Patent Application
20240271411
The demand for affordable housing that can be built quickly is increasing in line with the growing population and is very high in urban areas in particular. Conventionally constructed living space is very cost-intensive and can take months or even years to complete. Furthermore, the construction of a house or flat requires a large number of different skilled laborers and experts who carry out various tasks, from laying the foundations and shell construction to interior finishing and laying water and electricity pipes. In addition, use concepts and the demand for living space are constantly changing. However, retrofitting residential buildings is often very time-consuming and cost-intensive.
The disclosure relates to a modular building having a supporting structure that encloses an interior space. The supporting structure has a plurality of vertical supporting posts, which can be set up at a distance apart from one another on an underlying surface. The vertical supporting posts have a fastening portion at each of their opposite end regions, and the supporting structure has a plurality of crossbeams, which each connect two fastening portions of two adjacent vertical supporting posts to one another. The building has at least one floor element, which is secured on the supporting structure, at least one ceiling element, which is secured on the supporting structure, and a plurality of wall elements, which are secured on the supporting structure.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a modular building that can be easily erected and modified on site. In addition, the modular building should be easy to extend.
This object is achieved for a modular building described at the outset in that each wall element has a frame element running around its periphery and in that wall elements arranged adjacent to and aligned with one another are connected to one another via mutually facing sections of the respective frame elements with releasable fastening elements.
The wall elements forming a side wall of a modular building can be easily connected to each other on site using their frame elements. The side walls of a building can be erected quickly and with little effort using several flush-connected wall elements. The wall elements can be prefabricated for this purpose, manufactured in the factory and transported to the construction site. The wall elements can also be adapted to the customer's wishes and customised accordingly. The modular system is configured in such a way that it is not only easy to assemble, but also to dismantle, so that the building can be dismantled at one location and reassembled at another with the same partial elements. The at least one floor element, the at least one ceiling element and the several wall elements are detachably connected to the supporting structure. The vertical support posts and the crossbeams connecting these supporting posts are also detachably connected to each other so that the support structure can also be erected on site and subsequently modified. The modular building can therefore be assembled and erected in a particularly simple manner from various prefabricated elements. This modular construction method using different elements reduces both the manufacturing costs for a large number of similar elements and the on-site effort and assembly costs required to erect a building from these elements. It also makes it possible to easily modify the building at a later date and adapt it to the changing needs of the building's residents. Furthermore, individual elements can be used several times and successively in different buildings, which makes the modular building particularly sustainable and resource-saving.
The modular design not only makes it easier to erect and dismantle a building quickly. Rather, the wall elements also make it possible to easily extend an already constructed building. For example, a side wall or part of a side wall can be removed without jeopardizing the stability of the rest of the structure or damaging or destroying other parts. The living space can be enlarged by extending the supporting structure and by arranging further wall, floor and ceiling elements, which are arranged and fixed to a previously made opening, wherein the opening is created, for example, by removing one or more wall elements.
It is also provided that, for example, a side wall of a finished and modularly constructed building is removed and connected in a simple manner to another already constructed part of the building, which may have a larger total area than the original part of the building. The area of the building can be quickly and easily adapted to the conditions and current requirements.
A further possibility is that, in addition to modular extensions that are added horizontally to the existing building, it is also possible to extend the building vertically, for example by adding another storey. In addition to closed rooms, balconies, terraces and other extensions are also possible thanks to the modular design. Thanks to the modular and non-destructive construction method, parts of the building that have been removed can be used to extend the building or for other parts of the building or separate buildings. It is also possible to subsequently combine and extend existing buildings that were constructed using a conventional construction method with a modular building according to the disclosure. Existing buildings can be extended both vertically, for example as an additional storey, and horizontally as additional rooms or building areas.
The modular system of the building is configured in such a way that functional connections are already provided at regular intervals, which make it possible for the modularly added additional building modules to be supplied with the power grid and the water network of the first module.
For assembly, the wall elements can be positively connected to the support posts and/or the crossbeams, wherein the individual frame elements of the wall elements can be connected to their respective neighbouring wall elements in contact with a detachable fastening element.
