Looking really good UB, a really neat, professional job you're doing there!

I'm not sure you'll have too much of a problem with the bricks cracking or exploding UB. I'd rather anticipate possible cracking around the base of the terracotta pot and wherever you have changes in construction materials.
Needless to say, you'll no doubt fire it up slowly, in the first instance (to slowly drive out any moisture) and, thereafter, heat it up and cool it down gently

Nice job, I look forward to seeing the completed and tested item!
