Dry stone walls in the garden – stones with a second life

Recycled dry stone walls are durable, eye-catching, environmentally responsible, stylish, and provide innovative seating in your garden.

What are the benefits of upcycling a dry stone wall?

  • Saving resources: stones for walls are reused in a meaningful way.
  • Ecologically valuable: every dry stone wall becomes a habitat for insects and small animals.
  • Aesthetic: every wall is unique.
  • Regional: short distances, local craftsmanship.

Whether directly from the existing garden or from another project: many of the natural and concrete stones that we dismantle are of such good quality that they can be reused. We use such materials to build unique dry stone walls, each one unique and at the same time a new habitat for animals. This promotes species diversity and biodiversity.

Whether for support, as a seat in the garden, or as a clear boundary, recycled dry stone walls are extremely versatile. By using recycled materials, we reduce waste, CO2 emissions, and costs, while also creating habitats for ourselves and various animals.

Frequently asked questions about dry stone walls made from recycled stones

How durable are recycled dry stone walls?
Thanks to professional construction and high-quality materials, dry stone walls made from upcycled materials are very durable.

Are dry stone walls made from used materials just as safe?
Yes, dry stone walls are one of the oldest crafts in gardening and landscaping. For centuries, they have been built to be stable and durable without mortar. With the right layering and professional construction, they are very durable, whether as a retaining wall, boundary or seating.

Do I need a permit?
That depends on the height and can vary from municipality to municipality. Any wall over 1.2 m high requires a permit, and any wall over 1 m high requires fall protection.

How much does a recycled dry stone wall cost?
It is often cheaper than a new dry stone wall, as the material costs are much lower thanks to upcycling. Of course, access to the construction site also plays a role. Costs can be significantly reduced by using existing materials.

What habitats are created for animals and plants?
Recycled dry stone walls offer countless small niches and crevices. Wild bees, beetles, spiders, and lizards find shelter there. If desired, we can also integrate native wall plants between the stones.

Are the walls frost-resistant in winter?
Yes. The solid backing wall drains the rear of the wall. This makes it resistant to frost and temperature fluctuations.

If you would like to see an upcycled dry stone wall in person, you can do so at our premises at Bahnhofstrasse 4 in Oberwil.

Let's work together to bring your project to life with stones that tell a new story. Do you have an idea? We would be happy to assist you with your project.

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"Designing gardens is my calling."

Christophe Rentzel-Salathé

Managing Director, Head of New Installations Department
Swiss Federal Diploma in Landscape Architecture HTL
christophe.rentzel@salathe-rentzel.ch

"Planting is my joy and challenge, finding the best solution for each and every customer."

Iris Salathé Rentzel

Business owner, Chair of the Board of Directors
Plant specialist
Swiss certified landscape architect HTL
iris.salathe@salathe-rentzel.ch

"We solve even complicated details with passion."

Norman Kiefer

Head of Landscape Architecture Department
Certified Management Specialist BEM FHBB, Landscape Architect BSLA
norman.kiefer@salathe-rentzel.ch

"Plants – my passion. Designing with colors and shapes throughout the changing seasons is exciting and challenging."

Alois Leute

Head of Maintenance, Plant Specialist
Dipl. Ing. Landscape Management FH
alois.leute@salathe-rentzel.ch

"Big name, large customer base, good location."

Philipp Salathé

Construction manager maintenance 2, landscape gardener
philipp.salathe@salathe-rentzel.ch

"It motivates me every day to know that I can contribute to the perfect garden from my office."

Sibylle Gubler

Head of HR and Finance
sibylle.gubler@salathe-rentzel.ch

"From the initial idea to the finished garden, everything was carried out professionally and meticulously."

Cédric Wolfarth

Deputy Head of New Installations Department, Construction Manager for New Installations
cedric.wolfarth@salathe-rentzel.ch

Andreas Engelmann

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