Stone

Building with rock dates back to the beginning of human history. Many cultures have left durable evidence of their fine craftsmanship with stone masonry. It should not be surprising that such an abundant, indigenous, long-lasting and useful material would be utilized by our forebears. What is surprising is that it is not used more now. I suppose that this is because it isn't delivered to the construction site in perfectly rectangular blocks that can be quickly stacked into straight walls.

I have always been fascinated by rocks. One of my earliest memories is of making a miniature rock building, attempting to copy what my father was building with large, heavy stones. Rocks are infinitely variable in shape, color, texture, hardness, etc. To me, laying rocks, either with mortar or dry stacking, is a wonderful puzzle, one that is best approached with a Zen state of mind. Nothing could be more satisfying than seeing the pattern of a particular wall emerge! There is definitely an art to laying stones, one that can be learned by studying, watching or doing. One basic tenet is to overlap the rocks as much as possible, as one would do with laying bricks. This creates a strong wall that resists cracking along weak seam lines. Another good practice is to keep the very largest rocks toward the bottom of the structure. Every rock mason has his individual style, almost a signature.

Rocks are particularly suitable in areas where thermal mass is desired, since they can hold their temperature very well. This means that rock walls in the interior of a building, especially where they will be struck by sunlight, can serve to store heat or moderate temperature fluctuations. If used as an exterior wall, rocks should be insulated from the inside to keep them from bleeding heat or cold in either direction.

Plans
Stone Retreat
Touson Saryon, Architect

Here is an 896 sf plan made for a couple's weekend retreat...or even full time residence. It won't take much to heat this place in the winter or keep it cool in summer. It will be easy to go off grid with this one! It was originally designed for strawbales, but with the wide walls, it could be adapted for stones, with a double wall to allow for insulation.

For more information about this plan, and many others, visit our sister site www.dreamgreenhomes.com, where you will find a wide range of plans for sustainable homes, greenhouses, small buildings, garages, and food storage space for sale. Dream Green Homes is a consortium of outstanding architects and designers, who have pooled their talent and expertise for your benefit.

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I specifically disclaim any warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the information on these pages. Neither I nor any of the advisor/consultants associated with this site will have liability for loss, damage, or injury, resulting from the use of any information found on this, or any other page at this site. Kelly Hart, Hartworks LLC.