Field Decision Concerning Chimney Height
During the design phase, before actual building begins, it can be difficult to anticipate topography and the way various elevations within the landscape can effect the design. The chimney more often than not is a missed architectural opportunity. The potential for this wonderful element as a visual anchor is huge, and though code only requires a smoke stack to be 2 feet higher than the highest point within 10′ feet — the Adams house chimney will probably end up being raised 9 or 10 feet above the ridge. Mason, Clay, is shown here simulating the ridge of the house with a length of string. Grasping the composition of the house, landscape, elevation and foliage as a whole will help him make an informed decision concerning the ideal height of the chimney.
Passo and mason, Clay, are shown here slowly lowering the last 140 pound flue tile onto the small fireclay mortar bed that’s been laid along the rim of the previous flue. This will allow the tile to be ‘tapped’ into plumb and will serve as a gasket between the two tiles. Masons, Filiberto and Benito, are shown assisting from below.
Mason, Clay, shown here checking the plumb of the last flue tile.
You have to excuse my humor. I feel the urge to say the following. It looks good from my house!
Seriously. I never. Ever seen a string uses as a visual perspective reference. That worked perfectly. I will definately take that one for my tool chest.
This is such a critical skill that the skilled craftsman must possess. The ability not to only translate drawing I into structure, but to be able to discern actual field appearances that may call for a deviation from the proposed script.
Having a simple string to help illustrate and winnow out the better design is as important to the dwellings outcome as the knowledge of graphite to paper.