Patent Grant
9556632
The present invention relates to building systems, and in particular to methods for constructing buildings by means of prefabricated elements.
It is today a known procedure to use different kinds of prefabricated elements when erecting a building complex. Already in the 1960's, and perhaps even before that, the concept of building prefabricated modules was used. The modules could e.g. include a bathroom, a kitchen or the like. This module would then be compatible to be installed in a building complex; cf. for instance GB-A-1,213,009.
EP-A-462,790 discloses a building system which comprises rooms formed from prefabricated room units, wherein the units include walls and a ceiling. The room units are arranged in rows where each row has adjacent pairs of room units and where each pair of units is structural mirror images of each other. Even though the elements are prefabricated there is still a lot of work to be done with the interior before the building may be ready to use as e.g. a hotel. The work at the construction site is time-consuming and expensive since many workers must be hired to finish the interiors. Hence, this known system involves high costs which probably is the main reason why it has not been put into practice.
US-A-2005/0108957 describes a prefabricated module which is intended to be used in a multi-storey building. The modules may contain a bathroom, a kitchen, a staircase or a combination of the previous mentioned and may be stacked on top of each other and then installed concurrently with the surrounding structure. One module may be configured to have a dual room layout which means that the module will include e.g. two bathrooms which are a mirror image of each other. Additionally, each module has a vertical shaft which includes features like water supply, waste sewage and ventilation shaft. This known system is complicated and suffers from the same problem as the costly system described above.
As to background art, WO-A-2006/13653 could be mentioned as well since it discloses a prefabricated service pod. However, this publication does not suggest low-cost prefabrication based on non-complex structures. Hence, the proposed service pods are not suitable for building projects of the type today's market demands.
Prefabricated elements for buildings do not only include service pods and the like, but also various types of wall and panel elements. An example of such an element is disclosed in EP-A-565,842. However, this known element only constitutes a part of a building and the publication does not suggest any overall solution to the problem of how to construct an entire building which meets today's requirements of low-cost construction projects to be performed under time pressure.
The choice of building method normally depends on which type of house to be built and for what purpose. Although known building methods may differ in many ways, most of them are time consuming. As construction time is a crucial factor for the cost efficiency of the building, there is always a need for improving the erecting methods, especially for large and complex buildings such as multi-resident buildings or the like.
WO-A-2008/102152 describes a method of constructing a building with prefabricated modules, wherein each module defines a room with e.g. a bathroom area. The modules may be identical or of two different types, and they are configured to be stacked upon each other to form a multi-storey building.
WO-A-00/34593 discloses a building method using two different kinds of modules, i.e. a U-shaped module and an L-shaped module. The modules are combined on site to form the bearing structure of a multi-storey building. Since the modules are not pre-fabricated there are many partial challenges with this building method. Particularly, the proposed building method is disadvantageous since all the different parts of the partial modules must be manufactured with high precision to fit each other. More parts and partial modules will increase the risk of making a mistake in the production or the assembly. Many parts of different sizes and shapes also become a problem when transporting them to the erection site. The space of the transportation may then not be optimized for the parts packed in it. The proposed method is thus not very flexible since the different shapes of the modules require specially adapted logistic resources.
Another example of a building method is described in CA-A-2,046,217. In this document a solution is proposed involving a building unit which comprises at least four dwelling units which are supposed to be connected to each other, horizontally or vertically. The dwelling units comprise modules which include different types of interior depending on its location and purpose.
In view of the building methods previously presented there is still a need for an improved method which allows a reduced erecting time.
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique for constructing buildings which is improved over prior art.
A particular object is to provide a building method which is cost-effective compared to prior-art building methods.
An additional object is to provide a building method which allows a reduction of the on-site erection time.
A yet further object is to provide a versatile building method which may be used for providing a wide range of building designs and applications.
It is also an object of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing an improved building method which makes the onsite erection more efficient.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a building method which allows for a reduced need for on-site construction staff.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a building method which allows for improved quality of the building.
An additional object is to provide a building method which is optimized regarding logistics, and thus allows for an improved efficiency of transportation.
These objects have now been achieved by a technique having the features set forth in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
An idea of general inventive concept is to combine the benefits of modular building techniques with the benefits of panel-based building techniques in a novel way in order to provide a building method which is highly advantageous over the known prior-art methods.
