Fireplace face

[Traice]

Hi I’m wondering if anyone on here can help me with what this metal shroud on my fireplace face is called? Or what it’s used for. We are wanting to remodel it and add a mantel to it. Currently we have a gas insert in it now. I cannot find anything on the internet that shows it use. Thank you.
3 pictures added

 

[begreen]

Not sure it has any function outside of a design "feature". Is it physically independent of the gas stove?

 

[Traice]

Thank you for quick response. Yes it is independent. I drilled a small hole in bottom to look inside. It seems to be a small box that’s recessed in the brick. It’s probably 30” x 48” x 4” deep. And only feels warm on the bottom.

 

[peakbagger]

IMO its a design feature. You did what I was going to suggest and drilled a hole in it to see what was inside.