Rico Loma

I am much obliged, and motivated to try this exact heater ,,,,,,first in the states, then assist a build in March , northern  Portugal.  The entire construction industry there is masonry-centric which is fortuitous
If I decide to try this paste in March, could you recommend a specific brand, one you have used ?  I can look at Leroy Merlin, a large network that's only 9 km from the project.  Other small masonry supply stores could have similar pastes. I will look at all possibilities there.
Again, thank you for your kind instruction Peter.

Another glorious winter day in North Georgia: snow with high of 30 and low of 15F, with no mosquitoes or ticks in sight.  
Woodstoves are burning, all 3, in our house today
Which prompts me to understand the creation from the inimitable Peter last year. I just reread his description in "Mass bench fed directly by a modified sidewinder Shorty core" and need help before I start gathering supplies. Well, and to gather my wits for a challenge.

1, are those 8 large pieces  i see custom cast refractory slabs? I saw Thomas and Gerry build their shorty core last year,nand I understood how and why  they cast those specific pieces. When I viewed Peter's work via Sketchbook the detail of size makes me think yes. Were those hand cast first , before assembly began?  

2, this was made in record time , much of that praise is naturally to the craftsmen involved.  Respect!  Was refractory cement used in place of 1:3 clay and sand mortar, and what was the reasoning behind that decision (longevity, strength, personal preference? )

3, was cob used ONLY for the last gasp, i.e., the final exhaust pipe heading skyward?
Thanks for any answers or opinions.  I understand Peter himself is quite busy always,  in winter months especially. I might give this a try, it would be perfect for a project going in the mountains of Portugal 🇵🇹

Salutes to you, Peter
Thanks for helping us all

It's fascinating to see this rmh coming to life, and instructive to note the details

Rocky, nice sunset photo, looks like southern Ozarks. Had one trip there....my dad took me along for a 6 day paddle on the Buffalo and white rivers , i was 12.  Serene camping spots and fresh trout for supper. Good idea to build there, sir

I was feeling positive before seeing your plan.  Now,I would change that to "emphatic 12 thumbs up"

Keep the faith, my friend!

Alex, I like your idea about using cob and/or other materials for stratification bell or bench. Pebbles are not the first choice according to the pro builders, but will allow the advantage of portability.
The unmatched Matt Walker recently had this to say when advising a client (he sells stove plans, shippable cores, et al) :

" "I have a few customers who have built portable units and are quite pleased with them. Gravel has a lot of airspace and doesn't make the best thermal mass, but it is easy and clean and better than nothing so may be a good choice for you. For portable units water is ideal since you can easily empty to move and fill when located, but of course that complicates things"

This comment is from an active thread on Permies entitled
Walker Stoves Superhot J 8 Inch build experience

Ned, never lose your hope, you can make all this happen. At this moment in time you are 22 hours drive from SantamFe area, true. But you build skills now that will crucial going forward.  
If you garden now, even if in containers or a community garden , you will prosper. Take on some carpentry projects, learn about cob and lime plaster by building a cooking area outdoors. We can all do more , as I tell our teenager,  I urge him to read, study, experience the world away from Minecraft and Elder Scrolls online. Just think of how incremental skill building will help you find that dream and live it....more motivation to keep your goal alive.  

Other idea you might consider: look for land now. It isnt getting cheaper.  You could potentially own it outright by the time you move to New Mexico , if all the stars align.

I have biked and hiked all over that great state,  you will be glad you moved in a few years, keep your chin up and work on your plan bit by bit.  

I think Thomas Edison said it best, ,,,genius is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration

Sorry folks when I see "chamber" in the description,  I envision radiant heat from the steel barrel surrounding the riser. I am not certain. As stated here, IN the room not below floor level.  

OP has a fantastic idea, this design reminds me of a recent post from T Rubino about a subterranean RMH from Montana circa  1800s ,  he sent that......three days ago?  

A solitary widow (Scandinavian family,) made it with clay and granite after cutting out her wood floor....... about 4 tons of mass under her small cabin. That stove saved a few lives, honestly. She had the idea from Northern Europe as a child and could re-create the masonry stove.  Thanks Thomas.

Best of luck sir, I am sure you will succeed.  

Many of us love Japanese art, design, architecture.  This heater could be aesthetically pleasing .
 I am with Fox, if your riser ends up at floor level, it seems your feed will be 2- 4 feet below floor level.  How to feed the fire?  Sorry if i am confusing your intentions. Conversely, if the fuel is fed at floor level, your riser and bell will be much taller than your floor. Diagram or sketch of this idea you  might offer plesse?

Burra, I have the same weeping eyes/nose from onions.
My solution is to keep a couple at least in the fridge, a cold onion won't cause all that eye irritation.