In response to a request from the town of Trondheim, Norway, to suggest an outdoor project for a kindergarten, the architectural firm of Haugen/Zahar created an enclosed space for fire, storytelling and playing.

Using leftover materials from a nearby construction site, the firm built a beautiful, rounded outdoor fireplace that is 17-by-15 ft. with a concrete floor/bench system and a firepit in the center.

The structure is comprised of 80 layered circles, each one made out of 28 pieces of pine with oak separators, all spaced differently to let natural light in and maximize airflow. This outdoor fireplace is the perfect camp creation – instead of sitting in the cold around a tiny firepit, the children (and adults) can sit inside the fireplace itself while keeping warm and listening to campfire tales.

The nighttime view of the fireplace is absolutely breathtaking.

For more information contact: Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter, Dan Zohar, Ivan Bjørndalsgt 27 Oslo, Norway. Phone: + 47 91769464, www.hza.no.