The 3D world of stereotomy

Above: It took Sim Ayers 520+ hours of dedicated application to create his masterpiece from 347 individually crafted pieces. From the imperial hip rafters to the graceful double curved arches, every element was designed and cut with the utmost precision. It represents a step into the layered masterpieces of the revered French Compagnon carpenters. 

Words: Patrick Moore

At its simplest, stereotomy is a way of putting 2D drawings into 3D sections. It’s a skill that can be applied to constructions, large and small. It has been called the alchemy of solids and employs geometry in ways that date back centuries – some even claim it goes back to the building of Solomon’s temple. It’s manifest in historical cathedrals, temples and architectural structures throughout the world.

‘It’s a way of locking in your human Autocad or Sketch-up, and it’s beyond any tool’, says Patrick Moore, a Canadian carpenter who has undertaken over 10 years of accredited training and achieved the notable distinction of being the first person from the English-speaking world to be accepted as a Compagnon Passant Charpentier in France.

Patrick went on to complete a Masters with Les Compagnon de Devoir in France and also holds a degree in construction management, along with diplomas in heritage carpentry and masonry, as well as many other certificates and professional association memberships.

Above, left to right: Mr Kenzo Akao (Museum Director), Patrick Moore, Jérémie Abbate and Luc Adam stand before Jérémie and Luc’s stereotomical masterpiece which was displayed in the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum’s travelling exhibition Kigumi – Revealing the Carpentry Behind the Wood Joint in Japan.

He has works displayed in museums around the world, including the Musée du Compagnonnage in Tours, France; the Musée des Maîtres et Artisans du Québec in Montreal, Canada; and in the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, Japan.

Stereotomy is not an end in itself, but rather a technique and an art that can be applied to your skillset, he explains. It’s the application of non-digital, hands-on visual learning. ‘Once you’ve nailed your design down’, Patrick says, ‘you go to the drawing board, or lay it out full-scale on the floor. Plan, elevation, side – slicing it from all views – draw as much as you know and then keep drawing.’ It’s a ‘mind skill’, he says, and the limits really are your own imagination.

Historically, with its own language of symbols, stereotomy is steeped in symbolism and ritual. In France, apprentice programs have been in existence since the 13th century. A trade education started at the age of 14 and continued for a decade, working during the day, and studying at night. Producing a ‘masterpiece’ and travelling as a journeyman were also part of attaining the status of a guild member, as was evaluation on the basis of character traits.

When Patrick returned from his studies in France around ten years ago, he wanted to show others the deep knowledge he had learnt. Hundreds of emails to schools largely met with little response. ‘No one was interested: “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and never heard of it”’, was the typical response Patrick said. ‘But I knew it was profound and wanted to do something.’

In 2014, Patrick started his own small, professional school and since then has taught hundreds of people at other schools as well as online. The aim has always been to simply ‘get the word out’. But in an increasingly digital world that’s now fuelled by artificial intelligence, what is the relevance of stereotomy? Why not just use a computer? Patrick explains how the benefits from a tactile (as in hand-drawn) method, are a deeper form of learning and a visionary understanding of spatial depth.

Stereotomy does not rely on complex tools. The basic requirements are a pencil, paper, straightedge and a drafting triangle. ‘It’s a process that makes complex designs manageable. Students learn to not only do things differently, but to see them differently.’ The maintenance of traditional crafts is not only of value for preserving and restoring historical structures – it’s way of reinforcing cultural identities.

This reception masterpiece by Tim Lanau enabled his acceptance as a Compagnon Charpentier Du Devoir. It took around 900 hours to complete. Photo: Tim Lanau

History and origins

In the intricate world of architectural craftsmanship, stereotomy is a venerable discipline. This unique intersection of geometry and carpentry has a rich history, versatile applications, and enduring relevance in contemporary construction practices.

Derived from the Greek stereos (solid) and tomē (cut), stereotomy is the art of cutting and assembling stone or wood into specific shapes and architectural constructions.

As an art and a set of techniques, stereotomy reflects empirical knowledge that developed into an intellectual discipline, cultivating the kind of independent problem- solving that is relevant on any worksite. Its importance transcends mere technical proficiency, playing a pivotal role in preserving cultural identity and craftsmanship in the built environment.

Germany, France and Japan have rich traditions of stereotomy within their architectural traditions. Respectively known as Schiftung, l’art du trait, and kiku-jutsu, each embodies a unique approach. As of 2009, l’art du trait and kiku-jutsu have been listed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, underscoring their global significance.

