This kiln is loosely based on Southeast Asian kiln designs, and influenced by Fred Olsen’s Hollyweird Tube kiln which I helped construct in July of 1985.  Fred and his kiln have had a deep influence on my approach to kiln building and wood firing.  

The kiln is loaded from a side door and stoked from a small port in front.  The rock work buttresses the brickwork and holds a layer of dirt which adds insulation.  The arch is a castable refractory formed over dirt covered with plastic.  When the castable had set, the forms and dirt were removed.

I built benches into one side wall of this kiln for sitting on and warming up on cold nights or days.  From past experiences I knew this was one feature that was a must for my kiln.  The heat from the kiln warms the dirt and stone buttress work creating a pleasant place to sit or nap.  The benches also hold shelves, pots ready to load, or pots coming out of the kiln.

                                                                    My Work