Fireplaces have a unique power to bring tranquility and comfort to a home. They should be located in places where chairs can be drawn close and conversations centred. While perfectly suited for a cozy nook, they can also serve as the focal points to large rooms. Keep the following things in mind when designing this key architectural feature.

DESIGN STEPS SUMMAY

Heat Source: gas-fuelled, wood-burning, or electric?
TV Above?
Freestanding or built-in?
Design the mantel & surround
Specify the unit: including options like log set and firebox liner
Select the finishes

HEAT SOURCE

The nicest fire, of course, is a wood-burning one. However, when compared to alternatives, these tend to be more costly and also require more space. Gas-fired units are a great alternative, particularly for smaller, urban homes. They are also more compact and affordable. As an alternative, electric is an even less expensive and simpler-to-install. However, the heat output will be less, and it can be difficult to find traditional-looking models if that is desired.

TV ABOVE?

Televisions and fireplaces are a bit of a conflict. However, the two can be balanced if necessary. When planning for a TV, the fireplace will need to be built-in and of a kind that dissipates heat through a separate vent near the ceiling. Also, both the fireplace and the mantel design will need to be modestly-sized so that the TV does not end up too high, becoming uncomfortable to view.

FREESTANDING OR BUILT-IN

Freestanding units are available for all heat-source types. These tend to have a more rustic feel. As a note of caution, they also tend to get very hot to-the-touch while in use. Built-in models avoid this problem and generally provide a more refined look.

DESIGN THE MANTEL & SURROUND

With a general size of fireplace unit in mind, the architect can create a mantel and surround design. Important considerations include whether or not there will be a mantel shelf, if the fireplace will be raised off the floor, and—if so—will the hearth be raised in front of it to act as a low bench. A common design approach utilizes stone or tile immediately around the fireplace opening, framed by moulding.

SPECIFY THE UNIT

While wood-burning fireplaces can be custom-made by a mason, it’s more cost-efficient to purchase a manufactured unit that can be built into the structure—we typically recommend the Heatilator Icon Series.

For gas-fired units, usually spatial constraints will limit the options available. Viewing area proportion and other specifications (including heating capacity and log-set/liner options) will influence which model is right for a particular instance. For built-in units, we typically suggest the following models: Valor H3 (horizontally proportioned), Marquis Bentley 34 (more square), and Regency G600EC (square). For free-standing models, we like Valor’s Valor’s Madrona. In retrofit/insert applications, often Valor’s Portrait series will fit.

Each model will have its own options to consider. For the log-set, we generally prefer fake wood over glass or other media. For the firebox liner, take the fireplace design into consideration.

SELECT THE FINISHES

With the unit selected and the design adjusted accordingly, we will help you choose the final finishes for the mantel & surround.

FIREPLACES