A chimney breast is a structural feature that protrudes from an interior wall of a building and contains a chimney stack or flue. It is typically wider than the surrounding walls and can be constructed using various materials such as brick, stone, stucco, or wood. The design of a chimney breast can vary from traditional to modern and can be used to divide a room or create a focal point. In addition to its decorative purpose, the chimney breast serves as a foundation for the chimney and provides structural stability to the building. It also helps to prevent the spread of heat and fire from the fireplace or stove to other parts of the building. Chimney breasts can be found in both residential and commercial buildings and are often associated with fireplaces or stoves. They can also be used to house other heat sources such as radiators or HVAC systems. The design of a chimney breast can be tailored to suit the needs and preferences of the homeowner or architect. For example, a rustic look can be achieved with exposed brick or stone, while a more modern look can be achieved with sleek stucco or metal cladding. It is important to note that chimney breasts require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure their safety and functionality. Over time, the chimney breast can become damaged or deteriorated due to exposure to the elements or improper use. Cracks or gaps in the chimney breast can lead to leaks or fires, and blockages in the flue can cause dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is recommended to have a professional inspect and clean the chimney and chimney breast on a regular basis.
structural feature, protrusion, chimney stack, flue, decorative, foundation, stability, fire prevention, maintenance, inspection
Chimney Breast is an architectural term that refers to the part of the interior wall of a building that contains the chimney stack. It is typically found in houses that have an open fireplace or stove. Chimney Breasts are typically constructed of brick or stone and are usually wider than the walls that surround them. The Chimney Breast is usually built out from the other walls to contain the flue that vents smoke from the fireplace or stove. It is also designed to provide extra structural stability and to stop the spread of heat from the fireplace or stove to the other parts of the building.
Fireplace, Hearth, Flue, Masonry, Hearthstone.
Masonry chimney breasts are an important architectural feature of many buildings, typically constructed of brick or stone. The term refers to the vertical protrusion of the wall around a fireplace, extending upward at least one brick or stone width above the roof line, and often including the vertical flue that carries combustion gases to the outdoors. In many cases, the chimney breast may be the only visible part of the chimney, as it often sits atop a hidden chimney chase or enclosure. The breast also serves as the foundation of the chimney, providing support for its height and also helping to protect the structure from the elements. In addition, the breast may be used as a decorative feature, with decorative stonework or brickwork, or may be masked with plaster or other materials.
Masonry, fireplace, flue, wall, chase.
A chimney breast is a structural element in a building, typically extending from foundation level to roof level. It is the wall that encloses a fireplace, often including the flue and other features. Chimney breasts usually consist of brick, stone or stucco, and may feature decorative elements such as moldings and carvings. In modern times, chimney breasts are often found in homes with fireplaces, though they may also be used in more contemporary designs such as outdoor fireplaces or indoor fireplaces. Chimney breasts may also be used to house radiators or other heat sources, such as wood-burning stoves. The design of a chimney breast can be quite varied, depending largely on the desired aesthetic of the finished structure. For example, a rustic look can be created with brick or stone, while a more modern look may be achieved with stucco or metal cladding. Additionally, the design of the flue and other features of the chimney breast can be tailored to suit the needs of the homeowner.
Chimneys, Fireplaces, Flues, Radiators, Heating, Woodburning, Stoves, Decorative, Design, Aesthetics.
CITATION : "Ji-Soo Park. 'Chimney Breast.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=191032 (Accessed on June 29, 2025)"
A chimney breast is a wall in a room which stands out from the other walls due to its protrusion. It is a structural feature which arises due to the presence of a chimney stack or flue in the wall, usually axially-aligned. In its most basic form, a chimney breast is an architectural feature which divides a room and is often used for decorative purposes. Traditionally, it is constructed with brick, stonemasonry or wood, however, modern designs can involve tiles and other forms of materials. The overall design of the chimney breast varies from traditional to modern, and can be used to accent the room and create a focal point.
Chimney breast, wall protrusion, chimney stack, flue, brick, masonry, wood, tiles, architectural feature, decorative, traditional, modern.
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