Cool Nights are Coming; Consider a Fire Pit
Becky Harris
September 2, 2010
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
It seems funny to be writing this on a day when a lot of us are suffering through a heat wave, but it is September now, and hopefully our nights will be cooler soon! One way to extend the season for enjoying company outside is by adding a fire pit to your yard. Not only will it keep you toasty, but you can make S'mores while you socialize.
Fire pits have a long history in American Landscape Architecture. Jens Jensen, one of the preeminent landscape architects in our history, often placed a "council ring" in his designs. This design had its roots in the history of Native Americans, and the Dutch-born landscape architect thought that they were very American - rooted in the history of its native people and a very democratic setting. He felt that seating everyone at an equal height in a circle (no head of the table) put everyone in an equal position. These circles were the perfect venue for talking, dancing, stories, music, etc.
In fact, the grounds of Martha Stewart's Skylands estate in Maine were originally designed by Jensen. While the original owners decided not to install the council ring into the design, Martha went ahead after finding the original plans and had it installed. I'd say that's a ringing endorsement!
Fire pits have a long history in American Landscape Architecture. Jens Jensen, one of the preeminent landscape architects in our history, often placed a "council ring" in his designs. This design had its roots in the history of Native Americans, and the Dutch-born landscape architect thought that they were very American - rooted in the history of its native people and a very democratic setting. He felt that seating everyone at an equal height in a circle (no head of the table) put everyone in an equal position. These circles were the perfect venue for talking, dancing, stories, music, etc.
In fact, the grounds of Martha Stewart's Skylands estate in Maine were originally designed by Jensen. While the original owners decided not to install the council ring into the design, Martha went ahead after finding the original plans and had it installed. I'd say that's a ringing endorsement!
I love the drama of this metal wall behind the pit. It's allows the owners to have plants framing their fire pit area without risking burning them all down!
This is such a versatile and geometric spot. It works with the modern grid and complements the house.
This pit has a more natural look, with less precise geometry and rougher stones.
This landscape has it all - earth, air, fire and water!
This lush Moroccan-style fire pit is exotic, gorgeous, and provides comfortable seating.
I have a feeling this designer is a fan of Jensen's. This design has the spirit of an updated Council Ring.
This is quite the party deck - outdoor table, hot tub, fire pit and seating galore.
Another stunning backdrop - a tall stone wall.
Love the shape of this fire pit - it serves as a sculpture or even as an outdoor table base when there is no fire in it.
This blue square fire pit is SO dramatic...
...especially when you see how it fits into the greater context!
Inside Out- Interior & Exterior Design
Here a tribal council can meet democratically in much more comfortable seats than a stone wall can provide!
The Brick House
The fire pit was a D.I.Y. project at The Brick House. Check out her blog to see how they did it!
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If anyone is interested in hiring a professional in the DC Metro to install a fireplace or fire pit on a new or existing patio, we would be happy to help! Also, here are some examples of our work we wanted to share as design inspiration for everyone!