U.S. patent application number 11/933379 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for interactive building module.
This patent application is currently assigned to Embleton Limited. Invention is credited to Stephen Donovan.
Application Number | 20090031642 11/933379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40336817 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090031642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donovan; Stephen |
February 5, 2009 |
INTERACTIVE BUILDING MODULE
Abstract
A building module is disclosed which moves between a collapsed
configuration, where it is sized and shaped similarly to a standard
shipping container, and an erected configuration where it forms a
building of greater space. Braced panels are hinged to form walls
in the collapsed configuration and floors or ceilings in the
erected configuration. The modules may be connected together to
form a single storied or multistoried building.
Inventors: |
Donovan; Stephen; (South
Yarra, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI L.L.P.
600 CONGRESS AVE., SUITE 2400
AUSTIN
TX
78701
US
|
Assignee: |
Embleton Limited
|
Family ID: |
40336817 |
Appl. No.: |
11/933379 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11143877 |
Jun 2, 2005 |
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11933379 |
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09937278 |
Mar 4, 2002 |
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PCT/AU00/00240 |
Mar 23, 2000 |
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11143877 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 5/0046 20130101;
Y02A 30/272 20180101; E04B 1/3483 20130101; E04H 3/02 20130101;
E04B 1/34815 20130101; E04H 1/06 20130101; F24F 2007/004 20130101;
E04B 1/3444 20130101; E06B 7/086 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101;
Y02B 10/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/79.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 14/00 20060101
E04H014/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 23, 1999 |
AU |
PP9408 |
May 17, 2007 |
AU |
2007902634 |
Claims
1. A transportable and stackable modular building unit including a
floor panel, side wall panels and a ceiling or roof panel, said
panels being arranged and dimensioned to form a shipping container
in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported above the floor
panel by the side wall panels for transportation by a containerised
shipping network, and wherein at least one of the side wall panels
of the modular building unit is a moveable panel removably or
hingedly connected to the floor panel or the ceiling or roof panel
and moveable to create additional building space adjacent the space
formed by the other panels of said modular building unit.
2. A modular building unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one movable panel is removable and utilizable as a structural
end wall, a verandah section, a roof section or a floor section to
at least partly enclose said additional building space.
3. A modular building unit according to claim 1 wherein the at
least one movable panel is a side wall panel hingedly connected to
the base and/or the top of the unit.
4. A modular building unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at
least one movable panel is a side wall panel hingedly connected to
the floor panel of the unit so that it can swing downwardly to form
an external floor of said additional building space.
5. A modular building unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at
least one movable panel is a side wall panel hingedly connected to
the ceiling or roof panel of the unit so that it can swing upwardly
to form an external roof of said additional building space.
6. A modular building unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at
least one movable panel is a side wall panel having a first hinged
section which swings downwardly to form an external floor, and a
second hinged section which swings upwardly to form an external
roof of said additional building space.
7. A modular building unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or
more additional wall panels and glass facades are provided to at
least partially enclose said additional building space.
8. A multi-storied building including a plurality of transportable
and stackable modular building units, each building unit including
a floor panel, side wall panels and a ceiling or roof panel, the
panels being arranged and dimensioned to form a shipping container
in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported above the floor
panel by the side wall panels for transportation by a containerised
shipping network, at least one of the side wall panels being a
movable panel removably or hingedly connected to at least the floor
panel or the ceiling or roof panel and movable to a position in
which an additional building space is created adjacent the building
unit, and wherein at least one building unit in an upper storey of
the building is stacked on at least one of the building units in
the storey below.
9. A building according to claim 8 wherein the at least one movable
panel is a side wall panel hingedly connected to the base and/or
the top of the unit.
10. A building according to claim 9 wherein the movable panel of at
least one of the building units is hinged to the floor panel of the
unit and movable to a position in which it forms a floor of said
additional building space.
11. A building according to claim 9 wherein the movable panel of at
least one of the building units is hinged to the roof panel of the
unit and movable to a position in which it forms a ceiling or roof
of said additional building space.
12. A building according to claim 8 comprising first and second
modular building units on at least one storey of the building that
are arranged with a free space between said building units and
comprising a further building unit stacked on said first and second
building units above said free space so that the floor panel of
said further building unit forms a ceiling of the free space
between said first and second building units.
13. A multi-storied building according to claim 12 wherein a
plurality of the modular units on a plurality of levels are stacked
in a checkerboard configuration with free spaces between the
adjacent units on each level.
14. A multi-storied building according to claim 8 wherein the
movable panel is removable and is utilised as an end wall, roof or
floor section of said additional building space.
15. A building according to claim 8 wherein additional wall panels
and glass facades are provided for said additional building
space.
16. A transportable, modular building unit for use in a modular
building system, the building unit including a supporting structure
and surface members, at least one of the surface members being
slidable within the supporting structure.
17. A building unit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the surface
members are a floor panel, side wall panels and a roof or ceiling
panel, the panels being arranged to form a container in which the
ceiling or roof panel is supported above the floor panel by the
side wall panels for transportation by a containerised shipping
network, a containerised distribution network or sea transport.
18. A building unit as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one of
the side walls panels and associated supporting structure is a
panel hinged to the floor panel or the roof or ceiling panel, and
moveable to create additional building space adjacent to the space
formed by other panels of the modular building unit.
19. A building unit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the supporting
structure is formed from beams having flanges, such as I-section
beams and T-section beams.
20. A building unit as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least one
panel has a groove about its periphery, the groove being able to
locate about flanges of the supporting structure.
21. A building unit as claimed in claim 19, wherein the supporting
structure includes bracing located within the surface members.
22. A transportable, modular building unit for use in a modular
building system, the building unit including supporting structure
and surface members, the surface members being a floor panel, side
wall panels and a roof or ceiling panel, the panels being arranged
to form a container in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported
above the floor panel by the side wall panels for transportation by
a containerised shipping network, a containerised distribution
network or sea transport, wherein at least one of the side walls
panels and associated supporting structure is a panel hinged to the
floor panel or the roof or ceiling panel, and moveable to create
additional building space adjacent the space formed by other panels
of the modular building unit, the hinged panel including braced
structural trusses.
23. A transportable, modular building unit for use in a modular
building system, the building unit including a supporting structure
and surface members, the surface members being a floor panel, side
wall panels and a roof or ceiling panel, the panels being arranged
to form a container in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported
above the floor panel by the side wall panels for transportation by
a containerised shipping network, a containerised distribution
network or sea transport, the unit including removable lifting and
fixing points.
24. A transportable, modular building unit for use in a modular
building system, the building unit including a supporting structure
and surface members, the surface members being a floor panel, side
wall panels and a roof or ceiling panel, the panels being arranged
to form a container in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported
above the floor panel by the side wall panels for transportation by
a containerised shipping network, a containerised distribution
network or sea transport, the unit including location signalling
devices within its structure.
25. A transportable, modular building unit for use in a modular
building system, the building unit including a supporting structure
and surface members, the surface members being a floor panel, side
wall panels and a roof or ceiling panel, the panels being arranged
to form a container in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported
above the floor panel by the side wall panels for transportation by
a containerised shipping network, a containerised distribution
network or sea transport, the unit or components thereof including
a unique identification number or other identification devices.
26. A transportable, modular building unit for use in a modular
building system, the building unit including a supporting structure
and surface members, the surface members being a floor panel, side
wall panels and a roof or ceiling panel, the panels being arranged
to form a container in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported
above the floor panel by the side wall panels for transportation by
a containerised shipping network, a containerised distribution
network or sea transport, the supporting structure including
I-beams or C-section beams, wherein an insulating material having
desirable fire-separation and acoustic properties can be located
within the reveals of the beams.
27. A building unit as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one of
the hinged panels includes I-beams or C-section beams which provide
for insulating material having desirable fire-separation and
acoustic properties within their reveals.
28. A building constructed from units according to claim 16
29. A multi-story building constructed from units according to
claim 16, wherein vertically adjacent units each have a supporting
structure including upper and lower beams, and wherein the upper
beams of a lower unit are connected to the lower beams of an upper
unit by a fixing means.
30. A multi-story building as claimed in claim 29, wherein the
fixing means can be attached from within a unit.
31. A multi-story building as claimed in claim 29, wherein the
beams are connected horizontally, the units being arranged in a
checkerboard fashion.
32. A building as claimed in claim 29, wherein the units are
separated by insulating material.
33. A building as claimed in claim 32 wherein the insulating
material is aerated concrete.
34. A building as claimed in claim 32, wherein the insulating
material is supplied as modular planks or panels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to,
co-pending application Ser. No. 11/143,877, filed Jun. 2, 2005,
which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/937,278,
filed Sep. 24, 2002 as a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 371 of PCT/AU00/00240, filed on Mar. 23, 2000, which claims
priority to Australian PP 9408, filed Mar. 23, 1999. This
application also claims priority to Australian provisional patent
application No. 2007902634, filed May 17, 2007.
[0002] The Australian provisional patent application No.
2007902634, the Ser. No. 11/143,877 application, the Ser. No.
09/937,278 application, the PCT/AU00/00240 application, and the
Australian PP 9408 application are each incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to interactive building modules and
refers particularly, though not exclusively, to interactive
building modules capable of flexible multipurpose use and
arrangement in various market sectors.
