Tiny Cabin with Built-in RMH

I have been thinking about something like this for quite a long time...just a primitive wilderness retreat for one or two people to get out of the cold. Perhaps something I would build on my property for visitors or even passers-through to use (though I'd keep it locked ). The large rectangle on the floor is a bed.

I assume for this size dwelling (64' square) an RMH of this size (or any size, really) would be overkill. This being the case, wouldn't it then make the need for insulation little to none?

Also, having never built an RMH myself, the dimensions and geometry are probably off, but I think the idea is conveyed. Would the barrel being that close to the wall be a fire hazard? Would some kind of heat shield be necessary?

I envision this as basically a large permanent tent with a built-in RMH.

[Edit] I just realized the roof on the side views is not quite right. Aaand the chimney is not consistent in all views. Dang.

Although the .pdf file opens fine for me, I have been notified that perhaps the file is not compatible with some systems.

Attached is a .jpg image of slightly inferior resolution, but hopefully increased compatibility.

[Edit] Being new to this forum, I'm encountering a number of SNAFUs. I'm also using a CAD program that is new to me, MicroStation V8i, and exporting images is not straightforward. Thus, you have the drawing rendered in white-on-black as it would appear on my screen.

Hi Mathew, et al,


Because of time constraints I have left you to others here that may help for now...I would also suggest, if you can, use the current version of SketchUp, as this is a common CAD program that many (including me) are using for our design work... I will check in later to see if you get any help...

Regards,

j

J —

I am interning with a civil engineering company for the summer and MicroStation is what they use. I'm using the excuse of learning the software to be able to work on "extracurricular projects" such as this during downtime.

I'm familiar with SketchUp and like it a lot.

If it's determined that this design, or an iteration, is feasible, I will redraw it in SketchUp. Not that I have the funds to build anything in the foreseeable future, it's more of a mental exercise.

Hi Mathew, et al,

I understand...let me be clear...I am not really getting the design you are purposing (my dumbness......NOT yours, by any means) so I was suggesting a "SketchUp" file link so I could down load it and give a gander. Then I could give you my "two cents" of feasibility and things you may like to consider.

Regards, and thanks for doing this publicly on Permies!

j

Matthew Clark : Perhaps one of our administrators can help with this problem, they are pretty sharp, otherwise things will simply be on hold at this end until you can
deliver something we can use !

Sixtyfour sq. feet with or with out a loft is really nothing for two people, You should be able to heat it with not much more than a candle !

My wife Martha and I went winter camping for 6 weeks in North Carolina in Feb and March,we used a 10x10 pavilion type tent like you often see at farmers markets,
inside that we had a tarp to make a 'bathtub floor' and a 3 season 6x7 inner tent for sleep. Our hope was to have the sides up /open on good days ! We had 3 days of
Freezing Rain in our 1st 4 days, going some where meant unloading the car , restocking in the tent and reversing everything when we got back !

This was not Ruff camping we have had lots of practice over the years, but it was tight Quarters, I expect that anyone who comes to visit will not stay much longer than
a long weekend unless they have lots of Camping experience !

By this fall I hope we have downsized to a 20' yurt, 314 sq ft This is the smallest permanent home my wife is willing to accept . This would certainly be well heated with
a 4'' Rocket Mass Heater, however I must tell you that This size rocket stove is considered an advanced built for someone with previous experience with a working 6''
or 8'' RMH system, the people at Dragonheaters.com have a couple of 4'' units that can be bought for Space heating in this range !

Again let us see what you have in mind, and we can go from there ! For the good of the Craft ! Big AL

Since you are talking about a cabin you might consider going with the rmh in the floor and heat that instead. Somewhere on this board is a thread about a yurt with and rmh floor, it was badassed

Matthew Clark : Per Diabalein A's Comment, you can go to Richsoil.com (our sister site ) and click on Rocket Mass Heaters. This will take you to a series of short videos
that record the earliest Rocket Mass Heater RMH, days of Permies.com and Paul W's experiences and expectations, and via Video you get to meet Ernie and Erika, our
Moderators on this Forum

Take your time and watch them all, at the bottom is a mini section more on rocket mass heaters you should be able to spot the photos of the interior of a Yurt ! One
picture I am calling Amish Porn . Clicking on a picture will finally bring you back to Permies.com, and you are looking for the Thread Extension from Paul W. where he
displays a link to pictures at reddit , you want the fisherman's daughter set !

Please note that it was their choice to build this RMH recessed into the floor, and an outdoor Horizontal Feed Tube, and have further divided the horizontal exhaust gas
stream into two sets of exhaust piping!

While this is/was a working system, several of the individual adaptations by themselves would be a challenge for a rocketeer with several successful RMH builds under
his/her belt ! While beautiful, this is an advanced skills project, with many potential problem areas that trouble shooting the final built would be very hard indeed !

Think like fire, flow like Gas, don't be the Marshmallow ! as always your comments and questions are Welcome and Solicited ! Big AL

Thanks Al, I could not remember the Fishermans daughter part.

D. A. : " A rising tide floats ALL boats ! " For the craft ! Big AL