How Fireplaces in Australia Are Evolving with Contemporary Architecture

The fireplace has always been the heart of a home and a source of both warmth and calm.

As architectural trends continue to move toward lighter footprints, layered materials, and spatial fluidity, fireplaces have reflected this change. They’ve evolved beyond being just functional into a design feature that plays an integral part in how we experience a room. Fireplaces are now central to atmosphere, structure, and identity.

Let’s trace the evolution of fireplaces in Australia, and explore how today’s designs align with contemporary living.

The Evolution of Australian Fireplace Design

Early Australian homes, particularly those built during the colonial and Federation eras, treated the fireplace as an essential feature. Central hearths, with ornate mantels and brick surrounds, were designed to radiate heat throughout the home.

As construction methods modernised and central heating became commonplace, the fireplace began to loosen its utilitarian grip. By the mid-century modern era, open fireplaces were symbols of sophistication, often placed off-centre or sunken into living spaces as conversational anchors.

Today, a fireplace is less about heat alone and more about its contribution to spatial flow, visual rhythm, and material coherence.

Material & Style Transformations

With changes in architectural and design language came new materials and modes of expression. Heavy brick and carved timber structures gave way to stacked stone, polished concrete, steel, and glass.

Frameless fireboxes, elongated openings, and vertical flues create a sense of continuity. No longer confined to the wall, wood fireplaces and gas fireplaces are now suspended, wrapped in sculptural casing, or tucked elegantly into recesses.

Minimalism & Clean Lines

Clean geometry, subtle detailing, and tonal consistency now define many of today’s most celebrated interiors. In this context, fireplaces are designed to blend in with slim, horizontal structures, seamless joinery, and flush installations.

Cladding materials such as rendered plaster, porcelain slabs, or darkened steel enhance their integration with wall systems and cabinetry. In open-plan interiors, these designs offer a warm and cosy atmosphere without clutter, allowing fire to play a role without demanding attention.

Double-Sided, Suspended & Panoramic Fireplaces

A growing number of architects are treating fireplaces as spatial connectors. Double-sided units allow firelight to spill across zones, bridging lounge and dining spaces or dividing open-plan layouts while maintaining flow.

Suspended fireplaces introduce a dramatic appeal and sculptural impact, while panoramic fireplaces, with glass on three sides, create the illusion of floating flames.

In & Outdoor Integration

With the rise of alfresco living in Australia, many homes now include fireplaces that extend across thresholds. Glass doors slide away, and fire reinforces continuity between transitional spaces. Weather-resistant finishes, clever flue concealment, and seamless flooring transitions allow outdoor fireplaces to echo the home’s interior, perfect for year-round entertaining.

Technology & Sustainability Driving Change

Clean-burning fuels like bioethanol and modern sealed wood fireplaces offer reduced emissions while preserving the experience and beauty of a flame. Meanwhile, electric fireplaces have surged in popularity for their zero-emission and ventless design, especially in high-density settings.

Some fireplaces now include smart controls, with adjustable heat, flame intensity, and timer and scheduling features. This eco-conscious innovation extends to airtight combustion systems, double-glazed glass, and high-output, low-consumption burners, which are now standard features in today’s high-spec homes.

Customisation & Architectural Collaboration

The most compelling fireplaces don’t compete with architecture, they complete it. Increasingly, clients are working alongside architects, builders, and brands like Oblica to create bespoke pieces that are part of the design story.

We introduce elements that make a fireplace an intentional part of your design plan, such as custom finishes and flawless integration with wall systems or storage.

Choosing the Right Fireplace for Your Space

Choosing the right fireplace goes beyond heat to consider scale, placement, use patterns, and how it fits in a home. It’s about finding a piece that complements, anchors, or uplifts a space.

Whether you’re drawn to refined simplicity or natural flame movement, Oblica’s curated selection offers pieces that align with the way you live, and the way you design. Visit our Melbourne or Sydney showroom or speak with our team to find a fireplace that makes your house feel like a home.