Dry stone masonry can be utilized in its traditional sense,
such as this freestanding random rubble dry stack wall,
or in a more contemporary form.
Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

By James Asbury, Mountaineer Stone

For those who think that the only way to use stone in construction is to adhere it to a block or slather it with mortar would benefit from looking back in time. Familiarize yourself with masonry design before the modern world "caught up" with the Romans' invention of a standardized block for construction.

There is a growing revival of "wallers," as they are formally called, who shun the use of mortar altogether. With the demands of historic preservation and restoration in the United States, and private interest in new and unique uses of this ancient wall-building technique, the outlook for these wallers is positive.

Built from hand-selected local natural stone, this freestanding dry stone wall includes an Old World hearth design.
Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

Within this growing group of dry stone masons, there exists a branch that utilizes these building concepts primarily in mainstream landscaping or historic restoration. Still others attempt to push the basics of the craft further — creating new shapes and structures — making the natural stone the defining characteristic of the landscape.

In my eight years of walling, I've seen my fair share of scrunched-up noses and more than once responded deftly to the accusatory question: "Aren't you going to put any mortar in that?" I politely say "no" and, if the inquiring individual has the time and desire, I recount the summarized history of dry stone construction and finish it off by telling them why I find dry stone work to be a most rewarding and challenging trade.

I tell these people that in our quickly changing and moving world, it is often hard to find things that keep us anchored to the past. With dry stone construction, the craftspersons and structures can honor the past, present and future equally, with new twists on old ideas and the continuation of telling stories through symbolic meaning in architecture.

This 80-yard dry stone fence includes an arched "sheep creep," historically used to allow sheep to freely move between pastures.
Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

Historical Perspective
Dry stone walling has a firm history that runs parallel with that of man. Walling, in some form or another, may have been practiced by man even before he came to use tools, with the first documented dry stone construction dating back to the early Neolithic period (beginning around 10,000 B.C.), aptly falling during the latter part of the Stone Age. Every part of the Earth where man has found stone, he has put them to use without mortar. Some of the living testaments to the longevity of dry stone wall structures include the ancient Egyptian pyramids (2575-2150 B.C.), the cyclopean walls of Mycenae (1350 B.C.), the Mayan ruins (8th and 9th century A.D.) and the Inca's use of stone wall terracing construction (15th century A.D.).

Dry stone walling's roots in the United States began before the first immigrant farmers planted their fields, when plots of land were divvied up by European settlers. Used mainly to mark and secure these boundaries, at the peak of their popularity, remarkably there were enough stones in New England's walls to build a fence around the Earth's equator. Likewise, at the end of the 19th century, there were enough dry stone in walls in Connecticut alone to build a six-foot tall wall along the entire East Coast and through the Gulf of Mexico.

The Tribute to Knowledge, a freestanding arch statue, was built by students of the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa.
Photo courtesy of Cindy D. Meixel

In these early years, the building of dry stone walls served two purposes. Many of the stones were taken from the fields they bordered; as land was cleared and readied for planting, families, farmers and farmhands put the stone to use in walls and other structures. Though these walls' lives were highly static, there was slow change. Cleared stones in long windrows gradually were constructed into formal walls.

While structurally sound for centuries, only 5 percent of these historic walls are still standing, mostly because of deconstruction. These old walls can be found near older and restored homes and, in a trendy rebirth of old traditions, surrounding newer construction projects as well. These walls — and how they have been integrated into the current landscape of this country — reflect the changing lives of Americans and our cyclical relationships with past lifestyles and customs.

The Tribute to Knowledge, a freestanding arch statue, was built by students of the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa.
Photo courtesy of Cindy D. Meixel

Rebirth of a Tradition
I have personally had the satisfaction of building dry structures that most people take for granted as requiring mortar. For instance, a couple of years ago I was commissioned to build a dry stone bridge. I used the knowledge I had acquired from workshops, books and master craftsmen to build a more modern structure with an older technique.

	A winding pathway design by John Shaw-Rimmington. Photo courtesy of John Shaw-Rimmington

Recently, I had the satisfaction of creating a dry stone wall project I dubbed "Mercy Gate." Like many jobs, I had the pleasure of selecting the stones from literally hundreds of pallets, and supervising the three-week project and every inch of production. Built from Pennsylvania bluestone blocks weighing up to 150 pounds each, the wall stands more than nine feet tall. The most significant part of this work was a large arch doorway.

During dry stone wall construction, a little voice in the back of your head wonders what might go wrong. This adds to the excitement when you compete the job, the false work is removed, and you stand in awe of the arch of dry stone left behind. It takes your breath away every time.

In another project — this time an 80-yard dry stone fence to enclose a large residential lawn — I constructed a "sheep creep," or a smaller arch in the wall historically used to permit grazing sheep to pass. Although it's a new construction, this element bears the historical presence of times past — as well as provides a remarkable design element for all who pass by.

Dry stone walling complements Mother Nature. Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

Wallers across the trade are melding the traditional aspects with contemporary design, and vice versa. John Shaw-Rimmington has realized a number of his mind-boggling designs in recent years, starting with a twist on the standard arch. Rimmington's arch breaks the rules, creating a twisted arch. By offsetting each stone a couple of degrees further than the previous one, a twist appears in the arch and an old concept is reborn into a modern twist, so to speak.

Such novel adaptations of basic or classical building concepts are sought constantly by the creative dry stone mason. Rimmington has built a number of less-than-traditional structures. I was quite impressed with a giant wedge of cheese, complete with holes. It's not as practical as a house, but it is far more interesting than the standard wall.

During another student project at the Haliburton School of Arts in Canada, Rimmington created a winding pathway, taking a traditional dry laid sheepfold and throwing a contemporary gentle curve into the design.

"In effect you create a winding pathway through two lovely C-shaped walls," said Rimmington. "The height of the two walls, including the rugged vertical coping is over four-and-a-half feet, so that standing between them there is a dynamic interior space that is both intimate and inviting."

Likewise, in his workshop in Ontario, Rimmington and his students created what can best be described as a Hot Wheels track in stone. That structure was built inside of a greenhouse and was never meant to be permanent. When I saw pictures and read about it, I decided that I'd like to see if it could be done for a permanent structure. Since students built the original, I thought it fitting to have students assist me in this second stone loop. Students from the Pennsylvania College of Technology were put to the task and saw it through to completion. The finished product, "A Tribute to Knowledge," is a stone loop in the same style as the aforementioned Hot Wheels track, and it has shown steady durability, making it safely through its first winter.

This "folly" design gives an Old World feel for this residential landscape.
Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

Unlimited Potential
Today, some wallers aim only to build strong walls, but others birth and nurture ideas, varying the work of the past with the input of the current patron. Neil Rippingale, a member of Great Britain's Dry Stone Walling Association and master craftsman from Scotland, has applied his trade all over the world. Deviating from traditional design, he has even constructed a dry stone house — with a few modern amenities included, of course.

"The Black House was built from new, yes, but the idea dates back hundreds and hundreds of years in Scottish heritage," Rippingale explained.

John Shaw-Rimmington and his students at the Haliburton School of Arts in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada, provided a modern-day twist on the traditional "sheep creep."
Photo courtesy of John Shaw-Rimmington

The Black House took 32 days to build and was a challenge worthy of a master. The house has one door and seven windows, and construction required that the inside be built vertically, with the outside battered. Tyvec and Visqueen lining intertwined on each course of the build were used as insulation.

For his accomplishment in this construction, Rippingale received much praise and publicity and was presented with the Pinnacle Award by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne. He has since received a second Pinnacle Award for his inspiring work.

Built by owner and dry stone mason, Steve Dziuba, this dry stone retaining wall shows that strength and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

Green Building
While the revival of stone walling provides designers the ability to tie in a more traditional theme to a residential or commercial project, this type of structure also offers answers for modern-day problems.

Since the main material in dry stone wall construction is natural and no mortar is used, dry-stacked stone walls can be considered a "green" structure. A single skid steer or other small landscaping equipment is only required for a small amount of the work, leaving the main construction to be done with manpower. Relying on hammers and other small hand tools keeps construction simple. Also, dry stone walls do not sit on a poured footer; constructed in the traditional dry stone style, they create a natural location for water to return to the soil. Also, construction of a wall without mortar means that the structure can be adapted to a changing landscape without clearing mortar from the stones.

When the tree's roots pushed this retaining wall outwards, the author was able to dismantle the wall, correct the landscaping problem, and then rebuild the wall with the original stonework.
Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

Timeless Art
One thing that many wallers seem to share is their joy in contemplating how their creations will long outlive them. Rippingale and Rimmington have expressed this sentiment and I, myself, think of it daily.

When asked what else he loves about this work, Rippingale replied, "I like the variety of it, and the people you meet all over the world with the same passion for it. ... I love working with the skills that ancient people used thousands of years ago. One stone added to another is not a new concept. One stone added to another — in just the right way — might be."

Given its longevity, working with stone is more creative, passionate and emotional than any other trade I personally have known. Dry stone creations have outlasted their mason creators for thousands of years and, so long as I build them right, I hope my work will long outlive me as well.

Built by owner and dry stone mason, Steve Dziuba, this dry stone retaining wall shows that strength and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Photo courtesy of Dick Gillespie

Conclusion
Stone is a timeless and worthwhile medium when applied to architecture. Its rebirth is expanding, both in a traditional form, and in a new, creative way. Walling is basic, but unbound by restriction; dry stone walling cannot change, but is constantly evolving within its own identity. Just like any other trade or form of construction, it is always evolving yet it keeps its basic roots close to heart.

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