subject: Build A Southwestern Style Living Room With A Kiva Fireplace [print this page] If you are considering adding an indoor or outdoor fireplace to your home, you should consider a kiva (beehive) fireplace. Embodying Southwestern American style, the kiva fireplace has a relatively massive construction that can project moderate heat indoors or outdoors for hours.
The original kivas were based on Pueblo Indian dwellings. Made of masonry and finished off with adobe, they could provide heat for an extended period, at the cost of a weight that was too high for some houses. Modern kivas generally have given up some of the heat retention in exchange for much lighter construction. They are compatible with almost all houses, in many cases even usable on second floors.
The typical updated kiva has a separate firebox and face frame. The firebox contains all of the combustion. It is made of fire bricks that provide heat storage and gradual release like an old style masonry kiva. It also insulates the rest of the kiva from the heat.
The outer structure is called a face frame. It has a light weight steel frame that is covered by a mesh of metal the determines the overall shape of the kiva. This composite design is much lighter than an all brick structure would be.
The final step in kiva construction is applying three layers of stucco to the mesh. This provides additional fireproofing and looks somewhat like the Pueblo Indians' adobe. This makes the kiva look even more authentic. The color chosen by the owner will be incorporated into the final coat of stucco.
Like any fireplace or stove, kivas should only be installed by professionals. Compliance with building codes is very important. Anything that has a hot fire in it in a residence should be treated with caution. Installation guides should be available from the manufacturer.
You may choose a kiva that is designed for either indoor or outdoor use. The indoor kivas are intended to work with lightweight metal chimneys. The outdoor ones come with a clay pipe chimney.
nBesides being available in many colors, the exterior shape of the kiva can be modified. Benches called bancos can be added as extensions of the base. Niches, called nichos, are recessed shelves above the opening of the kiva. They are traditionally used for religious icons, but can be used for any small objects.
Many kiva models can accommodate either natural gas or propane. This can be used either to fire gas logs or wooden log lighters. The gas line would normally be installed during the process of building or installing the kiva.
There are many choices and options in the world of kivas. You can specify the shape, color, fuel, and customization. They are an increasingly popular choice by those who enjoy fireplaces.