DEFINITIONS
[0004] Throughout this specification reference to a hotel is to be
taken as including a reference to a motel and/or serviced
apartment. Furthermore, a reference to an office is to be taken as
including a reference to a serviced office.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Technological development and subsequent global economic and
social change have made employment an important issue. Urban
village models aim to foster local employment, training and
shopping opportunities for those working in the new service
economy, and minimises their travel costs and time. Urban villages
encourage small and home-based business solutions. In addition,
higher concentrations of residents will help support more of these
businesses, which in turn can provide many of the facilities and
further infrastructure that addition small businesses need to
operate.
[0006] It is becoming evident that the strength of an economy
relies not on physical trade but on the movement of ideas and
skills. One can thus contemplate the creation of communities, which
are more internally focused and truly `sustainable` in that they
bring cause and effect closer together and are more responsive to
their members.
[0007] Further potential lies in establishing business frameworks
which are supportive of people in local. places and which reflect
the nature of these places.
[0008] This potential may be best realised by grouping ownership of
such businesses and by extending the concept of "ownership" as
widely as possible through organised business systems.
[0009] Increasingly we see cities in an international context. The
growth of networking within and between cities and regions is one
of the key developments since the advent of the Internet. Emerging
alliances and coalitions fostered by the Internet provide a variety
of functions: trade, idea exchange, best practice experience,
resourcing and promoting local economic and geographic regional
development.
[0010] Whilst this networking has been forming naturally, the
associated business models are still at a stage of infancy.
[0011] A society which is connected to global information and
culture, and which fosters the ideas and skills of its people is a
society which will succeed in improving the wellbeing of its
people. Further, a society accommodated in well designed more
functional buildings, is a more intelligent vision of the
future.
[0012] Many methods are known for the construction of buildings.
Some methods, such as traditional brick-and-mortar construction,
are labour-intensive processes. Other methods, such as tilt-up
panel construction, further require the movement of large, heavy
building elements using machinery such as cranes. The energy
expended during construction and assembly results in high levels of
greenhouse emissions.
[0013] Neither of these methods is suitable for the erection of
buildings on remote sites. Such sites require a building
constructed from readily transportable and easily handled
materials, which can be quickly constructed without requiring a
large amount of skilled labour. Additionally, it is considered
economically desirable to construct buildings in locations where
labour is relatively inexpensive, for transport to locations where
labour is relatively expensive.
[0014] In response to these needs, and other needs, the concept of
a modular building construction has been proposed. A modular
building structure allows a building to be constructed from readily
transportable components. Being modular, the size and shape of the
building can be easily varied using the same components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The inventive concept, in its various aspects, is inspired
by the fundamental realisation that use of existing building
structures is associated with high capital costs and low
utilisation rates. It is also reflects a desire to produce
buildings which can be readily transported, including to remote
locations.
[0016] Accordingly, the invention, in various aspects, preferably
proposes multiple building structures built of modular components,
in which the resulting building structures are fabricated for
construction involving reduced capital costs, and multi-purpose
usage.
[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a transportable and stackable modular building unit including a
floor panel, side wall panels and a ceiling or roof panel, the
panels being arranged and dimensioned to form a shipping container
in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported above the floor
panel by the side wall panels for transportation by a containerised
shipping network, and wherein at least one of the side wall panels
of the modular building unit is a movable panel removably or
hingedly connected to the floor panel or to the ceiling or roof
panel and movable to create additional building space adjacent the
space formed by the other panels of said modular building unit. The
advantages of such a construction include that building modules can
be readily transported using existing infrastructure.
[0018] In one embodiment, the at least one movable panel is
removable and utilisable as a structural end wall, a verandah
section, a roof section or a floor section to at least partly
enclose said additional building space.
[0019] In another embodiment, the at least one movable panel is a
side wall panel hingedly connected to the base and/or the top of
the unit. The side wall panel may be hingedly connected to the base
of the unit so that it can swing downwardly to form an external
floor of the additional space. Alternatively, the side wall panel
may be hingedly connected to the top of the unit so that it can
swing upwardly to form an external roof of the additional building
space. In a further embodiment, the side wall panel may have a
first hinged section which swings downwardly to form an external
floor and a second hinged section which swings upwardly to form an
external ceiling of the additional building space.
[0020] Further, one or more additional wall panels or glass facades
may be provided to at least partially enclose the additional
building space.
[0021] In a further aspect, the volume efficiency of the modular
building components can be enhanced by desirably locating those
components in favourable configurations.
[0022] In practice, it has been found that the modules may be
subject to damage during transportation, installation and use. It
is generally not possible to easy replace a damaged portion of a
module, and frequently the entire module must be replaced. This can
prove a relatively expensive process. Additionally, there is
limited flexibility in changing the nature of a module whilst
maintaining desired properties, such as the thermal and acoustic
properties, of the module. In response to this, in another aspect
of the invention, there is provided a transportable, modular
building unit for use in a modular building system, the building
unit including a supporting structure and surface members, at least
one of the surface members being slidable within the supporting
structure. The at least one surface member is thus readily
changeable as necessary.
[0023] Preferably, the surface members are a floor panel, side wall
panels and a roof or ceiling panel, the panels being arranged to
form a container in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported
above the floor panel by the side wall panels for transportation by
a containerised shipping network, a containerised distribution
network, or sea transport. More preferably, at least one of the
side walls panels and associated supporting structure is a panel
hinged to the floor panel or the roof or ceiling panel, and
moveable to create additional building space adjacent the space
formed by other panels of the modular building unit.
[0024] Preferably, the supporting structure is formed from beams
having flanges, such as I-section beams and T-section beams. Also
preferably, each panel has a groove about its periphery. The groove
is able to locate about flanges of the supporting structure. This
allows the supporting structure to be substantially concealed by
the surface members.
[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a multi-storied building including a plurality of
transportable and stackable modular building units, each building
unit including a floor panel, side wall panels and a ceiling or
roof panel, the panels being arranged and dimensioned to form a
shipping container in which the ceiling or roof panel is supported
above the floor panel by the side wall panels for transportation by
a containerised shipping network, at least one of the side wall
panels being a movable panel removably or hingedly connected to at
least the floor panel or the ceiling or roof panel and movable to a
position in which an additional building space is created adjacent
the building unit, and wherein at least one building unit in an
upper storey of the building is stacked on at least one of the
building units in the storey below.
[0026] In such a building, the external water and energy demands of
the building structure may be minimised by the use of water and
energy resources appropriate to specific usage demands.
Checkerboard Configuration
[0027] In such a multi-storey building, the volume efficiency of
modular building components can be enhanced significantly by
providing modules that can be stacked in a "checkerboard"
configuration with free spaces between adjacent units on each level
to increase the effective volume of resulting modular building
structure.
[0028] Further, resources usage by the building structure can be
interactively managed in response to demands for resources services
and local resource cost and availability.
[0029] Investment in a number of the building structures may be
advantageously facilitated by a communal pooling of income
associated with the building structures, coupled with the option to
sacrifice access to that pool of income in exchange for occupancy
of a building structure.
[0030] In order to suit the present and future varying
requirements, new real estate concepts advantageously conserve and
enhance a community's resources so that the ecological process, on
which life depends, is maintained and the total quality of life,
now and in the future, will improve. The concept is based upon a
contemporary planning view: that a healthy city should consist of
numerous nodes: high energy, dense, and interactive urban villages.
The historical approach of separating employment areas from
residential is no longer necessary or efficient. The concept
further develops the sophistication of existing business models,
and enables consumers new levels of service and higher margins for
manufacturers and service providers.
[0031] The conventional model of the time-share condominium
involves mobility of capital paired with mobility of ownership. The
concept introduces the notion of mobility of space. Like the
mobility of "particles" assembled into space with meaningful
variable form, the concept contemplates an increase in productive
flow and allows variable use permutations over both virtual and
physical existence within a building space. The conventional
time-share model is challenged and enhanced by the use of universal
spaces capable of variable configurations, creating splicings and
mutations over the physical form, leading to a better and more
fluid setting for social and economic life.
User Mode Conversion
[0032] A building formed from modular building units is desirably
configured between multiple different usage modes over a given
period by preferably using standardised fittings which can be used
to securely engage and disengage a variety of different
components.
Exchange Module
[0033] Further, secure exchange of items with a building structure
is advantageously facilitated by a restricted access exchange
module to which access can be permitted if appropriate
authorisation information is presented matching an authorised
access instruction.
Louvre Assembly
[0034] The energy usage and space efficiency of a building
structure can be improved by providing a facade having a louvre
assembly with a series of articulated louvres able to be retracted
to avoid obstruction of a facade. Providing an integrated handrail
can avoid the need for a balcony, and can provide greater natural
ambient lighting within the structure, minimising artificial
lighting requirements.
Preference Configuration
[0035] The building structure can be adapted between a variety of
configurations to meet an occupant's or a group of occupants'
needs. A building structure can meet those occupants' needs in
different ways at different times. Accordingly, it is recognised
that it is advantageous to generate preference profiles describing
desired configuration options of a building structure, and
configuring the building structure between various of those
preference profiles as required. It is recognised that this is
particularly desirable when different occupants regularly occupy a
particular building structure over a period of time, or particular
occupants occupy different building structures over a period of
time.
