LLC HEARTH & SOAPSTONE

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Ashlee Pierce
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1 HEARTH & SOAPSTONE LLC

Since the beginning of time, the hearth has been at the center of man's being; in Greek mythology, Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, was the first-born child of the deities of heaven and earth.

2 Since the beginning of time, the hearth has been at the center of man's being; in Greek mythology, Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, was the first-born child of the deities of heaven and earth. She was also the goddess of the hearth's sacred fire. Today, the hearth remains a symbol of family, and fire continues to sustain man. There is not, it seems, a more natural and enduring way to meet man's basic need for warmth. When French and British settlers arrived in the New World, they brought with them the tradition of an open hearth. The hearth was the center of the home, and provided warmth for cooking and for survival; the aesthetic properties of the homefires provided nurturing for the soul. Much has changed in the new world -- the discovery of electricity, the harnessing of natural gasses and the development of heating systems that rely on fossil fuels. The traditional, open-hearth fireplace remains a fixture in many homes, mainly for its aesthetic value. 2

How great a matter a little fire kindleth. There have been many other changes, as well: fossil fuel supplies are diminishing, forests are disappearing and pollution is increasing.

3 How great a matter a little fire kindleth. There have been many other changes, as well: fossil fuel supplies are diminishing, forests are disappearing and pollution is increasing. More and more people are looking back to their roots for more meaningful ways to meet their basic needs. - James III:5 For almost 600 years, people living in the northernmost reaches of Europe, Asia and Russia have maintained the tradition of heating their homes, and of nurturing their souls, by the hearth. Unlike the open hearths brought to the United States, the traditional northern hearth relies on the principle of thermal mass, or masonry heating. The heart of a masonry heater is the firebox, constructed of a refractory material such as soapstone or firebrick. As the fire burns, the hot gasses move through heat-exchange channels inside the heater. The warmth is absorbed by the masonry, and radiates throughout the home long after the fire has stopped burning -- often for as long as 24 hours. While it is continuously radiating heat, the exterior of the masonry heater remains warm, and comfortable to the touch. In addition to being safe for homes with children and pets, masonry heaters invite families to gather along the beds and benches that are often crafted into the functional and appealing design of the heater. Full enjoyment of the brilliance and beauty of the fire is made possible by the addition of glass doors. Whether one is drawn to the masonry heater to nourish the soul by the warmth and beauty of the fire, or to nourish the body through meals prepared in the heater's bake ovens, the hearth is as it always was, central to home and family. Masonry heaters are very cleanburning; when properly operated using dry wood for fuel, they will produce no creosote, and very little smoke and particulate matter. They are environmentally sound, and economically prudent: two to three cords of wood can heat a New England home for an entire winter. Rod Zander first discovered masonry heaters while restoring his colonial New England home. An accomplished cabinetmaker known for doing all his own design and millwork, Rod found that many of his woodworking skills could be transferred to working with stone. Each piece that Mr. Zander builds is carefully designed to capture the essence of the home and its owners. Clients describe this unique design process as "interpreting" their home, and producing "functional art" to enhance their space. 3

4 How can I turn from any fire on any man's hearthstone? I know the wonder and desire that went to build my own. - Rudyard Kipling Masonry heaters can be constructed using brick, tile, stucco or soapstone. Rod works with each client to develop a design and construction plan that complements the home and is aesthetically satisfying; part of the planning process includes selecting the material that best suits the client and the space. Rod's extensive research taught him that, regardless of the material used, masonry heaters are the healthiest and most efficient way of heating. Rod s own heaters are made of soapstone. The inherent characteristics of soapstone allow for the rapid storage of a vast amount of heat; the material allows the stored heat to be transmitted over a long period of "Rod brought a craftsman's eye into the design of our custom-built heater. Rod integrates soapstone with brick, and mixes several stones in one piece while maintaining beautiful lines that is true craftsmanship... I see our heater as 'functional art.' " "Rod worked closely with us and was always willing to please. He delivered a unique product that is also quite efficient... what we save by burning wood should amount to full return on our investment in four to five years." Brad Olenick Higganum, CT 4

