When Walls Go Round

The author sits atop the completed portion of a two-and-a-half-story tower wall. The 22-foot-high wall was tipped up in 8-foot-long sections and the double-layer plywood plates spliced together. After 40 years of building whatever the architects can draw — from simple circular walls to S-shaped and flared walls — I now think of myself as an accomplished radius wall framer. Still, I remember how easy it is to be intimidated by a set of drawings showing curved walls. Curved walls are simple once you begin to think “round.” A round wall is just a straight wall with curved plates. But details such as window and door openings and fireblocking can get tricky when things go round. This article will