Vera Saar's Fire Pit - a discussion on design

A fire pit was an opportunity to create a space for relaxation and socializing. It took many months to dig out the soil and clay. One characteristic of Calgary (and a lot of Alberta) is the clay soil. Generally, there is about 7 to 9 inches of top soil, then there is 12 to 24 inches of hard clay. Once you get below the clay , you may be fortunate to have sand and then possibly other layers of clay or even a sandstone boulder or two.

I found that the best way to dig through clay was to moisten the clay and then use hammer and chisel. Even though the clay is heavier, it is easier to work when the soil and clay is moist.



Here are pictures of the fire pit. The diameter of the fire pit is about 3 feet. The distance between the pit and the seating ring is 2 feet. the seats are made of spruce wood. The circumference of the amphitheater is about 26 feet, thereby allowing 10 persons to gather around the seats comfortably. The depth from soil surface to fit pit base is about 3 feet. The effect is one of openness yet privacy. There is a definite screening from the wind. The base of the pit has more stone openings and there are two grills within the structure. A smaller grill was placed at the bottom of the pit to aide in ventilation as well as keeping wood above any moisture gathered due to rain or snow.







The aqua colored stones just were a fortunate find at one of the local gravel pit suppliers. They had since discontinued getting this strange variety of stone. When these stones get moist they take on a jade like quality of green.



The fire pit was used all year round and did start up well due to the second grill inside the pit, which held the firewood above the snow and moisture.


The tealight lanterns added extra illumination and ambience to the space.