I like both of these glass options. the one on the left only the lower piece needs to be tempered (less expensive). The one on the right needs to be all tempered.
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Windows "almost" floor to ceiling. What 8"-12" above glass would look like
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same fire pit concept but open on one side.
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I also like the idea of a sunken fire pit. Perhaps built into a slop and open on a side. The idea is sort of considering your idea of a sunken ceremonial space. You could even get a little crazy and develop some way of covering this with a pyramid teepee structure (sweat lodge-e)
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just to see how openings frame view. I do not like the arch though.
ceiling chaise over counter
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