Hidden Inside the Wall

Anonymous

One interpretation of “unseen” is simple—hidden from sight. As someone in the building industry, I think often about the many elements that get covered up by drywall and exterior cladding. For those of us who deal with the “guts” of a building daily, there are countless unseen components, each with its own story. These elements serve specific functions and are shaped by laws, engineering requirements, and the skilled tradespeople who assemble them.

Take shear walls, for example—massive slabs of lumber nailed together with tie rods. These structural elements are essential for keeping a building stable during seismic events. In a way, shear walls are the calling card of the surrounding geology. They speak to the reality that the building isn’t just anywhere—it’s here, in Victoria, where seismic activity is a consideration. It’s a “Victoria special,” a unique aspect of the city’s design that’s largely hidden, but crucial.