Traditional stone masonry involves a laborious practice of selecting and fitting stones by hand using mortar. Each stone is carefully cemented into place individually. Slipform stone masonry uses a much easier approach. Forms about two feet tall are placed directly on the foundation, then about three or four inches of concrete is poured into the form. Stones are then put into the form, more concrete is added, and so on until the top of the form is reached. The walls are allowed to dry, then the forms are removed and ‘slipped’ up another two feet, where the process is repeated. 

		Although a property full of stones might be a curse to a farmer, it can be a blessing if you're interested in building with natural materials and you have the time to harvest the native rocks on your land.   Some of the pictures here in the Stone section are of slipform stone homes. Other pictures are of traditionally built stone masonry buildings that are artistic and inspiring. The finished product of slipform masonry is virtually indistinguishable from traditional stone masonry. Stone is both versatile and durable. Some of the oldest buildings on Earth are made of stone.
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