The Saving the Stones Group

Spring 2011

To intervene/conserve as much as possible to make it safer for visitors.

The safety of the building itself is needed; treating the problems.

Enhancing the aesthetics.

Support King David’s Tomb’s architectural authenticity and history.

The modern intervention [past intervention] is not truthful to the original architecture of the area. In other words, the methodology utilized in the recent past to treat the place has no

direct relationship to that of the original architecture methodology. Some of the materials utilized here like cement, paint and plaster are not telling the real story of the place. Cement: is a modern material not even known utilized in these past structures. Stone: some of the stones were deliberately painted white. Plaster: also painted white on walls.

Building Technology: Crusaders: No plaster on walls. Ottoman: More plaster on the ceilings.

Joints Material: Byzantine: Mortar was dark due to the presence of charcoal in the mixture (more

grayish mortar). Crusader: was white with small pieces of charcoal.

Reasons for the use of charcoal in the material: 1. To preserve the original color of the ancient material. 2. To transport water through capillary action.

Helmet Steel Toe Construction Boots Eye Protection Mask (nose and mouth) Latex or Cloth Gloves------------------------------------------ Masterinos & Masterinas Hammers and Picks Sponges Water Pumps Chisels Trowels Scaffolding

(Certification Acquired)

RATIOS CONTENT

1 Hydraulic Lyme (Type: NHL – 5z)

2 White Stone

1 Yellow Sand

1/8 Red Ceramic [5mm]

1 Pitt Lyme (Slate) Yogurt-Like

1 ¼ Crushed Limestone ½ Stone Limestone “Sesame” ½ Thick Ceramic ½ Charcoal

Beige Color Mortar

Ratio of 1:3

Grey Color Mortar

Ratio of 1:4

There is a third material that is being considered in this project, but approval is pending.

THE ENTRANCE HALL TO THE GRAVE THE CLOISTER