This historic masonry technique relies on the sheer weight and careful interlocking of enormous, unhewn stones rather than mortar to hold a wall together. Builders carefully select and position each massive boulder so its natural shape locks into the surrounding pieces. While mostly associated with ancient ruins, specialized stonemasons still use this method for high-end retaining walls or architectural features where a heavy, rustic appearance is desired.
The architect wants a cyclopean retaining wall for the driveway, so we need to source some massive limestone boulders.
Because there is no mortar to distribute the load, the structural integrity of a cyclopean wall depends entirely on the mason's skill in finding the perfect natural balance points for each boulder.