Energy Management
[0036] The impact of the energy demands of a building structure can
be reduced, and in particular, the dependence on an external source
of electrical energy can be reduced by meeting, where possible,
energy demands with energy from a source able to generally meet
rather than exceed the respective demand. In this way, demand for
"expensive" or "high-impact" energy, such as externally sourced
electrical energy can be reduced by sacrificing use of such energy
for use of "cheaper" or "low-impact" energy where possible. As a
consequence, for example, energy generated within the module is
generally used in preference to energy sourced externally from the
module.
Water Management
[0037] The impact of water consumption in a building structure may
be reduced, and in particular, the dependence on an external source
of water can be reduced by meeting, where possible, water demands
with water from a source generally able to meet rather than exceed
the quality requirements for the respective water usage. In this
way, demand for "expensive" or "high-impact" water, such as
externally sourced water can be reduced by sacrificing use of such
water for use of "cheaper" or "low-impact" water where possible. As
a consequence, for example, water processed by treatment within the
module is generally used in preference to water sourced externally
from the module.
Resource Management System
[0038] The resources available to a building module may be
interactively and intelligently managed using a networked
management system.
Investment
[0039] Investment in building structures or property is
advantageously facilitated by a mechanism whereby an investor can
have access to income derived from multiple buildings, or exercise,
in lieu of access to that income, a right of tenancy in one or more
of the multiple buildings. Of course, the right of tenancy is
naturally subject to conditions relating to the logistical
operation of the occupancy of the multiple buildings, and equitably
meeting the rights of all investors.
[0040] Preferably, interactive modules for a building are capable
of use as an office, hotel or for residential purposes. Preferably,
there is an inter-connected network of buildings, investors,
occupiers and business operators. The buildings are preferably
located adjacent to areas of high commercial and retail activity
and are designed to tap into the existing infrastructure of these
centres. A network of inter-connected businesses can therefore be
established through the ground level retail areas and some of their
upper level modules.
[0041] Preferably, the physical design of the module allows for
residential, office, and hotel uses from the same space at any
point in time. Transference from one use mode to another may merely
require changing and/or moving furniture, and possible
reprogramming of certain services such as, for example,
telecommunication services. By integrating a rectractable glass
wall system and integrated facade system the module may enable
further adaption from indoor to outdoor uses.
[0042] Preferably, the design streamlines the daily activities of
its occupants, and may also provide them with the ability to live,
work and have relaxation in the same geographical area, the same
building, or even within the same module. The module may be one
standard space and efficient to construct as many of its components
may be pre-fabricated. The module may be produced in various design
formats suitable for different market sectors.
[0043] Preferably, the modules themselves are durable, and
fitted-out with contemporary high performance materials, utilising
industrially designed exchangeable components and fittings. By
changing the configuration of the fit-out components, the universal
spaces created may reach greater levels of utilisation.
[0044] Preferably, integrated computerisation may enable automation
and creation of virtual environments with real-time audiovisual
communications, financial exchange and personalisation via dynamic
IP addressing. For use of the computer functions, an optional
hand-held monitor may be available and may further link the
occupant with their own module and building group's information,
building control and service systems.
[0045] Preferably, the integrated systems architecture of the
modules may enable responsive and interactive energy management
systems, maximising use of onsite renewable energies together with
automated recycling systems. These integrated design techniques
incorporating high performance building materials may minimise the
impact of greenhouse emissions caused through manufacture, the
life-cycle running cost and the reliance on existing service
infrastructures, providing short and long term ecological and
economic benefits.
[0046] Preferably, the module, like an appliance (connected via the
Internet), may enable the occupants more interactive form and
function. The systems architecture may enable automated personal
profiling of individual requirements, preferences and/or settings.
Integrated systems architecture may enable remote monitoring for
mental well-being through individual interactions, healthcare and
remote diagnostics of all equipment.
[0047] Preferably, automated management systems incorporating
reservation procedures, remote vending and yield management via the
Internet may enable greater accessibility encouraging the
associated benefits of higher occupancy rates, tourism, cultural
and information exchange.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smaller interactive module
for a building according to the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective of larger interactive module;
[0050] FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of a building
according to one embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 4 is an exemplary floor plan of the building of FIG.
3;
[0052] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an interactive
mobile module for a building of fixed and mobile construction
respectively.
[0053] FIGS. 6 and 7 are floor plans of the interior space in the
residential mode and office mode respectively.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the power and air
conditioning systems.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the natural air
handling system.
[0056] FIG. 10. is a schematic illustration of the hot water loom
system.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of water collection and
reticulated reuse system.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a closed-loop
air-conditioned energy exchange system.
[0059] FIG. 13 depicts assembly of a plurality of modular building
units stacked to form a multi-storied building in a checkerboard
configuration.
[0060] FIG. 14 depicts a modular building unit having a removable
side wall panel for use in the invention.
[0061] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a typical louvre.
[0062] FIG. 16 is a plan view of an adjustable handrail.
[0063] FIG. 17 is an elevation of a facade system.
[0064] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the facade system.
[0065] FIG. 19 is a view of a top section of a modesty barrier
section of the facade system.
[0066] FIG. 20 is a view of a bottom section of a modesty barrier
section of the facade system.
[0067] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the louvre assembly.
[0068] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a modular building unit
having a side wall panel hingedly connected to the base and/or top
of the unit; and
[0069] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the modular building unit
of FIG. 22 with additional wall panels and glass facades.
[0070] FIG. 24 is a cross sectional elevation of a building unit in
accordance with another aspect of the present invention, shown in a
transportable configuration;
[0071] FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of a lower
rear corner of the building unit of FIG. 24;
[0072] FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of a lower
front corner of the building unit of FIG. 24;
[0073] FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of an upper
rear corner of the building unit of FIG. 24;
[0074] FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of an upper
front corner of the building unit of FIG. 24;
[0075] FIG. 29 is a cross sectional elevation of a single story
building constructed from the building unit of FIG. 24;
[0076] FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of an lower
rear corner of the building of FIG. 29;
[0077] FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of a lower
front corner of the building of FIG. 29;
[0078] FIG. 32 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of an upper
rear corner of the building of FIG. 29;
[0079] FIG. 33 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of an upper
front corner of the building of FIG. 29;
[0080] FIG. 34 is a cross sectional plan view of a corner joint
within the building unit of FIG. 24;
[0081] FIG. 35 is a cross sectional plan view of a side joint
within the building unit of FIG. 24;
[0082] FIG. 36 is a perspective of a braced structural truss within
the building unit of FIG. 24, shown in a transportable
configuration;
[0083] FIG. 37 is a perspective of the braced structural truss of
FIG. 36, shown in an expanded configuration.
[0084] FIGS. 38a-38c show a enlarged cross sectional view of the
upper front corner of FIG. 28 during installation of a panel;
[0085] FIG. 39 is a cross sectional elevation of a low-rise
building constructed from building units in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 40 is a cross sectional elevation of a high-rise
building constructed from building units in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention;
[0087] FIG. 41 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of an
internal level of the building of FIG. 40;
[0088] FIG. 42 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of a
portion of a side wall of the building of FIG. 40;
[0089] FIG. 43 is a cross sectional plan view of a corner joint
within the building of FIG. 40;
[0090] FIG. 44 is a cross sectional plan view of a side joint
within the building of FIG. 40;
[0091] FIG. 45 is a cross sectional elevation of a portion of a
further high-rise building constructed from units in accordance
with an aspect of the present invention, shown during assembly;
and
[0092] FIG. 46 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of the
building of FIG. 45.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
1 Introduction
[0093] There are four scenarios of use of a module by users: [0094]
virtual space [0095] serviced office [0096] hotel or serviced
apartment [0097] residential.
[0098] These scenarios are not mutually exclusive, but are broad
categories that define the operational and financial properties of
the interaction between the individuals and the modules. There may
be cases where the use of the space is a hybrid combination of
these generic scenarios, for example, when the module is used both
as an office and a living space.
[0099] The creation of various internal and external structural
forms may be enabled through flexible design solutions. The
module's cross-platformed chassis is capable of freestanding
installations and may be suited to eco-tourism, rural and third
world sectors.
[0100] To first refer to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, the module
carries a high emphasis on environmental design.
[0101] Each major floor of the building has a number of units or
modules (see FIG. 4). In each module the main rooms are located on
a raised mezzanine level, providing a reduced ceiling height (e.g.
2.65 m) and, under the floor, a void ideal for plumbing and other
building services. The mezzanine area consists of a main room 20
located off the entry hall 30. The room 20 is accessible from the
hallway 30 by sliding door 32. The main room 20 has a built-in
storage module 24 and a window or door 34 into a controlled garden
environment 18. The room 20 also has a frosted glass wall system 28
which may be partially or fully removed, opening into the main
living room/office/bedroom area 36 for further flexibility. The
office/bedroom/store 36 may also provide a secure lockable area via
lockable door 22 accessible by modular unit holders and not hotel
guests.
[0102] Two service areas are provided. Firstly, a bathroom 26 with
a full-height window 38 onto a controlled garden environment 18.
