King of the Wilderness

The next day, the fireplace construction project officially began.

David and Mike had returned a few days earlier, carrying a camera to document the entire process.

The first thing Lin Yu’an did was install the 300-kilogram cast iron fireplace core in the center of the foundation pedestal reserved inside the already completed cabin.

Using a homemade four-wheeled flat cart, he steadily dragged it to the most precise position.

After installing the fireplace core, the next step was to build the ”skeleton” of the entire fireplace and chimney.

He took out a large number of light steel dragon bones and a professional cutting machine, explaining to David, ”We are using a ’zero-clearance’ fireplace, which theoretically can be in direct contact with combustible materials.”

”But for 100% safety, I chose to use this completely fireproof light steel dragon bone to build the frame. Moreover, its dimensions are very standard, ensuring that the fireplace we eventually construct will be perfectly level and plumb.”

Then he cut, assembled, and secured the light steel dragon bones with self-tapping screws.

A huge hollow frame perfectly encapsulated the fireplace core, extending from the ground to the pre-reserved opening on the second-floor ceiling.

Once the frame was completed, the chimney installation followed.

He opened a long box and took out sections of A-level double-layer stainless steel insulated chimney pipes.

”This is a double-layer structure, filled with high-density ceramic fiber insulation cotton between the inner and outer walls.”

”Even if the temperature inside the flue is extremely high, the outer wall temperature will only be slightly higher than room temperature, allowing it to safely pass through our wooden floors and roof.”

Like assembling a model, he connected these chimney pipes section by section upwards, with professional locks between each section, which clicked securely into place.

When the last section of the chimney pipe passed through the roof and was topped with a rain cap, the entire internal core system of the fireplace was declared complete.

Now, it was time to put a stone ”coat” on this steel skeleton.

First, Lin Yu’an secured a thick layer of cement board on the outside of the light steel dragon bone frame as a base for sticking stones.

Then, he went to the stone hill and began the work testing both aesthetics and patience.

He selected stones from the pile of variably shaped gneiss, choosing those with the most suitable color, texture, thickness, and shape.

On the ground, he first did a ”dry fit,” arranging the stones that were about to go on the wall to achieve the desired effect.

Then he started a small wet cutting machine to trim the edges of the stones, allowing them to fit together tightly.

Once the arrangement was determined, the adhesion work officially began.

He mixed a high-strength stone adhesive, applying a thick layer on the back of each stone.

Then, starting from the very bottom of the fireplace, he pressed the first stone firmly onto the cement board, tapping it gently with a rubber mallet until the mortar was squeezed out from the edges.

He constantly checked the level and verticality of each stone with a spirit level.

One stone, two stones, one row, two rows...

Lin Yu’an spent a full five days on this task.

When he installed the last meticulously polished gneiss on top of the fireplace, a majestic stone fireplace stretching from the ground to the ceiling was finally completed!

In the next few days, while waiting for the mortar and grout to fully dry, he finished the waterproof and fireproof processing for the chimney passing through the roof.

Finally, the moment had come to witness the ”heart” of the home being ignited.

In the brand-new fireplace, Lin Yu’an placed a few pieces of dry birch wood.

Sparks ignited the tinder, which lit the small wood chips, and finally, a cluster of orange flames joyfully danced up in the enormous cast iron stove!

The flames crackled, and the warm orange glow shone through the large glass door, illuminating the interior of this now nearly complete home for the first time.

Lin Yu’an, David, and Mike gathered around the fireplace, basking in the comforting warmth emanating from it.

David’s camera slowly pulled back, transitioning from the cozy interior, through the window, finally focusing on the entire cabin’s exterior.

A wisp of white smoke gracefully curled up from the tall stone chimney, blending into the blue sky of Alaska.