Abstract: A structure that includes strut tubes that receive and hold within them a granular material—soil, sand, gravel, regolith, or plastic pellets—to which compression is applied after loading. By this means the struts are stiffened to facilitate its use as a durable shelter. The structure is erected by inflating the strut tubes with a fluid which is then displaced with the granular material before compression is applied.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a structure including one or more strut tubes adapted and configured to receive and hold a granular material. The one or more strut tubes further include compression means for applying at least compression to the granular material after loading. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of erecting a structure. The method includes: inflating one or more strut tubes with a fluid; displacing the fluid with granular material; and compressing the granular material.