Photos: 2014© Tim Buchman Photography. Miller Architecture.

The owner of this home requested a firebox open on two sides. Tony Miller, the architect, was concerned the size of the firebox would prohibit sufficient draft, so he called upon Mike Van Buren of Blazing Design (well-known to most readers of Hearth & Home) for his opinion. Mike agreed there could be a problem with draft.

The decision was made to construct two separate fireboxes – back-to-back – with large openings and a relatively shallow Rumford design. The two flues are large and round to provide the least friction for the updraft, and copper chimney pots crown the chimneys, not least to provide easy access in the event a power fan becomes necessary.

This poolside entertaining area is referred to as the Magnolia Pavilion in deference to a mature tree on the property. Beautiful Northwest Pacific Cedar was used for structural timbers and ceilings. Next to the fireplaces, the diameter of the pavilion is 22 ft. In the center is a kitchen and bar, with a dining table for 10. Three distinctive, spherical, slate roofs enclose this stunning structure.