Stories On Design // Fierce Fireplaces.

Baby, it’s cold outside. Unless you’re one of those ultra annoying people currently all over my Instagram feed, sunning yo ass on the French Riviera, somewhere in Portugal or the south of Spain, or possibly on one of the Greek Islands. In which case, your life is officially better than mine, you make me feel sick, and FYI – I have probably already unfollowed you… Ok, I know that’s a bit harsh, but as I said, it’s cold out there and I’m a bit grumpy about it.

In any case, I decided to take matters in my own hands and put together a Story that will makes us all feel cosy, warm and toasty. And what better way to do that than sitting around a beautiful open fireplace. With a nice big glass of red. Or a whiskey. (Or coffee & tea, in case you’re reading this in the morning and my whiskey reference is making your porridge curdle in your stomach – sorry guys!).

All jokes aside, the real reason for this Story is the sole fact that fireplaces are kind of a big deal. Not only can a fireplace turn a house into a home, they are often big ticket items that also open doors to a bunch of building complexities that need to be resolved. But the reason we love them so much is that, not only can they provide a major focus in any room, fireplaces are also the ultimate social lubricant. So much better than a television, a lot more interactive than a dumb heater. They have this natural pull, and everyone always wants to sit around a fireplace if one is available in the room. The soft flickering of the light, the feeling of gentle heat enveloping the space, the warmth on our faces… It’s all so alluring and mesmerising. There’s also an element of nostalgia to fireplaces. Like moths to a flame, people have worshiped fire in the ancient times as the only source of warmth, and this very idea taps into our primal instinct until this day.

Having worked on a number of projects with fireplaces, I’ve come to realise that choosing the right solution is not always an easy task. We are often limited by space, budget, building structure, usage of the room, client’s and/ or our own lifestyle. And then there’s another crucial question when choosing a modern fireplace, one that ultimately guides our design choices – do we chose gas or wood burning? Well, we all have our preferences, or course (i.e. for me, it’s wood burning all the way!). Having said that, gas is advantageous as a clean source of heat that can be conveniently concealed behind glass doors, in turn making it a ‘safer’ option. However, if the space you’re working with already has the infrastructure and masonry walls to facilitate a wood burning fireplace, wood stands as an eco-friendly choice that will provide an unparalleled ambience.

Today we take a tour of seventy five (no shit!) projects with fireplaces — both wood and gas burning — divided into ten categories: Central, Custom Formed, Concrete, Brick, Marble Clad, Open, Corner, Built In, Freestanding and Outdoor. Enjoy!

See More ‘Stories on Design’ Curated by Yellowtrace.

CENTRAL FIREPLACES.

Central fireplaces, as the name suggests, act as the focus, nay the hero within a room. In many cases they deliver the feeling similar to that of sitting around an open campfire – a space that offers a place to gather and exchange stories (and drink schnapps).

In some cases these fireplaces make a pimpin’ statement – i.e. Bate Smart’s circular fireplace for Vibe Hotel in Canberra is inspired by the geometry of Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for the city of Canberra. At other times they act a structural element – like Liddicoat & Goldhill’s Ancient Party Barn conversion that partially supports a new mezzanine floor with it’s tapering brick chimney.

In all cases, central fireplaces act as a linking device between various spaces, in turn becoming room dividers, or ‘space definers’ that naturally occupy a large open area, thereby giving them purpose and meaning.

Werkhaus Schütze in Gerswalde, Germany by Thomas Kröger Architekt. Photo by Thomas Heimann.

Ancient Party Barn in Kent by Liddicoat & Goldhill. Photo by Keith Colli.

Vibe Hotel at Canberra Airport by Bates Smart. Photo by Anson Smart.

Refuge II in Flanders, Belgium by Wim Goes Architectuur. Photo by Filip Dujardin.

Norderhov Cabin in Norway by AtelierOslo. Images courtesy of Atelier Oslo.

Miller House in Columbus, Indiana by Eero Saarinen. Photo by Leslie Williamson for Dwell.

The Midden Garden Pavilion in Cape Town, South Africa by Metropolis Design. Photo by Wieland Gleich.

1950s House Saint-Forget by Andre Wogenscky. Photo by Frederik Vercruysse.

CUSTOM FORMED FIREPLACES.

A fireplace is always a big design opportunity, and there’s nothing like a custom formed steel number to create visual impact, be it classic or cutting edge look we are after.

Suspended, freestanding or built-in, what these guys all have in common is that they were designed to fit into the spaces where they are located.

Seafront House in Catalonia, Spain by OAB.

GN Apartment in Cadaques, Spain by Francesc Rife Studio. Photography by David Zarzoso.

