The plan was always to have a double-sided fireplace which would act as a divider in the open plan living/dining area. Originally we were thinking of having a double sided GAS fireplace for ease and warmth that would be built into a central unit. After going back and forward and doing plenty of research on all the various types of fireplaces, we came to the conclusion that you really need the ambience of an open fire and we settled on a double sided open wood fireplace. We were just about to order it when the installer confirmed our fears of heating and draft issues. This took us full circle back to a French model, Chazelles Chiminee, which offers both slow combustion & an open fire through the use of a glass counterweight door on one side. Usually they are built into a wall or central unit, but we loved the strong lines and industrial feel of the fireplace so much, we thought it should be as much of a feature as the fire itself. Our architect designed a long steel stand for the fireplace to sit on – as well as the wood and other items. Looking forward to Winter!
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