The bathroom 26 is minimalist in design, containing industrial
fittings, flush-mounted toilet system 40, single or dual vanity 42,
and a sunken spa bath 46 which may have a shower over. The second
service area provided is the security lobby 30 to each module,
allowing for efficient interchange with the group's building
services network via services shaft 50, which will have restricted
access. The area 50 will house a standard `interchange` module,
consisting of separate, stainless steel removable compartments,
accommodating deliveries of building services and rubbish
recycling, and so forth. A small but functional stainless kitchen
unit 48 is located in hallway 44, and provides a kitchen galley,
which may be closed off and hidden away by simply sliding a cover
screen (not shown).
[0103] As shown in FIG. 2, for the larger interactive module, an
extra room 54 is provided for multi-purpose use such as, for
example, office, storage, child's bedroom, or the like. The room 54
is closed off from room 20 by sliding wall panels 56, which may be
opened if desired.
[0104] The fixed building module may be designed to provide low and
high rise configurations and may be suited towards inner urban and
eco-tourism developments. Two modes may be designed, the larger
providing an addition room or lockable storage area, enabling
storage of personal possessions whilst the remaining spaces within
the module and the occupants corresponding shares may be returned
to the pooled income environment. This may enable the shareholder
greater utilisation of their capital invested in bricks and mortar
and enable maintenance of a home base.
[0105] The mobile module may be designed to create high performance
cross-platformed building solutions and may increase accessibility
to functional building space. The concept may be designed to take
advantage of the low economic value of vacant sites within cities
and the economies created by mass production manufacturing
principles. The cross-platformed structural chassis may form itself
into a container for integration into existing road, rail and
shipping transport systems. The structural solutions may be
engineered to enable stacking such that a six level building may be
assembled on-site within a week.
2 Reconfiguration of Components
[0106] The design principle of enabling the same space to be used
for different uses over time is not only efficient but it also
increases the ability of the property to obtain income. The
transference of a module from one use to another may merely require
the moving and/or replacement of some or all of the furniture, and
possibly the reprogramming or alteration of certain services (eg
telecommunications) to suit the requirements of the occupant and/or
the use of the module. For example, an office may not require beds,
but may require increased telecommunications facilities. This
principle also applies to the living space, which can convert to
outdoor living space.
[0107] Rapid re-configuration of a module to match the requirements
of the customers may be required, and it may be that a module is
used in more than one of the generic scenarios in the same
twenty-four hour period. For example, it could be used for virtual
space for a business meeting in the morning and as a serviced
apartment in the evening.
[0108] The module involves mass production of standardised building
spaces and streamlining construction systems components as a means
of increasing building sophistication and affordability.
[0109] The spaces and their components will be manufactured, with
the components being changeable and removable. The components may
be manufactured in various colours and materials, enabling various
design permutations and consumer choices over generic product.
These components are easily fittable and exchangeable.
[0110] The design of the modular space allows the property status,
to vary (for example) the modular building may move between the
office, hotel and residential sectors of the real estate
marketplace) and to provide for combinations of same to be varied
with ease.
[0111] The building areas are designed as multipurpose spaces
enabling them to move between sectors of the real estate
marketplace, for example moving between office hotel and
residential sectors of the real estate marketplace.
[0112] The internal fit-out may consist of a range of standard
plug-in modular components providing a variety of function and
form. The various fittings and accessories may be constructed from
a series of standardised plastic injected molded components. The
solid plastic components may be durable, easy to maintain,
exchangeable, recyclable and may lead to an extended life cycle of
stocks over time. The plastic components may be available in a
variety of solid and opaque colours and finishes. The systems
design may enable consumer choice creating personalised, functional
and artistic assembly of a generic and affordable manufactured
product.
[0113] Systems design may enable shipping of the sealed container
containing the occupants elected range of plug-in components. After
erection of the building, the components may then be installed on
the outside wall created within the free space.
[0114] FIG. 14A shows a stackable, transportable modular building
unit 100 comprising a floor panel 102, a fixed side wall panel 104,
a removable side wall panel 106 and a ceiling or roof panel
108.
[0115] The ceiling or roof panel 108 is supported above the floor
panel 102 by fixed side wall panel 104, and by corner columns 107,
if required. The panels are arranged and dimensioned to form a
shipping container which is transportable by a containerised
shipping network. During transportation, the removable side wall
panel 106 is attached to the floor and ceiling panels 102, 108 to
form the shipping container.
[0116] When the shipping container has been transported to the site
where a building is to be constructed, the removable side wall
panel 106 may be moved to the position shown in FIG. 14A to create
additional building space adjacent the space formed by the other
panels 102, 104, 108 of the modular building unit 100. The
additional building space may be at least partially enclosed by
additional floor and ceiling panels 103 and 105 respectively, and
further columns 109 may be provided for supporting the additional
ceiling panel 105 as shown in FIG. 14B. As shown in FIG. 14C, a
similar stackable modular building unit 120 may be stacked on the
modular building unit 110.
[0117] The removable wall section or panel 106 of the module
provides a durable and weatherproof container for ease of
transportation. Systems design may enable the removal of this wall
panel during erection. Further utilisation of this panel may
provide a structural end wall, portico/verandah section, roof
and/or ground floor section and may enable establishment of
additional free-space.
[0118] Similar systems may provide for assembly of the module in a
freestanding environment. In this case, the module's removable wall
panel 106 may be replaced with a less structural, dual skin, wall
component. The component may be designed to hinge out at floor
and/or roof level as shown in FIG. 22. The insertion of
structurally framed modular glass partitions and/or retractable
glass facades may allow additional space to be created on-site.
[0119] The system's design may enable assembly of the modules 100
in a checker board configuration as shown in FIG. 13 and may enable
the assembly of the modules such that the floor panel 102 of a
module 120 on an upper level meets with the roof panel 108 of a
module 100 below. The system's design may enable the creation of
free space 110 between modules 100 formed from the roof 108, walls
104, 106 and floor 102 of adjacent modules. As shown in FIG. 13 the
modules 120 on an upper level are stacked on the modules 100 of the
below in positions above the free space 100 between the modules 100
so that the floor panels 102 of the modules 120 form ceilings of
the free spaces 110. Streamlined design, engineering and assembly
solutions may enable the easy attachments of modules with the
ability to place vertical and horizontal floor loading through the
building by creating in-series structural solutions.
[0120] The space itself is capable of adapting its use during the
course of the day and may adapt from formal to informal residential
living. The living area itself may convert to outdoor living space
by opening back the glass operable facade and by lowering the
external interactive screen allowing direct sunlight and air into
the integrated living environment. The space becomes an external
private domain and by its orientation with the sun and the external
operable screen, the occupant has the option of controlling the
ambient lighting levels. In parallel to the systems, the climate
control automated screen function allows or rejects solar radiation
in the most efficient manner and complements the buildings energy
management systems. The glass operable facade allows excellent
natural cross ventilation. It also enables the adaptation of the
living space to outdoor private space by lowering the interactive
facade, creating an external balcony, allowing direct afternoon
sunlight into the space.
[0121] The space is designed for extreme flexibility as a means of
increasing utilisation of the capital resources tied up in
traditional building structures. The space is fitted out with
unitised adaptable pre-manufactured components, operable internal
walls, a cover screen over the kitchen, fold out bed/meeting room
table/desk storage/Japanese den, formal living/day bed. The living
space, its furniture and technologies enable adaptation from office
to formal and informal residential. The office configuration may be
complemented by the addition of a work station and desk components
which fit into standardised sockets and fittings in the module.
[0122] The space may be arranged in any combination, for example,
the internal walls may be opened, closed or positioned in any
setting: the bathroom may be left open to the room adjacent with
both rooms having the option of opening and ventilating through the
bio-climatic garden void.
3 Checkerboard Configuration
[0123] The structural solutions may be engineered to enable
stacking such that a six level building may be assembled on-site
within a week.
[0124] The creation of various internal and external structural
forms may be enabled through extremely flexible design solutions.
The module's chassis is designed with one fixed wall 104
incorporating an integrated structural truss. The remaining walls
106, floor 102 and ceiling 108 each consist of separately
removable, fire-rated panels. This enables the arrangement and
possible re-arrangement of internal spaces in both vertical and
horizontal amalgamations. The modules cross-platformed chassis may
also be capable of freestanding installations and may be suited to
tourism, rural or third world sectors.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 13, the system's design may enable assembly
of the modules 100 in a checkerboard such that the floor panel 102
of a module 120 on an upper level meets with the roof panel 108 of
a diagonally connected module 100 below. The system's design
enables the creation of free space 110 between the modules formed
from the roof 108, walls 104, 106 and floor 102 of adjacent modules
100. The system's design may enable shipping of the sealed
container containing the occupant's elected range of plug-in
components. After erection of the building, the components may then
be installed on the outside walls of the space after assembly of
the structure.
[0126] The mobile modular structure consists of a structural
chassis with an integrated truss in one wall. The floor and ceiling
each consist of a series of three separately removable and fire
rated panels. The two walls at each end are open and may be fitted
with an operable interactive glazing and facade system, or may be
fitted with various wall panels or a plug-in front door and
exchange module component. The removable wall 106, running the
entire length of the module, is removable and creates a durable and
weatherproof container for ease of transportation. The system's
design may enable the removal of this wall panel 106, during
erection. Further utilisation of this panel may provide the
required in full structural end wall, roof and floor;
portico/verandah section, roof and/or ground floor section of the
free spaces created during assembly as well as providing weather
protection for pedestrian access in and around the building.
