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Sandstone
Stone which demanded more manpower made a gradual appearance
beginning with use as doorframes and only later being used
for basic constructions.
The stone used exclusively by Khmer builders was sandstone
of different colours : green, rosy and grey (the most
commonly used).
At Angkor, the source was the Kulen Mountains. The distances
over which it needed to be hauled added to finding
structures that would not collapse under their own
considerable weight. Therefore it was not until the end of
the 10th century at Angkor that the Khmers had the
confidence to build exclusively in stone (Ta Keo temple).
Laterite
This iron-rich clay is relatively soft and easy to dress
into blocks when cut out from the ground. However, it
becomes very hard after it has been exposed to the air and
sun, therefore ideal for any hidden parts of a building,
such as foundations and the core of walls faced in brick or
stone.
Any decorative work has to be applied on it like stucco
because of its deeply pitted surface after drying.
Laterite is widely found in South-East of Asia and for
instance can be extracted at about 4 meters under the ground
in Angkor area.
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