 In their work designing custom fireplaces and fire features, Vancouver Gas Fireplaces has responded to an increased demand to "take it outside" products. More architects and designers are developing extensive exterior spaces to complement their commercial or residential projects. For restaurants, exterior eating spaces have become essential in any new establishment or as add-on renovations to long-standing eateries. And at home, outside spaces have become extensions of the inside living area, with exterior kitchens, eating spaces and sitting areas becoming more common.
In keeping with the trend towards "taking it outside," Vancouver Gas Fireplaces has designed fire pits that go beyond the conventional round pit topped with logs.
VGF has developed fire pits that are square, rectangular, curved and in a multitude of sizes over eight feet by four feet. Lava rock, which is available in a variety of sizes from granules to small boulder-sized chunks, is replacing fabricated concrete logs as the topping of choice. With the development of ceramic manufacturing, we have been able to add ceramic rocks to the topping mix, removing the chancy use of natural rocks which can split or explode.
The increased demand for exterior design has brought major diversification in the use of gas-fed fire. Vancouver Gas Fireplaces has recently designed several fire features using only linear exposed flame coming through finished stone or concrete. The flame pattern can be altered to produce a series of spaced flame jets of similar height, of alternate height, of random height, or a wall of flame. The effect of the flames coming up from between finished surfaces can be very dramatic.
The multitude of burner options available for fire-pit-style (or "in-ground" style) features can also be used for oversized or oddly shaped features that are set into a wall or a freestanding surface. This allows for a number of different visual options beyond the traditional fireplace look. Often these features are designed as hybrid units using an off-the-shelf, zero-clearance wood burning box, or a masonry enclosure, into which the custom-styled burner is installed.
Usually, with exterior fireplaces and features, the control options are either totally electronic, or totally manual (i.e. throw in a match). This is because standing pilot systems are problematic in exterior situations unless sealed and protected by glass. This glass protection also extends to certain burner set-ups which do not react well to the elements. In wind-exposed situations, we will often build-in a flame sensor for the main burner so that if the pilot is blown out, the unit will continue to operate. If electronic ignition is used, the ignition module and valves must be protected in waterproof enclosures to maintain the integrity of the system.
When designing an exterior gas fire pit, fireplace or feature, the type of gas must also be taken into account. Natural gas is lighter than air. Propane is heaver than air, so propane units must be designed to prevent pooling and issues related to delayed ignition.
As with any interior project, your exterior project can be greatly enhanced by the creative use of fire. A fire pit, fireplace or feature will add to the ambiance and comfort of your clients’ outdoor space, making it a place where clients’ will look forward to spending more time.
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