This image of a masonry heater looked so warm and cozy we had to share. Masonry heaters, also known as Finnish fireplaces, are fast becoming an appealing heating alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. While it may look like a regular fireplace, a masonry heater works differently by storing a large amount of heat from its rapidly-burning fire within its masonry mass and slowly releasing that heat into the home throughout the day – sometimes for as long as 18-24 hours after the fire has gone out.
Via: Green Architecture Notes.
(Image: Tulikivi via Green Architecture Notes)
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I once found a book about the history and construction of masonry stoves at a library sale and picked it up because of the beautiful pictures of the stoves and the European homes they were in (these stoves are apparently very popular over there). Ever since, I've wanted one for my own home. Some of the designs even incorporate under-floor heating vents that go throughout the house. And, if I remember correctly, they don't use up wood as quickly as open fireplaces and burn so hot there's little to no air pollution.
It's definitely staying on my list for my dream home!