Case Study: PIENINY GRAND **** – Revitalization of a 1960s Building Using Bioethanol Fireplace

Bioethanol Fireplace for a Hotel Lobby – Project Introduction

The premium hotel market in Poland is increasingly expanding through the revitalization of existing buildings, including former palaces, office structures, and industrial facilities. Projects of this kind require solutions that preserve the original character of the architecture while meeting contemporary technical and functional standards.

One such development is the PIENINY GRAND Hotel in Szczawnica, Poland, created through the comprehensive modernization of the former “Hutnik” sanatorium.

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Investment Vision: Combining a Traditional Structure with Modern Bioethanol Technology

The investor’s ambition was to create the most prestigious hotel in the Pieniny region — a property where carefully designed shared spaces, including a representative spa area and lobby, play a central role.

Project Objectives Included:

Preserving the original 12-storey building form from the 1960s
Combining contemporary design with the region’s local heritage
Introducing design elements that shape the character and atmosphere of the space
Integrating fire as a central feature at the entrance
Implementing modern technologies to ensure guest comfort

Design Challenge

Revitalizing an older-generation building comes with numerous infrastructural constraints. The inability to install a traditional chimney, limited flexibility in modifying technical systems, and the need to preserve the interior’s aesthetic coherence all required special attention.

An additional factor was the scale of the investment. The fire feature in the lobby needed to reflect the monumental character of the space and highlight the property’s prestige. A long linear flame was therefore designed to maintain proper proportions within the expansive lobby connected to the reception area.

Implemented Solution – Modern BEV® Technology

Close cooperation between the investor, distributor PLEJADYmix, and fireplace manufacturer Planika ensured the desired outcome. An automatic ethanol fireplace from the FLA series, measuring 2970 mm in length, was selected and configured to meet the specific requirements of the project.

Key Features of the Delivered Solution

Individually configured unit adapted to the lobby architecture
Enlarged 50-liter fuel tank
Ability to operate for extended periods without refueling
Precise matching of the fireplace’s color and finish to the surrounding niche enclosure

The result is the longest automatic bioethanol fireplace installed in a hotel lobby in Poland.

BEV® Technology as the Key Selection Factor

The installed fireplace model features Planika’s patented Burning Ethanol Vapours (BEV®) technology, enabling installation:

Without a chimney or exhaust system
Without a gas connection
Without the need to modify existing technical installations

This made it possible to integrate the fireplace into the existing building without interfering with its architectural structure.

The Effects of the Bioethanol Fireplace Project

The fireplace implementation delivered a range of design and operational benefits:

Seamless integration of the fire feature with the lobby’s architectural concept
Reduced installation time
A distinctive focal point welcoming guests in the entrance area
Convenient electronic flame control
Clean operation requiring minimal day-to-day maintenance

The fireplace has become one of the most recognizable interior elements, enhancing guests’ perception of the space and reinforcing the premium character of the investment.

FLA Burner in a Luxury Hotel: Project Conclusions

The PIENINY GRAND project demonstrates that, in revitalization developments, properly selected technologies can elevate a property’s standard without the need for complex structural modifications, while also reducing implementation time.Configurable solutions from the premium collection make it possible to tailor device parameters to the specific usage context and fully realize the architectural vision.

Automatic burners powered by BEV® technology allow fire to be treated as a fully functional design element — even in historic buildings subject to numerous structural constraints.

Specify a Bioethanol Fireplace for the Upcoming Project

Planning a revitalization or modernization of an existing building?

If your project involves a building where installing a chimney or modifying the wall structure is not feasible, BEV® technology makes it possible to introduce a real flame effect without altering the existing technical infrastructure.

Contact the Planika Design Department to select a solution tailored to the scale of your investment and the available infrastructure.