Knapping
|
| Knapped stonework was often used for important buildings constructed during Norman and Saxon periods. One example is the Norwich Guildhall, built in the 1400s. The east end (pictured above) illustrates an example of smooth, chequerboard (or diaper) flushwork of knapped flint and light limestone. The stones are square-knapped to such a degree that galetting was not required - neither was mortar. |
Knapping is a technique used to shape flint (or other stone with similar characteristics). The purpose of knapping is to split the stone and make it into flat squares or other distinct shapes for decorative purposes.
The residual flakes of stone that are created as a result of knapping are sometimes saved and used to fill spaces and protect any exposed mortar. This technique is known as galetting.
In the case of knapped flint, the technique highlights the smooth black surface of flint, which can be framed in limestone. This treatment is called flushwork - the decorative use of knapped flint in conjunction with dressed stone to form patterns.
See also: Building with Flint: a practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.