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I am interested in placing a 3ft X 3ft window in the center of a 7ft wide chimney that will be 16ft tall.The base of the window will be 8ft from the floor. New construction. I would prefer to have the fireplace capable of wood burning but will pipe in gas for gas-log fire(I have been told this gives the most natural look for a gas fire place).
My question is how to route the flue around the window and what types of materials one would use. Someone told me you need at least a 15 inch outside diameter galvanized pipe for the flue and you can have no more that two 30 degree angles(bends). Any thoughts appreciated.
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The 15" diameter galvanized flue with 30 degree bends you mentioned is for a zero-clearance wood fireplace.
A strictly gas-fired fireplace gives you all kinds of flexability as the flue is much smaller and can be angled a lot more, although I don't have the specifics.
They even have models that vent directly into the room, they burn so efficiently. They are intended to be used for no more then 4 hours at a time as carbon dioxide and other products of combustion will otherwise build up to levels that are less than healthy. I'd stay away from those, although they are the ultimate in convenience, location wise.
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You can get zero clearance fireplaces with chimney pipes smaller than 15". Usually 10-12" od. 6-8" id. Check with the manufacturer on the number of bends.
Often ideas like this seem good at first, but look awkward. A window in the center of a chimney is a contradiction of ordinary and natural arrangement. As things become technically possible, it is easy to call attention to technology by indroducing an element that would ordinarily be out of place. There is nothing wrong with that, if you are sure it is what you want to do. I have seen direct vent gas fireplaces, without chimneys, placed in the middle of windows that just look wierd.
*Mike,You may think it's wierd, but it is not a new idea. In my area there are a few very old (~150 yrs.) homes with windows and even doorways in the middle of large brick chimmneys. The brickwork is usually ornate and in my opinion the whole thing looks great, although I've never seen it from the inside. Of course there's no accounting for taste!Jerry
*Jeff, Jerry...I agree with Mike....IMHO, it's a rather strange design element. At 8 feet above floor level, the window is obviously NOT for viewing, except maybe clouds, overhanging tree limbs or a passing aircraft. It WILL let light into the space, much as does a skylight, but when one considers the thickness of the penetration thru the chimney, it'll be more like a light shaft. Is the intent to have exposed chimney material viewable to the inside? Again IMHO, if I was spending the bucks on a seven-foot wide chimney with brick or stone to the interior, I'd place some nice detail lighting (track/spotlight) on the ceiling in order to highlight that expensive masonry.Brian
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I appreciate the comments. I live in Colorado and the house to be built is on a gentle sloping mountain side which is south facing. We are planning on tall windows to either side of the chimney and the window in the chimney may or may not provide much of a view. There is another pine tree covered mountain side a 1/2 mile away.
The great room in which the fire place will be is adjacent to the kitchen so the room will be roughly 45-50 ft long. There is also a balcony overlook from the second story that may also afford views through the chimney window, as the great room will have an 18 ft ceiling. Cultured stone will be used.
Brian brought up the idea that the window may be more of a light shaft which I have also felt may occur as the window itself will be set back roughly 2-3 feet from the face of the chimney. On the other hand this may add more depth and texture to the whole thing.
Jeff
*Jeff,I think your idea for the window is fantastic. I agree that a large "viewing" window would seem odd, and I am not sure that the square window you mention would work well either. You should keep the window in proportion with the flanking ones. A thin tall window set deep into the stonework could be very nice. The quality of light you are likely to get will be far more memorable than any lighting fixture. Look at how Le Corbusier used lighting shafts in Rauchamp Chapel.Aesthetics aside, it won't be cheap and there might be some real detailing problems with flashing and such and that might make your decision for you. Let us know how it turns out.Lisa
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I am interested in placing a 3ft X 3ft window in the center of a 7ft wide chimney that will be 16ft tall.The base of the window will be 8ft from the floor. New construction. I would prefer to have the fireplace capable of wood burning but will pipe in gas for gas-log fire(I have been told this gives the most natural look for a gas fire place).
My question is how to route the flue around the window and what types of materials one would use. Someone told me you need at least a 15 inch outside diameter galvanized pipe for the flue and you can have no more that two 30 degree angles(bends). Any thoughts appreciated.