# Scorched Earth Fireplace The Third Rock Fire Pit is a Hot Item By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-03-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/third-rock-fire-pit References: [coolmaterial](http://coolmaterial.com/gear/third-rock-fire-pit/) & [shop.firepitart](http://shop.firepitart.com/thirdrock.aspx) Reminiscent of a flaming meteorite, the Third Rock Fire pit by designer Rick Wittrig is the hottest addition to the [outdoor fireplace market](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fireplace-designs). An artist who works specifically with [functional steel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-stainlesssteel), Rick Wittrig constructs these spherical heat containers out of carbon steel with an iron oxide finish, causing the pit to slowly darken after each consecutive use, eventually giving it an obsidian tint. The Third Rock Fire pits are roughly 42" tall with a 36" diameter; however, they are all handmade and therefore will likely vary in size. The quality of these fireplaces is surpassed only by their artistic charm and comforting ambiance. The Third Rock Fire pits embody the appeal that arises from a [communal gathering around a fire](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonflame) -- the heat and comfort emanating from the flames, complementing the sense of warmth and community one feels when surrounded by a group of friends. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Functional Steel Designs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new applications of functional steel in various industries beyond outdoor fireplaces. - **Handmade Artistic Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine traditional craftsmanship with modern designs to create unique handmade products for niche markets. - **Customizable Heat Containers:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop customizable heat containers that allow users to adjust the flame intensity and heat dispersion for their specific needs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Outdoor Living:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate technology and sustainable materials into outdoor living products to enhance the overall experience. - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create artistically inspired home decor items that blend form and function to elevate interior design. - **Communal Gatherings:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design innovative products or services that promote and enhance communal gatherings and social interactions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Functional Design-Conscious Fit Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiki-patio-smokeless-fire-pit.md) - [Portable Cylindrical Fireplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecosmart-fire-pillar-3t.md) - [Elegant Firepit Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backyard-firepit.md) - [Oxidized Outdoor Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eva-solo-firecube.md) - [Cooking-Friendly Outdoor Fireplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/regg-surprise.md) - [Dining Table Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tabletop-fire-pit.md) - [Collapsible Propane Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/live-outdoor-firestorm.md) - [Smoke-Free Freestanding Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninja-fireside360.md) - [Ultra-Durable Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yeti-fire-pit.md)