Katie Cabana

Thanks! Whew... I was quite concerned vertical wouldn't fly, I will read all that you sent. Much obliged.

I understand that you are available for consultation work but before I get to that, I'd like to inquire if what I want to do is an option. We originally thought of a kitchen island but our design has had to change. We will now be doing a SIPS house next spring... A delay, but it allows us more time, so...
My husband wants a typical stone fireplace with a glass viewer as pictured below and we wonder if its possible to do a rocket stove with pipes run vertically instead of a horizontal bench design? Perhaps masonry would be the best compromise? We really want a rocket so just thought I would ask your opinionon this.

We are driving from Newfoundland to Saskatchewan at the end of June and returning early/mid July... Are there any RMH workshops we can stop for? Hoping to build upon return so a workshop would be most useful!

Thanks Mike, I searched for a density for cob but have been unable to find anything... Wonder if anyone might know or atleast know where to find it.

Also worth noting is that our house is built on a cliff beside the ocean with a crawl space underneath, so we will need to brace for weight... Any ideas on how to calculate the weight of this counter?

Thanks everyone for the replies. Antoine, that is the picture that gave me the idea in the first place, but hubby wants the actual fire to be of the masonry style.. Personally, I just want heat! As for the length and anticipated complications... It wouldnt be any different than a bench concept except taller. Of course the kitchen pipes will need to be insulated from the heat but I anticipate access doors for repairs, etc. The entire length will be about 8ft, I'm thinking tubing going out 8ft elbowing upwards instead of sideways and back to the outside wall before rising through the ceiling and out. Like the one done in the greenhouse on YouTube, of course i will have mine cobbed completely to the exit point. Thoughts? Given the complexity of building a masonry stove I personally think the fire should be in the counter but worry about its proximity to the outer wall. Putting it on the far end of the counter would require a 3rd 8ft run to exit, that seems it would be too long given what I've read.
Any input is welcome.

Thanks, I wasn't expecting to have a reply so quickly. We have considered a Russian Masonry stove instead of RMH but now leaning toward the RMH for simplicity. Though we like the viewing door idea...

We are planning how to implement the RMH in our reno design... My thought is to make the kitchen peninsula (which will also house the sink and hence, plumbing) our thermal mass instead of a bench concept... Has anyone tried this? What are some considerations we may not have considered? Obviously it will decrease available cupboard space but I think we can build in some nooks with the cob.

Did you manage with the RMH? We are considering a blend if RMH and Masonary, since your local-ish thought Id ask...