[0127] The module's vertical and fire rated service duct enables
the incorporation of structural bracing, which combined with the
integrated wall truss and the remaining structure to create an
integral box chassis. Streamlined design, engineering and assembly
solutions may enable the easy attachment of modules with the
ability to place vertical and horizontal floor loading through the
building by creating in-series structural solutions. The modules
separate structure cells may be joined together in series to
provide a combined structural solution. This enables the ability to
hang or bridge the modules into various formations and urban
forms.
[0128] Similar systems may provide for assembly of the module in a
freestanding environment. In this case, the module's removable wall
panel 106 may be replaced with a less structural, dual skin, wall
component. Instead of a removable wall, the component 206 may be
designed to hinge out at floor and roof level as shown in FIG. 22.
The insertion of structurally framed modular glass partitions
and/or operable glass facades 212 may allow additional space to be
created on-site as shown in FIG. 23.
[0129] The integrated floor and ceiling panels 102 and 108 divide
the modules in a horizontal axis and are removable. They also
enable linking of the module in vertical and horizontal forms. A
plug-in modular staircase component may be added linking the
various levels internally within a building.
[0130] Effectively, the modular building might be placed on a site
for 10 years. After construction and erection of the building
shell, the internal spaces may be progressively configured in
accordance with the varying requirements of its occupants at that
time or as the occupant's requirements change.
[0131] The structure of the internal spaces may vary in size and
form. For example: the size, use and form of internal occupancies
in the building may change each year. The solution creates a more
fluid flow of occupancy enabling the module to meet the highest
commercial levels of demand thereby also reducing vacancy
levels.
[0132] A range of plug-in and adaptable components have been
designed providing for flexible layout and use configurations. The
flexibility of the modules enables designs to be tailored to the
varying economic and cultural standards.
[0133] The modules economic life may also be extended by enabling
the commercial life cycle to be engineered by building stocks being
re-cycled with around the world catering to various economic
markets over time.
4 Louvre Assembly
[0134] FIGS. 15 to 21 of the drawings show the module's automated
facade may interact with the air conditioning control systems to
reduce heat load external to the glass/skin or automatically take
advantage of passive solar gain. The interactive and automated
facade system may be designed to reduce the capital cost and
running expenses of hotel, residential and/or office buildings. The
design solution seeks to reduce the need for separate external
balconies, facade finishes, handrails, outdoor furniture, and
internal blinds.
[0135] The automated operation of the interactive facade enables
the systems to take advantage of reflected light thereby reducing
dependence on artificial and controls radiation whilst maintaining
access to natural ventilation. The invention seeks to enable an
occupant private internal space adjacent to the exterior facade to
be converted to an outdoor living environment. The handrail may be
raised to ceiling height providing an automated and environmentally
interactive solar screen by lowering the handrail. The blades are
fixed at either side by a guide enabling them to fall and neatly
stack below creating a privacy barrier between the unit and the
street below. The system may be constructed from metals, plastics
or other suitable material.
[0136] The system consists of a series of vertical mullions fixed
externally to the building's glass facade. The mullions, made of
plastic, aluminium or other material, house a continuous loop
chain. The chain returns via a cog or slide at its base and is
connected to a cog at its top.
[0137] The mullions fit either side of a window opening. A header
box joins the two mullions at the top of the window opening. The
box houses a shaft and electric motor linking the cogs and chains
within each mullion.
[0138] By connecting a slide bracket to each mullion and the chain,
a handrail may be positioned between the two brackets and mullions.
A height adjustable handrail is created and is operated by the
overhead electric motor. Preset limits prevent the handrail
lowering below required regulations.
[0139] The blades themselves are loosely attached into the vertical
channel of the mullions at either side of the opening. The fixings
and the internal strength of the blades and all connections are
designed to meet standard regulations for handrails.
[0140] The blades are connected to the handrail by a series of
vertical cables, which enable the raising and lowering of the
blades with the handrail and automated adjustment to their pitch.
The blades are designed of solid extrusion or plastic injected
moldings, to provide strength and durability.
[0141] The height adjustable handrail is hollow and may be made of
aluminium, steel, plastic or other materials. A removable panel on
the underside provides easy access to an internal electric motor.
The motor is designed to drive a continuous shaft, connecting a
system of rollers located within the handrail and cables of string
or other material, connecting the blades below.
[0142] The shape of the blades has been designed to reduce
penetration of rainwater through the screen whilst also providing a
light shelf reflecting natural light deeper into the space when
open and creating a weather resistant barrier whilst closed. The
design of the blades enables convenient over-locking, a rubber
seal, running the length of each blade assists with the weather
protective qualities of the design and minimises the emittance of
noise from the blades rattling against each other.
5 Environmental Control
Ventilation
[0143] Draught free and user automatically controlled natural
ventilation provides mechanical cooling and ventilation systems
being reduced or redundant.
[0144] Design criteria enabling good natural cross flow of air
through the modules and incorporation of warm air chimneys designed
to create natural updrafts through non-mechanical means are
utilised. Solar chimneys and ventilation stacks enhance the
performance of the natural ventilation.
[0145] Effectively, the module occupant may select the desired
temperature, climatic condition, ambient lighting levels and air
change rates within the space at any time. The Melbourne climate
lends itself to the application of natural ventilation for up to
50% of the year.
[0146] Where natural ventilation does not provide adequate comfort
conditions a mixed mode or hybrid approach may be adopted. Mixed
mode allows for the internal conditions to be maintained by natural
ventilation when weather conditions permit with the extreme
climatic conditions controlled by the air conditioning.
[0147] The application of high comfort passive air conditioning
solutions such as chilled ceilings is a further option.
Air Conditioning
[0148] Each building's rooftop weather station and interactive
energy management system, in conjunction with climate control
functions of each module's computer, may enable automation of the
interactive facade system. The systems operation may enable the
rejection of solar heat outside of the buildings operable glass
facade or take advantage of passive solar gain and thermal storage
within the modules exposed floor. The architecture of the
interactive energy management systems may enable increased
efficiency. The design configuration may be scaled to provide
extremely efficient solutions for larger buildings, and for
individual, freestanding, modules/units in either fixed or mobile
configurations.
[0149] Air conditioning of the modules may be serviced from
geothermal or co-generation heat exchanges of the hydronic air
conditioning loom. The building's management systems may analyse
available data and may vary the rate by which the cogeneration
power and heat source provides energy together with the rate of
flow within the looms in order that energies may be distributed
efficiently upon demand. The appropriate amount of energy may be
sourced and delivered efficiently to each module by a variable flow
water loom. A variable speed pump on the supply of water into the
loom may ensure a minimum flow and enable exact replacement of lost
energy and thereby maintaining a minimum temperature within the
loom.
[0150] The energy management systems utilise interactive evaluation
and enable the management computer to apply logical reactions in
various circumstances. For example, a weather station on the
building's roof will emit data regarding external temperature and
solar radiation. At the end of a hot day the temperature external
to the building may fall. At the appropriate time the rate of fall
of temperature, or within a range of temperatures, or at a
particular temperature, the systems will stop the cooling cycle and
the flow of water within the loom will stop until a call for
heating is required. The computer may adjust the interactive facade
in order to take advantage of passive solar gain from the afternoon
sun enabling storage of energy within the floor.
[0151] As the temperature continues to fall, the computer may
change the air conditioning from the cooling to the heating cycle.
As the modules climate control systems require heat energy, the
system will distribute through the loom, the required volume of
both water and energy to service the precise requirement of the
module. A temperature sensor at the end of the loom will account
for energy loss during the distribution process. The system may
also be programmed to vary loom temperature when external
temperatures become more extreme.
[0152] The system may enable better response times than may be
required for heating the system, and will adjust the heat to flow
ratio of the systems management computer. Through co-generation,
heat exchange will simply apply more energy to the loom. Flow will
be determined by the number of modules requesting heat whilst the
loom temperature of the operating system will be increased.
[0153] For hotter climatic conditions, a chiller or other cooling
energy source may be added to the loom after primary energy
exchange with the buildings geo-thermal loom.
[0154] A variable speed pump and temperature sensor may be located
at the end of the air-conditioning supply loop and may ensure that
the required temperature within the loom is maintained. The total
heating or cooling requirements of modules located on the loom, in
conjunction with the interactive building management systems may
enable the sourcing of the precise energies to maintain the loom on
heating or cooling cycles. An automated T-intersection valve
located after the variable speed pump may divert flow within the
sealed system via the geo-thermal energy exchange loom, returning
directly to the air conditioning loom for distribution. An
automated valve and meter will link each modules energy exchange
systems with the supply loom, and will account for and regulate
flow of hydronic energy from the supply loom to the modules thermal
exchange systems. Water will pass through the modules integrated
energy exchange system returning by a low-pressure loom to its
supply point. The meters will emit data to the management systems
for accounting and evaluating the requirements of a module in
conjunction with other information received. The automated valve
will enable acceptance or rejection of energies from the loom
whilst also varying the flow rate independent of the supply
loom.
[0155] Accordingly, if the internal and external temperatures of a
building remain the same for extended periods, the flow rates might
be reduced throughout the system minimising the loss of energy in
distribution.
Solar Gain and Solar Rejection
[0156] Solar gains can be controlled through careful consideration
of the building materials, glazing types, external shading,
orientation, and so forth. The selection of glazing types should be
made to limit summer solar heat gain and winter solar heat loss.
