Page 33 - Bulletin 19 2015

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before being offered up and fixed into position. (Figs. 1.41 – 49.)

The following are some types of wall which have been developed over the years. We are

looking here at the wall- type only and not at the elaborate copings and mouldings which are
an integral part of public works of architecture. One can divide vernacular stone walling into

two main types: irregular or rubble type walls and regular, or otherwise known as ashlar or
dressed stonework.

We see here from Brunskill's Illustrated Handbook of Vernacular Architecture, some
drawings of traditional wall types. What is quite interesting is that the walls gain their

character from the individual shapes of stone used, as much as the coursing employed.

Quoining on the important corners of a building was often done by a more experienced
mason and are bigger and better finished than the infill stonework which could be done by a

less skilled tradesman.

The effect of dry stonework could be achieved by omitting pointing. (Fig. 1.50.) Lime render
in layers built up over years was sometimes used to protect inferior or soft stone resulting in

the lime-wash look that we know so well in Cape Dutch buildings.

Again from Brunskill, we see here drawings of the more regular and better finished ashlar

stonework which tended to be used on more formal or public buildings. (Fig. 1.51.) This
serves to illustrate one of the differences between vernacular buildings and buildings of a

grander or more public nature. The regular stonework is more costly and has a grandeur.

Again, the size of the stones determine the character and it is interesting to note that both the
length and height of coursing can vary, with the heavier stones being placed lower down. This

variegation in stone size gives the wall a unique and very beautiful quality.

Lets now have a closer look at our local conditions.

Case Study – Muizenberg to Kalk Bay

What follows is a stroll down Main Road starting at Muizenberg Station. I have to say at the

outset that my commentary is based on personal observations. It is not exhaustive and does
not in any way pretend to be a heritage thesis. I am merely commenting on what I see.