Fireplace
A fireplace is usually a very simple combustion chamber, with or without front door, in which fuels are oxidised to obtain thermal energy, which is transferred into a space mainly by radiation. Ref EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook 2016
Inform Guide: Fireplaces, published by Historic Environment Scotland on 1 April 2008 and last updated on 31 August 2020 suggests that the elements of a fireplace area:
- The chimneybreast (which contains the flue). A chimney is a brick, metal or concrete stack used to carry the exhaust gases from a fireplace into the free atmosphere and to generate draught.
- The chimney piece or fire surround.
- The recess in the wall (which contains the inset and grate). A fireplace recess is a structural opening (sometimes called a builder’s opening) formed in a wall or in a chimney breast, from which a chimney leads and which has a hearth at its base. Simple structural openings are suitable for closed appliances such as stoves, cookers or boilers, but gathers are necessary for accommodating open fires.
- The hearth.
- Other elements which may be incorporated include an ash tray (or bucket), a grate, a fire back, a canopy, fenders and accessories.
It suggests that fireplace accessories might include:
- Poker, tongs and rakes.
- Brush and shovel.
- Fire guards: These are designed to prevent people, especially children, falling into a fire but do not always stop sparks .
- Spark guards: These differ from fireguards in that they are designed to prevent sparks flying from the fireplace and causing a fire. They should have a mesh with gaps no less than 0.071 mm2 and should always be used where an open fire is left unattended.
- Bellows.
- Coal scuttle.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.