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As a follow-up to our previous case study, a Vancouver restaurant management company approached Vancouver Gas Fireplaces in October 2003 and asked us to be part of a large renovation project involving the installation of two gas fireplaces at the Boathouse Restaurant in English Bay. We discussed the feasibility of installing an over-sized fireplace into the interior bar/restaurant renovation and a similar-sized exterior fireplace into the upper deck. This case study will focus on the exterior project, as it is presently complete and operational.
Our client did not want a masonry enclosure and chimney constructed to house the gas fireplace; therefore we had to completely prefabricate a zero clearance unit. They also wanted to finish to the opening with stone, leaving virtually no part of the fabricated face of the fireplace exposed. The surrounding construction involved standard wood framing with plywood sheathing; the area directly around the fireplace was sheathed in cement board.
The greatest challenge in this situation was to create a fireplace enclosure that met surface temperature parameters, ensuring a safe installation. Vancouver Gas Fireplaces has developed a firebox technique that uses heat barrier products sandwiched in-between two fully welded steel skins; a complete fabrication that encompasses the entire fireplace and includes a collection hood that tapers up to the venting. This technique is adaptable to almost any shape or size.
VGF had previously created another custom fireplace for the interior of the Boathouse restaurant. The burner used for that model was a sand pan style, essentially made of a pan of sand that gas is released into and which logs or other objects are placed upon. For the exterior fireplace, given the possibility of moisture constantly getting into the fireplace, the sand pan style burner would be inappropriate. Instead, a log set style burner was installed, which is a burner set up under a grate and logs.
To ensure a maximum problem-free safe operation, the exterior fireplace is operated with electronic ignition and interlocked with a vent top draft inducer, allowing for both pre and post purge capabilities. As a result, our client benefits with a large dramatic visual picture that fits into the design without major additional fireplace construction costs. The patrons get to enjoy the maximum amount of flame output combined with a reasonable level of radiant heat - a crucial factor when creating a comfortable environment in public spaces such as restaurants. As well, ceramic glass shockproof panels were installed in front of the fireplace to protect the burners from the exterior environment and from objects being thrown into the fireplace.
Vancouver Gas Fireplaces was able to work within the physical constraints of the site and provided the finishing characteristics desired. This project is a good example of the potential of using a gas fireplace as an attractive central feature in a design, facilitated by the flexibility provided by a customized system.
Vancouver Gas Fireplaces is North America's leading wholesaler and innovator of custom fireplace design and implementation. VGF provides the most comprehensive fireplace website to architects, builders, designers and renovators.
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