Dry stone Walls

This photo gallery contains examples of Free-standing walls and Retaining walls.

 A cross-section of a Free-standing wall resembles a large  'A'. The outside faces are leaning in, this is known as the 'batter'. The forces acting on each individual stone are directed towards the center and with the aid of the large top stones known as 'Cope-stones' the wall is compressed which forces the outside faces together. This creates a strong and long lasting structure. They are used in a wide variety of situations; the design possibilities are endless. 

Retaining walls cease the movement of earth through the application of a similar counter-force. Usually found on sloping terrain creating a division between two levels. The wall is back-filled with stone and is at times as thick as it is tall! The wall can breathe, keeping the interior dry. Useful in Sunken gardens.