Fire features and the bioclimatic Pergola: Transforming Garden Design for our climate

IKON Bioclimatic Pergola

The integration of outdoor fireplaces and pergolas into residential gardens is increasingly influencing garden design across the United Kingdom. With growing interest in all-season garden spaces, homeowners are looking to fire features not only for warmth in our variable climate, but also as architectural anchors for outdoor entertainment, dining, and relaxation zones.

As British homeowners expand the concept of outdoor living beyond the occasional summer barbecue, fire elements have become essential design components for many. These features provide structure to open-air environments, allowing for a design that creates a sense of comfort and continuity between indoor and outdoor living.

According to Tony Young, creative director at IKON Pergola and designer of Urban firepits, functionality and layout are key considerations when integrating pergolas, fire pits or fireplaces into an outdoor setting. "The goal is to design around the fire feature, not just to install one. It's not 'copy & paste'. Placement, materials, and scale all matter when building outdoor areas meant for long-term use in our British climate".

A bespoke ceramic Urban fire pit

Fire Pits: Social Hubs for British Gardens

Fire pits are commonly favoured for their versatility and social orientation. They can be square, rectangular, in a wall or even circular - and encourage open seating arrangements providing warmth for multiple guests, making them well-suited for casual gatherings. These installations are usually gas-powered for convenience or wood-burning for a more rustic atmosphere where local rules allow. Material selections range from cast concrete to natural stone or ceramics, depending on the desired aesthetic and compatibility with surrounding surfaces.

The perfact social environment

Outdoor Fireplaces: Adding Structure and Shelter

Outdoor fireplaces or wall fires by contrast, provide a more vertical structure and can act as a visual backdrop or divider in an open garden. Built-in fireboxes offer opportunities to incorporate adjacent seating walls, built-in storage, or even an integrated outdoor TV for all-season use. While they may take up more space and may also require additional planning for building regulations compliance if woodburning, they offer a strong architectural presence and wind protection - benefits that enhance usability in Britain's often wet and windy conditions.

An Urban Signature firebox and gas burner completes this space.

The Perfect Pairing: Outdoor Fireplaces and Bioclimatic Pergolas

For those seeking truly year-round outdoor entertaining spaces in the sometimes challenging British climate, combining an outdoor fireplace with a bioclimatic pergola can create the ultimate solution. This powerful pairing addresses virtually all weather-related limitations that typically restrict garden use in the UK.

Bioclimatic pergolas - featuring adjustable louvred roofs, optional side screens and integrated lighting and heating systems - will provide adaptable shelter that can be modified according to weather conditions. When paired with an outdoor fireplace, they create an effective microclimate management system for your garden entertaining area. Take safety advice from a professional when installing and using a fireplace in a constrained location.

During winter months, the pergola's louvres can be closed to retain heat from the fireplace while providing protection from rain and wind. Side screens or sliding glass doors further contain warmth while maintaining garden views. The fireplace supplies both radiant heat and the psychological comfort of visible flames, making even a December gathering feel cosy and inviting.

During the transition of the seasons - spring and autumn - when British weather can sometimes be notoriously unpredictable, the combination offers maximum flexibility. The pergola can be partially opened to allow air circulation, while the fireplace takes the edge off the typical evening chills. This extends the comfortable use of garden spaces by several months at each end of the traditional outdoor season.

The garden furniture and Cubic kitchen are protected from the sun by this pergola.

Even in summer, this combination proves valuable. The pergola provides essential shade during hot days, while the fireplace can be used in the evening when temperatures drop, or simply enjoyed as an attractive focal point when not in use.

"We've seen a 51% increase in clients requesting this specific combination this year alone. The investment delivers exceptional value in terms of usable days per year. Homeowners who install both elements typically report using their outdoor space more than three times as frequently throughout the year compared to those with uncovered areas," said Tony.

The integration of an outdoor kitchen and perhaps smart home technology with either or both elements can further enhance functionality and excitement. Automated sensors will adjust pergola louvres and sidescreens based on weather conditions, while remote-controlled gas fireplaces can be ignited minutes before heading outdoors using an app or home automation. "This convenience factor significantly increases spontaneous use of the space. From a design perspective, the fireplace and pergola create a defined 'outdoor room' with an architectural presence. This psychologically extends the living space of the home, making the garden feel like a true extension of interior spaces rather than a separate entity", said Tony.

Safety and Regulations in the UK Context

Both fire pits and fireplaces require careful attention to safety regulations, drainage and ventilation requirements. Gas products should be CE/UKCA certified. Local building regulations may define minimum distances from combustible structures, overhangs and property boundaries. In Britain, the prevailing wind direction, seasonal rainfall, and garden topography may also influence type and placement decisions.

Material selection plays a dual role in aesthetics and function. Heat-resistant materials are common components in both fire pits and wall fires. For wall fires, structural finishes, such as stone, render, or even reclaimed brick are chosen, based on a visual cohesion to complement the designer's scheme.

Integrate an Urban gas fireplace into the design of a pergola or garden room

Planning Considerations for British Gardens

From a planning standpoint, integrating a fire feature early in the garden design process is ideal. Early consideration allows for proper location of gas lines, the 240v supply, drainage accommodations (particularly important in our rainy climate) and the coordination of lighting or audio features around the space. Late-stage additions may require surface demolition or structural modification, adding cost and complexity to the project.

A balanced approach allows the fire feature to function as a centrepiece without interfering with movement, airflow, or adjacent features such as outdoor kitchens, barbecues, hot tubs, seating or dining areas.

Designing gardens with fire elements is no longer an afterthought - it's part of the core strategy for extending the British outdoor season, such features aren't just functional. They bring visual balance, warmth, and purpose to otherwise open or underused areas, especially during spring and autumn when temperatures are moderate but evenings are chilly."

Garden lighting is everything. Make it better with an Urban wall fire.

Practical Considerations for the British Climate

Lighting design also plays a role in the effectiveness of outdoor installations. Soft, indirect lighting near the fireplace helps maintain ambiance without overwhelming the natural glow of the flame. In larger gardens, path lighting and accent fixtures will guide movement and support safety during darker winter evenings.

Maintenance considerations should also be addressed early in the design. Gas fire pits may require annual inspection of valves and burners, while wood-burning installations may need ash removal and spark guard replacement. Drainage beneath the unit is essential in the UK climate to prevent pooling and material degradation during frequent rainfall. A weathercover is ideal and should be used whenever the firepace is not in use.

As climate change and lifestyle trends continue to influence outdoor living expectations, the demand for bespoke, integrated fire features is expected to grow across Britain. Fire pits and wall fires are no longer limited to luxury projects; they now serve as practical, functional design features in outdoor spaces of all sizes.

For homeowners and garden designers exploring new ways to extend the comfort and usability of their garden spaces throughout the year, fire features offer a clear point of convergence - where atmosphere, warmth and gathering naturally come together, even in our changeable climate.