Building structure

Abstract

An improved building structure is provided that is relatively inexpensive, easy to assemble and provides stable and sufficient shelter to inhabitants. The structure includes a plurality of support beams with each beam having an arch beam and a cross beam. The arch beam is in the form of a downward opening arch having first and second ends and defines radially inner and outer surfaces. The cross beam spans the arch and a loft may be supported on the cross beams. A skin is supported on the support beams forming the walls and ceiling for the structure. The skin engages the outer surface of the arch beam of each support beam and extends between the ends of the arch beam. End panels may be coupled to a support beam at either end of the structure to enclose the interior space.

1 . A building structure, comprising: 
 a plurality of support beams, each of said support beams having 
 a arch beam in the form of a downward opening arch, said arch beam having first and second ends and defining radially inner and outer surfaces; and,  
 a cross beam spanning said arch and having first and second ends coupled to said arch beam at first and second points distant from said first and second ends of said arch beam;  
   a skin supported on said plurality of support beams, said skin engaging said outer surface of said arch beam of each of said plurality of support beams and extending between said first and second ends of said arch beam of each of said plurality of support beams; and,    a loft supported on at least two of said cross beams of said plurality of support beams.    
   
   
       2 . The building structure of  claim 1  wherein said arch beam is in the form of a catenary arch.  
   
   
       3 . The building structure of  claim 1  wherein said first and second ends of said cross beam are coupled to said arch beam at first and second points on said arch beam equidistant from an apex of said arch beam.  
   
   
       4 . The building structure of  claim 1  wherein said first and second ends of said cross beam are coupled to said radially inner surface of said arch beam.  
   
   
       5 . The building structure of  claim 1  wherein said skin is formed from a corrugated metal.  
   
   
       6 . The building structure of  claim 1  wherein said skin includes a translucent panel.  
   
   
       7 . The building structure of  claim 6  wherein said translucent panel is disposed between an apex of said skin and an end of said skin.  
   
   
       8 . The building structure of  claim 1  wherein said skin defines an opening configured to receive a vent stack.  
   
   
       9 . The building structure of  claim 1  wherein said loft defines an opening configured to receive a vent stack.  
   
   
       10 . The building structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a bed suspended from at least two of said arch beams of said plurality of support beams.  
   
   
       11 . The building structure of  claim 10  wherein a first lateral end of said bed is disposed against said inner surface of said at least two arch beams of said plurality of support beams and a second lateral end, opposite said first lateral end, is suspended from said at least two arch beams of said plurality of support beams, said second lateral end movable into engagement with said inner surface of said at least two arch beams of said plurality of support beams.  
   
   
       12 . The building structure of  claim 1 , further comprising an end panel coupled to a first support beam of said plurality of support beams, said end panel defining a doorway.  
   
   
       13 . The building structure of  claim 1 , further comprising an end panel coupled to a first support beam of said plurality of support beams, said end panel defining a window.  
   
   
       14 . The building structure of  claim 1 , further comprising an end panel coupled to a first support beam of said plurality of support beams, said end panel including a retractable awning.  
   
   
       15 . The building structure of  claim 14  wherein said awning is disposed over a doorway formed in said first end panel.  
   
   
       16 . The building structure of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of floor beams, each of said floor beams coupled to at least one of said plurality of support beams proximate one of said first and second ends of said at least one support beam; and,    a floor supported on said plurality of floor beams.    
   
   
       17 . The building structure of  claim 16  wherein said floor is formed from a shipping container for said building structure.  
   
   
       18 . The building structure of  claim 1 , wherein a first support beam of said plurality of support beams includes: 
 a base beam extending between said first and second ends of said arch beam; and,    first and second vertical beams extending between said cross beam and said base beam and forming a doorway therebetween.