four-day course

a hands-on introduction to masonry stoves

location: nr Bridport, Dorset

Find out why the masonry stove is about to sweep the nation. Sunseed's James Curry introduces the theory of this traditional form of heating and leads practical construction sessions in conjunction with a build on site.

Masonry stoves are high efficiency radiant space heating stoves, commonly found in many northern and Eastern European countries, and across North America. The stoves achieve very high levels of efficiency by burning wood in the most efficient way: hot and fast. This heat is stored in the thermal mass of the masonry stove, anything up to 3000 kilos, which is then slowly released at low temperatures for 8-12 hours afterwards. In this way, masonry stoves can achieve efficiencies of up to 90%, and are able to provide a much more pleasant heat than from conventional convective heating.

This four day course will give an introduction to masonry stoves. Over the four days, course participants will receive theory based sessions on masonry stoves and the science behind wood combustion. Participants will also be given an introduction to the practical elements of masonry stove construction- brick laying with refractory bricks, clay mortars and renders.

Course leader James Curry is a Renewable Energy Engineer specializing in solar photovoltaics and masonry stoves. He has a Masters in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from the Centre for Alternative Technology and is currently working with a German Master Stove Builder in Southern Spain.

dates: see 'book online' below

more on wood stoves

how to book:

  

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free
arrive:
  
4pm on the first day. Residential guests are asked to arrive before 6pm to settle in before the meal, after which there's usually an introductory session
depart:
  
around 3pm on the last day
directions:
  
sent with booking confirmation
what to bring:
  
work / waterproof clothes; boots; pen and notebook; NO DOGS PLEASE
let us know:
  
if you have any dietary requirements or special needs
accommodation:
  
2-6 people sharing single-sex rooms (with a single room supplement, space permitting), camping also available
meals:
  
all meals included from supper at 6pm on the first evening through lunch at 1pm on the last day, excluding breakfast for non-residential participants
price:
  
£275 residential, £195 non-residential
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
car sharing:
  
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
















 

 

 


the venue is an organic intentional community within walking distance of Dorset's Jurassic coast