Another idea is to provide prefabricated modules manufactured according to industrial production processes, and to use such modules when constructing different types of buildings. Hence the modules, as well as the panels and slabs, may be manufactured by line production using a high level of automation.
A yet further idea is to provide a building method which is particularly advantageous for multi-resident buildings. Preferably, the building method is applied to multi-room buildings, in which each resident is occupying one of the rooms, such as hotels, student houses, hospitals, etc.
According to a first aspect, a method for providing at least a part of a building is provided. The method comprises the step of prefabricating a module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof to form a rectangular cuboid shape, providing at least one compartment within said cuboid shape, providing waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor of said compartment for creating a wet area within said module, arranging technical installations within said cuboid shape, and providing interior equipment within said cuboid shape. The method also comprises the steps of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs, and connecting said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of said module for providing said part of a building such that said lateral side of said module together with said plurality of prefabricated panels and slabs form a further rectangular cuboid shape.
The waterproof layers may be provided on parts of the interior wall and floor surfaces of the compartment within the module, or on the complete interior wall and floor surfaces of the compartment. Optionally, also the inner surface of the module ceiling may to at least some extent be covered by the waterproof layers.
The further rectangular cuboid shape mentioned above forms a room for a resident, for instance a student of a student home or a guest of a hotel, etc.
The step of prefabricating the module may further comprise providing interior partition walls for forming at least two compartments within the cuboid shape.
The step of providing interior partition walls may be performed such that two separated compartments are formed, and wherein each one of said compartments is ready to be occupied by its own resident. This is advantageous in that a single module may comprise the necessary wet areas for two rooms, each one of the room being provided for its own resident.
The interiors of the two separated compartments may be symmetrical along a centre line of said module. Hence, the manufacturing cost of the entire module is reduced.
The module may be formed with dimensions of approximately 6.5-7.0 m in length, about 2.5 m in depth, and about 3.0 m in height. Such dimensions are particularly advantageous due to logistics reasons, since the dimensions correspond to the normal loading capacity of a trailer. Thus, a truck may carry a number of modules put on a connected trailer from the manufacturing site to the building site with a minimum of unused loading capacity. Preferably, the modules are designed in such a way that two modules can be carried on a standard trailer.
The method may further comprise the step of providing said four walls, floor, and roof by arranging a planar wooden core adjacent to at least one insulating layer for each one of said walls, roof, and floor. For the construction of multi-resident buildings, the choice of wood, and in particular cross-laminated timber, has proven to be preferred due to material characteristics and cost effectiveness.
The method may further comprise the step of providing said insulating layer as a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer of acoustic damping material and/or fire resistant material, optionally heat insulation material, and an outer layer, preferably of gypsum board. Hence, a very robust and safe construction is provided.
The step of prefabricating the module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof may be performed such that the upper edges of said four walls extend beyond the outer surface of the roof. This is advantageous in that a service space is provided on top of the module, which service space may be used to store and allow access to parts of the technical installations.
The step of prefabricating the module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof may be performed such that the lower edges of said four walls extend beyond the outer surface of the floor. Also this is advantageous in that an additional service space is provided under the module.
The step of assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof may further comprise providing at least one opening on the wall forming a part of the further rectangular cuboid shape, and at least one opening on the opposite wall of said module, said openings optionally being provided with doors. Thus, resident access to the interior of the module is provided in an easy manner.
The step of providing waterproof layers for creating said wet area within said module may be performed by covering a part of the interior sides of said walls and slabs with said waterproof interior layers. Hence, no additional structures are needed for providing the wet area which reduces the cost and complexity when manufacturing the module. Moreover, the waterproof interior layers are only provided where they are actually needed.
The step of providing waterproof interior layers for creating said wet area within said module may on the other hand be performed by covering the complete interior sides of said walls and slabs with said waterproof interior layers.
The step of providing waterproof interior layers is preferably performed by applying solid layers or liquid layers.
Preferably, the step of providing waterproof layers for creating said wet area within said module is performed by covering the complete, or a part of, the interior sides of said walls and slabs by applying solid or liquid waterproof interior layers.
