Concrete Panels Create a Stylish Modern Fireplace
A dozen distressed custom panels form a cohesive look without the mass that can sometimes lead to cracking
Mitchell Parker
August 31, 2016
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
During a major renovation of this home, the homeowners realized that if they wanted to go all the way with the modern-industrial style of decor they were seeking, they’d have to do something about the half-height, traditional brick fireplace surround. A monolithic concrete wall seemed like the right solution, but their design team was worried that a solid mass of concrete would look overbearing. Designers also were concerned that heat from the fireplace could cause expansion that might crack a solid concrete surface. So they came up with a way to get the same look with more style and without the threat of fractures.
“After” photos by Mark Olson Photography
BEFORE: The homeowners wanted to keep the wood-burning fireplace, but the traditional brick surround, shown here, wasn’t in line with the industrial look they wanted.
BEFORE: The homeowners wanted to keep the wood-burning fireplace, but the traditional brick surround, shown here, wasn’t in line with the industrial look they wanted.
AFTER: They tapped Vanessa Emam of Upside Development to come up with a minimalist solution that included lots of concrete. To avoid ending up with a mass that could crack, Emam designed the surround to include a dozen custom concrete panels. Anthony Concrete Design fabricated the extra-large-format tiles with a distressed finish to create a raw, textured look that’s artistically broken up symmetrically by seams.
Two concrete panels form the base of a wood-topped bench. The cool steely tone of the concrete contrasts nicely with Northern Wide Plank hardwood flooring.
The surround includes a recessed niche with wood bookshelves that line up with the panel seams for a cohesive look.
This drawing shows how a dozen equally sized panels come together to mimic a monolithic look with a bit more interest.
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Nice project ! You can use them outside too
here are before and after of my concrete panel fireplace i designed and constructed myself
As far as I am concerned you can be more cost effective with plaster panels which look like concrete. I think loftsystem or loftdesign was the name.