Designed by Architects Collaborative. Photo: Ezra Stoller > Designed by Mogens Mogenson for David D. Bohannon Organization. Photo: Fred English

Fireplace acts as a divider, separates living area from hall (above)

Right: Pass-through fireplace forms a semi-open "wall' between two rooms.

and takes on lots of double-duty jobs

As these drawings show, hearth can also be used for extra seating or as a base for built-ins. Often, it has "wings" that hold plant boxes