Systems and methods for mixed use buildings

Abstract

A multi-use building system, including for mixed industrial and agricultural use, includes a first building module, a second building module for agricultural use, the second building module located above the first building module, and a connecting layer for connecting the first building module and the second building module, the connecting layer including a support structure for supporting the second building module and allowing continuous airflow between the connecting layer and an exterior environment. The first building module and the second building module are each independently environmentally enclosed and the connecting layer may include an air handling unit for forcing airflow, heating, and/or dehumidifying.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-use building system located in an exterior environment, the system comprising:
 a first building module;   a second building module for agricultural use, the second building module located above the first building module; and   a connecting layer for connecting the first building module and the second building module, the connecting layer comprising a support structure for supporting the second building module and establishing fluid communication between an interior plenum of the connecting layer and the exterior environment,   wherein the first building module and the second building module are each independently environmentally enclosed.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first building module is for light industrial or commercial use. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting layer comprises a perimeter structure with one or more vents, the perimeter structure defining the interior plenum. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting layer further comprises one or more air handling units. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein each of the air handling units comprises one or more of a fan, a heater, a cooling unit or a dehumidifier. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more air handling units each comprise a filter. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of posts. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of joists arranged to define an air flow channel within the interior plenum. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting layer comprises a drainage system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first building module and the second module comprises one or more of an independent heating system, an independent ventilation system, an independent air conditioning system, an independent water distribution system, and an independent drainage system. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first building module and the second building module are each insulated from the exterior environment. 
     
     
         12 . A method for constructing a multi-use building in an exterior environment comprising:
 constructing a first building module;   constructing a connecting layer for positioning on top of the first building module, wherein the connecting layer defines an interior plenum; and   constructing a second building module for positioning on the connecting layer,   wherein the first building module and the second building module are each independently environmentally enclosed, and   wherein the connecting layer is for supporting the second building module and establishing fluid communication between the interior plenum and the exterior environment.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first building module is for light industrial or commercial use. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising forcing airflow through the interior plenum. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising heating air within the interior plenum. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising providing cooling air in the interior plenum. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising dehumidifying air in the interior plenum. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising maintaining positive air pressure in the interior plenum. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising filtering air in the interior plenum. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising providing a water drainage system in the connecting layer.