This is the third in a series of articles discussing the principles of  ‘exterior design’ for the outdoor room.  If you have been following, you will have noted that I am now warming to my elemental theme:  In part two I wrote about water and in this instalment I will discuss fire and light. 

If the outdoor room extends the living space, then fire and light extend its usefulness.  In addition, an outdoor fire provides a focal point for conversation, relaxation or contemplation.  For tens of thousands of years man has sat around a fire, gazing onto the flames and talking, thinking, eating, sharing.  It is arguably because of this that we have become the gregarious, garrulous species that we are today.  Don’t fight it.  Be a man.  Make fire.

Bear in mind that the outdoor room generally lacks reflective surfaces and will rarely hold heat like a room.  Accordingly, you need to place lights just where you need them and similarly arrange seating close to and preferably around the fire.  You can also place lights at a distance to create night-time views or vistas – e.g. by up-lighting trees or by placing torches at a distance.  This avoids the sense of claustrophobia that is sometimes the result of sitting in a ‘light bubble’ surrounded by blackness.

I am not a huge fan of artificial heat or light for the outdoor room, although I concede that they do have their practical advantages.  However, for the sake of ambience and relaxation I would opt for real flames.  In this regard, the ethanol-burning fires from Ecosmart are an excellent compromise:  they can stand alone or sit in any existing fireplace with no need for a flu, gas pipe or any other fuss or plumbing.  They produce a perfect, mesmerising flame and enough heat to allow you to linger long after sunset.

The Ecosmart range is sophisticated, but understated and the range includes options for virtually any setting.  If you are feeling a little more rustic, then a Chiminea is another option.  These are comparatively inexpensive and will burn firewood, coal or charcoal.  Chimineas are available in traditional fired-clay or cast iron.  Our clay chimineas are handmade in Matakana and will last for many years.

If you don’t have room for a fire then consider the table grill from Eva Solo – it is essentially a mini barbecue or hibachi, but, being Danish, its oh so cool.  And hot – after you’ve grilled a couple of kebabs, it continues to throw out enough heat to keep you chatting around the table long into the long evenings.  Best of all, you can chuck the whole thing into the dishwasher.

In New Zealand we enjoy beautiful starlit nights, untroubled by light pollution, even in the larger centres.  Soft exterior lighting allows you to enjoy this treat:  Oil lamps from Aristo or simple candle-light (you may need a hurricane lamp) preserve the mood and won’t blot out the Southern Cross.

If bugs are an issue, consider the bug candle from Coast New Zealand – hand made in New Zealand from natural plant wax with tea tree oil and citronella.  Pretty, practical and aromatic.  Bugs just hate ‘em.

The images below are intended to illustrate and inspire.  For further inspiration, be sure to check out www.theoutdoorroom.co.nz – or visit our showroom and speak to me or any of our knowledgeable team.

In the next installment I will discuss cooking and eating in the outdoor room.

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