Stone Stereotomy
From the Greek “estereos” meaning solid and “tomé” meaning section, it is the science and art of cutting stones with specific shapes so that, once they are placed together, they form a single solid structure.
The application of stereotomy can be found all over. From a simple rounded archway to the magnificent ribbed vaults of a cathedral, like La Seu, Mallorca’s gothic cathedral.
In Mallorca, this art has developed to a great extent, likely helped by the great quality of the stone, to the point that it was on this island that the first stereotomy treaty was written in Catalan: “L’Art del Picapedrer” (The Art of the Stone Cutter) by Joseph Gelabert published in 1653.
We apply our knowledge both in restoration work and in the design of new elements.
Arches
Classic arches in popular Mallorcan architecture like the rounded arch, segmental arch or basket-handle arch.
Made with sandstone, stone from Santanyí or compact limestone.
Arches that are outlined and worked on manually following the tradition of the Mallorcan stone cutters.
Vaults
Vaults, stone ceilings.
With the technology that is available in the 21st century we can all have a vault at home. For a special setting, for a wine cellar…. a vault is always magic, a stone ceiling that supports itself.
