A fuel cell device is provided having an active structure with an anode and cathode in opposing relation with an electrolyte therebetween, a fuel passage adjacent the anode for supplying fuel to the active structure, and an air passage adjacent the cathode for supplying air to the active structure. A porous ceramic layer is positioned between each of the anode and fuel passage and the cathode and air passage, the porous ceramic layers having a porosity configured to permit transport of fuel and air from the respective fuel and air passage to the respective anode and cathode. An inactive surrounding support structure is provided that is monolithic with the electrolyte and the porous ceramic layers, wherein the inactive surrounding support structure lacks the anode and cathode in opposing relation and the active structure resides within the inactive surrounding support structure.