As restorers of historic masonry, we love discussing not only the historicity of ancient building techniques and materials but also how they can be utilized today. As we’ve documented in the past, the history of brick-building is an interesting one, manifesting as a sort of “unintentional cooperation” between different civilizations to make bricks the dominant
For as long as mankind has been interested in creating something monumental, we have been attracted to megalithic superstructures. From the Nazca Lines to Stonehenge, and the Titanic to Mount Rushmore, the aim has been twofold: firstly, to create something that would be regarded as the greatest exhibition of expertise and cooperation of the age;
If you’ve ever made a mud pie and let it bake on the sidewalk, you already know quite a bit about historic masonry. Today, the term “brick” can be used to describe any type of building block. Whether it’s made from clay or cement, bricks provide durable building materials for residential and commercial structures. How
It is thought masonry skills were developed as mankind decided to move from natural-found caves into man-made dwellings instead. But what has changed throughout the ages when it comes to the tools and techniques of masonry? Masonry starts with natural materials that can be found around us, including clay, gravel, sand, and stones. But what
Building restoration may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. When you approach the project one element at a time, it’s easier o get a handle on things. And since curb appeal is one of the best parts of your home to invest in, we have tips for different ways to
The dichotomy that lies at the heart of all building restoration projects has been described, in no uncertain terms, as a philosophical conundrum. “If you want to respect an old [building],” goes the quotation, “it’s important to keep the philosophy of the builder in mind. You can honor it by restoring its original state or
Renowned architect Frank Gehry, futurist designer of such landmark buildings as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Guggenheim Museum, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation building, once said that “in the end, the character of a civilization is encased in its structures.” While Gehry has always been enamored with the idea of pushing the boundaries of modern
Since mankind’s earliest days, we have been a species of builders. Ancient peoples buried their dead by digging holes in the earth and covering the bodies with sand or gravel. Over time, in order to protect the dead from animals, narrow pits of stone were made that could be covered with a large rock﹘the first
What to Do and What Not to Do Since the 5.7 magnitude earthquake near Salt Lake City, Utah on the morning of March 18, 2020, our phones have been ringing off the hook from good folks owning historic brick, stone or adobe houses, and commercial buildings. They are seeking advice on how best to act
Following the March 18, 2020 earthquake that shook Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, Abstract sincerely wishes the best for the health and safety of you and your loved ones. In cooperation with structural engineers and other professionals, we have aggressively advocated how best to prepare and stabilize residential and commercial masonry to withstand a
