SpotixPro Project Spotlight: Custom Fire Features for Shoreline Inn

Custom commercial fire features require more than selecting a burner and building an enclosure. Contractors must coordinate fuel supply, electrical requirements, ignition controls, ventilation, drainage, clearances, environmental exposure, and future service access before construction is complete. When Madrone Landscapes designed a new beachfront terrace for Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, California, some gas infrastructure was already in place, making product compatibility and technical planning especially important.

Shoreline Inn is a family-owned beachfront hotel overlooking Cayucos Bay and the Pacific Ocean. For this project, Daniel Mazawa of Madrone Landscapes was brought in to help transform the property's outdoor area into a more functional hospitality space with designated areas for gathering, dining, and relaxing near the water.

The project included three custom gas fire features integrated into the larger landscape design. SpotixPro supported the project by helping the team evaluate the technical requirements, work within existing site conditions, and identify ignition systems that aligned with the commercial application.

Project Overview

Defining the Commercial Fire Feature Scope

The goal for the Shoreline Inn terrace was to create an outdoor destination within the property. The hotel wanted a space where guests could gather, dine, enjoy the ocean views, and remain comfortable outside later in the day and throughout more of the year.

For Madrone Landscapes, the design challenge extended beyond aesthetics. The terrace needed to support frequent hospitality use while maintaining clear circulation routes, comfortable seating areas, and unobstructed views of the coastline.

The three custom fire features were planned as architectural elements within the broader landscape design. Each feature needed to contribute warmth and atmosphere without interrupting guest movement or making the terrace feel overcrowded.

From a contractor's perspective, custom fire features also introduce several technical requirements that must be coordinated with the surrounding construction. These may include:

• Available fuel type and gas pressure
• Gas-line size and total run length
• Required burner input
• Ignition-system compatibility
• Electrical access for electronic controls
• Enclosure ventilation and drainage
• Clearances from combustibles and seating
• Access for inspection, maintenance, and repair
• Environmental exposure and wind conditions

Addressing these requirements early can reduce the risk of late-stage changes after hardscape, utility rough-ins, or enclosure construction are already complete.

Working Around Existing Gas Infrastructure

One of the most important project constraints was that portions of the gas infrastructure had already been installed before the final fire feature system was selected. That meant the project team could not approach the fire features as if every utility decision were still open.

Existing site conditions can significantly affect which burners, ignition systems, and control options are appropriate. Contractors may need to confirm whether the available gas supply can support the intended burner input and whether the installed lines align with the selected equipment's requirements.

Important questions may include:

• Is the existing fuel supply natural gas or propane?
• What gas pressure is available at the appliance location?
• What is the line diameter and total run length?
• Are other appliances connected to the same supply?
• What is the required BTU input for each fire feature?
• Does the selected ignition system require electrical power?
• Can controls and service components remain accessible after construction?

Because gas-line capacity depends on several project-specific factors, contractors should verify sizing and installation requirements using current manufacturer documentation, applicable fuel-gas standards, and local code requirements. A product specialist can help identify equipment requirements, but final system design and installation should be completed by qualified professionals familiar with the jobsite conditions.

For the Shoreline Inn project, SpotixPro helped the team evaluate the available options within the limits of the existing infrastructure rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all solution.

Selecting an Ignition System for Commercial Use

Ignition-system selection is a critical part of any custom gas fire feature, especially in a hospitality environment where the equipment may be operated frequently and by property staff rather than a single homeowner.

A commercial application may require contractors to consider:

• Reliable repeated operation
• Ease of use for property staff
• Compatibility with the selected burner and fuel supply
• Electrical and control requirements
• Available safety and flame-monitoring functions
• Weather exposure
• Access for maintenance and troubleshooting
• Manufacturer requirements for enclosure design and component placement

Lucas, a Spotix Product Specialist, reviewed the project requirements and helped identify Fire by Design AWEIS ignition systems as the appropriate solution for the three custom fire features.

