Need Advice on Fireplace Options for New Construction

[CGarciaNM]

Hi all, new member here and I'm looking for some advice on a fireplace for a new 3000sqft home we are building here in central New Mexico. While the weather here is pretty moderate, we are about a mile high in elevation and do see single digits and low teens in the winter time so heat output is very important to us. We had thought of going with a wood stove, but decided we preferred a traditional mantel and hearth. I've been researching a bit but I'm winding up with more questions than answers, main question being does the fireplace need to be against an exterior wall? Our location is currently in a corner of two interior walls in our living room. Fireplace Xtrordinaire looks to have great options but the seem to require a lot of intake ductwork to the exterior of the house, I've also checked ou the Osburn Horizon but am concerned about availability with the current tariffs. Any advice or help that you all can offer would be great! I've attached pictures to help show what our layout and current hearth framing look like. Thanks!

 

[begreen]

The fireplace does not need to be on an exterior wall. Interior is usually preferable for more even heat distribution. The complication is supplying outside air. This is important, especially in a new, tightly-sealed home. Is the house on a slab or is there a basement below?

FPX is a good brand. The Pacific Energy FP30 is popular, but with a stronger focus on heating with N/S loading and a bit smaller window. RSF and Northstar also have options.

 

[CGarciaNM]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll check those out as well. The house is slab on grade. What is N/S loading?