Exploring Isokern’s Range of Gathers and Firechests for Superior Chimney Solutions
Exploring Isokern’s Range of Gathers and Firechests for Superior Chimney Solutions
When building a safe, efficient, and visually appealing indoor fireplace, choosing the right components is essential. Isokern, a trusted name in chimney and fireplace solutions manufactured by Schiedel, offers a range of high-quality products crafted from volcanic pumice and reinforced concrete. These components ensure durability, insulation, and compliance with UK Building Regulations Document J. In this blog, we explore Isokern’s Concrete Gathers, Pumice Gathers, Manor Gathers, and Firechests, detailing their unique benefits and compatibility with liner systems.
Isokern Concrete Gathers are robust components designed for open fire installations, providing a solid foundation for chimney liners. Constructed from re-bar reinforced concrete, these gathers support the weight of the liner and light expanded clay aggregate, ensuring structural stability for long-term use. Available in multiple models, they cater to various fireplace opening sizes and flue requirements, making them a versatile choice for traditional fireplace designs.
Designed for smaller fireplaces, the C16 supports a 600mm wide opening with a 350mm depth and accommodates flue sizes of 200mm or 225mm (8” or 9”). Its compact design makes it ideal for modest living spaces where space is at a premium, yet it maintains robust performance. The re-bar reinforced concrete ensures durability, supporting the chimney load while complying with regulations requiring a minimum flue cross-section of 15% of the fireplace opening. This model is perfect for open gas or solid fuel fires in smaller homes.
Suitable Liners / Systems: Compatible with Isokern’s pumice liner systems and DM system, best paired with Isokern’s rigid liners for a seamless setup.
The C17 is tailored for medium-sized fireplaces, supporting an 800mm wide opening with a 450mm depth and a 250mm (10”) flue size. This model strikes a balance between size and performance, making it suitable for family homes or larger living areas. Its reinforced concrete construction provides exceptional strength, and it can be paired with lintels to expand chamber size, offering flexibility for varied fireplace designs.
Suitable Liners / Systems: Compatible with Isokern’s pumice liner systems and DM system, best paired with Isokern’s rigid liners for a seamless setup.
Built for larger open fires, the C18 supports an 800mm wide opening with a 450mm depth and a 300mm (12”) flue size. This model is ideal for spacious rooms or statement fireplaces, delivering robust support for larger chimney systems. Its compliance with Document J ensures safe and efficient operation, while its durability makes it a reliable choice for heavy-duty installations.
Suitable Liners / Systems: Compatible with Isokern’s pumice liner systems and DM system, best paired with Isokern’s rigid liners for a seamless setup.
Isokern Pumice Gathers offer a lightweight, highly insulating solution for chimney systems, crafted from volcanic pumice sourced from Iceland’s Hekla Volcano. Designed for use with Isokern’s liner or double module system, these gathers are perfect for modern fireplaces prioritising efficiency and ease of installation. Tailored for chambers up to 690mm wide, they suit compact to medium-sized fireplaces, with interlocking components sealed with lip glue for a secure structure.
The DM44 Pumice Gather is engineered for chambers up to 690mm wide, making it perfect for smaller to medium indoor fireplaces. Its lightweight pumice construction simplifies installation, reducing labour costs, while its superior insulation ensures flue gases reach optimal temperatures quickly, enhancing efficiency and minimising soot build-up. The interlocking design, sealed with lip glue, creates a robust structure that integrates seamlessly with Isokern’s DM system, offering a high-performing solution for modern homes. This gather is ideal for those seeking a balance of efficiency, ease of assembly, and aesthetic appeal.
Suitable Liners: Specifically designed for Isokern’s pumice double module (DM) chimney system, ensuring a cohesive and efficient setup.
Isokern Manor Gathers
Isokern Manor Gathers are premium fireplace gather hoods crafted from volcanic pumice, blending functionality with aesthetic elegance. Designed for larger, statement-making fireplaces, they are available in two sizes with centre or offset flue holes, offering flexibility for various chimney designs. These gathers enhance both performance and visual appeal, making them ideal for upscale indoor fireplace projects.
With an internal width of 933mm and a 350mm internal diameter centre flue hole, the Manor Gather 900 is perfect for large fireplaces in spacious living areas. Its pumice construction ensures excellent insulation, keeping flue gases warm and reducing energy loss. The elegant design serves as a focal point, while its lightweight nature simplifies installation. This model requires lip glue for assembly (not included) and is ideal for creating a sophisticated fireplace.
Suitable Flue or Chimney System: Designed for Isokern’s pumice chimney systems, particularly the DM54 system.
Featuring the same 933mm internal width and 350mm flue hole as the centre model, the offset configuration allows for customised chimney alignments. Its insulating pumice material enhances fireplace efficiency, while the offset flue hole accommodates unique architectural designs. This model is perfect for homeowners seeking a blend of performance and bespoke aesthetics.
Suitable Flue or Chimney System: Designed for Isokern’s pumice chimney systems, particularly the DM54 system.