The recommendation was based on the intended commercial use, the custom nature of the installation, and the need to coordinate the ignition components with the project's existing conditions.

For contractors, the ignition system should never be selected independently from the burner, gas supply, enclosure, electrical service, controls, and maintenance plan. These elements function as one coordinated system, and compatibility should be confirmed before ordering or fabrication begins.

“We selected the AWEIS ignition systems, and everything works perfectly.”

Coordinating Fire Features With the Landscape Design

The fire features needed to function as part of the terrace rather than appear as isolated equipment placed into the finished space. Madrone Landscapes divided the area into purposeful zones for gathering, dining, circulation, and enjoying the ocean views.

For contractors and designers, fire feature placement can affect several parts of the project:

• Guest circulation and accessible routes
• Seating distances and required clearances
• Gas and electrical routing
• Exposure to prevailing winds
• Visibility from guest rooms and shared spaces
• Enclosure ventilation and drainage
• Future access to valves, controls, and ignition components

The curved hardscape transitions, planting areas, and varied seating arrangements helped create separation between uses without making the terrace feel divided. Guests could move naturally between dining and gathering areas while the fire features created clear focal points within the space.

When fire features are integrated into a commercial landscape plan, the most successful layouts balance the visual design with operational needs. The enclosure may need to accommodate technical components that remain accessible without disrupting the finished appearance.

Planning Fire Features for Coastal Exposure

Coastal installations require additional planning because salt air, moisture, wind, and changing weather conditions can affect exposed materials and mechanical components over time.

Contractors working near the ocean should evaluate:

• Material suitability for the installation environment
• Potential corrosion exposure
• Protection for controls, connections, and electrical components
• Wind direction and its effect on flame performance
• Drainage and water-intrusion risks
• Access for routine inspection and maintenance
• Manufacturer maintenance recommendations

No outdoor gas fire feature should be described as maintenance-free, particularly in a demanding coastal environment. Even products manufactured with durable materials may require regular cleaning, inspection, and service based on exposure and usage.

Wind is another important consideration. A beachfront location may experience frequent or shifting airflow that can affect flame appearance and operation. Contractors should review manufacturer guidance for wind conditions and avoid assuming that a larger burner alone will resolve performance concerns.

Enclosure design also matters. Proper drainage can help prevent water from collecting around burner pans, ignition components, or gas connections. Service panels should be positioned so technicians can inspect and access key components without dismantling finished hardscape.

How SpotixPro Supported the Project Team

SpotixPro was brought into the Shoreline Inn project to support the technical product-selection process. The goal was not simply to sell individual components, but to help the project team identify a system that aligned with the site's existing utilities, intended use, and custom design.

Support for the project included:

• Reviewing the planned commercial fire feature scope
• Discussing existing site and utility conditions
• Comparing ignition-system options
• Identifying Fire by Design AWEIS systems for the application
• Helping the project team consider system compatibility
• Providing a knowledgeable contact during product selection

For contractors, having access to a product specialist can reduce the amount of time spent sorting through equipment that may not fit the project. It can also help surface questions about utilities, controls, enclosure design, and serviceability before the components are ordered.

SpotixPro works with landscape contractors, builders, designers, installers, hospitality teams, and other trade professionals across a wide range of custom outdoor living projects. Each installation still requires review by qualified professionals and compliance with manufacturer instructions and local requirements, but expert product support can make the selection and planning process more efficient.

Contractor Checklist for Custom Commercial Fire Features

Before finalizing a custom commercial fire feature, contractors should confirm the following project details:

• Fuel type: Confirm whether the installation will use natural gas or propane.
• Gas supply: Verify available pressure, line size, run length, and connected appliance load.
• Burner requirements: Review input rating, pan size, clearances, and enclosure specifications.
• Ignition compatibility: Confirm that the ignition system is approved for the selected burner and installation type.
• Electrical requirements: Plan power supply, controls, wiring routes, and disconnect access where required.
• Ventilation: Include enclosure ventilation in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable requirements.
• Drainage: Provide a path for water to exit the enclosure and burner area.
• Clearances: Maintain required distances from combustible materials, seating, structures, and landscaping.
• Wind exposure: Evaluate prevailing airflow and site-specific performance concerns.
• Service access: Provide access to valves, controls, ignition components, and gas connections.
• Operating plan: Consider who will operate the system and how staff will shut it down or respond to an issue.
• Documentation: Keep current product manuals, wiring diagrams, and installation instructions available to the project team.

