stob:stone_building

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stob:stone_building [2026/03/12 19:17] – [Related topics] Simon Grantstob:stone_building [2026/03/26 18:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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-# Stone building+This topic is part of [[gt:buildings|Buildings & construction]]. 
 +====== Stone building ======
  
  
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-## What is stone building?+===== What is stone building? =====
  
 Stone building or stonemasonry has existed since humans could first make tools to work stone. Stonemasons work rock into the desired, often geometric shapes, and then use the stones to make structures. Whilst some stone work is done 'dry', much stonemasonry involves the use of mortars, and the understanding of the crucial relationship between the mortar and the stone. There are three main aspects to the stonemason’s craft: choosing and shaping the stone; the lime process; and the structural work of building in stone. Stone building or stonemasonry has existed since humans could first make tools to work stone. Stonemasons work rock into the desired, often geometric shapes, and then use the stones to make structures. Whilst some stone work is done 'dry', much stonemasonry involves the use of mortars, and the understanding of the crucial relationship between the mortar and the stone. There are three main aspects to the stonemason’s craft: choosing and shaping the stone; the lime process; and the structural work of building in stone.
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-## What are the benefits of stone building?+===== What are the benefits of stone building? =====
  
 The craft of stonemasonry is very different to the industrial approach of the construction industry in which so many bricks laid per hour is the overarching goal. Stonemasonry works with natural materials, and in sympathy with them. Stonemasons talk about the 'soft principle' - lime mortar is flexible and the joint is softer than the masonry unit. This gives buildings a resistance and durability that is lost with the use of cement. The flexibility of buildings is a major factor in their ability to survive the test of time; it means that the building can move millimeters without cracking, can settle and shift with the Earth and the people who use it. The craft of stonemasonry is very different to the industrial approach of the construction industry in which so many bricks laid per hour is the overarching goal. Stonemasonry works with natural materials, and in sympathy with them. Stonemasons talk about the 'soft principle' - lime mortar is flexible and the joint is softer than the masonry unit. This gives buildings a resistance and durability that is lost with the use of cement. The flexibility of buildings is a major factor in their ability to survive the test of time; it means that the building can move millimeters without cracking, can settle and shift with the Earth and the people who use it.
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-## What can I do?+===== What can I do? =====
  
 Becoming a stonemason is always an option, or at least as long as there is either funding for the heritage skill bursaries or stonemasons willing to train apprentices, but the question I asked Alastair was what the novice might be able to undertake; someone who had perhaps taken a short course and read a good book or two. Becoming a stonemason is always an option, or at least as long as there is either funding for the heritage skill bursaries or stonemasons willing to train apprentices, but the question I asked Alastair was what the novice might be able to undertake; someone who had perhaps taken a short course and read a good book or two.
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 So, you can’t work with lime when it’s too hot, or when it’s too cold, and stones need to be carefully selected and prepared. The work demands focus, but also patience. It is in essence the antithesis of industrial work. So, you can’t work with lime when it’s too hot, or when it’s too cold, and stones need to be carefully selected and prepared. The work demands focus, but also patience. It is in essence the antithesis of industrial work.
  
-## Further resources+===== Forum ===== 
 + 
 +This topic belongs to the section [[gt:buildings|Buildings & construction]]. You can ask questions or add information on the corresponding [Forum section](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/buildings). 
 + 
 +===== Further resources =====
  
 - [Stone Federation Great Britain](https://www.stonefed.org.uk/) - [Stone Federation Great Britain](https://www.stonefed.org.uk/)
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-## Related topics+===== Related topics =====
  
 - [[stoc:Stone carving]] - [[stoc:Stone carving]]
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-## Specialist curators of this topic+===== Specialist curators of this topic =====
  
  
  • stob/stone_building.1773343031.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2026/03/12 19:17
  • by Simon Grant