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Chimney & Fireplace

Chimney breast semi-removal - open fronted chimney breast?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.41 PM

Hello, i have a redundant chimney breast and fire place in my living room. The chimney has been removed and also the chimney breast in the attic above the room in question has also been demolished. Rather than remove the chimney breast in the living room I want to get some practical use out of it. I would like to have the front of it opened up so that from floor to ceiling there is a recess the full width of the fire place. Basically, turn it into a full room height cupboard without a door. This way if I ever do want a wood burner then a free standing one can be put in this recess and in the meantime it can be used as a giant in-built book case. Thing is, I've never seen this done before. So questions are: Is this possible and safe? Is this notifiable work? Removing a chimney breast is, but this is not really a removal, more of a remodelling. Any general observations and information also gratefully received.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

1 Answer

Just Chimneys

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Redruth

Hi, A chimney breast in a room will have been built to take the weight of the above stack. That's to say each pillar will be fairly wide. Usually a concrete block laid flat on the left and right hand side - this would be the minimum, sometimes more. So measure the total width of the chimney breast and subtract 500mm (20"). This will give you the maximum space you could expect for shelf's etc. If you wanted to install a stove later this could be done using a prefabricated stainless steel chimney system . This is like an insulated pipe that comes off the top of the stove and goes up through the loft to the outside. Due to this being internal work you would not have to inform Building Regs.

Answered29 October 2018