How To Build a Fireplace

The #1 thing you need to do is make sure that there is a way to adjust the distance between the flame and the food. Different foods need different distances.

Basically, you need to do a circular fire place…something with a dome so that it traps the heat so you can do both meat and breads.

A sheet of metal is better than a grate because then you can cook more kinds of foods…

Here is the Dogpile.com Search for "How To Build A Brick Oven"

I’m sure that these links may help you.

http://www.dogpile.com/dogpile/ws/results/Web/How%20To%20Build%20A%20Brick%20Oven/1/417/TopNavigation/Relevance/iq=true/zoom=off/_iceUrlFlag=7?_IceUrl=true

The more compact and efficient, the less fuel needs to be used and I know that fuel is an issue.

A "Bee Hive" shape with a hole in the bottom for the fuel and a hole towards the top for the food, with a door for the food section, is the best design because it retains the most heat.

This design seems to be good for a large family:
http://www.traditionaloven.com/pizza_wood_oven/pizza_oven_2.html

I truly hope my answer helps.