Tulisija

Tulisija is Finnish for a fireplace or hearth—the part of a building where a fire is kept to provide heat. The term comes from tuli, fire, and sijä or sija, place. In architectural terms, tulisija denotes the hearth area, including the firebox and the surrounding noncombustible material such as brick, stone, or metal, and is typically integrated into a wall with a chimney or flue to vent combustion gases.

In modern homes tulisija can take several forms: a traditional masonry fireplace, a factory-built prefabricated fireplace, or a wood- or gas-burning insert that sits within a hearth. Electric fireplaces are common in everyday language as well, though they do not burn fuel and thus function differently. The tulisija often features a mantel or surround and may be paired with a seating area to serve as a social focal point in living spaces.

Safety and regulation are important for tulisija design. Codes specify clearances from combustibles, dimensions of the hearth, and proper ventilation. The hearth pad typically extends beyond the opening to protect the floor. Regular maintenance—such as cleaning ashes and inspecting or cleaning the chimney—helps prevent chimney fires and other hazards.

Historically, tulisija provided both heating and, in some contexts, cooking in Finnish homes. Today it is commonly valued for ambiance and supplemental warmth rather than primary heating in many regions. See also: fireplace, hearth, chimney, flue.