Here are images of the finished masonry heater, along with images of the space before the renovation.  The new masonry heater is built to replace an existing woodburning fireplace.  In the new design, the firebox of the masonry heater faces the living room, and the opposite side has a bread oven that faces into the kitchen.

Here are some construction photographs of a masonry heater that was part of a significant renovation project on Crescent Beach Drive.  The masonry heater was designed to replace an existing wood burning fireplace and be the hub of the main living spaces, linking the kitchen, dining and living rooms.  Masonry heaters combine a high mass of masonry with a complex flue design to capture, store and slowly release the heat from a wood fire.  They burn very efficiently and release heat slowly over a long period of time.  These images show the intricate layers of masonry and exceptional craftsmanship involved.  Major props to William Davenport and his crew from Turtle Rock Masonry (www.turtlerockheat.com), Kirk Williams (www.kwdesigns.net) who fabricated the steel wood storage box and integral steel mantel, and Chris Mason from Champlain Industries who coordinated the show.  The firewood storage box and mantel are fabricated from 1/8″ thick blackened steel.  Its easy to underestimate the level of precision required to bring together these materials with such precision.  What a pleasure to work with these dedicated craftsmen.  Photos of the finish heater to come…..

A few images of a new house project located on a south-facing hillside with long views to the Adirondacks.  Thanks to our unusually mild Vermont winter, foundation work is moving ahead steadily.  More images and details to come….