Gym Fireplace Construction

We knew when we bought the school in 2018 that the main loft area (gym) would be a show stopper.

There simply had to be a gigantic floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

Having lived with wood burning fireplaces in our previous homes, with all of their drawbacks (hauling wood, cleaning ashes, poor temperature control, carpet damage from embers), we hesitantly elected to go with the largest propane fireplace we could find. We selected a Valor H6 with a heat shift option (which allows you to sit near the fireplace without being quietly roasted to death).

We are truly happy with our decision. It has been wonderful.

The far wall with the basketball hoop was selected for the fireplace.

This photo was taken during the initial renovations.

wall with Texas long horns and basketball hoop

We mocked up the planned overall dimensions using masking tape to draw the outline. That allowed us to get a sense of overall size in relationship to the room. We wanted to have a fireplace that would be the focal point in our "lodge".

We settled on....

A hearth about 12 feet long.
A minimum fireplace diagonal of 50"
A mantel 6'6" from the floor, 9 feet long

wooden frame for fireplace on concrete wall with basketball hoop

The floor-to-ceiling fireplace was framed leaving the basketball hoop in place.

You can see the hole cut into the exterior wall beneath the hoop for the zero-clearance vent.

The decorative wall valence was trimmed to join to the stonework after construction of the fireplace. In other words, the valence does not run through the finished fireplace cavity.

Baseboards were trimmed away to allow for the h

Here the wall valence has been cut away within the fireplace cavity.

The fireplace itself is a Valor propane unit Model H6 with a viewing area over 3 feet wide. We selected this unit because it does not blow hot air into the room. (That would cook you out in minutes!)

Instead, the glass radiates some heat while the hot air is moved up to the ceiling through a heat shift system.

The flexible ducting b

Stone fireplace on a concrete wall with basketball hoop.

We installed electrical outlets on the fireplace sides just above the mantel to allow for electrical Christmas decorations, as well as lower down just above the hearth.

stone fireplace on concrete wall with basketball hoop

Just about finished !!!

The stonework was trimmed to allow basketball hoop support arms to remain in place.

Here you can see the heat shift vent behind the hoop.

Schoolhouse Living

Gym Fireplace Construction

Video - Fireplace Construction

All Done !

Heat Shift Video