Innovation

The E-One began with an ambitious challenge presented to Spark: “Can you design a zero-emission fireplace?” According to Spark partner Robert Barnhoorn, “A traditional emission-free fireplace cannot exist.” Instead of accepting technical limitations, Spark completely reframed the concept of fire. They engineered a system using two displays, optical layering, filmed real flames, LED ember beds, and spatial audio to create a lifelike, multidimensional fire simulation. Even trained showroom staff initially believed the flame was real.

Developed in Rotterdam, the E-One replaces combustion with holographic projection, making it safe for apartments, hotels, ships, and other buildings where traditional fireplaces are banned due to emissions or safety risks. Spark transformed the early prototypes into a robust commercial product through the use of sheet-metal engineering, modular components for enhanced repairability, and advanced cooling for increased durability. Strong patents protected the core innovation, allowing Kalfire to scale globally.

The innovation directly addresses the decline of gas usage, stricter emission regulations, and growing awareness of indoor air quality. Rather than making fireplaces more efficient, Spark eliminated the root problem—combustion—altogether. The result is a new product category: the zero-emission fireplace.

The E-One demonstrates Spark’s philosophy that design must solve real societal problems, be technically excellent, user-centered, and sustainable throughout its lifespan. This approach aligns closely with SDGs 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13, making the E-One a powerful example of climate-positive innovation.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind the E-One emerged from pressure on the fireplace industry. Gas consumption was declining rapidly, environmental regulations were tightening, and traditional fireplaces were increasingly viewed as harmful due to CO₂, fine dust, and concerns about indoor air quality. Kalfire recognized the need to reinvent its core product and asked Spark to help rethink fire for a sustainable future.

Barnhoorn shared key insights during our interview:

“You must eliminate the real issue to make true impact.”

For him, sustainability is not about incremental improvements—it is about fundamentally redesigning the system so pollution is removed entirely. This philosophy guided Spark from the first sketches to the final product.

He described how bold thinking was necessary:

“A traditional emission-free fireplace cannot exist.”

Instead of being discouraged, Spark treated this impossibility as a creative opportunity. Drawing inspiration from the illusion techniques used by magicians, the team explored layered projections and optical reflections to recreate the natural dynamics of flames.

Another powerful quote that reflects the urgency of innovation:

“If they didn’t have this product, they would have been broke.”

Kalfire’s survival depended on a radical shift, and Spark embraced that responsibility by focusing on long-term societal benefits rather than short-term trends.

The innovation was also driven by Spark’s belief that design must deliver measurable value for people and the planet. The team envisioned a product that was durable, repairable, aesthetically timeless, and environmentally sound—an innovation built not just for today but for the next decades.

Overall impact

The short-term impact of the E-One was immediate and transformative. It created a breakthrough alternative in a heavily regulated industry struggling with environmental restrictions. For Kalfire, this innovation prevented financial collapse. As Barnhoorn said, “If they didn’t have this product, they would have been broke.” Within months of receiving UL certification, full containers of E-One units were exported to the United States, opening entirely new markets.

Long-term, the innovation shifts the entire industry toward sustainable heating technologies. By removing combustion entirely, the E-One eliminates CO₂, fine dust, nitrogen emissions, and fire-related hazards. It enables the ambience of a fireplace in places previously impossible—high-rise apartments, hotels, care facilities, cruise ships, and urban buildings without chimneys.

Measurable societal benefits include improved indoor air quality, better occupant safety, and reduced energy waste. Environmental benefits include zero operational emissions, minimal resource consumption, long product lifespan, and a modular system that reduces electronic waste through repairability. The E-One sets a precedent: reducing environmental impact does not require sacrificing comfort or emotional experience.

Evidence of impact is seen in global demand, patent protection, increased market access, and the emergence of a brand-new product category: the zero-emission fireplace. It is not just an incremental improvement—it is a structural shift toward climate-positive living.

Business benefit

The E-One became a defining competitive advantage for Kalfire and a landmark achievement for Spark. As the business adopted a zero-emission approach, several positive outcomes ensued. First, the innovation opened new international markets, especially in North America, where strict fire safety standards previously limited the installation of traditional fireplaces. Export shipments accelerated rapidly after certification, creating long-term revenue stability.

Second, the product attracted new customer segments, including architects, hotels, cruise ships, and developers of high-rise buildings, who needed the ambiance of fire without emissions or safety risks. This expanded the company’s commercial reach far beyond the traditional fireplace market.

Third, Spark strengthened its reputation as a world-class innovation partner. The E-One showcased its ability to turn “impossible” ideas into award-winning products. This increased demand for Spark’s services, improved brand recognition, and supported employee motivation and recruitment. Working on a breakthrough sustainable project strengthened team pride, creativity, and long-term retention.

Ultimately, the commercial success of the E-One generated investment opportunities for Kalfire and laid the groundwork for future generations of zero-emission fireplaces. By pursuing sustainability, the business unlocked new markets, increased brand value, and secured its future in a rapidly changing industry.

Social and environmental benefit

The E-One creates significant environmental value by removing combustion entirely from the user experience. Traditional fireplaces produce CO₂, fine dust, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful emissions. The E-One eliminates all of these pollutants, directly reducing household environmental impact. It also lowers energy consumption by removing the need for ventilation or gas systems.

Societally, the innovation improves safety in homes, apartments, hotels, and public spaces. Without real fire, there is no risk of burns, chimney fires, gas leaks, or smoke inhalation. It democratizes access to the ambience of a fireplace by making it possible in places where fire was previously prohibited.

Indoor air quality—which directly affects health—is greatly improved. This is especially relevant in urban and high-density housing environments. The product’s modular design also benefits society by reducing waste, as parts can be repaired or replaced, thereby extending the product's lifespan and minimizing electronic waste disposal.

Because the E-One demonstrates that high-quality experiences can be achieved without environmental harm, it inspires broader cultural acceptance of sustainable alternatives. It shows that climate action and comfort can coexist, contributing to healthier homes, cleaner cities, and more responsible production models globally.

Interviews

Robert Barnhoorn, Founder

NVT, NVT