows all about striking at the right time. While growing up in [Montana] surrounded by trees, and the cabin building industry, it was logical for Tim to be a part of that culture.
Following in his family’s footsteps, Tim started making fireplace inserts by the age of 18.
Connecting with Nature
Now as a third generation Blacksmith with 38 years of experience under his belt, Tim is still passionate about the timelessness and beauty of taking “a piece of steel that was solid and have it become liquefied…and make it do something you want it to do.”
One memory at the forge that stands out for him, is bringing in a group of 4th grade girls and helping them “turn a piece of steel into a flower” by heating and shaped something that starts out so hard into a rose.
Not only does this demonstrate his love for the lost art of the Blacksmith craft, but it also shows an intrinsic connection with the elements, that can be found throughout Ironhaus’ structures.
Communicating Complex Design
A skilled artist, Tim is deftly capable of translating design concepts from his two-dimensional renderings into three-dimensional pieces of art.
While working on a two-year project in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Tim would sit with architects and “draw in meetings while they spoke.”
With his strong background in Blacksmithing, construction and design he was able to create a working draft on the spot, that was detailed enough it could be immediately implemented to craft each individual fireplace.
This extensive project for the Four Seasons Resorts consisted of building 60 fireplaces.
Tim remembers this project specifically because his business was not equipped to fulfill their request, but he had to come up with a solution for his client.
Solutions Focused
He developed fireplace doors that could be used on any hearth and would be completely customized for each room.
The product worked and ended up filling a niche in the hearth industry that successfully ushered Tim’s business into a new market.
Today, Ironhaus continues to provide high-quality custom fireplace doors that have been used in personal homes, hotels, and other businesses.
The Design Process
One of the components that helps make Tim’s original idea so long lasting is his commitment to design.
Here’s why:
- Ironhaus stands out due to the sheer fact that everything they craft is uniquely handmade and is easily distinguishable because they don’t “look like a production item.”
- When developing a new ideas he will go through many prototypes and continually “redo it until we get it right.”
This standard of excellence illustrates that none of our work would ever leave the forge without being the highest quality possible.
Just see what our customers have to say about Ironhaus:
“Wow! What else can I say. We just received our fireplace doors from you and they are absolutely beautiful.”
“Ironhaus has beautiful products and workmanship!”
“Your fireplaces make a statement, there is no doubt that it could easily be the center of attention.”
See what else our customers have to say click here.
Connecting with the Artwork
When you are able to take part in the design process and create the exact door that will look amazing in your outdoor porch or living room hearth you get to enjoy being a part of the process.
One of the most important things that Ironhaus focuses on is connecting with our clients to involve you in the creation of your piece, just as if you were at the forge.
Then, when your finished piece arrives at your home you’ll have custom artwork that you helped create and can now display for your friends and family.
Commitment to Innovation
We continually look for new ways to implement highly unique concepts into our handcrafted creations.
Who knows what we’ll come up with next, but with Tim Campbell leading Ironhaus, we will continue to create unique products at the forefront of fireplace design.
Our passion for handcrafted enclosures drives us to continue to share with others the art of the Blacksmith craft.
View a sample of our Blacksmith’s artwork here Fireplace Products.
And be sure to let us know by clicking here to contact us if you are interested in a custom art piece for your home.