Stone and Timber: Building Walkways and a Floating Bench

Combining natural elements like stone and timber creates spaces that feel both grounded and artistic. Recently, I had the opportunity to build a stone walkway and a unique floating bench supported by log poles. This project was a blend of design and craftsmanship, requiring creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of materials. From crafting an intricate stone layout to engineering a bench that seems to hover off the ground, every element came together to enhance the landscape with natural beauty and structural integrity.

Crafting the Stone Walkway: Patterns with Purpose

The walkway was designed to guide visitors through the landscape, weaving subtly around trees and plants. Instead of a simple, uniform layout, I embraced the creative potential of the stones, selecting pieces with unique shapes and colors to create an organic flow. Fitting the stones together was like assembling a giant puzzle—each piece needed to complement the next while maintaining a natural, irregular pattern that didn’t feel forced.

Once the layout was finalized, I leveled the ground and laid a gravel bed for drainage, ensuring the walkway would remain stable and weather-resistant. The stones were carefully placed to create a smooth, even surface while preserving their natural texture. Every step along the path now feels intentional, drawing visitors deeper into the space with each stone.

Designing the Floating Bench: Timber Meets Stone

The centerpiece of the project was the floating bench, a playful blend of rustic logwork and stone elements. The concept was to create a bench that appeared to hover slightly above the ground, adding a sense of lightness to the design. To achieve this, I used thick log poles as supports, anchoring them firmly into the ground and incorporating them into the landscape for a natural look.

The bench seat itself was crafted from a wide stone slab, chosen for its beautiful texture and durability. The challenge was to make it appear as if the slab was suspended in mid-air. We secured the stone seat to the log supports using hidden dato cuts in the logs, ensuring the structure was stable while maintaining the illusion of floating. The result was a seamless blend of timber and stone—a sturdy, functional bench that feels effortlessly light.

A Space Rooted in Nature and Creativity

This project was a rewarding challenge, allowing me to work with two of my favorite materials—stone and timber. The walkway and floating bench add structure and flow to the landscape while preserving the natural beauty of the space. By combining organic materials with thoughtful craftsmanship, we created a space that feels rooted in nature and alive with creativity.