Case Study
Featured Flames
Sculpted Fire, Inspired by the Islands
When our clients relocated from Hawaii to Virginia, they wanted their new home to carry the same sense of warmth, energy, and natural beauty they’d loved on the islands. To them, fire wasn’t just a feature—it was a symbol. In Hawaiian culture, flame represents energy, gathering, and celebration; it marks moments that bring people together.
So when they envisioned their dream backyard, they imagined a space shaped by movement and flow, where fire and water could coexist in perfect harmony. They wanted something dramatic yet organic—an expression of their story, rooted in place and culture.
Designing with Flow and Intention
From the very beginning, one thing guided every decision: no straight lines. The design of the entire backyard—from the pool and spa to the three-tiered hardscape—was built around graceful curves that encourage the eye (and the body) to move effortlessly through the space.
Carrying that same philosophy into the fire features was essential. The flames themselves would echo the organic rhythm of the space, flowing along sinuous lines that mirror the pool and terraces.
The homeowners initially considered standard options—linear fire pits, circular bowls—but ultimately chose something entirely custom: curved burners sculpted specifically for their space. Once they saw the concept, there was no going back.
A Natural Extension of the Landscape
Rather than standing apart, the fire features were designed to blend seamlessly into the environment. By integrating them into the retaining wall system—a necessary structural element for the property’s slope—each flame became part of the landscape itself.
The curved burners are framed by ProVia cast veneer, visually tying them to the home’s foundation, while matching coping caps from the pool and spa extend the same tones across the hardscape. Even the placement of natural boulders was deliberate, inspired by Hawaii’s volcanic terrain and rugged mountains. The result is a landscape alive with energy, where fire appears to rise directly from stone.
Fire That Enhances, Not Overpowers
Our goal was never to create a spectacle for its own sake. We wanted these features to be striking yet harmonious—to enhance the space without overwhelming it.
By shaping the burners to follow the exact curves of the pool and patio, the flames feel like an extension of the design rather than a separate installation. Their movement complements the flowing water and lush plantings, creating a dynamic visual rhythm that changes with every perspective.
The result is balance—a perfect marriage of fire, water, stone, and light.
Crafted for Performance and Precision
Every element of these fire features was custom engineered for reliability, safety, and durability:
- Custom brass burners designed and fabricated by Warming Trends—a 240 BTU and a 380 BTU curved model—provide powerful, consistent flame performance.
- Keyed gas valves ensure safe, simple operation.
- Remote ignition offers effortless on/off control.
- Custom steel trays and covers were templated after the masonry was complete, guaranteeing an exact fit along every curve.
Each burner system was templated much like a countertop, then installed within the masonry walls using hidden brackets for a flawless finish. The result is craftsmanship that’s invisible but unmistakable—fire features that feel as natural as the stone that surrounds them.
Custom Steel Covers
Keyed Gas Valves
Custom Steel Trays & Covers
Building with Care
Behind the artistry lies true construction discipline. The retaining walls and fire elements were built to last, with frost-proof foundations, block cores, drainage backfill, and full waterproofing. Gas lines were integrated during trenching for the pool, a hallmark of Outdoor Dreams’ turnkey coordination.
This level of precision ensured not just beauty but reliability—a hallmark of Outdoor Dreams’ craftsmanship.
Where Culture Meets Craftsmanship
“Featured Flames” isn’t just a name; it’s the story of how art, engineering, and heritage can come together in one unforgettable feature.
For these homeowners, the fire features do more than provide warmth, they celebrate culture and connection. They bring people together. They honor where the family came from while transforming their new Virginia home into a place of joy and gathering.
Award-Winning Project
Cascading Curves in Chesterfield
Merit Award – Interior/Exterior Element (PRO Central Virginia Remodeler of the Year Awards)