The specifier’s style guide to cast iron fireplaces

From sipping wine at The Barrel in regional New South Wales to marvelling at a modern acreage home’s ambient room divider in South Australia, cast iron fireplaces have resurged as the focal point of winter style. Jade Frankland, General Manager of Sculpt Fireplaces, remarks on the shifting preferences toward freestanding models, highlighting their adaptability in both residential and hospitality spaces.

“We are seeing an increase in popularity for freestanding cast iron fireplaces this past year, which is set to continue as a top fireplace trend well into 2025. We find this is because freestanding fireplaces offer designers and homeowners more versatility and visual impact,” says Jade Frankland, General Manager of Sculpt Fireplaces.

“Compared to built-ins, these fireplaces can be placed in various locations throughout the project, making them ideal for open-plan living spaces where the fireplace can serve as a central feature.”

The Barrel project: McWilliams Wines, New South Wales

Located within the scenic McWilliam's Winery in Hanwood, New South Wales, The Barrel is aptly named and inspired by the shape of a wine barrel. This contemporary venue underwent a comprehensive 12-month renovation process. The result is a memorable venue with ample atmosphere for its patrons thanks to the proudly featured Sculpt Fireplace Collection's Seguin Multivision 8000 four-sided fireplace within the seating zone.

Jade notes, “The industrial design is as popular as ever, and the rugged appeal of cast iron makes it the perfect material for the aesthetic of The Barrel. Seguin cast iron fireplaces capture this style with their raw material finishes and robust frames,” she says.

“Cast iron fireplaces create a refined yet rustic look which works well in both hospitality and residential projects. For those drawn to an industrial look, pairing a Seguin cast iron fireplace with metal accents or concrete walls and flooring can further enhance the style, balancing the cooler materiality,” says Jade.

The Dawesley project, South Australia

Located on lush acreage in Dawesley, South Australia, this modern barn-style build has placed as the focal point of this exceptional development the Seguin Multivision 8000 DS Lift Fireplace, elegantly positioned as a room divider in the open plan living and kitchen space. Featuring an A-frame structure and raised on a brick platform, the fireplace is the centrepiece of the project’s living zone and provides that finishing touch to the desirable rural estate lifestyle.

“Seguin fireplaces’ innovative technology is designed as closed door slow-combustion systems,” says Jade. “As sustainable living becomes even more prominent, designers and homeowners are looking for fireplaces that offer both appeal and energy efficiency.” 

“Cast iron fireplaces are naturally efficient due to cast iron’s excellent heat retention properties. These fireplaces radiate warmth long after the fire dies down, making them ideal for eco-friendly homes prioritising sustainable heating solutions.”

However, Jade notes, it’s essential to consider clearance requirements, as cast iron generates intense heat and is hot-to-the-touch.

Seguin’s freestanding cast iron stoves offer specifiers design flexibility by adding optional wood storage, height and 360-degree viewing with its four-side windows, allowing designers to create a truly unique layout that suits the space. 

“Everyone loves the openness that only a larger fire viewing window can bring, and our cast iron collection, particularly the Cheminees range, offers expansive glass panels for an immersive and visually captivating centrepiece to any design project,” says Jade.

Sculpt Fireplaces is a wholesaler with 50 dealers across Australia. Visit the Sculpt Fireplaces website to find a display near you, or view the extensive product range on ArchiPro today.