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Square One: Good Home Design Starts Here

Design snapshot: Elemental outdoor fireplace

By Katie Hutchison
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Never before have I seen an outdoor fireplace as in touch with its surroundings as this rugged, earthy creation at the Polly Hill Arboretum on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s right at home near an enormous shading tree. Following the tree’s lead, the fieldstone base grows up from its roots to form a trunk-like chimney. It then rambles off to the side to create a stone wall that shapes a generous outdoor room under the tree’s canopy. 

Though lichen and vine-covered by nature, its construction attests to the human touch. Stacked rounded stones, horizontal granite lintels, and a careful arch reveal a craftsman’s skill. An iron oven, sweeping fireplace crane, and anchor-style andirons combine utility with appealing artistry. The recessed rectangular niches above the firebox contrast with the organic overall shape of the fireplace, further indicating the organizing touch of the craftsman. Perhaps these niches were once display spaces, or, more likely, they contained shelves for storage and maybe even cabinet-style doors. 

This seeming ruin still “functions” I’m told. Clearly it does; it functions to inspire us with what nature and mankind can conspire to create. 

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast and SqauareOne

Read more design snapshots by architect Katie Hutchison.

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  1. humperdink | Jul 09, 2012 12:08pm | #1

    I don't know if I'm lichen it. Just sayin'.

  2. Edward1234 | May 15, 2013 05:45am | #2

    Great Article. Thank you for posting this. You might be interested in checking out fine luxury homes by Brejnik Fine Homes(www.brejnik.ca). They build fine luxury houses. Brejnik team consists of qualified and trusted: Architects, Interior Designers, Appraisers / Lenders, Trades & Suppliers, Geo-technical engineers, Structural Engineers, Arborists, Landscape Architects, Pool & Water Feature.

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