The Masonry Heater Association
Annual Contest was held in April at Wildacres Retreat, Little Switzerland,
North Carolina. Masons and craftsmen were asked to present their best work in
three categories: Masonry, Bake Ovens, and Masonry Heaters. There were three
trophies awarded in each category. This year, some of the best work yet seen
was entered in the contest.
Each entrant was required to take
before, during, and after photos, and provide a detailed explanation and
description of the project and materials used for judges to examine. Judges did
not know who did the work in order to assure fairness in the contest. Some
entrants missed placing by only one point, and all of the projects submitted
were top quality, demonstrating the outstanding craftsmanship of the
participants.
Materials used in the designs were
varied and used in unique ways. Entrants used such products as custom-cut
steel, stone, brick, and custom-fired clay Kachels in their work.
There were 16 entries from several
countries, including the United States, Canada, Scotland, and Germany.
Attendees and instructors at the MHA annual meeting came from all over the
world.
Masonry Category:
First Place: Derek Kowalchuck, Fiddlerock
Masonry, Edmonton, Alberta, CA
Second Place: Jeff Owens, JTO Masonry Construction, Riverview, MI
Third Place: Ryan McCutchan, Homboldt Hearthstones, Blue Lake, CA
Bake Oven Category:
Tie for First Place: Jessica Steinhauser, Stonehouse Pottery, Guelph, Ontario,
CA
Tie for First Place: Martin Swift, Swift Masonry, Sooke, B.C., CA
Second Place: Jeff Owens, JTO Masonry Construction, Riverview, MI
Masonry Heater Category:
First Place: Dave Wilcox, Wilcox Masonry, Wapakoneya, OH
Second Place: Martin Ruzicka, Stovemason Masonry Heater Builders,
Ardovie Lodge, Brechin,Scotland
Third Place: Axel Schmitz, Masonry FireTube, Elterlein, Germany
The Masonry Heater Association of North America holds this contest annually.
Only members of the MHA may enter the contest. Contact Richard Smith, Executive
Director of the MHA at 850-883-0191 or email execdir@mha-net.org for more information about the MHA.
Photos for all of these projects are
on the MHA website at www.mha-net.org
and may be used by the media with credit to the owner and the MHA.
The MHA is a non-profit organization
of builders and manufacturers of masonry heaters and masonry wood-fired bake
ovens whose purpose is to promote the industry, sponsor research and
development, shape regulations, standards and codes, inform and educate the
public, and further the expertise and professionalism of its membership. Some
of the best masons and related craftsmen/women in the world are members of the
MHA.
The MHA sponsors professional
educational programs in the U.S. and Canada throughout the year, and members
also offer private workshops and schools. The association has an annual meeting
in North Carolina where industry professionals share different construction
techniques. The MHA certifies Heater Masons, and will soon offer a
certification program for oven builders. Currently there are 33 Certified
Heater Masons in the United States and Canada. Books on masonry heaters, bake
ovens, and masonry are available on the MHA website.
See the photos here:
http://www.examiner.com/article/masons-exceed-expectations-at-the-2015-contest?cid=db_articles
