Brookstone Masonry: February 2009

Brookstone Masonry

Our goal at Brookstone Masonry is to create a unique and inviting atmosphere while providing efficiency. We utilize sustainable materials to construct a classic and custom masonry structure that is specific to your needs and surroundings. We collaborate with you and your architect or builder to create your specific vision in or around your home.

Brookstone Masonry provides a wide spectrum of services ranging from designing and building custom stone and/or brick structures to restoring and repairing existing masonry.

Our masonry practices consist of time tested construction methods that have been used and proven for hundreds of years, whether it is a Rumford fireplace or a Russian masonry stove. These age old methods have been used for centuries and have been improved with materials and through the process of elimination. We at Brookstone Masonry are continuing this ageless art of building with stone and brick creating long lasting warmth and sustainable masonry structure.

Fireplaces

Our fireplace building styles range from traditional to slightly unconventional. The majority of the fireplaces that we build are modeled after the traditional Rumford fireplace, which is an improved version of the first attempt at indoor heating sources. Unlike the first attempts at fireplaces, the Rumford style fireplaces have a shallow back and the covings (sides) are built at a 45 degree angle allowing for maximum heat radiation. The modified Rumford fireplace allows for one exception; the back of the fireplace box slopes towards the living area adding even more heat radiation.Our fireplace building styles range from traditional to slightly unconventional.

Russian Stoves

Russian stoves or masonry heaters have been warming homes and families for centuries. They were and still are used as multifunctional heating and cooking equipment in the home, providing long lasting radiant heat. These structures are built with multiple barrel vaulted baffles that are made out of high fired bricks. These bricks enable the stove to structurally withstand the high heat firings of the stove while also absorbing the heat and retaining it for days. They are highly efficient at 90-100% as opposed to 15-20% efficiency of a fireplace or75-85% of a wood stove.

Bake Ovens

A bake oven was incorporated into this Russian masonry heater. This is just one of many forms of bake ovens we can build. The bake oven was positioned at a 45 degree angle towards the kitchen for ease of use. A dough proofing shelf was built just below the bake oven door, giving the dough the perfect temperature to rise.

Outdoor Grills

Barbecue enthusiasts, here you go! This outdoor barbecue was built like a fireplace, but we added a two tiered grilling station. The wrought iron coal rake is used to position the heat exactly where desired. We like to utilize local artisans whenever possible. Ben Levitt of Hope, Maine was kind enough to pound out the two grills and the coal rake.

This grill was constructed from hand-picked, 120 year old wall stone at the base, transitioning into H&S brick which are ideal for outdoor use due to the high temperatures in which they are fired.