Kitsap Cabin Renovation
by Kris Sorensen - March-June 2002
Original Fireplace
Original Chimney
I was commissioned by The Mountaineers to rebuild the stone fireplace and chimney in the historic Kitsap Cabin in Kitsap County, Washington. The Mountaineers own about 20 acres of property here of which the Kitsap Forest Theater is also a part. The cabin was placed on the Washington Heritage Register on June 1, 2001 which is the state version of the National Register of Historic Places. The cabin was built in 1918. They left an alcove above the mantle for names of men that might have died in the war. Fortunately no names needed to be added there.
My job, with the help of volunteers, will be to build the fireplace and chimney to at least current code requirements, and then reface it with many of the same stones from the original fireplace while maintaining and replicating the overall character and historical significance of the original fireplace.
Firebox with Heat-a-lator
The Mountaineers chose to go with a pre-fabricated metal firebox heat-a-lator which will be a major improvement in heat efficiency from what there was before. This firebox utilizes convection heat whereas a rumford-style fireplace puts out radiant heat. The base slab is poured concrete 3 feet thick to bring the unit to the proper height.
Concrete block gets reinforced with rebarThis unit brings in air from inside the building through inlets on the backside of the fireplace unit (arrows) and circulates it through the metal firebox.
Setting up the Concrete Blocks
Fans push the air through the tubes within the unit. This air becomes heated within the tubes by the fire and is pushed out into the room.
Combustion air is brought in at the front base of the unit on the floor.
Heat-a-lator BoxConcrete block gets reinforced with rebar and poured with concrete. The back wall of the fireplace is being laid with a brown, split face block that will be the finished wall. The metal straps and loops coming out of the sides of the block are to support and tie in the stone that will be laid after the rough-in of the fireplace is done. The next steps will be to continue on up through the roof with block for about 15 feet total.
A dusting of snow
Course Set upA nice view of the job site on the first day of spring with a dusting of snow...
Top view of the smoke chamber.
A helper parges the sides after the first flue tiles are placed.
The rebuilt chimney finally makes it through the roof!
Numbered Rocks Laid Out
Chimney Set up
We typically take over a lot of floor space for laying out the rock.
The first cornerstone is placed using original rock. Many of the original stones will need to be cut on the backside in order to fit properly.
First cornerstone
Angled iron is used as a support when enclosing the fireplace opening.
Kris the mason takes a break to pose with the partially reconstructed fireplace. Rock has been placed a few feet up the sides at this point.
Angle iron over the vent-soldier course is used to brace the mantle support stones.
Placing the mantle support stones is the next step.
The original wooden mantle is positioned over the three original mantle support stones. Getting the alignment correct was tricky business.
Kris prepares the chimney for placing of the top stone.
The finished chimney!
The fireplace and mantle are complete.