Double glazing, low E, solar reflective glass and reflective films
may be used.
[0157] The northern 10 and western 12 elevations of the building's
facades have independently interactive aluminium louvred screens
14, which can prevent entry of heat from beyond the glass facade
52. The blades 16 can articulate according to the sun's position
over the site and its intensity. The system is linked with the
climate control-functions of each module's automation system and
each garden environment's independent automation system. The
ambient light levels may be set and regulated by the occupant
though actuation of the louvred screens 14.
[0158] Modules having direct frontage to northern and western
sunlight in the southern hemisphere may enable indoor living space
36 to be converted by removing the retractable glass wall 52
allowing cross flow of air through the module. Simply by adjusting
the angle of the louvres 16 of the louvred screen 14, or lowering
and stacking it, the occupant has the option of allowing direct
sunlight into the space 36. The deletion of separate external space
has enabled provision of more spacious living spaces within the
module for the same price.
[0159] The general feeling of well being obtained by having garden
and trees adjacent to living space cannot be explained. Generally
however, the fixed modules will have two or three storey atrium
garden voids 18 containing a large trees and other shrubbery. These
controlled environments may be protected from the external
environment by a sealed glass curtain wall facade, which will also
be screened by the attached external louvred facade 14. Air vents
(not shown) at the ceiling and at the base of these voids will
enable convectional and evaporative cooling.
[0160] Each module's rooftop weather station, in conjunction with
climate control functions of each module's computer, may enable
automation of the interactive facade system. The systems operation
may enable the rejection of solar heat outside of the buildings
operable glass facade or take advantage of passive solar gain and
thermal storage within the modules exposed floor. The architecture
of the interactive energy management systems may enable increased
efficiency. The design configuration may be scaled to provide
extremely efficient solutions for larger buildings, and for
individual, freestanding, modules/units in either fixed or mobile
configurations.
Ambient Lighting
[0161] This prismatic glazing can enhance the performance of
daylighting systems restricting direct light from falling on
occupants, redirecting it towards the rear of the space where
natural lighting availability is lower. Light shelves are also used
to provide diffuse natural lighting to circulation spaces, with
translucent panels in the floor transferring natural light to
below.
[0162] Artificial lighting typically accounts for between 25%-35%
of a building's energy usage. Designing a building for effective
natural lighting permits the artificial lighting to be switched off
for much of the year, which has the added benefit of reducing the
amount of heat being generated in a building and which requires
removal.
CONCLUSION
[0163] Reductions in a building's typical energy usage of 20% may
be expected, if a balance is achieved between the need to reduce
heat gains in summer and collect heat in winter. This can be
achieved while maintaining acceptable levels of natural
lighting.
[0164] The module's automated and interactive climate control
systems may be integrated with each module's interactive facade,
either taking advantage of passive solar heat in colder climates or
minimising solar radiation in warmer situations. Air movement may
be provided by design of systems without mechanical means for
hygiene and energy conservation (except for exhaust extraction
systems).
6 Energy Management System
[0165] The module's interactive energy management systems may run
applications of the various systems based upon energy demands of
all module's in the building, the climatic conditions, and
re-distribute power through the grid between various buildings
within the groups' holding, and effectively merging the demand
requirements within the community. Additional power may be
purchased on a wholesale basis from the local power supply.
Consumption costs may be redistributed to module occupants based
upon consumption but at discounted rates.
Introduction
[0166] In-house computers located within the module/unit may
automatically interact with each individual building services
computer and the building groups remotely hosted building
management systems via the Internet. The in-house computer may
provide automated control and function, and may interact with the
buildings automated access control, waste management and energy
management systems. Interactive performance with the building's
energy management systems may provide more efficient interactions
for the sourcing and application of energies based upon actual
demand. Further links with the building group's management systems
may enable another dimension for the sourcing and application of
power between group buildings via the grid.
[0167] The building systems computer may operate the variable flow
rate heating and cooling hydronic loom which may source the
required energies with co-generation heat exchange via geo-thermal
exchange. Similarly, hot water and electricity requirements may
also be passed to the building's systems management computer, which
may utilise data available to determine, source distribute and
account for occupants requirements in the most efficient manner
[0168] Systems design for efficient distribution of hot and cold
water to the modules and the provision and distribution of required
energies for climate automation integrates the assembly of
interactive and networked sensors, variable speed pumps, automated
valves and integrated electronic metering. The system design may
provide a revolutionary approach to natural resource recovery and
distribution systems within buildings.
Power
[0169] The building groups processing computer may be able to more
effectively balance power generation potential of the groups
buildings at any point in time and reapply the same energies
through the power grid in order to better match varying supply and
demand levels of various buildings in various geographical
locations. This may also minimise the volume of energies purchased
by the group during peak supply tariffs.
[0170] Communication from the module's automation computer may
enable the building's management computer to maintain current data
regarding the building's total energy requirement. In conjunction
with data from the building's rooftop weather station and other
relevant inputs, the building's management computer may respond to
the sourcing and application of energies in the most efficient
manner.
[0171] The power generation unit may be used to supplement the
power requirements of the building and may be programmed to
supplement intake from grid supply during peak periods or provide
total self-sufficiency. The systems design may enable a heat source
from the building's power generation unit to provide a parallel
relationship between the demand requirements of power and heating
in sequence. The solar/geothermal solution compliments the overall
relationship. The combination may be suitable for extreme and
variable climates and may be scaled at any size.
[0172] The collection of solar power during warmer seasons
complements the building systems providing energy supply to the air
conditioning looms variable pump. During colder months, when the
integrated solar collection becomes less effective, the power
generation unit may substitute supply and in parallel provide
cogeneration energy required meeting the increased heat requirement
of the building.
Heating
[0173] An in-floor hydronic heat exchange system is fitted to each
module with an instantaneous gas furnace, which may also provide
hot water to each module. In larger complexes underground heat
exchange, may be added to the system. Generally, the earth will
provide a constant temperature (approximately 17 C) which can be
boosted in winter and cooled during warmer months. When on
automatic the climate control system may gain in efficiency by
allowing direct sunlight onto each apartment's floor slab, creating
a heat-bank effect when appropriate. When on automatic it may
maintain the desired room temperature in an efficient way.
Solar Supply
[0174] Solar power may be collected from an integrated roofing
system to compliment electricity supply; a gas fuel cell may
provide electricity supply to the building and heat source may be
produced as a by-product. The heat may be coupled with a ground
water geo-thermal energy exchange system. The by-product energy may
be used to heat a water loom providing hydronic floor slab heating
and cooling of the modules. The heat source may also be used to run
a refrigerated chiller, providing further, secondary water cooling
in the geothermal loom and providing cooling to each module
hydronic energy exchange.
Water Heating
[0175] Primary heat exchange may be taken from the organic
processing, secondary heat. Exchange is provided by the building
gas fuel cell. The hot water is then distributed to each module via
the continuous hot water loom. Flow rates will be determined by
total hot water demand. Automated and networked thermostatic tap
values may help minimise water wastage at the supply points.
[0176] Hot water supply requirements of the modules may be serviced
from geothermal or co-generation heat exchanges of the hydronic air
conditioning loom. Computer automation may vary the rate by which
the co-generation power and heat source provides energy based on
consumption data provided by the modules control system. The
appropriate amount of energy may be sourced and delivered
efficiently to each module by a variable flow water loom. An
automated pump on the return supply of water may ensure a minimum
water temperature before returning to the heat exchange reservoir
at mains pressure.
[0177] Hot water supply may be provided to the bathroom and kitchen
of each module directly from the water supply loom providing
immediate hot water and minimising wastage on delivery. Utilising
mains-pressure energy, water may be passed through the primary and
secondary heat exchanges. The building's vermiculture
waste-processing unit may provide a free-of-charge primary heat
recovery source, whilst secondary heat exchange may be provided by
the building's co-generation power supply unit.
7 Water Management System
[0178] As shown in the drawings, the domestic cold water supply may
be drawn from the authorities main through a back flow prevention
device to avoid back contamination.
[0179] Distribution is through either a solar powered booster pump
from site storage, or by direct supply from mains, depending upon
the building height and the mains supply pressure. Rainwater may be
treated by reverse osmosis from solar power to supplement the
domestic water supply. Mains supply water may be blended with the
treated roof catchment rainwater to reduce the total cost of mains
supply water purchase.
[0180] The water may undertake processing within the sealed
treatment unit and may then return via ozone filtration to the
building's black water storage facility. The water may be
distributed by pressure pump to provide 70% supply for re-use
through the building toilet systems and in garden watering systems.
Roof rain water collection system with a minimum level mains water
backup may provide the addition 30% supply of fresh water required
to prevent the build up of enzymes within the closed water
recycling loop.
[0181] All of the hot water reticulated pipework may be
polypropylene or polyethylene that is insulated to restrict heat
loss and sound transfer, and gas piping may be nylon and
polyethylene.
[0182] Natural gas is used as the heating fuel for hot water
heating, as well as air conditioning and space heating. A pre
heater may be used on the gas flue to preheat the incoming water
supply to the water heater. Gas piping may be nylon and
polyethylene.
[0183] The mains pressure hot water supply system may pass water
through the primary heat exchange pipes contained within the
vermi-composting treatment plant which may be located in the
basement of the various buildings.