Apartment on Girona Street, Barcelona by Arquitectura G. Photo © José Hevia.

Country House in La Tallada, Girona by Arquitectura-G. Photo by José Hevia.

House Bäumle in Lochau, Austria by Bernardo Bader. Photo by Adolf Bereuter.

Highgate House North London by Carmody Groarke. Photo by Richard Davies.

Fonte Boa House in Portugal by João Mendes Ribeiro. Photography by José Campos.

Farmhouse Renovation in Girona, Spain by Arquitectura-G. Photo © José Hevia.

CONCRETE FIREPLACES.

I mean, what can I say. Concrete fireplaces are rather jaw dropping. End of story. That’s because in most of these cases, it’s not the fireplace or the firebox itself that’s made from concrete, but rather it’s the material that surrounds the fire.

This particular category is more about the overall architecture, than the fireplace itself. So if your project is a concrete fest, don’t forget to use the opportunity to go to town on a little bit of architectural fireplace gymnastics. (But don’t forget to do your stretches first ;p)

Villa Ensemble Near Zurich, Switzerland by AFGH Architects. Photography by Valentin Jeck.

Antivilla in Germany by Brandlhuber+ Emde, Schneider. Photo © Erica-Overmeer.

Casa Ljungdahl in Sweden by Note Design Studio.

Haus B in Rotenberg, Germany by Christine Remensperger. Photography by Aqui Architekturfotografie.

Brekkugerði Reykjavík (1963) in Reykjavík, Iceland by Högna Sigurðardóttir.

New Concrete House in Gambarogno, Switzerland by Wespi de Meuron. Photo by Hannes Henz.

BRICK FIREPLACES.

Brick and fire have been excellent mates from way back, so it’s not surprising to find so many delicious examples of brick fireplaces that add a homey, sophisticated touch.

Brick communicates a more relaxed, casual vibe than some the other masonry material choices, also acting as the perfect surface that’s happy to receive an open flame in all it’s glory. Double win.

Stable Acre in Norfolk, England by David Kohn Architects. Photo by Ioana Marinescu.

Tunquen House in Algarrobo, Chile by Nicolás Lipthay Allen/ L2C. Photo by Nico Saieh.

Casa No Tempo in Portugal by Aires Mateus + João and Andreia Rodrigues. Photo by Nelson Garrido.

Kew House in London, England by Piercy & Company. Photo by Jack Hobhouse.

Peter’s House in Copenhagen by Studio David Thulstrup. Photo by Peter Krasilnikoff.

Neutral Bay House by Downie North Architects. Photo by Felipe Neves.

Collage House by Jonathan Tuckey.

Rote Scheune (Red Barn) in Germany by Thomas Kröger.

MARBLE CLAD FIREPLACES.

Just as one would expect, marble (and other stone) creates a more upmarket, urban vibe when used as a fireplace surround. In addition to marble, the most popular types of fireplace stone include limestone, granite, slate and travertine – a contemporary nod to antique marble mantel pieces often found in heritage homes.

Antwerp Penthouse with a monolithic marble partition over a fireplace, designed by De Meester Vliegen Architecten.

Harbour Edge House in Auckland, NZ by Fearon Hay Architects. Photo by Simon Wilson.

‘Marasea’. Williamstown House Shot for Belle Magazine and Fiona Lynch Office. Photo by Dan Hocking.

80s Bondi Beach House Transformed into an Eclectic Urban Home by Horizon & Tobias Partners. Photo by Justin Alexander.

Maison à Colombages: 19th Century Restoration in Southeast Paris by 05AM Arquitectura. Photography by Adrià Goula Sardà.

143 Englefield Road Victorian House by Droo Architects.

OPEN & SEE THROUGH FIREPLACES.

These two-for-the-price-of-one situations create an effective visual anchor. A stunning see-through fireplace allows us to add architectural interest and ambiance to multiple spaces in a creative way. One fireplace – multiple rooms of enjoyment. And who doesn’t love a bit of bang… I mean, for their buck ;)

Casa Malaparte (Villa Malaparte) Isle of Capri, Italy by Adalberto Libera.

La Casa di Chiara e Stefano in Varese, Italy by duearchitetti. Photo by Simone Bossi.

Home Couture by Studiopepe for Spotti Milano. Photo by Silvia Rivoltella.

The Boro Hotel in Long Island City by Grzywinski+Pons. Photo © Floto + Warner.

Villa E in Morocco by Studio Ko. Photography by Daniel Glasser & Philippe Garcia.

CORNER FIREPLACES.

Corner fireplaces are a hybrid between central and open/ see through fireplaces, very much acting as the hero.

