Moon Gate - 3D plans

Moon Gate, the ultimate dry-stack build!

 

The Permaculture Technology Jamboree 2023 was a resounding success! The Wheaton Labs community, in collaboration with expert instructors and enthusiastic attendees, created innovative artifacts that are redefining the potential of what a permaculture perspective can offer humanity—surpassing the expectations set by past events.

Designed by Tim Lanese,the Moon Gate exemplifies dry-stack masonry. This approach relies entirely on precise rock placing, using gravity, compression, and angular gravel (chat) to lock its natural rock components into place without any mortar, adhesives, or reinforcements. The result is a sturdy, elegant design that highlights the raw beauty and strength of natural rock.

The plans are done! We've gone through it so many times that we're a bit numb to it now. If you catch any wonky bits or have feedback, we’d really appreciate it if you let us know. And here’s a sweet deal—if we implement your feedback, you’ll earn yourself some tasty pie as a thank-you!

Personally seeing no wonky bits with the plans - another winner Andrés!!

This is a beautiful and fascinating structure, and the pictures and video fall short of experiencing The Moon Gate in person. If you get a chance, take a trip to Wheaton Labs and be sure to check it out!

A point of feedback to future builders -
When removing the form the PTJ attendees and Boot Crew ended up needing to cut the cross brace, as seen in the full event video from 20:30-22:45.

Mike highlights the reason for this and offers a solution; the diagonal bracing was screwed in from the outside of the form, leaving the screw heads facing the rock and thus inaccessible. It would be more optimal to be able to unscrew those from the inside for easier removal.

One alternative, especially for those looking to reuse materials, might be to use pocket holes drilled from the inside of the form, through the brace and into the outer boards.
See rough sketch below for inspiration