[Bill Bess]

Sounds like what they needed was an experienced general contractor, an experienced designer to verify if the darn thing would hold up and to make sure normal building codes were met.
I have no problem with folks coming up with new ideas especially for "green houses", but I think in this case they should have just built a green house for growing plants and save us tax payers from the loss.
Backup systems and proper insulation etc. might have saved the day. Bill