Why fireplaces should be considered early in the design process — not at the end
One thing I’ve learned after more than 20 years working in the fireplace industry is that the best fireplace designs are usually integrated into the architecture from the beginning — not added as an afterthought.
A lot of fireplace issues I see during renovations and new builds come from the fire being considered too late in the process. By then, there can already be constraints around:
- flue placement
- wall depth
- TV positioning
- ventilation
- cabinetry
- material clearances
- outdoor wind exposure
- compliance requirements
The result is often a compromise between aesthetics and functionality.
When fireplaces are planned early, they become part of the overall design language of the home rather than just an appliance sitting in a wall. It also creates much better outcomes for builders, architects, installers and homeowners.
I work across interior and outdoor fireplace design in NZ, and one of the things I enjoy most is solving the balance between:
- design
- technical performance
- compliance
- and how people actually live in a space
Interested to know — what’s the biggest fireplace design mistake people have seen in renovations or new builds?