With an internal width of 1191mm and a 350mm centre flue hole, this model is tailored for grand fireplaces in premium homes or commercial spaces. Its superior insulation and rapid warm-up properties improve performance, while the robust pumice construction supports larger chimney systems. The elegant design makes it a standout choice for expansive installations.
Suitable Flue or Chimney System: Designed for Isokern’s pumice chimney systems, particularly the DM54 system.
The 1150 offset model, with a 1191mm internal width and 350mm flue hole, offers flexibility for larger fireplaces with non-standard chimney alignments. Its pumice construction ensures efficient heat retention, while the offset flue hole supports creative fireplace designs. This model combines sophistication with practicality for high-end projects.
Suitable Liners: Compatible with Isokern’s pumice liners and double module systems.
Explore at Manor Gather 1150 Offset.
Isokern Magnum Firechests are modular stove systems designed to simplify open fire construction, offering a complete solution for indoor fireplaces. Cast from lightweight, highly insulating pumice, they interlock like a three-dimensional jigsaw, making assembly quick and straightforward. Available in four models with fire openings from 500mm to 1200mm, they include a flue damper for enhanced efficiency and are tested to EN13229 standards.
With a 500mm wide fire opening, this compact model is ideal for smaller rooms or minimalist designs. Its load-bearing structure supports up to 2600kg of chimney above, and the included flue damper minimises heat loss when the fire is not in use, improving energy efficiency. The pumice construction, with included 25mm and 50mm fire bricks and mortar, allows assembly in under an hour, making it a cost-effective choice for small open fires. This model is perfect for cosy spaces seeking efficient wood-burning performance.
Suitable Liners: Integrates with Isokern’s pumice chimney systems, particularly the double module system.
The 950mm wide fire opening caters to larger fireplaces, ideal for spacious living areas. Its robust design supports heavy chimney loads, and the flue damper enhances energy efficiency, potentially halving the SAP rating for solid fuel fires. The modular pumice construction, with optional 25mm and 50mm fire bricks and mortar, ensures rapid assembly and efficiencies of 41–45%. This model balances size and functionality for family homes or larger lounges.
Suitable Liners: Compatible with Isokern’s pumice chimney systems, particularly the double module system.
Explore at Magnum Firechest 950.
With an 1100mm wide fire opening, this model is designed for expansive fireplaces in premium homes or commercial spaces. Its load-bearing structure and high insulation properties support substantial chimney loads, while the flue damper ensures energy efficiency. The interlocking components allow for quick assembly, making it a practical choice for large-scale projects. This firechest offers a robust and efficient solution for statement fireplaces.
Suitable Liners: Works best with Isokern’s pumice chimney systems, particularly the double module system.
Explore at Magnum Firechest 1100.
Featuring a 1200mm wide fire opening, this model is tailored for grand, statement-making fireplaces. Its load-bearing structure supports up to 2600kg of chimney above (additional lintels required for heavier loads), and the flue damper enhances energy efficiency. The modular design, with efficiencies of 41–45%, simplifies construction, making it a top choice for premium open fire projects.
Suitable Liners: Works best with Isokern’s pumice chimney systems, particularly the double module system.
Explore at Magnum Firechest 1200.
Why Choose Isokern?
Isokern products, crafted from volcanic pumice sourced from Iceland’s Hekla Volcano, offer unmatched insulation properties, allowing flue gases to reach optimal temperatures quickly, enhancing fireplace performance, and reducing condensation and soot build-up. Combined with reinforced concrete options, Isokern’s range ensures durability, safety, and compliance with UK regulations. These components are ideal for creating efficient and stylish indoor fireplaces, whether for traditional open fires or modern designs.
Installation Considerations
To maximise the benefits of these products, ensure proper installation:- Foundation: Build on a 125mm reinforced concrete constructional hearth, as per Document J.
- Flue Sizing: Maintain a flue cross-section of at least 15% of the fireplace opening for open fires to prevent spillage (non firechest installations).
- Sealing: Use Isokern’s lip glue (2–3mm thick) for secure joints, ensuring airtight connections. The Magnum Firechest 500 includes two bags of lip glue, while others require separate purchase.
- Insulation: Use light expanded clay aggregate (minimum 15mm thickness) between liners and masonry for optimal insulation, this is not required with DM systems.
- Testing: Conduct a smoke test post-installation to verify flue performance and integrity.
- Flue Height: Ensure a minimum flue height of 4.5m above the fireplace opening for optimal draft.
- For detailed guidance, consult Schiedel’s installation resources or contact a professional installer.
My Conclusion
Isokern’s Concrete Gathers, Pumice Gathers, Manor Gathers, and Firechests offer tailored solutions for indoor fireplace and chimney projects. From the robust strength of concrete gathers to the insulating efficiency of pumice-based components, each model is designed to enhance safety, performance, and aesthetics. By selecting the right component for your fireplace size and design, you can create a stunning and efficient heating solution. Visit Stove Saver to explore these products and elevate your fireplace project with Isokern’s trusted quality.