Signi Fires: The Silo Fireplace: Centre-Stage Heating for Contemporary Homes

Suspended fireplaces are no longer a novelty; they’ve become a practical and considered choice for homes that value space, atmosphere, and strong design. One that continues to impress is the Silo Suspended Fireplace, made by hand in Cape Town by the skilled team at Signi Fires.

This piece certainly doesn’t fade into the background. Its form and shape create a bold visual anchor wherever it is placed. Installed centrally, the Silo establishes a natural gathering point, providing warmth and structure while conserving valuable floor space. Each unit is crafted individually, with the flue connection and anchor points tailored to your specific room layout.

Standard sizes range from 600mm to 1200mm in diameter, making it a flexible choice whether you’re working with a compact city flat or an expansive double-volume room. The smaller 600 and 900 models are available in gas or bioethanol only, while the larger 1000 and 1200 versions offer a wood-burning option too. Custom sizes can also be made for larger spaces or specific design requirements.

The bioethanol model is particularly useful where flues are not an option. Consider newly-built flats in Sea Point or a heritage home in Houghton. It produces real flame and heat yet does not require a chimney. For houses where a flue can be installed, wood and gas options provide a more traditional fireplace experience, and all models come standard in a matte black finish.

While the Silo makes a strong visual statement, it’s also a reliable heating solution. The canopy base, fire grate, and flue length can all be customised. There’s nothing off-the-shelf here. It’s a handcrafted product that arrives ready to be part of your home’s design language.

I’ve seen the Silo used quite exceptionally. One homeowner installed a 900mm unit in the centre of their open-plan kitchen and lounge area in Pretoria, linking the two spaces effortlessly. A lodge in the Waterberg opted for the 1200mm version to warm their main guest lounge, where it now quietly anchors the room without dominating it.

And on a coastal deck on the Garden Route, a Silo was mounted under cover, positioned as you step out from the lounge, its open flame reflected in the glass doors behind it, the sound of water just beyond. It draws people outside, linking the indoors with the rhythm of the landscape.

This is a local design made for true South African living. It’s practical, beautiful and built to last.

To see the full Silo range, visit www.signifires.com

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