February 5, 2012
All in the Numbers
Like Hansel and Gretel’s breadcrumbs, numbering stones for restoration work is creating a map for the stone mason. Excellent idea and as old as, well, Machu Picchu.
Here for instance. Two pictures of stone numbering as part of restoration projects.
Stone 51 was saved for reuse at the Stone Bank in Bottineau.
These numbered stones are in a restored wall at Machu Picchu.
Of course, it makes perfect sense to number the stones by row and sequence to put them back in the correct place. (So simple it’s genius.)
What we learned in Peru is that when a stone wall or structure is restored, preservation crews leave the numbering in place, so visitors know which areas are restored and which are in original condition.
When the rear section of the Stone Bank is rebuilt — we likely won’t preserve the numbers on the stones. But perhaps we will leave a mark somewhere inside or out to show the “rebuilding” line.
Remember to “like” our blog and “follow” our posts to keep up with our progress. In one way or another, it’s all about the numbers!
February 1, 2012
Inspired by Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu taken from the start of the trail that leads UP to the Sun Gate.
Your Stone Bank blogger is just back from a trip to Peru — talk about stonework!
The Inca genius for stacking stone is AWESOME (an overused word and perfect in this case) Truly, Machu Picchu is awe-inspiring, breathtaking, incredible, dazzling.
The Incas are gone — but their buildings stand and bear witness to the fact that building with stone is building to last — a very long time.
Here’s a brief slideshow of our day at Machu Picchu.
If you are interested in travel to Peru, check out Art Andes. Melanie Ebertz has been traveling and working in Peru since 1985. Here’s a link to her website.
December 5, 2011
Inside the Stone Bank
Progress. Progress. Progress. That’s the mode we’re in at the Stone Bank. While the roofers finish up on their work, our contractor Fred Kainz has been inside the bank changing the landscape a bit.
Here’s the interior of the Stone Bank’s back end. The building is being dismantled to about the dark line in the pink wallpaper, at left.
This section of the Stone Bank will disappear very soon. The wall constructed of 2x4s has been taken down.
But the 2×4 wall was NOT discarded, it was reused! Our contractor Fred used that wall to build the temporary wall that will close the shortened building this winter. Bravo! Why waste new materials on a temporary wall? The Stone Bank’s story isn’t only written in shades a brown, burgundy and gray — but it’s going a bit green around the edges!
Here are the components of the old wall being reused as the temporary wall. Note the line in the pink wallpaper near the window to get a sense of how much of the back part of the building is being dismantled.
As soon as Fred finishes this interior work, Joe, the stone mason can get back to removing the exterior walls. Then what will we discuss? The weather?
Thanks again to Scott Wagar for his help with photography.
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