Perched on a hill in the Rosedale section of Calgary, this fire pit has been given a deluxe treatment befitting a gathering spot with such an impressive view.  

According to Todd Duguid, principal and partner in the landscape design firm DDLA Design, “The inspiration for this structure comes from the homeowners’ desire to have a unique feature overlooking the city while utilizing the design elements of the Arts & Crafts movement, which made use of natural elements. We were able to incorporate Stone, Wood, Brick and Copper in the structure; we also introduced Iron into the fire pit and the overhead ring element.

“Other features of the Arts & Crafts movement include tapered columns and exposed beams. The overhead circular iron and copper feature, and the wood beams, help to create an open ceiling for the space without compromising the 200-plus degree views.

“There is built-in bench seating for between six and nine people. However, we did add tree stump stools that can be moved around and that almost double the number of seats.”

The size of the structure is impressive, approximately 15-ft. in diameter. That provides adequate room for the central fire pit, pedestrian circulation, built-in benches and columns set into a stone retainer.

The fire pit area is actually sunken 18-in. down from the surrounding grade; the stone retaining walls and built-in wood benches help to shelter the occupants and the fire from the wind. From the fire pit level to the bottom of the wood beam is approximately nine ft. at the low end and 11 ft. at the top.

Design for the project started in 2007 and construction was completed in 2009. To view more images of the project go to www.ddladesign.com/rosedalehill1.

For more information contact: DDLA Design, 28 Arbour Ridge Close NW, Calgary, Alberta T3G4M6, Phone: (403) 710-4653, email: info@ddladesign.com.