There’s something so romantic about these modern corner shapes, they will probably make romance rise to a whole new level. Yeah baby! They are a sculpture, a divider, a piece of built-in furniture. Except, there are very few pieces of furniture that will make you feel this satisfied and relaxed.

Home 09 in Bloemendaal, The Netherlands by i29 | interior architects.

House in Riehen, Switzerland by Reuter Raeber Architects. Photo by Eik Frenzel.

Vega Cottage in Norway by Kolman Boye Architects. Photo by Lindman Photography.

Casa C in Switzerland by Camponovo Baumgartner Architekten. Photo by José Hevia.

Nature is Omnipresent with Vipp Shelter.

Social Building for the Young in Spain by Esther Luengo Martinez & Francisco Munoz Vazquez. Photo by Fernando Alda.

BUILT IN FIREPLACES.

Perhaps the most common kind of them all, built in fireplaces need not be less exciting than their floating, centrally located counterparts.

Built in fireplace has been the most prominent architectural element in the home for centuries – a feature that can send real estate agents into a spin. From the height of the firebox opening, to the shape of the hearth, to incorporating mantels, sculptural shrouds, even lighting, the options are virtually endless. You wish you could say the same about budgets on all your projects, right? I feel ya.

Atrium House in Gotland, Sweden by Tham & Videgård Arkitekter.

Focal Shift Fireplace in London, UK by Scenario Architecture. Photo by Amy Scaife.

Gordons Bay House by Luigi Rosselli Architects. Photo © Richard Glover.

Historic Edwardian Home Transformation in Melbourne by Mim Design. Photo by Sharyn Cairns.

Casa C by Paolo De Biasi, Francesco Durante, Elisabetta Roman, Ittorio Longheu & UP3 Architetti Associati. Photo by Federica Bottoli.

Melbourne Residence by Elenberg Fraser. Photo by Peter Clarke.

Project 1 in Bruges, Belgium by JUMA Architects.

Estate In Extremadura, Spain by Ábaton Arquitectura.

Concrete House in Toronto by Angela Tsementzis. Photo by Colin Faulkner.

Tucson Mountain Retreat by DUST. Photo by Jeff Goldberg/Esto.

Integral House in Toronto, Canada by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. Image courtesy of Sothebys Realty.

Barn House in Fahndorf, Austria by Propeller Z. Photo © Hertha Hurnaus.

La Casa di Andrea in Varese, Italy by studio duearchitetti. Photo by Simone Bossi.

VILLA MQ in Tremelo, Belgium by Office O architects. Photo by Tim Van de Velde.

FREESTANDING FIREPLACES.

It goes without saying that by virtue of acting as a visual anchor and traditional focal point within a space, freestanding fireplace needs to do more than just provide heat – it also needs to be beautifully designed, act as an efficient warm heart within a room, much like a functional piece of art. Which, let’s agree, all of these guys here are doing just beautifully.

Mountain Retreat in Queenstown, New Zealand by Fearon Hay Architects.

Rare Hare by Projects of Imagination, part of the Jackalope Hotel in Mornington Peninsula. Photo by Dan Hocking.

Hunters Hill House by Handelsmann & Khaw. Photo by Felix Forest.

Apartment on Reig I Bonet Street, Barcelona by Arquitectura-G. Photo © José Hevia.

Farmhouse Pingjum, The Netherlands by Studio INAMATT. Photo by Arjan Benning.

Life House (Tŷ Bywyd): John Pawson’s Modern-Day Retreat in Rural Wales. Photo by Gilbert McCarragher.

Whangapoua Sled House by Crosson Clarke Carnachan. Photo © Jackie Meiring.

SAMF Arquitectos Reinterpretation of a Traditional Portuguese Farmhouse. Photo © José Campos.

Residence WV in Wijnegem, Belgium by Arjaan De Feyter.

OUTDOOR FIREPLACES.

When I grow up, I want to have an outdoor fireplace just like one of these, so I can toast marshmallows whenever I feel like it. In addition to this obvious life win, outdoor fireplaces ultimately redefine open-air spaces, turning them into year-round rooms for entertaining. Al fresco perfection!

Deepdene House in Melbourne, Australia by Kennedy Nolan. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

Fairfield House in Melbourne, Australia by Kennedy Knoland. Photo by Derek Swalwell.

Island Retreat in Auckland, New Zealand by Fearon Hay Architects. Photo © Patrick Reynolds.

Tucson Mountain Retreat, US by DUST. Photo by Jeff Goldberg/Esto.

Michigan Lake House, US by Desai Chia Architecture. Photo by Paul Warchol.