Rocket Mass Heaters

Rocket Mass Heaters

Rocket Mass Heaters are a really efficient way to heat a space, that you can build yourself for a relatively low cost. They are designed to burn at a high temperature, which results in less smoke and a more efficient fire. Ours is always a source of fascination, and when lit, the big room is warm in no time. Steve is off to Mayo in September to help run a course in building one, and in the meantime, here’s a reminder of how ours was put together.

Our first official event in the classroom!

Our first official event in the classroom!

When we built the classroom space, the intention was always that it would be a space for people to come to and discover new things – not only from the person giving the talk or presentation, but from each other. So it was this weekend as we hosted the first...
Enjoying the many benefits of winter sun

Enjoying the many benefits of winter sun

On a day like today when the wind is bitingly cold, but the skies are clear, and we enjoy some winter sunshine, it is great to be able to celebrate the fact that for once, everything is working, and we are able to take a moment to marvel at the fact that we have all...
Rocket mass heater progress

Rocket mass heater progress

  Having tried (and failed) to get clay soil cleaned up enough to make smooth clay mortar, I just went out and  bought some clean clay, which was thirty quid well spent, and allowed the burner for the rocket mass heater to get built. Several of you will be...
Turning up the heat

Turning up the heat

This is a rocket mass heater – the way in which we will be heating our crowdfunded ecobuild.  It is an incredibly efficient way to burn woodfuel, and extracts the maximum amount of heat energy from the fire. The flue gases heat a big cob bench, which then...