Final requirements vary by product and jurisdiction. Contractors should always follow current manufacturer instructions and coordinate with licensed trade professionals and local authorities where required.

Supporting Hospitality Use and Guest Comfort

Although the SpotixPro role centered on technical component support, the finished fire features also served a larger operational goal for the property.

Fire features can help hospitality properties extend the usable hours of an outdoor space by creating comfortable gathering points after temperatures begin to fall. They can also encourage guests to remain on the property longer by providing a destination for evening conversation, drinks, or quiet relaxation.

At Shoreline Inn, the three fire features help organize the terrace into inviting gathering areas without competing with the coastal views. Their placement supports multiple guest experiences throughout the day, including morning coffee, afternoon socializing, and evening seating near the fire.

For commercial properties, this means outdoor amenities can contribute to both the guest experience and the practical value of the available square footage. However, the visual result depends on careful planning behind the scenes. Reliable operation, safe clearances, accessible controls, and long-term serviceability are all essential to keeping the space functional.

The Finished Shoreline Inn Terrace

The completed Shoreline Inn terrace combines three custom gas fire features with curved hardscape, integrated planting areas, dining surfaces, flexible seating, and panoramic Pacific Ocean views.

Each fire feature serves as a focal point within the larger landscape design while helping define separate gathering zones. The result is a commercial outdoor space that feels open and connected but still gives guests multiple ways to use the terrace.

For Madrone Landscapes, the project required balancing the property's design goals with existing utilities and the demands of a coastal hospitality setting. SpotixPro supported the process by helping identify ignition systems suited to the project's technical requirements.

Contractor Takeaways From the Shoreline Inn Project

Finalize the fire feature system before utility rough-in whenever possible. Burner input, ignition requirements, controls, and electrical needs can influence the gas and power infrastructure.

Treat the installation as one coordinated system. The burner, ignition system, controls, enclosure, gas supply, electrical service, ventilation, and drainage must work together.

Review existing conditions before selecting components. Previously installed gas lines or electrical infrastructure may limit available equipment options.

Plan for the environment. Coastal exposure, wind, moisture, and salt air may affect material selection, component protection, and maintenance needs.

Include service access in the finished design. Valves, ignition controls, electrical connections, and other components should remain accessible after the enclosure is complete.

Coordinate fire features with circulation and seating. Commercial installations need to support guest movement while maintaining required clearances.

Use technical product support when the project is complex. A knowledgeable product specialist can help contractors compare systems and identify compatibility questions before ordering.

Technical Coordination Behind a Successful Commercial Installation

The Shoreline Inn project demonstrates how early technical coordination can help contractors integrate custom fire features into an existing commercial landscape plan.

By reviewing the site's existing infrastructure, commercial operating needs, environmental conditions, and custom design, Madrone Landscapes and SpotixPro were able to identify ignition systems that supported the larger project vision.

The finished terrace delivers the welcoming atmosphere expected from a beachfront hospitality property, but its success also depends on the planning behind the visible design. Product compatibility, utility coordination, environmental exposure, and future service access all contributed to the final result.

Need Technical Support for a Custom Fire Feature?

SpotixPro works with contractors, landscape professionals, builders, designers, installers, and hospitality teams to help identify burners, ignition systems, controls, and related components for custom fire feature installations.

Whether your project involves existing gas infrastructure, coastal exposure, a custom enclosure, or a commercial operating environment, our Pro team can help you compare product options and identify important technical considerations before ordering.

Learn more about SpotixPro or contact our team to discuss your next custom fire feature project.