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Foul Bay Rd. Indoor & Outdoor Fireplace Project
The Foul Bay Rd. fireplace project in Oak Bay, Victoria, was a distinctive custom masonry build completed for a Samuel Maclure–designed home, and it called for a careful balance of design, structure, and craftsmanship. The project involved replacing the existing interior fireplace and designing and building a matching exterior stone fireplace so both features would feel integrated with the character of the home. On a heritage property of this calibre, the masonry had to do more than function well — it had to look and feel like it belonged to the original architecture.
Interior
This project in Oak Bay, Victoria, BC consisted of replacing the current indoor fireplace and designing/building an exterior stone fireplace. The majority of the stone used in this project was local to the property, and the remainder was quarried through K2 Stone in Victoria BC, and Hillside Stone & Garden in Duncan BC.
The interior stone fireplace was built using local blast-rock, most of which was native to the property, and then chiseled to suit. That kind of detail work is part of what makes a custom stone fireplace feel permanent and authentic rather than assembled. The stone hearth and stone mantel were quarried and cut in Port Renfrew, BC, both of which weighed hundreds of pounds.
The biggest challenge was due to the flooring already being newly finished and the sheer weight of the slabs, which made it impossible to utilize a crane or any machinery. With sufficient flooring protection, the slabs were hand-lifted into place.
Exterior
The exterior fireplace was built out of a combination of stone slabs that were also quarried and cut in Port Renfrew, BC, through K2 Stone; Brownstone which is native to Utah, USA and was provided by Hillside Stone & Garden, which was used as the border to the fireplace; and a natural full-bed ledgestone that was also supplied by K2 Stone, which was used in between the slabs and the Brownstone. The shell of the fireplace was constructed out of Cinder Blocks which were then filled with concrete. In order to support the weight of the blocks and the stonework directly above the fireplace, a 1/2" thick sheet of steel was required, and then an additional 4" thick slab of concrete. Please read our blog post on the Building of a Giant Stone Fireplace for more information.
Completion
What makes this project especially interesting is the way the indoor and outdoor fireplaces work together as part of the overall property. Rather than feeling like separate features, they create continuity between the home and the landscape, extending the architectural language of the house into both living spaces. The stone selection, proportions, and detailing all needed to align with the heritage character of the property and the refinement expected in a Samuel Maclure home.
Projects like Foul Bay Rd. demonstrate how masonry can combine structural engineering with design sensibility. A fireplace is often one of the most important focal points in a home, and when it is built well, it becomes part of the way the space is experienced every day. By blending local stone, premium material sourcing, and careful on-site execution, this project delivers both lasting durability and a high-end finish that suits the home’s heritage setting.
If you are planning a custom fireplace project in Victoria, Oak Bay, or elsewhere on Vancouver Island, Lennox Masonry builds indoor and outdoor stone fireplaces that are crafted to suit the property, the architecture, and the way the space will be used. From Samuel Maclure homes and heritage residences to modern outdoor living spaces, we create masonry fireplaces that combine timeless materials, structural integrity, and refined design.
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Contact Information
Contact Information:
Sean Lennox:
778-968-6574
sean@lennoxmasonry.com
Lennox Masonry Ltd.
127 Howe St #3, Victoria, BC, V8V 4K5
Business Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sundays & Holidays: Closed
We typically respond to emails and voice messages within 24 - 48 hours and can schedule site visits within a few days depending on your location.