The step of arranging technical installations within said cuboid shape may comprise arranging at least one ventilation duct, at least one mains electricity cable, at least one low voltage electrical cable optionally connected to at least one distribution board, at least one water supply pipe, at least one water sewage pipe; preferably also a water-based heating system, a cooling system, and/or a sprinkler system within said module. This is advantageous in that all necessary installations which may possible be needed are already provided for in the module, which makes the module completely finished and ready for the mounting and connection to the panels and slabs.
A coupling means end of at least one technical installation is preferably accessible in the area formed above the roof of said module, i.e. the service space above the module, or in the area formed below the floor of said module, i.e. the service space below the module.
The step of providing at least one compartment may be performed such that two major compartments are formed, and at least one shaft is formed for said technical installations. Thus, the technical installations are located at dedicated areas, whereby the interior of the major compartments, which will be occupied by residents, may be designed in a very attractive manner without any disturbing conduits, shafts, or the like.
At least one ventilation duct may extend within a first shaft, and preferably the at least one mains electricity cable, the at least one low voltage electrical cable, including the optional distribution board, the at least one water supply pipe, and the at least one water sewage pipe may extend within a second shaft. Such disposition of technical installations is very efficient and may provide easy access for service and maintenance of the technical installations. In an embodiment, said first and second shafts may be formed in a common space which for instance facilitates inspection and maintenance.
The step of providing interior equipment within said cuboid shape may comprise installing a bathroom and optionally a kitchenette in said module. Further, the step of providing interior equipment within said cuboid shape may comprise installing furniture and/or fixtures in the module. By having such equipment pre-installed, the quality of the equipment installations may be extremely high since it is made in an off-site factory. Further, the construction site building time is greatly reduced. In alternative embodiments, certain fixtures and/or pieces of furniture are pre-installed in an off-site factory and other fixtures/furniture pieces may be installed on site after construction of the building.
The method may further comprise the step of providing the module with at least one engagement means for later engagement with a prefabricated panel or slab or another prefabricated module by means of a connecting device. By having such engagement means pre-mounted to the module, the construction may be very precisely done thus increasing the quality of the building and facilitating the constructional work.
The step of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs may be performed by arranging a planar wooden core adjacent to at least one insulating layer for each one of said panels and slabs. Hence, the panels and slabs may be made in the same material as the walls of the module which reduces the amount of different equipment needed for manufacturing the necessary parts. Further, the panels and slabs may preferably be manufactured at the same facility manufacturing the module, whereby the entire logistics of the building method may be optimized.
As for the walls of the modules, the planar wooden core may be formed by cross-laminated timber, preferably glued or nailed. In certain circumstances, so-called wood welding may be used for obtaining suitable cross-laminated timber.
The method may further comprise the step of providing at least one of said insulating layers as a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer of acoustic damping material and/or fire resistant material, optionally heat insulation material, and an outer layer, preferably of gypsum board.
Further, the method may comprise the step of providing hollow electrical cable guides within said panels and/or slabs. Thus, the panels and slabs are prepared to be mounted to the prefabricated modules, and they will provide a very efficient way of arranging the necessary installations to the room formed by said panels. Electrical cables as well as other technical installations needed in the panels/slabs may also be pre-installed in factory before delivery to the erection site.
The method may further comprise the step of providing said panels and slabs with at least one engagement means for later engagement with a prefabricated module or another prefabricated panel or slab by means of a connecting device. By having such engagement means pre-mounted to the panels and/or slabs, the panels and/or slabs may be very precisely done, thus increasing the quality of the building and facilitating the constructional work.
The step of connecting said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of said module may be performed by connecting a first wall to one lateral side edge of said module, a second wall to another lateral side edge of said module, a third wall to the center portion of said module, a first floor slab to the first and third wall, respectively, a second floor slab to the second and third wall, respectively, a fourth wall to the free lateral edge portion of the first and third wall, respectively, a fifth wall to the free lateral edge portion of the second and third wall, respectively, a first roof slab to the free upper edge portions of the first and third wall, respectively, and a second roof slab to the free upper edge portions of the second and third wall, respectively. Hence, a two-room part of a building is provided, whereby the module is divided into two separate wet areas.
