Rocket Mass Heater... 'Mass Material Suggestions'?

Hey,

My house is in an upper middle class gated community... so going with the 'log cabin' standards would not quite fit... but I really want to go with a rocket mass heater.

I've seen many videos on the subject and intend to build a heater along the wall where my existing gas fireplace is now... removing the fireplace and the mantle... and building the mass heater.

While I don't mind a rustic look... I don't want to do something that would make my home 'unsellable' to someone looking in this neighborhood.

It's not a problem to build a facade in a solid hardwood (woodworking is a hobby of mine)... but I'm looking for suggestions for 'the rest'... to keep the appearance as 'high quality' as possible.

I've already found a steel drum... the 'box' should not be difficult... the idea of filling it with 'mud' (clay and straw) is not appealing... and I'm hoping to keep all 'exposed' materials visually appealing.

Any suggestions are appreciated.


-ben

Art. Once you get it installed, put a piece of custom artwork on top of it. Custom tilework, a bas-relief, a mural. These things have lots of $$$ tied up in them and act as a conversation piece and make the home more valuable for resale.

Ben Doolen : Have you been to Rocketstoves.com to pick up your PDF Copy of Ianto Evans' great book ' Rocket Mass Heaters', there is STILL no other book in any
language with more Rocket Mass Heater information. ( and I don't make a nickel ! )

If you have not already done so you should check out ernieanderica.info, They have several suggested builds which are definitely Works of Art, look at the way the
stones dress up the surfaces of the Thermal Bench, Cob is a fun medium to use and can at least be removed without the use of jack hammers, which is what you
might have to do to sell the property 15 -20 years down the road ! For the Good of the Craft !

As always, your comments and questions are solicited and are Welcome, think like Fire, flow like a gas, Don't be the Marshmallow ! PYRO - Logically Big AL !