The Circle Window

I must say the construction of the circle window was a gentle reminder for me that Challenges are amazing and what's even more amazing is that they always have a solution

Before plastering

So, this is how we went about building and shaping the circle window:

We first had to decide whether we wanted a 4ft or a 5ft diameter circle. The room's aesthetics would be impacted by choosing a size that was either too big or too small. After careful consideration, we settled on a 4ft diameter, just enough to comfortably fit a person of my height.

One major requirement for me was the ability to sit on the window, gaze outside, or read books. This necessitated a depth of at least 1.5 ft to sit without any discomfort. However, the thickness of the wall was only 6”. Consequently, an additional one foot had to be extended outside like a cantilever – a strong and steady support transferring the load from the window to the bottom wall.

Window interior plastering after removing the mold

As in every other part of the house, sill concrete was placed below the circle window to enhance the wall's strength. We purchased a 4’ cement frame typically used for wells and underground tanks. However, since it lacked sufficient reinforcement and had a depth of just 1ft, it couldn't be directly attached to the wall and extended to 1.5’. Therefore, we decided to use it as the skeleton for the circle. This frame was positioned outside, extending 1’ to avoid affecting the space in the room, and was supported by wooden poles and planks. During the pouring of sill concrete, a few rebars were extended through the holes in the CSEB blocks for interlocking. These rebars were bent outside, providing support for the circular frame.

This circular frame served as the mold and would be removed after the actual circle structure was complete.

Once the frame was constructed, a simple covering was created using a bendable metal sheet as shuttering, and concrete (with lesser water content) was poured. The resulting circular structure was formed outside the mold and would become the actual circular window.

After curing, the inner mold frame was removed, and plastering was applied to achieve a neat finish. The center was identified, and a stick was hammered to the center to establish an even radius on all sides.

Wooden frame for the window in making

Wooden Frame for the Window in making

After plastering, it was coated with putty, and white color was painted. For the wooden window, a circular frame was fashioned from wood by joining multiple pieces of straight wood. The window was designed with a fixed panel at the bottom for safety, and the top was crafted in the style of a regular arch window. The bottom fixed part was made slightly longer than the exact half to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Plastering the window interior after removing the mold

Window with the bottom panel

Provisions were made on top of the window to add lighting, with a pipe inserted during concreting to avoid the need for later drilling.

The circle window was the result of extensive research and hard work, and it undoubtedly paid off. It has become the signature of the house, with everyone who visits wanting a picture of themselves sitting on the window.

My cute Friend posing with The Window