[0184] As more modules consume hot water from the supply loom,
mains pressure may pass water through the primary and secondary
heat exchanges. As more energy may be required, the power
generation may increase output. The addition of solar integrated
roofing may compliment the performance of the systems
architecture.
Water Collection
[0185] Rainfall run off from pavement and ground can be stored for
re use as wash down, sanitary flushing, irrigation and laundry use
after treatment. The treatment would be disinfection and
filtration. Rainfall detention on site could also be utilised for
fire fighting with an authorities' main supply back up.
[0186] Roof water may be re-used as drinking water provided
appropriate filtration and disinfection processes are utilised.
Roof water can be used as described after appropriate water
treatment has been carried out.
[0187] Irrigation water run off could be collected, filtered and
re-used for further irrigation as it is rich in nutrients.
Water Treatment
[0188] A biolytic filter may separate and process the water from
sewerage the waste material together with biodegradable waste from
the buildings will be converted through the process of vermiculture
into worm castings, a hybrid fertiliser which will be
vacuum-extracted from the sealed and computer networked processing
unit. After processing the black water passes through an ozone
sterilisation process to bulk storage in-situ. The water may be
applied during the year for garden watering and provide up to 70%
supply for re-use in each module toilet system.
[0189] All food scraps and vegetable waste generated by the
building may be deposited into the building's vermi composting
vegetable and sewerage waste unit. Sewerage and wastewater may
enter at the top of the unit. Solid material may automatically be
separated from the liquid waste and undergo vermi composting
techniques utilising worms in the breakdown of waste matter. The
residue worm castings may be automatically vacuum extracted into
large bags for distribution on gardens in and around the building.
Mains water may pass through a primary heat exchange system
integrated into the buildings biodegradable waste processing
unit.
Recycle
[0190] All food scraps and vegetable waste generated by the
building may be deposited into the building's vermi composting
vegetable and sewerage waste unit. Sewerage and biodegradable waste
systems may deposit directly into the unit. Solid material may
automatically be separated from the liquid waste and undergo vermi
composting techniques utilising worms in the breakdown of waste
matter. The residue worm castings may be automatically vacuum
extracted into large bags for distribution on gardens in and around
the buildings.
[0191] The water may undertake processing within the sealed
treatment unit then return via ozone filtration to the building's
black water storage facility. The water may be distributed by
pressure pump to provide garden watering and up to 70% supply for
re-use through the building toilet systems. Roof rain water
collection system with a minimum level mains backup may provide the
addition 30% supply of fresh water required to prevent the build up
of enzymes within the closed loop water recycling system.
[0192] Alternative configurations may utilise roof collection as a
means of providing a fresh water supply to the module depending
upon the availability of quality local supply. The water
conservation and re-use systems may reduce building dependence on
environmentally damaging water supply, sewerage removal and storm
water infrastructures.
CONCLUSION
[0193] The water conservation and re-use systems may reduce
building dependence on environmentally damaging water supply,
sewerage removal and storm water infrastructures.
[0194] The buildings should conserve less mains water or provide
self-sufficient supply and re-use systems and may not require
removal of sewerage or storm water drainage off site. The reduced
dependence on urban infrastructure will reduce the negative
environmental effects of off site power stations, water supply and
polluting water disposal systems.
8 Resource Management Systems
[0195] Communication from the module's automation computer may
enable the building's management computer to maintain current data
regarding the building's total energy requirement. In conjunction
with data from the building's rooftop weather station and other
relevant inputs, the building may respond to the sourcing and
application of energies in the most efficient manner. Further links
with the building group's management systems may enable another
dimension for the sourcing and application of power between group
buildings via the grid.
[0196] Computerised automation of the modules may enable the
adoption of computerisation; automation, audio-visual
communications, automated vending. Interactive energy management
systems as detailed may be incorporated to provide plug-in
connection to pre-manufactured and standardised looms enabling easy
introduction and scalability of systems design on a modular
basis.
[0197] Similarly, hot water and electricity requirements may also
be passed to the building's systems management computer which may
maintain a continuous total of the requirement of each of the
modules.
[0198] A variable speed pump and temperature sensor may be located
on the return supply of the closed loop air conditioning loom. The
total heating or cooling requirements of modules located on the
loom, in conjunction with monitoring change in air temperature
outside the building may determine whether the air conditioning
energy supply loom is on either the heating or cooling cycle.
[0199] The complex and interactive system integrates the assembly
of interactive and networked sensors, variable speed pumps,
automated valves and integrated electronic metering. The system
design may provide a revolutionary approach to natural resource
recovery and distribution systems within buildings.
[0200] The building systems computer will operate the variable flow
rate heating and cooling hydronic loom which may source the
required energies with cooling energy being sourced via geo-thermal
exchange. Geothermal supply in colder climates with secondary heat
exchange from the power generation plant in extreme climates the
water will return to the heat exchange power generation plant.
[0201] Depending on the temperature of the return supply, it may
return directly to the power generation plant. Heating of the
individual building modules/units, water will either be sourced
from geo-thermal supply for preheating before
9 Communications Infrastructure
[0202] Each module's built in video monitor will provide cable and
global satellite television, internet, email, direct communications
with building management and provide an easy to use touch screen
interface providing access to building services, which may include:
[0203] meals [0204] washing [0205] business services [0206]
groceries [0207] dry cleaning [0208] rubbish collection.
[0209] The system may also be linked to a built in and
electronically projected surround sound compact disc and recordable
mini-disk or D. V. D. sound and/or video reproduction system. These
services may be varied according to the nature of the use of the
module and/or the requirements of the occupant. For example, the
telecommunication needs of an office may be greater than for an
apartment, but its "entertainment" aspects may be lower. The system
may provide points around the module for telephones, printers and
computers. In each state there will be a central host site for the
all location applications, with all communications between each
location and the central host site using a TCP/IP private network
connections provided by a system provider with privacy being
implemented using encryption.
[0210] At each location host site for a nation there will be a
number of platforms implemented that provide an instance of each
application for each location.
[0211] All communications at a location will be transported over
TCP/IP where possible including television, video, telephony and
other audio/visual communications applications.
[0212] Businesses operating from the modules may require the
addition security and bandwidth provided by dedicated optical fibre
connections-therefore optical fibre cable bundles may be put into
the service ducts of buildings where the need is anticipated.
[0213] With the advent of the Internet, and improved
communications, it is becoming apparent that our lives exist in
physical space, and our mental in cyberspace. The mental space
exists of our communications, our information data bases, and our
access to information networks and so forth.
[0214] The Internet, the systems design of the module, and the
personalised dynamic IP address will enable, (like a personal web
site) storage of data and personal communications and module
settings which may be lodged into the system, and enable dynamic
telephone and video communications anywhere in the world (for the
cost of maintaining web site and local phone call).
[0215] The built-in video screen may provide standardised access
video communications (via the Internet, globally) and provide
general Internet, computer, entertainment and networking interface
between in-house computer and building control systems. Systems
design may provide for real time download of video information.
[0216] FIG. 22 shows a modular building unit for use in the
invention. As in FIG. 16, the unit 200 has a floor panel 202, a
fixed side wall panel 204, a movable side wall panel 206 and a
ceiling or roof panel 208. As shown in FIG. 22, the movable side
wall is adapted to be able to be hingedly connected to the
remainder of the module at its top and hingedly connected to the
floor at the base of the side. In this way one can raise a side, or
lower it, to create a floor or roof as the case may be. if two
spaced-apart modules do the same thing, extra space is created
between them which is useable as general, open space. This may be
able to be used as extra living space, office space, a balcony, or
the like, as desired.
[0217] By having each module able to "lock in" to modules adjacent
to it, above it, and below it, one can erect a structure of such
modules in a relatively quick time. Similarly, it is possible to
dismantle them relatively quickly so that they are useable for
relatively short term occasions such as those described above.
[0218] For the open spaces created by the raising and lowering of
walls, the front and rear may be able to be fitted with standard
pre-made window units, balcony units, wall units, or the like.
[0219] All wiring is integrated into each module and by merely
connecting the wiring to a common loom appropriate electrical
connections and telecommunications connections can be made. By
using snap-fittings for water reticulation and sewerage again ease
of assembly and disassembly is provided. Likewise snap-fittings or
other similar engagements can be used for air circulation and air
conditioning.
[0220] It is therefore possible to create a building such as a
media centre for short-term use for example, such as for Olympic
Games in which accommodation is provided for the varying media
representatives, offices created for their work to be able to be
performed, makeup rooms created for those on television and film
media, and even studios created to enable their broadcast to be
made. In this way, for example, if the media centre was a
sufficient size all of the accommodation, offices, makeup rooms,
and studios for a particular television network, for example, could
be on one floor or in one area.
10 Module Structure
[0221] Referring to FIGS. 24 to 29, there is shown a modular
building unit 312. The modular building unit 312 has a front wall
314, a rear wall 316, a base 318 and a top 320.
[0222] The modular building unit 312 has removable lifting and
fixing points 322 located both beneath the floor 318 and above the
roof 320. The removable lifting and fixing points 322 are arranged
for easy transport of the module 312 by shipping container handling
apparatus. As shown in cross section in FIG. 24, the removable
lifting and fixing points 322 may be located on bars 324 which
extend from the front wall 314 to the rear wall 316 of the module.