Said fourth wall and said fifth wall may be formed as one piece, or said fourth wall and/or said fifth wall may be formed as one piece with a wall arranged vertically aligned with said fourth or fifth wall. This is advantageous in cases where transportation and logistics allow for larger panels.
The step of connecting said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of said module may comprise providing at least one static connector and at least one dynamic connector for connecting at least one of said panels and/or slabs to said module. This combination of one static and one dynamic connector has proven to be very efficient and provides a very robust connection while at the same time providing easy handling. By static connection is here generally meant interconnecting two or more building members by a kind of mechanically static engagement. By dynamic connection is here generally meant interconnecting two or more building members by pulling these together, so that the members are pressed against each other in a tight connection.
The method may further comprise the step of connecting at least two prefabricated modules to each other in the direction of the length of the modules and/or the step of connecting at least two prefabricated modules to each other in the direction of the height of the modules. Hence, the modules are provided as a back bone of an elongated building which is highly advantageous since the modules are including the wet areas and the technical installations. By having all the technical installations aligned, the pipes and conduits needed may be provided in a reliable and efficient manner.
The method may further comprise the step of vertical aligning a first module with an adjacent module by means of alignment recesses provided on the upper edge portion of said first module and corresponding alignment protrusions on the bottom edge portion of said adjacent module. By having such alignment protrusions and recesses prepared on the modules, a very accurate alignment may be achieved. The arrangement of the protrusions and recesses may also be interchanged, such that the alignment protrusions are provided on upper edge portion of the first module, and the alignment recesses are provided on the bottom edge portion of the adjacent module.
The alignment means, i.e. the protrusions and the corresponding recesses, also serve as stabilizing anchoring means contributing to stabilization of the entire building in case of strong winds, minor quakes, etc.
According to a second aspect, a method for constructing a multi-room building is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first part of a building according to the first aspect, providing a corridor extending along one lateral side of said first part; and providing a second part of a building according to the first aspect, wherein said second part of said building is arranged on the opposite side of said corridor.
The method may further comprise the step of extending said multi-room building in a vertical direction such that each part of the building, provided according to the method of the first aspect, of a specific floor is vertically aligned with the underlying part of the building.
The method may further comprise the step of extending said multi-room building in a horizontal direction such that each part of the building, provided according to the method of the first aspect, of a first side of the corridor is aligned with a corresponding part of the building on the opposite side of the corridor.
According to a third aspect, a part of a building is provided. The part of the building comprises a prefabricated module having a rectangular cuboid shape formed by four walls extending between a floor and a roof, wherein said module comprises at least one compartment within said cuboid shape, waterproof interior layers on the interior walls and floor of said compartment for creating a wet area within said cuboid shape, technical installations within said cuboid shape, and interior equipment within said cuboid shape, and wherein said part of the building further comprises a plurality of prefabricated panels and slabs connected to a lateral side of said module such that said lateral side of said module together with said plurality of prefabricated panels and slabs form a further rectangular cuboid shape.
According to a fourth aspect, a multi-room building is provided. The building comprises a corridor extending horizontally, and at least a first part of a building according to the third aspect arranged on a first side of said corridor, and a second part of a building according to the third aspect arranged on the opposite side of said corridor, wherein said second part of the building is aligned with the first part of the building.
The multi-room building may further comprise additional parts of a building arranged on top of the parts of the building already provided such that a part of a building of a specific floor is vertically aligned with the underlying part of the building.
According to a fifth aspect, a method of constructing a multi-room building is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing prefabricated, ready-to-use modules with interior wet areas, pre-installed electrical cable guides, water supply and waste conduits, and ventilation ducts; providing prefabricated wall panels with pre-installed electrical cable guides; arranging the modules aligned; and forming rectangular panel-built rooms in connection with the modules, one wall of a module defining one side of each room and three prefabricated panels defining the three remaining sides of the room, such that said modules and panel-built rooms form at least one floor of said building.
The method may further comprise the step of arranging additional prefabricated modules on top of each other for forming a multi-floor building with panel-built rooms extending perpendicular from the aligned modules.
The methods previously mentioned may further comprise the step of providing façade cladding on the outer surface of said module and/or panels.
