Definitely not an off-the-shelf item. That's also essentially a load bearing wall supporting the roof. You don't need just a skilled mason...you need an architect and/or a structural engineer.

Thanks for your input! I will chat with the architect who designed for us and see if its something we can add in to our plans.

If any other questions or ideas arise, your architect is a good place to start.

kate, have you clicked the link on the photo in your post? The photographer has replied to other inquired about the fireplace and provided some info on the builder and architect along with phone and email info.

That is going to carry a pretty darn hefty price tag since it's load bearing masonry. Just research what an actual masonry fireplace runs these days and double it.

Well...it's certainly a very pretty picture. But I'm not at all sure it's functional.

First, you have an open double-sided fireplace.

Second, it's outdoors, where there are variable winds, both in terms of direction and intensity.

Third, on the other side of this pretty picture has to be a chimney, which may or may not draw the smoke up and away because of Point No. 2.

Fourth, if and when the chimney, unseen, doesn't draw away the smoke from those sitting in the lovely teak chairs, enjoying their Mint Julips each evening, the smoke will be blown by prevailing winds into the Julip bowl and all of the lovely cheese and cracker munchies on the center table.

This will be very expensive, as others have suggested. Be sure you want to invest in potentially smoke cured cheese and crackers...

I agree with above concerns but at least most trouble is outside of the home. If one must include a fireplace in their build, this makes much more sense than inside.

As for spending all that space and money for a non functional gas appliance, maybe not so much.

Sequence would probably go gas rough in, mason, fireplace kit installer, mason. I'm doubtful that thing has a chimney if it's a gas only fireplace. A wood burner would turn that pretty white stonework dirty in a hurry. Gas probably will too if its used much.

kate, some quick Googling led me to Cal Flame's outdoor fireplaces,

http://calflamebbq.com/fireplaces-and-firepits/fireplaces/

They're not cheap, but definitely cheaper than something custom, and not double, but then you avoid all the disadvantages (smoke, etc). Might be worth a look, and to see if there are any distributors in your area where you could see one in action.