The Kiva Fireplace...
Steppin' Up & Out, Southwest Style!
Use this search feature to quickly find the information you're looking for.
The Kiva fireplace comes from the American south-
western desert region. The name, itself, is actually derived from the traditional underground meeting
places used for religious rituals and spiritual cere-
monies by the Pueblo Indians of the southwest.
Pueblo architecture provided the inspiration for this unique style of fireplace.
Historically, the Kiva fireplace was constructed of
adobe
in the corner
of a room. An inverted cone or bee-
hive shape was the norm, with a distinctive arched firebox opening, such as depicted in the examples at right and directly below.
However, though some are still made of adobe, today's Kiva is steppin' up and out from its traditional construction material, look and location. Modern
prefabs
faced with plaster or stucco over a metal wire frame, often with a stepped surround . . . . . they come complete with built-in benches, called bancos, for seating . . . and nichos, or recessed shelves above the firebox, for displaying collectibles and other decorative or religious objects.
The Kiva is even coming out of the corner to take center stage, such as in the following example.
Although the traditional beehive shape pictured below continues to be popular . . . . . . .
and deservedly so . . . . .
for both indoor and
outdoor rooms
. . . . .
a wide array of exciting variations are being created to update the look, by adding a bit of flair . . . . .
a little bit here . . . . .
. . . . . and a little bit there.
And then there are the avant-garde Kivas . . . those that dare to be dif-
ferent. Those that are not afraid to stand apart from the crowd. Those that step higher and farther than Kivas before them to show what is pos-
sible with a little imagination and creativity!
A significant influence in evolving Kiva fireplace design is the relatively large number of people of Spanish ancestry living in the American south-
west. Since the Spanish Colonial era, they have had - and continue to have - a profound impact on Kiva design. By modifying the shape of the traditional Kiva in varying degrees and/or adding a splash of color with vibrant ceramic tiles, etc., as pictured below, they have infused it with their own centuries' old rich heritage and culture to make it uniquely
their own.
More Spanish Style Fireplace Designs
Whether you choose a very traditional Kiva fireplace, an avant-garde de-
sign . . . or anything in between . . . . . you'll be getting a piece of history. One that is deeply rooted in a rich and vibrant multi-cultural past.
For more information about any of the Kiva designs pictured above, please
let us know
and we'll be happy to provide it for you.
Also, please check back often or subscribe to our
RSS feed,
as we continually add new southwest style fireplace designs.
More Spanish-Inspired Kiva Fireplace Designs
Top of Page
Back to Put Some Spark In Your Fireplace Design!
Back to Standout Fireplace Designs Home Page
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Use this search feature to find it.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
|
