What makes concrete remarkable is how many possibilities it offers. Most people may be familiar with square or rectangular precast panels. However, architectural cladding can also be customized to suit uniquely shaped spaces and can be cast into a variety of textures and styles. When we were presented with the opportunity to work on a reeded fireplace with curved edges, we just knew we had to accept.
The Vision Behind the Project
When we first saw the drawings of this fireplace, we knew it would be a challenge but were eager to get started on it right away. Not only would the fireplace be massive; it would also be mounted on the wall. There would be a glass firebox around the flames, and the surround would extend right up to the ceiling.
Our Solution
We brought the client’s vision to life using glass fibre-reinforced concrete (GFRC). We chose GFRC for its lightweight nature, which is a significant consideration for “floating” designs like this one. The glass fibres in the material increase its tensile strength, allowing us to cast thinner, lighter pieces while maintaining the same structural quality.
The Challenging Things About This Project
Our biggest obstacle during installation was the sheer size of the concrete piece. In total, it was 14 feet tall and 7 feet wide. Shimmying it safely through the client’s home proved challenging, considering it weighed over 1,000 pounds. Still, it was lightweight compared to traditional concrete.
Come installation day, the pieces were lifted to the second floor using a Zoom Boom. As for securing it to the wall for the “floating” effect, our installation team had to manually raise the pieces with a Genie lift. After 2 days of hard work, we finally completed the installation, and all the pieces were in place.
Forever Grateful for Our Experienced Installers
Without our incredible installation team, this project would never have made it off the drawing board. The beautiful reeded design and curved edges could easily have been damaged during the process, but our team has over 20 years of experience in doing many different types of installations whether simple or complex.
As always, we allocated more than enough installation time, handled the piece with delicate yet firm care, and brought a touch-up team to the site. The touch-up team ensured everything was clean, all seals were neat, and the surface shone before handing the project to the client.
Build a Concrete Fireplace in Your Home
This custom concrete fireplace is only one of many successful projects completed by Sculptural Design. We install fireplaces, range hoods, precast panels, and architectural cladding for interior and exterior spaces. For more information or to get a quote for your renovation, please contact us.
