Registration Eligibility
Workshop Level: 1 & 2. Up to 16 participants with Certified Instructors. Open to everyone. $545.
Start Date
10/13/2018
End Date
10/14/2018
Description
Set on a 200 acre property of field and forest, this is a fantastic location to learn the craft of dry stone walling. The property includes active farm fields, actively managed forestland, trails, a beaver pond and wetland, and even a waterfall. There are fantastic views in nearly every direction. A truly beautiful Vermont landscape. Actively farmed for over 200 years this property is near the heart of the historic village of Eureka (now gone), which was the first village within the town of Springfield. The site features 1000’s of feet of historic dry stone wall that will begin to be repaired in workshops.
The stone used for the walls is what was gathered right out of the fields. It is a mixture of the local metamorphic ledge along other types brought in by the glaciers long ago. There is a nice mix of shapes from round to irregular with occasional flat ones as well. It is very typical of the stone found throughout much of New England. This workshop will be based in the real world. How to work with the stone you have in the best way possible is a primary focus.
In this workshop participants will learn how build a traditional dry stone wall in a real world, field wall, setting. Learning how to make the best use of the available stone will be a key part of this workshop. Participants will be guided through setting foundation stones, working with guide strings, building the first lift, placing through stones, building the 2nd lift, and and setting cope stones.
Each participant will have their own area of wall to work on from start to finish with instructors actively helping along the way. Workshop participants typically each build about 35 sq ft in a fun supportive environment. Some stone shaping will be done as a part of this workshop, but the emphasis will be on building with the stones you have.
This is a Level 1 & 2 workshop. Level 1 is suitable for everyone and no experience is required and there are no prerequisites. Participants at level 1 will be working on a straight section of wall. Level 2 is for those who have taken one or more walling workshops before, or are experienced stone workers. Level 2 participants in this workshop will be at a section that includes building a wall end (cheek end).
Goals for the workshop include:
-Understanding walling terminology
-Knowledge of correct building methods and techniques
-Ability to identify and manage material for maximum value
-Ability to identify properly built walls
-Safe construction practices
-Basic knowledge of shaping stones
Location
Springfield, VT
Distance Learning
No
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Design-Build
Historic Preservation
Residential Design
Rural Landscape
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
15.0
Learning Outcomes
Goals for the workshop include:
-Safe construction practices
-Understanding walling terminology
-Basic knowledge of correct building methods and techniques
-Ability to identify and manage material for maximum value
-Ability to identify properly built walls
Instructors
Brian Post (DSWA-GB Certified Master Craftsman & Instructor)
Course Codes
Provider
The Stone Trust