Spanning

After the penultimate review, we arranged our structure into its final form. However, it was clear that while the rear section, supported by two 8mm rebars could support itself, the narrower front section could not. As a temporary measure, we introduced a column inside, "borrowing" one of Bang's tubes. The result is a rather nice entryway, and a structure reminiscent of the tradition dwelling on Tatooine.

The next step was to try and strengthen the front half, so that the column would be unnecessary. Since the rebar was so successful in the rear half, we decided to try adding some to the front as well. However, we were concerned about reopening the whole structure, and instead decided to try and insert the rebars with the structure semi-intact. To make this easier, we elected to use 6mm, smooth rebar. However, this did not prove to be strong enough, as the building stood initially but experienced delayed structural failure.

After much deliberation, we elected to add another 8 mm rebar to the front section. So far, it appears like we have success!

A short video of the interior of our structure:

What remains is to complete the floor, minor rearrangements of the envelope, some decisions regarding skylights and partitions, and a general cleanup.