Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 13, 2003 05:02pm | #1

   tapering from a large base to a smaller top ?.... or course you can do that .. or did i not understand your question..

    you can even take it out of plumb , within the laws of physics and good masonry construction

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Pertz | Apr 16, 2003 01:51pm | #3

   Mike,

   I'm still trying to figure out this system: I may have already replied to you.

   You do have the question correctly; I do want to taper (in some way or other...probably specific step backs in this case). its just that every damn photo I see of a fireplace these days shows a rectangular monolith running straight up twenty, thirty feet with no change of detail....I'm naive enough to think no one would build such a monstrosity unless they HAD TOO, thus my question. I certainly know of no functional or safety reason for all this, nor did I find anything in the code that would require it.

   Richard

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 16, 2003 02:07pm | #5

   pertz: look up craftsman style architecture ... ( also known as "arts & crafts" )

   and some of the french provincial.. and 

   a lot of the modern architecture of vacation homes..

    chimneys / fireplaces twist, taper, mix their materials, they corbel over.. and they corbel back.. basically... if you can imagine it , you can build it.. as long as you follow the rules of "strength of materials"

   ie: extend your force lines to solid footings, no abrubt changes of direction, strong lintels and pilasters.. in the past a lot of brick masonry construction used excessive corbeling, relying on the strength of the mortar to hold things together.... i like to design so the force of gravity holds the structure wether the mortar is there or not  ( a slight exageration )...

   certainly, fireplaces taper..either in straight lines or , more labor intensive , in gentle arcs

   but hey, whadda i no ?Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   Boxduh | Apr 16, 2003 02:18pm | #6

   I just went through a design myself.  I talked to fireplace and chimney masons, went to the library and bookstore and looked at some design and code books, and got a lot of great detail on design from Jim Buckley's website http://www.rumford.com

   A modern all-masonry fireplace is a refractory firebox with a throat and smoke chamber sitting atop, then a fireclay or metal flue.  By code, all elements need to be built with solid masonry surrounds.  A mason will call the whole arrangement the "core."

   A "stone" fireplace has a veneer of stone, 2" to 8" thick depending on whether synthetic or something heavy and real is used, bonded to the core of block.  Tie straps, bright strips of corrugated steel, are used to lock the veneer facing to the core.

   If you want a tapered look, design your core first.  It will determine how minimal your outer shape can be.

3. 
   Paularado | Apr 16, 2003 07:04pm | #7

   Hmmmmm, I'm building one of those fireplace "MONSTROSITIES" because I like it. It never occured to me that my beautiful, dream, lodge-style fireplace would be considered a monstrosity! LOL. Not everyone likes the tapered look. Just remember, it takes all kinds.

   Now I have referred to our house as a monstrosity once or twice....but never the fireplace! :-)

1. 
   notagain | Apr 17, 2003 01:54am | #8

   No reason at all why they can't be built tapered.

   Have been for many many years.

   I've seen small ranch house almost split in two by a 2' x 8' rectangular monstrosity with 2 flues in it. Why oh why oh why.  It looks ugly as all hell, and for what purpose?

                                                                                Rod

2. 
   stonefever | Apr 13, 2003 09:29pm | #2

   Yeah!  I know what you mean.  I'm tired of the look.

   These log home or timberframe mags also have a similar theme in their fireplaces.

   I believe it's a flaw in the home's design process.  Much time seems to be spent on flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc.  Although it is more likely the fireplace will have a longer life, I've seen little in the line of fireplace design other than ruining an old one in the name of "brightening it up." 

   To me, the fireplace is the soul of the room, maybe even the house.  It has to represent the pain and suffering of the owner/builder in such a diginified way yet be able to accomodate many different decorating styles.  It needs to blend with it's environment yet stand above it.

   I'm glad to hear you employ much of this in your works.

1. 
   Pertz | Apr 16, 2003 01:53pm | #4

   Stonefever,

   AMEN.