Cladding for a domed structure

Abstract

Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A building, comprising: 
 a support structure; and    a panel coupled to the support structure, wherein the panel includes: 
 a first plane member;  
 a second plane member; and 
 a flexible member coupled between the first and second plane members, wherein the flexible member permits the first plane member and the second plane member to be separated by a variable gap.  
 
   
     
     
         2 . The building of    claim 1   , wherein the outline of the cross sectional shape of the flexible member is approximately rectangular.  
     
     
         3 . The building of    claim 1   , wherein the flexible member is shaped like an edge seam.  
     
     
         4 . A roofing system for a building, comprising: 
 a panel including: 
 a first plane member;  
 a second plane member; and  
 a flexible member coupled between the first and second plane members, wherein the flexible member permits the first plane member and the second plane member to be separated by a variable gap.  
   
     
     
         5 . The roofing system of    claim 4   , wherein the outline of the cross sectional shape of the flexible member is approximately rectangular.  
     
     
         6 . The roofing system of    claim 4   , wherein the flexible member is shaped like an edge seam.  
     
     
         7 . A panel for use in a roofing system for a building, comprising: 
 a first plane member;    a second plane member; and    a flexible member coupled between the first and second plane members, wherein the flexible member permits the first plane member and the second plane member to be separated by a variable gap.    
     
     
         8 . The panel of    claim 7   , wherein the outline of the cross sectional shape of the flexible member is approximately rectangular.  
     
     
         9 . The panel of    claim 7   , wherein the flexible member is shaped like an edge seam.  
     
     
         10 . A method of constructing a roofing system for a building, the roofing system including a plurality of roofing panels, comprising: 
 permitting the spacing between adjacent roofing panels to vary; and    bridging a spacing between adjacent roofing panels using an adjustable member; and    wherein the adjacent roofing panels and the adjustable member comprise a unitary roofing element.    
     
     
         11 . A method of constructing a building, comprising: 
 constructing a space frame structure; and    constructing a roofing structure onto the space frame structure, the roofing structure including a plurality of roofing panels; wherein the roofing structure is constructed by the following;    permitting the spacing between adjacent roofing panels to vary; and    bridging a spacing between adjacent roofing panels using an adjustable member; and    wherein the adjacent roofing panels and the adjustable member comprise a unitary roofing element.