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ALLIED TRADE FEATURE

sourced materials including granite, sandstone and slate, chosen for
their durability and aesthetic appeal. The technique requires skilled
craftsmen who meticulously stack stones without mortar, relying on
gravity and interlocking patterns for stability. Mortared stone walls
featuring lime or cement mortar are also built, offering enhanced
strength and longevity, particularly in high load-bearing applications.
Recognising the cultural and historical significance of stone
walls, preservation initiatives have emerged in Cape Town, aimed at
safeguarding these structures for future generations. Conservationists
work tirelessly to document, restore and maintain stone walls,
employing traditional methods and modern technologies to ensure
their integrity and longevity.
Public education and awareness campaigns raise appreciation
for the value of stone wall heritage, fostering support for
The rustic appearance of dry stone walls is natural and timeless preservation efforts.

Future prospects
As Cape Town continues to evolve, the legacy of stone wall
construction remains integral to its architectural and cultural
landscape. Innovations in building materials, techniques and design
offer possibilities for the future of stone wall construction, blending
tradition with innovation to create resilient structures.
With a renewed focus on heritage conservation and environmental
stewardship, stone walls in Cape Town are set to endure as lasting
symbols of craftsmanship and cultural identity.
Stone wall construction is a living testament to the region’s history
and cultural heritage, embracing ancient Khoisan traditions and
at the same time, moving forward to contemporary conservation
efforts. The stones are a connection to the land and in retaining
them, we honour the legacy of those who came before us, and who
gave us their timeless beauty.
Building your own wall
If you wish to build a stone wall for yourself, proceed as follows:
• prepare a shallow foundation, approximately 200mm deep x
300mm wide;
• hand source a selection of large, medium and small rocks or
boulders that are a uniform square or rectangular shape;
• place the largest ones on top of the foundation, either in a straight
line or in a curved manner, depending on the shape you require.
Then backfill with soil and compact;
• repeat this process as you build up layers, using medium size rocks
and then smaller stones at the top, always maintaining the levels;
• dry stone walls should not exceed a height of 1.5 metres. If you
have a much higher gradient to retain, create level terraces
between walls. These are normally 1-1.5 metres wide.

Pros and cons of dry stone walling
Plantations Estate in KZN, where the dry stone wall is in keeping with the Positives
Tuscan theme Their rustic appearance has a timeless appeal and the natural
materials used are environmentally friendly. Where walls may no
longer be of use, they can simply be deconstructed and the stones
used elsewhere. The walls provide habitats for mosses, lichens, plants
and wildlife, becoming part of the ecosystem. The only materials
needed are stones; these are long lasting and always retain their
appeal.

Negatives
The walls take a long time to build and labour can be expensive.
The height to which walls can be built is limited – anything above
1.5 metres is not possible as the wall would not be stable. Dry stone
walling involves the use of locally sourced stones, and if the supply
runs out, the work stops.
References: Information and photos used in this article were obtained from
the following sources:
• Sand Online www.sandonline.co.za
• Life is a Garden: The History and Art of Building Traditional Dry Stone Walls
www.lifeisagarden.co.za
Machu Pichu in the Peruvian Andes, where the Incas terraced an entire • Dry Stone Walling: Architecture and Design Magazine, Australia
mountain side to farm the land and grow their crops www.architectureanddesign.com.au n

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