Laura has collaborated on several dry stone walling projects with experienced wallers Tim Mason, Eric Sainvet, Richard Grey, among others. These mentors have been invaluable in shaping Laura’s knowledge in dry stone construction as well as integrating her into the community of wallers around London. The majority of the projects have been completed in small villages, such as Cuddesdon and Wootton, and consist of a boundary wall, terraces, or retaining walls. These have all been built without the use of mortar, and use reclaimed stone, chalk, flint, and earth from the site, as well as an additional delivery of locally quarried stone when neccessary. These projects have reinforced Laura’s understanding of dry stone construction and have allowed her to develop the skills required when working with irregular materials. The creativity which emerge from these circumstances of frugality demonstrate a respect for land as well as a passion for working with natural materials. Humble and resourceful.

 

Here is a list of proverbs that have been exchanged while working with stone:

 

A stone must be restful.

Don’t build on disturbed land.

Even a round rock has a flat side if you can find it.

The small stones are shy, they are hiding in the earth, you must go and find them.

Do as little as possible.

Butter the stone.

It is a stepping stone.

A heavy stone should not be carried alone.

A stone should look up at the sky.

 

While working with the ground, digging the earth for a foundation, or pulling out roots, and placing a tiny curled up chafer grub aside, replanting bulbs that were in the way, that was when I know my work is meaningful. When I have the sky abve my head, the wind rushing past my skin that’s when I feel like I am doing something correctly. Architecture can be activism, a gentle engagement with land, a poetic environmentalism.