Stone House Construction

Stone House Construction is a comprehensive study of Australian stone building techniques in a residential context. It has a strong theme of historic stone buildings, as traditional forms of building respond to the need for structural integrity and stability over time against weathering. The book covers aspects of local stone building, from quarrying on site to building arches over openings for upper storey walls, and is a sourcebook of examples and methods to help the reader to carry on a tradition of building in local stone. Stone buildings inspire people because they transfer a natural beauty to a human achievement. Using natural local materials is in accordance with the principle of thinking globally, acting locally. The book shows many examples of Australian stonework that have not been given exposure in previous architectural references. It promotes Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) through the continuation of a stonework tradition in Australia

Sarah Gunn studied architecture at the University of Melbourne. Her first involvement in building with stone was on a job for her mother. The project was a country house with a tower, near Hepburn Springs. Sarah and her husband travelled around Victoria and New South Wales seeking out stone houses and quarries to photograph, and to learn from people who were building in stone. She continued her architectural work in Castlemaine, Victoria, then South West Rocks, NSW. She has contributed to the Good Wood Guide and grows rainforest trees on her property.