because home should be cozy
secure
enduring
“What a joy it is to see the result of your craftsmanship and to feel the warm glow from the heater each day."
Beth, Randolph, ME
How it looks
We offer set designs, can replicate previously built units, modify them, or start from scratch for you. There are three things that determine the final "looks" of your heater (in the order I reccomend considering them for your project).
1) Shape
2) Surfaces Finishes
3) Decorative Elements
How it feels
I make sure that I have a warm slab of stone with me when I'm at a home show, and the look on people's faces when they approach and feel the warm stone is the reason. Americans are accustomed to being heated in our homes, but we're not accustomed to that feeling so nice.
80-90% of the heat released from a masonry heater is in the form of a radiant heat wave, deeply warming your skin, like the sun does.
Radiant Warmth:
~ Lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
~ relaxes tight muscles.
~ improves circulation.
I start every Heating-Season Morning with my back up against my heater, and every night before bed I do the same.
"When we have the heater 'off' for some reason, the oil heat really doesn't 'do it' anymore..."
- Jim
Why Masonry Heaters?
I was initially drawn to the philosophy I see embodied in the masonry heater.
These wonderful vessels use the material from which they are built and through the size and shape of the emptiness within they extract the most energy possible from a renewable fuel and deliver healthy, steady, and wonderfully comfortable warmth into your home without needing complicated machinery.
A door, a damper, empty space well-designed, and a material that absorbs and releases heat slowly. Working with the natural energy flows around us. It's simple
efficiency
Burns hot and clean so you use much less fuel.
cleanness and ease of use
It burns 12-24 hours of fuel in 1-1.5 hours, which fits the natural rhythm of your life and helps keep your hearth clean and neat.
creates a gathering area
Gives your home a heart that feels good to be around with a robust fire that is breathtaking to watch.
sustainability
Transforms a renewable and abundant fuel source into warmth without the toxic emissions or complicated supply chains that contribute to energy insecurity and environmental decline.
healthiness and comfort
Exudes long wave radiant heat which improves circulation, relaxes muscles, and warms you deeply.
financial value
A long term durable fireplace with no complicated moving parts requires almost no maintenance. Your initial investment welcomes you into the security and freedom of extremely low annual operating costs with only minor maintenance for the rest of your life.
Please see the FAQ section for more in depth discussion of these and other points.
