I am looking for some advice regarding a "Yoga RopeWall" I am helping to construct for a friend's Yoga studio. A rope wall is basically a wall of 3/4" plywood with ropes hanging from it that are used for various Yoga poses.

Originally, the wall was covered in mirror. When we took that down, we discovered that the original studs were metal, not wood. In addition, the entire mirror wall covered a brick wall with three columns protruding from the wall.

My concern is that since the goal is to have a wall 8 feet tall and 27 feet wide with something like 10 to 15 adults hanging onto it, there will be substantial loads placed on it. I'm not worried about the plywood, but rather the underlying metal studs.

I am looking for advice on whether it is possible to reinforce the existing framing with 2X4's and additional ties to the brick wall, or if the metal studs need to come down and be replaced with wood framing. Finally, best approach to tying into the brick wall?

I have my own thoughts, but am doing this with a couple of other friends, hence a debate has ensued. I was hoping for some clarity from this board. I have attached a couple of pictures to show what the underlying wall and studs look like.

http://s116162669.onlinehome.us/NewCometPix/MetalStuds.jpg

http://s116162669.onlinehome.us/NewCometPix/SideAngle_MetalStuds.jpg


Thanks,
PeterM

It looks like the studs are 24" o.c. You can install additional metal studs between the 24 o.c. studs and tie-back the studs like they have done to the brick. I would try to go every 2' along the stud length since there looks like there is nothing structural to attach the top plate to.
In the area of the window(s) you could try to attach along the top of the window to the brick.

I can't tell how thick those studs are but you can use 6" metal suts of a heavy gauge like 14 and anchor them to the brick wall as well as to the tracks. I would also reinforce them with some 2x6 on each stud, anchoring those with some type of L bracket like the one seen on one of your pictures. Good luck