Chimney chute and vent:

The chimney chute is done! It is lined with fireproof boarding (similar to drywall). We will have an access door (shown in the top picture) and chose to make the door out of wooden louvers to squeeze as much heat as possible from the stovepipe (a source of lots of heat, but usually it all goes out the chimney).

The access door on second floor (louvers are not made yet):
Fireproof board:

Looking down the chute: