The Art of Stone Selection: Heruteu Deep Dive

Introduction

As a craftsperson new to the world of stone, it’s easy to become captivated by the tools of the trade. However, an over-reliance on tools can obscure the deeper truths of what makes a great stone waller. The ability to assess, select, and organize stone is paramount. As we often say in training, "Do not fight the stone." This means that excessive working or bad selection leads to struggling against the stone, rather than placing it where it naturally belongs, based on its strengths and attributes. Proper stone selection is critical for efficiency, sustainability, and creating a lasting structure.

Part One: Understanding the Stone

• The Importance of Observation: Before any stone is moved, it is essential to observe its characteristics, including its shape, size, texture, and color. This process is not just about aesthetics; it’s about understanding how the stone will behave within the wall. Each stone has its own unique qualities, and a skilled waller knows how to utilize these qualities to their advantage [1, 2]. The "ugly stone" principle is a key example of this philosophy.

• Categorization: Stone should be categorized based on its attributes. Larger, less uniform stones are ideal for foundations, while flatter, more regular pieces are better suited for the wall's face and coping [1, 2]. Different types of stone will have different properties, such as porosity and permeability, and these should be taken into account when selecting stone for particular situations. The color of natural stone will vary, and a good waller will use this to create a visually appealing structure.

• The "Ugly Stone" Principle: Within the foundations, the largest, “ugliest” stones should be used [1, 2]. This principle is twofold:

• Efficiency: Using larger stones in the foundations means less time spent laying each individual piece. It also minimizes the need to lift heavier stones higher and optimizes the use of resources [1, 2].

• Resource Management: By using the less aesthetically pleasing stones in the foundations, the flatter and lighter stones can be used elsewhere, where they can be most effective, and this avoids wasting valuable resources. Using the "ugliest" stones in the foundations makes use of the natural advantage of soil, which can be easily dug away to fit these irregular shapes [1, 2].

Part Two: The Selection Process

• "What You Lift, You Lay": This old adage holds true, emphasizing that proper selection is key to productivity. By carefully selecting stones before moving them, you can avoid unnecessary handling and adjustments. This principle highlights the importance of planning and reducing wasted movement, which is essential for efficiency in traditional crafts [2, 3].

• Time Investment: Spending time selecting stones, rather than forcing stones to fit by excessive hammering, saves energy, minimizes waste from breakages, and improves overall efficiency [2, 3]. This approach contrasts with the "brash" approach, that is, a lack of consideration and poor workmanship.

• Avoiding Waste: A trained stone waller understands the importance of minimizing waste. When stones are forced into place, the resulting losses may seem nominal to a novice but can make a significant difference to efficiency [2, 3]. This principle is rooted in a time when stone transportation relied on manual labor, making every piece of stone and every movement a valuable resource.

• Matching Stone: When adding coping to an existing wall, it is important to match the coping stone to the existing wall in terms of color, texture, and size [4]. This will help maintain the aesthetic integrity of the wall and reflect the local style. The careful selection of coping stones is important both for aesthetics and to ensure the longevity of the structure.

Part Three: Regional and Historical Context

• Vernacular Styles: Dry stone walling styles vary regionally [5]. The coping should reflect the local style and not seem out of place. The techniques used should be appropriate to the region, and the materials used should be locally sourced. Vernacular architecture is defined by its regional variations, and the materials used should reflect the local geology [5, 6].

• Cultural Significance: Vernacular architecture embodies local customs, materials, and environmental adaptations [5]. Understanding the cultural context of stone walling adds a deeper layer of appreciation to the craft. Traditional building methods are linked to specific communities and historical periods, and this is a key element of preserving cultural heritage [5, 6]. The study of vernacular architecture reveals much about the social and historical context of construction.

• Historical Precedent: Examining the details of historic stonework provides valuable guidance for modern projects. It can be useful to observe older buildings and note those features that work to the benefit of the stone [7]. For example, the use of right angles in ancient structures has been discussed in detail by Haverfield, who suggests that this is not always the most obvious or practical solution to construction issues [7].

  
  

Part Four: Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

• Sustainable Practices: Stone is a durable and long-lasting material with minimal energy requirements for its production and maintenance [2, 8]. Sourcing materials locally further reduces the carbon footprint and supports local communities. Using the largest stones in foundations is an additional way to maximize resources [1, 2]. Traditional methods of building with stone are far more sustainable than modern methods [2, 8].

• Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of modern materials when making comparisons with traditional methods [2, 8]. The Spon's price book includes information about the Aggregates Levy and the Landfill Tax, and this can be used to illustrate the environmental impact of modern construction methods [1, 2, 9-11].

• Ethical Choices: Choosing traditional methods and materials such as stone promotes sustainability, cultural preservation, and can support local economies [2, 8]. Understanding the ethics of construction includes an awareness of the embodied energy of materials, the environmental impact of the construction industry, and the need to preserve traditional building practices [2, 8].

  
  

Part Five: The Modern Stoneworker

• Blending Tradition and Innovation: As a modern stone worker, it is important to embrace both traditional skills and modern technologies. The use of traditional methods does not preclude the use of modern tools where they are appropriate [1, 2, 8].

• BIM and Digital Tools: While the art of stone selection is rooted in tradition, modern tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) can help with project management, detailed visualizations, and efficient material sourcing [1, 2, 8]. BIM can also help to provide detailed timelines and cost estimates [1, 2, 8]. A BIM model can enhance the client's understanding of the project [1, 2, 4, 12-17]. The use of BIM and other technology should be seen as a way to enhance traditional skills.

• Continued Learning: The craft of stone walling is constantly evolving, and it is important to continue learning and refining your skills [1, 2, 8]. This could include attending workshops, on-site training, or using resources from organizations such as the Natural Stone Institute.

• Collaboration: Networking and collaboration with other professionals will also help to develop your skills and grow your business [1, 2, 8]. The sharing of knowledge and experience can help the industry to develop and improve.

Conclusion

Stone selection is an art that requires a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and the cultural context of stone walling. By following these principles, a stone waller can create structures that are not only beautiful, but also sustainable, efficient, and long-lasting. By mastering the art of stone selection, the modern stone waller will be respecting tradition and embracing the potential for innovation and growth in this ancient craft.

Full Citations

• AECOM (Firm), (editor). (2022). Spons' architects' and builders' price book. 2022. London: Taylor & Francis [1, 2, 18].

• Haverfield, F. (n.d.). Ancient Town-Planning. Project Gutenberg [7].

• Heruteu Ltd. (2024). Dry Stone Wall Coping Cost Analysis [4].

• Heruteu Ltd. (2024). Dry Stone Wall Coping Installation Quotation [12, 14-17, 19].

• Heruteu Ltd. (2024). Heruteu: A Revised Business Understanding [8].

• Heruteu Ltd. (2024). Technological Growth Strategy [1].

• Heruteu Ltd. (2024). Four-Phase Growth Plan [1, 2].

• Oliver, P. (2000). The Encyclopaedia of Vernacular Architecture of The World. Cambridge University Press [5].

• Ruskin, J. (1849). The Seven Lamps of Architecture. London: Smith, Elder and Company [20].

• Various. (n.d.) Spons 2022 EWL [1, 2, 9-11].

• Various. (n.d.) Vanishing Vernacular: A Global Crisis in Architecture [5, 6]