An idea of the on-site part of the inventive concept is to provide a building method which makes use of a number of prefabricated modules, and a number of prefabricated panels and slabs. The modules, each comprising the wet areas of at least one associated room or apartment, are aligned horizontally and/or vertically to extend the multi-resident building. The building method is performed by extending the module array(s) in different directions at the same time, while the panels and slabs are connected to the modules as they are connected to the array(s). Hence, the building may be constructed extremely fast as several construction workers may work on different rooms at the same time.
According to a sixth aspect, a method for providing a multi-resident building is provided. The method comprises the step of prefabricating a plurality of modules, each of which by assembling four walls extending between a floor and roof to form a rectangular cuboid shape, providing at least one compartment within said cuboid shape, providing waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor of said compartment for creating a wet area within said module, arranging technical installations within said cuboid shape, and providing interior equipment within said cuboid shape. The method further comprises the steps of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs; distributing at least a part of said plurality of modules in a horizontal array such that at least a first wall of a module is arranged in close proximity to a first wall of an adjacent module; and for each module connecting at least a part of said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral end of said module for providing a part of a building such that one wall of each module together with said prefabricated panels and slabs form a further rectangular cuboid shape.
The step of distributing said modules may be performed by arranging a first module at a central position, and subsequently extending the horizontal array in at least one direction from said first module. Hence, the building may be constructed at several positions on the erection site in parallel, thus reducing the required on-site construction time.
The method may further comprise arranging a second module in parallel with said first module at a predetermined distance, and extending a horizontal array in at least one direction from said second module such that said horizontal arrays are aligned to each other. Hence, a corridor is provided between the two horizontal arrays of the modules. This means that the building may be constructed in four directions at the same time. For this, the step of extending the horizontal array of modules may be performed in the at least two directions simultaneously.
The method may further comprise the step of distributing a further number of modules in a vertical array from said first and/or second module such that said vertical array corresponds to several floors of the multi-resident building. Thus, the building extends vertically as a multi-storey building.
The step of distributing a further number of modules in a vertical array may thus be performed before, simultaneously or after the step of distributing at least a part of said plurality of modules in a horizontal array.
The step of distributing at least a part of said plurality of modules in a horizontal array may be performed for several floors simultaneously.
The step of connecting at least a part of said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of each module may be performed for at least two modules simultaneously. Hence, the rooms are sealed in a swift manner thus allowing for decreased constructional time on site.
The step of connecting at least a part of said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of each module may be performed simultaneously in said at least two directions of the horizontal array.
The step of connecting at least a part of said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of each module may further be performed simultaneously for at least two modules of the vertical array.
The method may further comprise the step of providing façade cladding on the outer surface of said module and/or panels.
Also, the method may further comprise the step of aligning a further module relative the first or second module by means of protrusions and corresponding recesses provided on the further module and the first or second module, respectively.
According to a seventh aspect, a method for constructing a building is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of prefabricated modules, each module forming a rectangular cuboid shape having at least one compartment forming a wet area, and having interior equipment and technical installations pre-installed; providing a plurality of prefabricated panels and slabs; distributing at least a part of said plurality of modules in a horizontal array such that at least one wall of a module is arranged in close proximity to one wall of an adjacent module; and for each module connecting at least a part of said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of said module for providing a part of a building such that one wall of each module together with said prefabricated panels and slabs form a further rectangular cuboid shape.
According to an eighth aspect, a building is provided which is built or erected by a method in accordance with the previous aspects.
In a preferred embodiment of this building the prefabricated modules, panels and slabs are connected by a number of static connectors and/or dynamic connectors or connecting units forming combinations of static and dynamic connectors.
The invention also concerns a kit of building components comprising: at least one prefabricated module, a number of prefabricated panels and slabs, and a number of connecting devices for connecting the building components.
In this context, a building is preferably a multi-room building for several residents. Such buildings may e.g. be a building including a large amount of student apartments, a hotel, a hospital, or similar types of buildings. Further, a part of a building should thus be understood as a part of such multi-resident building, which part corresponds to one apartment, one hotel room, one hospital room, etc.
By the expression rectangular cuboid shape is meant a box-like structure of general type.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following with reference to the accompanying, schematic drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of the inventive concept.