Stereotomy is a way of creating the 2D drawings from which 3D sections can be cut for the kind of complex historical carpentry constructions that were achieved prior to the advent of digital design applications and artificial intelligence. Model and sketch by Pat Sowers.

In Germany

Schiftung has been indispensable in constructing complex timber structures, particularly in roof frameworks where the transmission of forces across the structure is effectively distributed. Traditional timber framing, characterised by its robustness and durability, relies heavily on schiftung for the creation of sophisticated roof trusses, dormers, and other architectural features.

Despite the advent of modern technology, schiftung continues to play a vital role in contemporary construction practices. The integration of advanced software has streamlined the process, allowing for intricate 3D modelling and automated fabrication processes. However, the essence of schiftung remains unchanged – it is still about precision, craftsmanship, and ensuring the structural integrity of timber-based structures.

It is deeply intertwined with Germany’s architectural heritage. Half-timbered homes, many of which hold significant historical importance as national monuments, dot the landscape along the German Half-Timbered Road, showcasing the artistry and skill of schiftung craftsmen.

Ariel Schecter, proof of sketch model for ‘three-legged trestle test’.

In France

Translating to ‘the art of the line’, l’art du trait encompasses a range of techniques and methodologies aimed at achieving precision and harmony in timber construction. Originating from Les Compagnons du Devoir, the ancient French craft guild system, l’art du trait has been a cornerstone of French carpentry for centuries.

Unlike conventional carpentry, which relies on standardised measurements and templates, l’art du trait employs a more intuitive approach, allowing the visualisation and execution of complex timber structures without the need for intricate mathematical formulas.

At its core, l’art du trait is about problem-solving and spatial visualisation. Carpenters who master l’art du trait possess the ability to design and construct complex wooden buildings in three dimensions.

Within French trade guilds or compagnonnages, l’art du trait carries significant symbolic and social importance. Mastery is a mark of professional achievement and is accessible to individuals from differing social backgrounds. It has been associated with powerful symbolic and initiatory practices, playing a crucial role in the guilds.

Historically, it has given architects and craftspeople the tools and techniques necessary to realise the unique elements that define French architecture. From the elaborate dormers of the guitarde and capucine to the majestic, twisted spires of cathedrals, l’art du trait is central to shaping a distinctive aesthetic.

Above: The main entrance to the former US Embassy in Ottawa, is now a national space dedicated to Inuit, Métis Nation and First Nations communities and has the entryway designed by Bassam Daoud (Norr Architects) and made by Patrick Moore and his team at Amor Construction. The entrance alludes to a traditional Inuit wigwam and was made from in-house glue-laminated marine grade plywood. Some ‘fun facts’: There are over 500 different compound cuts, no two pieces are the same, over 20,000 stainless steel screws and 73,000 stainless steel finishing nails were used in the assembly.

In Japan

From the Japanese ki (measuring) and ku (signifying 90°) along with jutsu (art, way), kiku-jutsu encapsulates the meticulous techniques and methodologies employed by master carpenters. Highly skilled Japanese temple carpenters known as miyadaiku, kiku-jutsu played a pivotal role in defining the unique visual characteristics of Japanese architecture.

Japanese pagodas and temples with gracefully curved eaves and intricate joinery are the quintessential demonstrations of kiku-jutsu. The discipline traces its origins back to Prince Shotoku’s era in the Asuka Period (590 AD) and reached its zenith during the Kamakura Period (1333 AD), marked by the refinement of techniques such as oogi-taruki and sumi-ki.
Construction methods have evolved, however there remain dedicated artisans in Japan who diligently practice and uphold this art. Master carpenter Takeo Mochida is a rare holder of this esteemed technique and a dual recipient of the Living National Treasure title. Mochida actively imparts his profound knowledge to the next generation of carpenters, ensuring the continuity of this unique form of stereotomy.

Traditional wooden structures, meticulously crafted using kiku-jutsu techniques, serve as cultural symbols for contemporary Japanese society. The restoration of old temples and shrines owes much to the application of this skill, highlighting its profound impact on preserving Japan’s architectural heritage.

In a world increasingly defined by rapid technological advancement and globalised architectural trends, the traditions of Schiftung, l’art du trait, and kiku-jutsu, within the broader context of stereotomy, underscore the value of craftsmanship, tradition, and cultural identity in architectural practices around the world.

Photos without individual credits courtesy Patrick Moore

Learn more about Patrick Moore @thestereotomist and the Professional School of Practical Stereotomy in Ottawa, Canada at https://schoolofstereotomy.com/