Team CPD - Open fire design

— 25 Mar 2024

The technical team in the Jonathan Rhind Architects Barnstaple and Taunton studios attended an insightful CPD by Camelot Real Fires on the principles of open fire design.

We have noticed an increase in demand for open fires as clients wish to make use of the existing fireplaces in their historic buildings or incorporate them into new properties, extensions or conversions. 

Open fires can provide an important focal point within a household or commercial environment. Open fires can also be a method of achieving current heating efficiency guidance of heating rooms only when necessary and only the rooms that are in use. 

The design of an open fire needs to be considered very carefully to ensure a correctly functioning and safe installation is achieved. The government has also recently introduced legislation to improve air quality in the UK, including rules to reduce emissions from solid fuel appliances in the home. A well-designed open fire can be efficient, and with legislation in force to ensure only suitable fuels are used, emissions can be kept low.

Jonathan Rhind Architects’ experience in designing for historic buildings mean we are well placed to assist in providing specialist advice for the design and installation of open fires in historic properties, as well as new buildings.

We can work with you to balance appearance and proportions alongside technical requirements for open fires, inglenooks, modern and traditional stoves and even in buildings with thatched roofs.  If you would like to explore options for an open fire in your home, please get in touch.