5 Did you know... Masonry heaters are good for you. Bio-biological studies (from the International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology Inc.) have shown that radiant heat is among the healthiest heating methods available today. The heat produced does not have the dry, parched quality other systems have. And the radiant panels of a masonry heater warm the objects in your home in the same manner as the sun, providing maximum comfort. In addition, there is not the dust which is created with conventional heating systems, so overall air quality, essential for maintaining optimal health, is ideal. Masonry heaters are good for the environment. Masonry heaters get their energy from a renewable source -- wood. The heating system burns cleanly and completely, and over a very short burn time, minimizing the emission of smoke, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. And since burning wood does not impact nature s carbon dioxide balance, masonry heaters do not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Masonry heaters are safe. The heater surface gets warm during normal use, but never dangerously hot to the touch. The rapid burning and nearcomplete combustion that come with the proper use of masonry heaters prevent the formation of creosote, virtually eliminating the threat of chimney fires. An additional safety factor derives from the short burn time required, which means the fire is out when you leave your home. Masonry heaters are efficient. Independent laboratory testing in North America and Europe shows an overall efficiency approaching 75%, with combustion efficiency at 98%. One short fire warms the masonry heater for up to twenty-four hours, slowly and evenly releasing heat throughout your home; two to three cords of wood can heat a home for an entire season. time. Soapstone is also easily fabricated, and lends itself well to the detailed carving and embellishment that are the hallmarks of Rod's work. For Rod Zander and New England Hearth & Soapstone LLC, the design and installation of each masonry heater, oven or cooktop is a labor of love. An artisan practicing an ageold craft, Rod brings a lifetime of finely honed design and fabrication skills to each project. Those skills, coupled with his technical expertise and innate understanding of the relationship between hearth, home and overall well-being, make Rod's work the choice for families looking to heat their homes, and to fill them with warmth. Rod custom designs each masonry heater to meet the specifications of the owner, while maximizing the potential of each home's design. His eclectic background allows him to offer custom stonework for floors, sinks, tubs and countertops. The result is a unique and personal integration of form, function and value that quickly becomes the heart and soul of any home.

6 Rod Zander... A subtle turn of the wrist changes the picture inside a kaleidoscope from a collection of perfect, individual images to a unique and striking vision, more powerful in its focus than the sum of the individual parts. In New England Hearth & Soapstone LLC, Rod Zander brings the many facets of his life into similar focus with an artisan s hands and the eye of a craftsman. Rod has been honing his building and design skills since childhood, when his earliest interests included woodworking and cabinetmaking. It was during the restoration of his own colonial home that Rod discovered masonry heaters, and their connection with his other lifelong passion, the health and well-being of our planet. Through the years, he expanded his knowledge and skills through personal study, research, and internships. Rod studied in Europe, Canada and the United States, under the guidance of master stove masons from Sweden, Finland, and North America. His unique and natural feel for design allows him to transform a non-functional or problematic space into the focal point of any room. Mr. Zander brings his years of study, his finely honed skills, and personal commitments into focus in the powerful vision that drives New England Hearth & Soapstone LLC. "The [bake oven] looks great, and I'm sure it will be the focal point of the kitchen for as long as the house exists. Your installation was professional and the extra effort... greatly appreciated." Hugh C. Ratcliff, Jr. Cornwall, CT "Your work and care and expertise have helped me stay warm and comfortable in the cold winters!... My faith in your excellent work was unshakeable... Your caring expertise was invaluable to me -- and still is." Anne Chamberlain Cornwall, CT "The soapstone is... warm and lustrous, the touch silky and somehow soft. The overall effect is of substantial yet understated elegance." Jack Nelson Little Compton, RI All masonry heaters shown in this brochure were custom designed and crafted by Rod Zander. Photography by Gary Gunderson. Graphic Design by Steers Studios. 6

Details Affliliations & Licenses CT Home Improvement Contractor License

7 Masonry Heaters Fireplaces Hearths Fireboxes Bake Ovens Cooktops Tubs Floors Walls Benches Solar Storage Sinks Architectural Soapstone Details Affliliations & Licenses CT Home Improvement Contractor License # Certified Heater Mason License #002 Member of MHA The Stone Foundation

"Rod's work is meticulous. The fireplace is the centerpiece of our home... And the product is just tremendous... this is a very, very efficient way of heating.

8 "Rod's work is meticulous. The fireplace is the centerpiece of our home... And the product is just tremendous... this is a very, very efficient way of heating... we put in vents in case we needed a back-up heating system -- we have not." John Lysik Bristol, CT "Rod puts the art in artisan, he talks with the client to see what is important to them, and to their home. He gathers information, and then interprets that into a personalized design. My intention was to build an environmentally sound and conscious home. We began with the heater, then discovered what Rod could do with soapstone countertops. The countertops are low maintenance and self-sustaining; because they offer a natural surface, they complement the rest of our home." Sue Kennedy Litchfield, CT New England Hearth & Soapstone llc 127 North Street Goshen, CT toll free phone fax visit our web site at rz@rodzander.com 2004 New England Hearth & Soapstone, llc

Masonry Heaters are Massively Comfy

Masonry Heaters are Massively Comfy BY ERIC MOSHIER AND LESLIE JACKSON MARCH 30 2018 AS SEEN IN HOME ENERGY THE HOME PERFORMANCE MAGAZINE You enter the house on a winter s evening, remove your wet boots