Backyard “Rocket Grill“
Private Client - City Heights, CA
MudWorks Natural Building designed and built this outdoor grill with a close friend. Constructed with bricks, on-site soil, and straw, this “J-tube” rocket grill design burns wood at a high temperature with incredible efficiency and ease of use.
Project Contributors
- Design/Build: MudWorks Natural Building
- Sculpture: Autumn Flower Creek
- Assistant: David C.
- Photography: Autumn C. & Mary C.
Project Details & Specs
Simple brick foundation was laid atop existing gravel. Traditional “J-tube” brick design was followed, using clay-ash mortar. “Cob” material was mixed by hand using clay soil from the backyard, straw for fiber, and a bit of sand for compressive strength. Cob mix was used to create the final shape of the grill, bringing it to a comfortable usage height and flaring out the channel to accommodate a grill grate. Once the shape was completed, the grill was finished with sculpture and clay plaster.
This design is a great solution for wood-fired meals, from burgers to shush-kebabs to a cast iron full of goodies. The grill is easy to light, and the J-channel causes the wood to burn efficiently at a high temperature, with zero smoke. This is a great addition to any backyard gathering space!