An illustrative example how the invention can be carried out is shown in the diagrammatical
A building B according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed of a number of standardized elements (see
In construction of a building B according to this concept, one starts with a first module 2 such that one lateral side of the first module 2 is in close proximity with a lateral side of an adjacent module 2. The two aligned modules must not necessarily be attached to each other by rigid fixtures, but may simply be put in close proximity to each other and secured in the correct position by means of alignment means provided on the lower side of the module facing the ground or foundation F, which optionally may have supporting structures, for instance of steel or concrete (not shown). In the shown example the modules 2 are placed in two spaced-apart rows, forming a corridor C between the two rows of modules 2. In order to make benefit of the corridor C the modules are provided with at least one door opening facing the corridor C (see
In a next step slabs 8 are attached to the modules 2 to form floors in the corridor C and in the rooms R to be formed. Thereafter panels 4 are attached to the modules 2 to form the inner walls of the rooms R. The panels 4 are attached to the side of each module 2 opposite to the corridor C. In the next step panels 6 to form the outer walls are attached to the free edge portions of the panels 4 forming the inner walls, opposite the modules 2. Façade cladding 7 is then attached to the outer panels 6 forming the outer walls (see
The step of attaching the slabs 8 and panels 4, 6 may be performed for different modules 2 in parallel. Hence, the first module may be connected to the panels and slabs at the same time as adjacent modules are arranged in a row, or array. As the modules being arranged adjacent to the first (or central) module are fixated at their respective position, further modules are arranged at these modules at the same time as panels and slabs are attached to the already provided modules. The first and second row may be constructed according to the manner described, i.e. a parallel extension of the rows or arrays.
If the building B is to have further stories, the above steps are repeated, whereby the modules 2 of an upper storey are attached to the modules 2 of the storey below. As indicated in
This on-site concept of erecting a building saves time and thereby reduces costs. Sometimes it may be preferred to gradually construct the building in only one direction, but also then the work is efficient since stacking of modules 2 can be performed upwards at the starting point meanwhile the panel-build rooms R are formed in sequence in horizontal direction.
In
To finalize the building B further parts are added, such as a main entrance, elevators and staircases, but these parts are optional and will not be described in detail here. In
In
As shown in
Preferably, the external dimensions of the modules 2 are adapted to standard sizes of trucks. For instance, a module 2 of the type shown in
In
In each module 2 there is at least one vertical through ventilation duct 16, (see
The modules 2 may be completed in the factory with all fittings required for the intended use of the module 2 in the finalized building B. The term fittings also include complete finishing, fixtures, set-ups, etc. Thus, a complete bathroom 10, including a bathroom door 24, an optional complete kitchen part 12, possible complete wardrobes 214 and all additional doors 20, 21, 22 are installed in the modules 2 already in the production site PS. All cables are pre-installed, such as main electrical and low voltages supplies, switch board meters, internet connections, etc. Furthermore, all types of water conduits—such as tubings for heated and tap water as well as cooling and sprinkler systems—are installed in the factory of the production site PS. The same goes for all ventilation ducts and the sewage conduit system. These assemblies are also installed in the modules 2 at the production site PS. In summary, all so-called shaft assemblies and technical installations are pre-installed in the module 2.
Due to the standardization and pre-installation of fittings and supplies, the modules 2 are basically ready-to-use when arriving by truck at the erection site ES. Furthermore, the well-planned arrangement of cables and conduits makes it easy to connect all supplies when the modules 2 are aligned and stacked on the erection site ES. Erection of the building B can be performed by staff mainly trained in construction work, whereas the requirement of highly skilled staff such as electricians and plumbers can be kept on a very low level which reduces construction time significantly.
The vertical section of
As best shown in
As seen in
Hence, when stacking modules 2 on top of each other the rods 26, 28 are inserted in the matching openings 30, 32 respectively, as is shown in detail in
As illustrated in
A facade panel 6′ with two windows is shown in
This type of facade panel 6′ may have the length of two rooms which then will include two windows, one for each room. Normally, a large facade panel 6′ of this type is not provided with any electrical and low voltage cabling or installed sockets and switches but may in another embodiment be. The panel 6′ may be fixed to the panels 4 and to the slab 8 according to the above mentioned fixing procedure.
