Fireplace Project

[darkan9el]

Hi all, a lot of the plaster on my fireplace was loose so I knocked it off to see what was underneath. see image.

What I'd like to do is make this into a built-in space; actually a bookcase. I noticed the arched brickwork which if I'm right is a type of lintel. What I wanted though was to make the space bigger than the original fireplace by adding a lintel higher up (see red outlined area on image) and removing the bricks below (highlighted in faded white) so that I can then board the space out and make bookshelves with door fronts to finish.

Is this possible, what lintel do I need and do I need building consent? etc

The house was built in 1938 and is a semi-detached with the chimneys of both houses running up the centre of both houses. The chimney breast is about a third of the size (width wise) upstairs in the bedroom above.

 

[tony1851]

You may find that the brickwork either side of the existing opening is hollow and full of rubble.Once you take out the bricks at the side of the recess, a lot of this rubble may fall out. A builder would construct it this way both to make the chimney breast wider and also to support the upstairs part of the flue. If you are prepared for a bit of replacment brickwork (and mess!) it can be done.
Strictly it would need a Building Regs. application but most people wouldn't bother in this situation.

 

[darkan9el]

Hi thanks for the response, apologies for not replying earlier but I lost broadband for a week so I'm just catching up with my online stuff.

 

[ConcreteDrBill]

Hi

If you have to repoint any existing brickwork, make sure you use a mortar containing sulfate-resisting cement.Often the bricks have abosorbed loads of sulfate salts when the chimney was in use

 

[cotswoldbuilders]

Make sure you fit a vent, to avoid damp/condensation within the flue.
Plus fit a Rain Guard Cowl to vent top of stack.