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PRIDE OF PLACE We take a closer look at a fireplace transformation courtesy of Cambridgeshire installation expert CSI
W ith a wide remit of services and technical expertise spanning fireplaces, stoves and more, family-run Cambridge Stove Installations (CSI) is no stranger to completing bold transformations in the home efficiently and with a dramatic before and after. In this particular project, founder Jamie Osbourne-Briggs and his team worked with clients on the installation of a brand-new fireplace. The scope of the undertaking meant removing the old cast- iron open fireplace and stripping it back to the original opening. Since the customer chose not to keep the original archway, this also meant squaring off the fireplace opening to their aesthetic preference. A fresh flue liner was then installed and closed off with a closure plate, before being backfilled with vermiculite insulation. This method is not typically done by many of the company’s competitors, but for CSI this is best practice. Not only does it allow your flue to last as long as possible, but also ensures it works to the best of its ability and with maximum efficiency. Next, the team fully re-flaunched the chimney, installing two new pots – one capped and the other cowled. Internally, the team undertook full remedial brick repair, which meant scraping back all the old mortar and cleaning the bricks with high-strength acid to return them to their original colour before they were repointed with sharp sand and lime. This is CSI’s favoured method, compared to the sand- and-cement combination commonly used when chambers are repointed, which is not good for the bricks and can eventually lead to damp problems. Following the completion of the rear brickwork, a new bespoke hearth was cut for the customer, working to the desired
A CHANGE OF HEARTH The old fireplace (top and below left) was transformed into this rustic wonder (above)
rustic look with natural edges. The sides were then fire-boarded and beads were installed for plastering. After this, the stove was connected and the chimney breast plastered. This entire process typically takes between two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half days, subject to location and the scale of the task. In total, CSI completed the job in just two-and-a-half days, with one final 30-minute visit to fit the beam and create the perfect finish. When this was done, all that was left for the customer was to paint the finished area in their preferred colour, sit back and enjoy the warmth of their new top-of-the-line stove. The clients described themselves as ‘over the moon’ at the result – and have
since recommended CSI’s services to friends. Thanks to this, the team has now installed new woodburners for two separate projects.
Do you have a project in mind? Either visit cambridgefireplaces.co.uk , pop an email to sales@cambridgefireplaces.co.uk or phone 01223 828 688 to discuss your plans now. Address: Unit 9a The Maltings, Millfield, Cottenham CB24 8RE
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2024 75
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