Building structure and method

Abstract

A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of forming a building structure, comprising:
 providing a first layer of flexible, drapable fabric comprising tensile load bearing fibers over a framework comprising spaced-apart supports;   deploying in situ the first layer of flexible, drapable fabric into a first preselected shape;   applying in situ a fixing material to the first layer of flexible, drapable fabric to fix the shape of the first flexible fabric, wherein applying the in situ fixing material to the first preselected shape results in a first self-supporting shell that is structurally adapted to hold the first preselected shape and to bear both applied tensile and applied compressive loading sufficient for the shell to be a structural member as a mold or finished assembly.