Preferably, the wooden cores 41 and 46 described above are made of cross-laminated timber (CLT), but other wooden structures are of course feasible. However, CLT cores have proven very good results for prefabricated panels and slabs of this kind. The strength is excellent and it is easy to handle. In particular embodiments, the module 2 is constructed as a load-bearing structure carrying the weight of the building. Further, the walls and panels may also be constructed as load-bearing structures thus reducing the need for further structural components necessary for securing the robustness of the building.
In
The first connector member 60 comprises a base plate 62 and a flange 64 projecting therefrom (
The second connector member 70 comprises a base plate 72 and a flange 74 projecting therefrom (
The bores 68, 78 of the respective connecting devices 60, 70 as well as the recess or cut-away 61 may form engagement means integrated in the wall panel 4 or module 2, respectively. The engagement means contribute to the attachment and use of the static connecting device 60, 70.
When mounting the wall panel 4 to the module 2, the panel 4 is moved towards the module 2, which is installed on ground or on a foundation F or stacked on another module, in the direction of arrow A in
The underlying idea with the static connectors 60, 70 is that they should fit integrated engagement means (cut-aways, anchoring means, etc) of the elements to be connected.
In addition to the static connecting devices 60, 70 other types of connectors may be used, namely so called dynamic connectors. This type of dynamic connecting device 80 is provided for decreasing or eliminating the small gaps between building elements that may be left after connecting the static connectors 60, 70.
The bore of the module wall, as well as the recess or cut-away 89, may form engagement means integrated in the wall of the module 2 and the panel, respectively. The engagement means contribute to the attachment and use of the dynamic connecting device 80. Tightening of the connector 80 is accomplished by a standard wrench (not shown) engaging the nut of the nut-washer assembly 88.
A similar type of dynamic connector 80′ can be used for module-slab connection as is shown in
The idea behind the dynamic connecting operation is that the elements to be connected shall have prefabricated means so that the tightening can be performed swiftly on the erection site. The recessed cut-aways 89, 89′ and the pre-installed fastening bars 82, 82′ and connecting sleeves 86, 86′ make it possible to achieve quick tightening by use of tools which are easy to handle.
In a preferred embodiment, a single connector may be utilized which acts as both a static and a dynamic connector. Hence, the connectors 60, 80 or 70, 80 may be replaced by a single connector forming a combined connecting unit
Preferably, sealing strips with rubber strings (not shown) are inserted in the joints between wooden elements of the building.
The hanger arrangement shown in
As shown in
A similar technique is used for connecting two drain pipes 100, 102 between two modules 2, as is shown in
The supply arrangements shown in
The building B may be constructed in many different ways, and two alternatives are shown in
As well as there are different layouts of the overall building B there are also different layouts of the rooms R, especially the modules 2.
The panel-built part of the student home may be fully furnished with furniture after construction, for instance a table 162, chairs 164, a bed 166, etc. In order to keep costs low, the furniture may be standardized.
In
A fourth example of a room 411 is shown in
The bathroom 410 of this type of room 411 is adapted for a disabled person and it comprises special equipment 490, 492 for this purpose. In the same manner, the kitchen area 412 may include certain special equipment not described in detail here. Further modifications have been made in order to facilitate for a disabled person to move a wheelchair within the room. Hence, door hinges have been switched and in an embodiment not shown here it is also feasible that the door openings are made somewhat wider in order to give room for wheelchair movements.
It is to be appreciated that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments described herein, and many modifications are feasible within the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. For instance, other materials can be used for the elements included in the building constructions. Furthermore, other connection means can be used as long as reliable joining of the elements is achieved.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1250043 | Jan 2012 | SE | national |
| 1250044 | Jan 2012 | SE | national |
This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/EP2013/051155, filed 22 Jan. 2013, which claims benefit of Serial No. 1250043-5, filed 23 Jan. 2012 in Sweden; Serial No. 1250044-3, filed 23 Jan. 2012 in Sweden; Ser. No. 61/589,626, filed 23 Jan. 2012 in the United States; and Ser. No. 61/589,635, filed 23 Jan. 2012 in the United States and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.
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| Entry |
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| International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/EP2013/051155 mailed Jun. 20, 2013 (3 pages). |
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