What is a Crinkle Crankle Wall?

What is a Crinkle Crankle Wall?

A crinkle crankle walls, also known as a crinkum crankum, sinusoidal, serpentine, ribbon, or wavy wall, is a unique type of structural or garden wall that is built in a serpentine shape with alternating curves. Originally used in Ancient Egypt and commonly found in Suffolk, England, these walls provide both visual appeal and practical benefits.

The sinusoidal curves in the wall help provide stability, resist lateral forces, and increase its strength compared to a straight wall of the same thickness. These walls have a long history, with examples dating back to Ancient Egypt over 3,400 years ago.

In East Anglia, England, particularly in Suffolk, there are over 100 examples of crinkle crankle walls, with the longest existing example believed to be the one running from a manor house to All Saints’ Church in the village of Easton.

Key Takeaways:

• Crinkle crankle walls are unique serpentine structures with alternating curves.
• They provide stability, resist lateral forces, and have increased strength compared to straight walls.
• These walls have a long history, dating back to Ancient Egypt.
• Suffolk, England is home to over 100 examples of crinkle crankle walls.
• These walls offer both visual appeal and practical benefits.

The Construction of Crinkle Crankle Walls

The construction of crinkle crankle walls involves a unique design and construction method that sets them apart from traditional straight walls. Instead of requiring a thicker wall with additional reinforcement, crinkle crankle walls can be built with just a single layer of bricks.

The carefully laid bricks are positioned in a serpentine or wavy pattern, creating the desired shape and providing inherent stability. This design allows the wall to stand on its own, making it both structurally sound and cost-effective. One of the key benefits of the crinkle crankle wall’s construction is its ability to create microclimates.

The curves and pockets formed by the sinusoidal design offer protection from wind and trap heat, making them ideal for growing fruit trees and extending the growing season. These walls not only provide structural support but also enhance energy efficiency by creating favorable conditions for plant growth.

The aesthetic appeal of crinkle crankle walls is another factor that sets them apart. The unique, wavy shape adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes, creating a striking focal point. Whether used as a boundary wall, a decorative element, or a functional structure, crinkle crankle walls offer both practical benefits and a visually pleasing addition to any outdoor space.

The History of Crinkle Crankle Walls

Crinkle crankle walls have a fascinating history that spans both ancient and more recent times. The roots of these unique walls can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, where they were used in the architecture of the city of Aten over 3,400 years ago. These walls, with their distinctive serpentine shape, were strategically designed to force oncoming troops to break ranks, exposing them to defensive assault.

In England, crinkle crankle walls have become synonymous with East Anglia, particularly the county of Suffolk. It is in this region that more than 100 examples of these walls can be found. The origins of their construction in Suffolk are attributed to the draining of the marshes in The Fens by Dutch engineers in the 17th century, where these walls were known as “slangenmuur,” meaning snake walls.

The term “crinkle crankle” emerged in the 18th century, deriving from the Suffolk dialect. These walls have since become an integral part of the local architectural and cultural landscape, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Their history and unique design make them a cherished feature of gardens and landscapes in the region.

Benefits of Crinkle Crankle Walls

Crinkle crankle walls offer a range of benefits that go beyond their visually appealing design. These walls not only add a unique and captivating element to gardens and landscapes but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the surrounding environment.

The sinusoidal curves of crinkle crankle walls create an interesting and distinctive feature that sets them apart from traditional straight walls. Aside from their visual appeal, crinkle crankle walls provide practical advantages as well. The curved shape of these walls creates pockets that act as natural windbreaks, offering protection to fragile plants and fruit trees.

Additionally, these pockets trap heat, creating microclimates that extend the growing season and optimize growing conditions for plants. This inherent energy efficiency helps to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling methods, making crinkle crankle walls a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.

Another advantage of crinkle crankle walls is their structural stability and strength. Despite their single-layer construction, these walls are structurally sound and can stand on their own, thanks to the unique arch support provided by the sinusoidal curves.

This design minimizes the amount of material required for construction, resulting in cost savings. Moreover, the elongated shape of crinkle crankle walls maximizes the boundary length, providing ample space for diverse microclimates and further optimizing growing conditions.