Plywood Purlins???

[onething]

I am planning a leanto/pole barn on the back of my shop and need a curved wall inspired by Jack Olsen's roller coaster roof and mandated by the space. (see pic below) From the wall to the edge of the walkway is 8' at the widest and the curved wall will follow the sidewalk.

The walls will be metal and I haven't chased permits yet, but I don't expect it to be a problem since it is a detached shop and there won't be an issue with boundaries or easements.

My thought is to laminate 1/4" plywood clamped in the shape of the curve to make my purlins approximately 1 1/2" thick. I realize that plywood beams have real wood top and bottom for strength, but these are just purlins. How well will it work?

All comments accepted, constructive comments appreciated

 

[ibedayank]

yep will be strong enough laminated is stronger than straight grain just use lots of glue and run the metal vertical so it bends around the wall

 

[onething]

Good news: I found a real lumber yard!!! The guy I'm working with says I can use an OSB trim product for the purlins.

Bad news: City says I can't use metal for the walls, so I have hit a wall. Nothing else comes to mind that will match the curve of the sidewalk. Any suggestions?

 

[ibedayank]

Onething... you could use 1/8th or 1/4 and laminate your walls like doing the purlins


look up plywood boat building for tons of ideas

 

[srmofo]

If the city cant see it, dont tell them.

Ive had it with dealing with cities and their over whelming lack of common sense. If they cant see it from public property then there is no reason why metal is a bad choice for the exterior other than someone on the board doesnt like it.

Something similar with my privacy fence last year. Im on a corner lot and this is in the backyard. I wanted it 5' from the city walk. They said no it has to be 12' because its a front yard...Its definetly behind my house, not in front of it. My garage is only 10' and my house is only 6' from the city walk. The fence across the street is only 2'. And I can see 3 other privacy fences from my porch that are only 2'-3'. For some reason they think it will be an obstacle you cant see through when leaving the alley. Nevermind the fact that its 46' from the alley. And yeah its an obstacle but so is my house, my garage, all the vehicles parked on the street. I pulled the permit at 12' and put it where I wanted.

 

[onething]

That's what I love about this place: instant answers!!!

 

[never enuf time]

How about board & batten, cupped boards at the curved parts

 

[sberry]

You mean sheating girts or purlins,, which go in the roof.