Each unit includes a pair of lower front lifting points 322a which
may be connected by bars 324 to a pair of lower rear lifting points
322b, and a pair of upper front lifting points 322c connected by
bars 324 to a pair of upper internal lifting points 322d.
[0223] The module 312 has an underneath supporting structure formed
by lower front and lower rear beams 326a, 326b. The beams 326 in
this embodiment are rectangular hollow section beams, known as
bottom cords.
[0224] A floor panel 328 extends over the underneath supporting
structure.
[0225] The module 312 has an upper supporting structure formed by
upper front and upper rear beams 326c, 326d. These beams 326 are
parallel to the beams 326 of the underneath supporting structure,
and are known as top cords.
[0226] The front wall 314 extends between the lower and upper front
beams 326a, 326c, and is located to the front of these beams 326.
The front wall 314 is formed by a supporting structure having at
least two track members 330 and at least one surface member, being
a panel 332.
[0227] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the
supporting structure of the front wall 314 has two corner track
members 334 defining the vertical edges of the front wall 314 and
an intermediate track member 336 positioned midway between the
corner track members 334. The front wall 314 is thus divided into
two equal portions.
[0228] The track members 330 are elongate, and each include at
least one panel supporting flange 338. Corner track members 334, as
shown in FIG. 34, are t-shaped, with two panel supporting flanges
338 located perpendicular to each other. Intermediate track members
336, as shown in FIG. 35, are T-shaped, with two panel supporting
flanges 338 aligned with each other.
[0229] The track members 330 each extend upwardly from a base plate
340. The base plate 340 extends outwardly from a lower surface of
the lower front beam 326a
[0230] Each panel 332 has parallel grooves 342 on vertical sides
thereof. The grooves 342 are positioned to engage with panel
supporting flanges 338 of the track members 330. A panel 332 can
thus be slid vertically between a corner track member 334 and the
intermediate track member 336, with the respective flanges locating
within grooves of the panel.
[0231] Flat plate cross bracing 344 extends between the lower front
beam 326a and the upper front beam 326c, internally of the front
wall 314. An internal wall finish 346 can be fixed to the bracing
344, extending upwardly from the floor panel 328. The bracing 344
is then concealed. It will be appreciated that other forms of
bracing can be used as desired.
[0232] The rear wall 316 is formed from two hinged portions, a
first hinged portion 348 and a second hinged portion 350. A lower
hinge 352 extends along the lower rear beam 326b, and an upper
hinge 354 extends along the upper rear beam 326d.
[0233] The first hinged portion 348 is connected to the lower hinge
352, and is arranged to be moveable between a transportable
configuration, wherein the first hinged portion 348 is
substantially vertical, and an extended configuration wherein the
first hinged portion is substantially horizontal. The first hinged
portion 348 includes a surface panel 356, which is within the
module 312 in the transportable configuration and which provides an
extension of the floor panel 328 when in the extended
configuration.
[0234] The second hinged portion 350 is connected to the upper
hinge 354, and is arranged to be moveable between a transportable
configuration, wherein the second hinged portion 350 is
substantially vertical, and an extended configuration wherein the
second hinged portion 350 is substantially horizontal. The second
hinged portion 340 includes a ceiling panel 358, which is within
the module 312 in the transportable configuration and which
provides a ceiling above the surface panel 356 when in the extended
configuration.
[0235] The lower hinge 352 is laterally offset from the upper hinge
354, such that in the transportable configuration the second hinged
portion 350 is within the first hinged portion 348.
[0236] The unit 312 is further strengthened by vertical columns 360
at either side of the rear wall 316.
[0237] In the extended configuration, the modular building unit 312
forms a single story building 310 as shown in FIGS. 29 to 33. In
this configuration the second hinged portion 350 is maintained in
position above the first hinged portion 348 by the hinges 352, 354
on one side and by an additional pair of vertical columns 360 at
the rear. This building 310 can then be joined to other similar
buildings 310 to form a larger structure having distinct rooms. The
building 310 may also have additional side walls added to it,
constructed in a similar fashion to the front wall 314.
[0238] In a preferred form of the invention, each of the first and
second hinged portions 348, 350 include braced structural trusses
362 about their respective hinges 352, 354. Examples of such
trusses are shown in FIGS. 36 and 37. The inclusion of the
structural trusses increases the rigidity and torsional stability
of the modular building unit 312 during transportation.
[0239] The trusses 362 are preferably fixed to the walls of the
building unit 312 at plurality of locations, in order to provide
sufficient structural integrity.
[0240] It will be appreciated that, although the building unit 312
has been described with a single wall 316 capable of moving into an
expanded configuration, it will be possible to have a building unit
with several such hinged portions on different walls.
[0241] Similarly, although the sliding panel arrangement has been
described with reference to a single front wall 314, it will be
appreciated that the arrangement can be readily applied to all
other walls of the building unit. It will also be appreciated that
the arrangement may be adapted to the floors and ceiling or roof
panels.
[0242] FIGS. 38a to 38c show the insertion of a panel 332 over
tracks 330. As can be seen in FIG. 38a, when a panel 332 is not in
position then the track 330 has an outer end 364 at its topmost
point which is exposed. A panel 332 can then be located about the
flanges 338 of the track 330, and slid downwardly. When the panel
332 is located in its final position, as shown in FIG. 38c, the
removable lifting points 322 can be located above it.
[0243] It will be appreciated that the nature of the grooves 342 in
the panels 332 allow the panels 332 to substantially cover the
tracks 330, such that the tracks 330 are not visible from the
exterior of the unit 312. This provides a visually clean
appearance, whilst also reducing exposure of the track members 330
to external elements.
[0244] A low rise building 370, in this case having two levels, is
shown in FIG. 39. The low rise building 370 is constructed from two
building units 312, one mounted on top of the other. The upper and
lower building units 312a, 312b are differentiated by the presence
of roof mounted structures, such as water tanks and guttering,
above the upper building unit 312b.
[0245] A portion of a high rise building 380 is shown in FIGS. 40
to 44. The high rise building 380 is constructed from building
units 312 substantially as above described. The principal
difference is in the second hinged portion 350, and an associated
separating portion 382 to replace the top 320 of the unit 312.
[0246] In the high rise building 380, the second hinged portion 350
provides acoustic separation between levels of the building. As
such, the simple arrangement provided in the single story building
312 and low rise building 370 may not be sufficient.
[0247] Instead, the levels of the building 380 are separated by an
insulating material. In the embodiment of the drawings, the
insulating material is formed by modular, pre-fabricated planks
384. Alternatively, the insulating material may be panels or
in-situ formed material. The insulating material is typically
aerated concrete, providing acoustic separation and fire resistance
between levels. Other materials may be used.
[0248] Rather than the units 312 being bordered by rectangular
hollow sectioned beams 326, in the high rise building 380 I-beams
386 and C-section beams are used. These provide mounting points
within which the planks 384 or other insulation material can be
mounted. In particular, the planks 384 or other insulation material
can be located in the reveals of the I-beams 386 and C-section
beams. The lower beams 326a, 326b of an upper module 312 can be
connected to the upper beams 326c, 326d by suitable fixing means
387. Usefully, this fixing means 387 can be installed from within a
unit 312 during assembly of the building 380.
[0249] Additionally, it may be necessary to mount the front wall
panels 332 away from the internal wall finish 346 to enhance fire
resistance properties. Examples of suitable track members 388, 390
are shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. In this example the front wall panels
332 are further clad by metal sheeting 392, although it will be
appreciated that other cladding may be used.
[0250] In the construction of multi-level buildings, the use of
slidable panels 332 as described above allows for the ready
replacement of a damaged panel during construction of a building.
In this way delays to construction are minimised.
[0251] It will be appreciated that planks 384 or other insulating
materials with desirable acoustic properties and fire-separation
properties may be used in the construction of internal dividing
walls within the buildings 370, 380.
[0252] A further embodiment of a high-rise building 400 is shown in
FIGS. 45 and 46. The construction of the building 400 is similar to
that of the high-rise building 380 of FIG. 40, however units 312
are offset on alternate levels. In this way the top 320' of a unit
312 provides a floor for the space above. The base 318' provides a
ceiling for a space below. The outermost face 332' of the walls
314', 316' provides internal wall faces for adjacent spaces on
either side of the unit 312.
[0253] The units 312 are assembled in a `checkerboard`
configuration, with unit-sized spaces on each side of each unit
312. The spaces function as rooms, with each side of the spaces
bordered by units 312. In this way the volume of a building 400 may
be virtually double the combined volume of its units 312 in their
extended state. As the units 312 in their extended state have a
volume more than double than that in their transportable state, the
volume of the building 400 is virtually four-fold the sum of the
volumes of the units in their transportable configuration.
[0254] In the building 400, strength is created by mounting the
lower front beam 326a of an upper unit 312 horizontally next the
upper rear front beam 326d of a lower unit 312. Both beams 326a,
326d can thus be supported by a single column 60. This arrangement
is shown in FIG. 46.
[0255] In a further desirable embodiment, building units 312 may be
fitted with location signalling devices within their structure. In
the event of a unit 312 being misappropriated, the location
signalling device can be deployed to assist recovery of the unit.
The location signalling device may be arranged to interact with a
global positioning or other satellite. The units or components
thereof may also be catalogued with unique identification numbers
or other identification devices to dissuade theft.
[0256] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a
skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *