What is a smuiger (Zaan hooded fireplace)?
A smuiger (also smuigerd) is a wide, deep hooded fireplace from the Zaan region north of Amsterdam, often tiled up to the ceiling with tiles showing biblical scenes. At the top it has a forward-curving hood, called the kuif, designed to direct as much heat as possible into the room and keep it there. The smuiger belongs to the traditional Zaan timber-house tradition.
Features
- Kuif (hood). The curved upper part above the hearth catches the rising heat and directs it into the room.
- Tiles. Usually Dutch Bible tiles, copied from illustrated Bibles such as the work of Pieter Hendriksz Schut and Jan Luiken. Landscapes, flowers, animals and birds also appear.
- Fireback. When fires were still lit on the floor, a cast-iron fireback stood behind the fire to protect the tiles and masonry from heat and radiate warmth back into the room.
- Hearth plate. An iron floor plate in front of the fire, also used to warm the feet.
Purpose
A smuiger was meant to store the heat of the fire, stove and flue and release it into the room, and to improve the draught in the chimney. The name comes from the Dutch verb smuigen: to smoke or smoulder.
Application
- Inspect before use. Have the flue and chimney checked and swept by a professional before lighting a fire or connecting a stove.
- Keep the tiles. Do not simply replace loose tiles with new ones; have them reset by a restorer experienced with historic tiles.
- Check listed status. Alterations to a smuiger in a listed building usually need consent.
- Fitting a stove. Use a suitable flue liner and follow the stove manufacturer’s instructions.
- Record first. Photograph and number tiles before anything is dismantled.
Common mistake: repairing historic tiling and masonry with hard cement mortar, which can damage the old materials.
Related terms
- Open fireplace
- Chimney
- Chimney flue pipe
- Hearth niche
- Chimney niche
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