RFBM's Other Structures

With the separation of RFBM from other BRC infrastructure in 2001, a new service building was constructed to meet the need for a small equipment room at the base of a tower where the tower's guying system was no longer a good fit for the main building. This new building was designed on the original 8-foot by 12-foot plan of the first iteration in 1995 of the shack, but with simpler walls and fitting scheme.

This building represents an intermediate step in design philosophy that would be further developed in 2006 when the main building was replaced.

All except two pieces of this building are 4' X 8', the remaining parts being only a few inches narrower. 1-by lumber was used for a smaller, yet lighter frame, and bolting arrangements were made with large holes for a sloppier tolerance to fit better with unpredictable conditions on site. For most wall pieces, there is no "this way up" position. The interior space is a tall 8-feet with no partitions. Walls are 3/8" plywood on the exterior, and FRP paneling on the inside. This simpler structure is not intended for the public, but has been used on site as a residence and for extended pre-event storage. Assembly is handled by a minimum of two people. It is quite possible to run a complete station with a live studio from this box. It has no windows.

2012 modifications were replacement of the center-back wall with one having a rectangular opening for an insert for power control and ventilation, and a cut-out for a ceiling ventilator.

This building has been used at the Burning Man event six times since 2001.

Beginning in 2004, Gordon built himself a house. It serves as a hard-walled replacement for several failed tents. It covers 6-feet by 8-feet on the ground and stands seven-feet at it's highest point. Interior space is limited. Framing is of 25-guage steel, and the usual paneling materials cover these sections. Everything about it is made smaller and lighter than other RFBM buildings so that it may be assembled and taken down by one person, and even transported in a small pickup truck. It is small but is intended only as a shelter for sleeping and personal space. Despite use of fiberglass wool insulation inside the walls and roof, solar heating is a factor and interior comfort is only realized on cold nights. It stays dry inside through rainy conditions and stands up solidly to windy nights when a tent would keep its occupant awake. This house has been used at the Burning Man event six times since 2004.

Future replacement plans call for changing the roof pitch to a more shallow angle while maintaining the same peak height, and for installing a taller door on the gable end.