Journal - Patterns for Fire - Page 3 of 3

This is the best place to keep up on our work. our blog includes the latest information from the Firespeaking team and is the best way to stay in touch. You’ll find an in-depth look into our work with masonry heaters and wood-fired ovens. Make sure also to join our mailing list to stay updated.

New approach to masonry heater building!

November 13, 2019 March 20, 2020 / By Max

For the masonry heater we are currently working on, we took a new approach to the design and construction of the core by casting the most complex parts. The goal of this is to simplify both the design and construction process so that we can streamline the process for our own projects as well as produce a viable strategy and parts for other masonry heater builders.

Masonry Heater Clearance to Combustibles

May 9, 2019 March 20, 2020 / By Max

I was invited to examine a masonry heater that was built by another mason in a town one hour north of us. One of the wooden studs immediately behind the heater, in the wall adjoining their bedroom, had been heated to the point that it had at least reached a smoldering point inside the wall….

Outdoor Kitchen Concept

March 20, 2019 March 20, 2020 / By Max

Here’s what we’re working on right now! 🙂

Design Development for a Tulikivi Masonry Heater

December 17, 2018 June 30, 2020 / Leave a Comment / By Max

Designing a masonry heater into a home can be complex. Here is a design chronicle of incorporating a Tulikivi into a floor plan while navigating other important architectural elements such as a staircase, an important structural beam and circulation space on the second floor.

Masonry Heater Staircases

July 2, 2018 June 30, 2020 / Leave a Comment / By Max

Staircases and masonry heaters both provide essential functions yet take up substantial floorspace. Placing a heater near a stair case requires respecting proper clearances to combustibles and can sometimes lead to tricky finish details or awkward spaces. Why not combine these two important functions into one!? Here are some ideas…. All images used with expressed …

Masonry Heater Staircases Read More »

Yakisoba-style Noodles with a Wood-Fired “Wok-et”!

August 14, 2016 July 7, 2021 / By Max

A fun DIY project to take the heat outside and cook delicious food!

Wood-Fired Barrel Oven Video

July 13, 2011 October 29, 2020 / By Eva

High-Speed Video of Barrel Oven being built!
Project was led by Eva Edleson at the Natural Building Extravaganza.

Details of Plumbing for a Thermosiphon Hot Water System

January 28, 2011 October 21, 2020 / Leave a Comment / By Max

The purpose of this article is to share the specifics of one way to plumb a masonry heater to provide hot water for a home. In this project, a stainless steel heat coil in the firebox was connected to a well-insulated water tank above it which then work together through a passive thermosiphoning process to …

Details of Plumbing for a Thermosiphon Hot Water System Read More »

Resources for Domestic Hot Water Systems for Woodstoves and Masonry Heaters

December 15, 2010 June 30, 2020 / Leave a Comment / By Max

This is part of a series of articles on heating hot water with masonry heaters and other wood-fired stoves: See also Details of Plumbing for a Thermasiphon Hot Water System We are currently reading “Handmade Hot Water Systems” by Art Sussman and Richard Frazier. This book has a really down-to-earth late-70’s approach to using your …

Resources for Domestic Hot Water Systems for Woodstoves and Masonry Heaters Read More »

New heaters in the world – a summer update!

August 6, 2010 March 30, 2022 / By Max

This summer has been an exciting time to deepen our craft in masonry heater building. Here, Jerry Frisch of Lopez Quarries and I are standing in front of a heater that I assisted him on in a new house on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. It is a basic Finnish contraflow design …

New heaters in the world – a summer update! Read More »

Journal – Patterns for Fire