The frame element of a wall element can have a rectangular shape made of a durable and dimensionally stable material. The frame element preferably has an uninterrupted circumferential frame composed of four interconnected frame elements, wherein the frame surrounds a recess formed in the centre. It is also possible for the frame to be realised as a one-piece workpiece. Preferably, the wall elements have a width of approximately a metre. Several wall elements can be arranged in alignment with each other and can each be detachably connected to an adjacent wall element in contact via a fastening element. Preferably, a composite of wall elements arranged in alignment with each other and connected to each other forms a wall panel, wherein it is irrelevant whether the wall panel is defined as a composite when the wall elements are attached to the supporting structure, or whether the individual wall elements are connected to each other on the supporting structure. The supporting structure can be configured in such a way that all relevant static and mechanical forces are absorbed and transferred via the supporting structure. Nevertheless, wall panels always have a structural significance in building construction. Depending on the respective supporting structure, the wall panels connected from individual wall elements do not have to absorb any static forces, but can be taken into account in the planning and structural design.
The recess formed by the frame or the partial frame elements can be paneled or clad on both sides of the frame, wherein the paneling or cladding can also only be partial. The paneling can be detachably or non-detachably connected to the frame. The wall element can have insulation made of an insulating material for heat/cold insulation and sound insulation. The insulation can be arranged in the recess of the frame or applied to the cladding of the wall element. Furthermore, the insulation can also be applied to the wall panel, wherein the individual wall elements do not necessarily have to contain insulation.
Similarly, the side of the wall element or wall panel facing the interior of the building can have insulation or cladding such as paneling. The inside can additionally have decorative elements such as wallpaper or decorative wall coverings. The outside facing away from the interior can have a partial or complete coating of a weather-resistant material to protect the outside against environmental influences.
At the same time or in addition, paneling on the outside of the wall element or wall panel can also fulfil decorative purposes and form an aesthetically pleasing building envelope.
Other functional elements such as windows or doors can also be arranged in a prefabricated wall element.
According to an advantageous implementation, it is provided that the wall element is configured such that an individual wall element can be removed from a composite of wall elements and replaced without having to remove or destroy another wall element. For this purpose, for example, contact surfaces of directly adjacent wall elements facing each other can be configured with a flat surface so that the wall elements can be moved relative to each other after the fastening elements have been loosened and thus separated from each other. It is also possible that the end faces of the wall elements facing each other have stepped contact surfaces and can be displaced relative to each other at least in a horizontal direction if the steps run vertically. The method of fastening several wall elements in alignment with one another maximises flexibility. In addition to the possibility of enlarging the living space by removing a single wall element or an entire wall panel, the non-destructive removal of individual wall elements offers further advantages. Firstly, the building can be easily adapted to changing circumstances by converting a previously closed recess in the frame element into a window or door using suitable cladding. Furthermore, interconnected wall elements can also form a common window or door. Spaced grooves, recesses or retaining rails can be provided on the surface of the wall element and arranged horizontally when the wall element is used as intended, which are suitable for attaching further cladding, façade elements or, for example, rain gutters or sun protection devices to the grooves or recesses. Advantageously, the previously removed wall element can either be used in another building or construction site, or it can be used for a possible extension of the living space. This resource-saving utilisation of existing building elements can contribute to more environmentally friendly construction. The life cycle of the resources used is extended by repeatedly using the components as required. The bound grey energy is amortized through circular construction, which is made possible in a particularly simple way with the modular building.
Advantageously, it is optionally provided that each frame element has at least one fastening element on a contact surface of the frame element arranged at an angle to an outer surface of the wall element, with which two adjacent frame elements that are in contact with each other via their respective contact surfaces can be connected to each other and pressed against each other. A suitable design of the contact surfaces can be used to create an airtight and watertight connection between two adjacent wall elements. Advantageously, the frame element is configured as a circumferential frame, which has four contact surfaces—one on each side. In the case of wall elements that are aligned with one another and are to be connected to form a wall panel, the two contact surfaces of two wall elements that are in contact with one another can each have a fastening element, wherein further fastening elements may be necessary, in particular when using large-area wall elements or when using heavy superstructures. When using several storeys in particular, all four frame part elements can be provided with one or more fastening elements, so that a continuous wall surface (wall panel) is also possible over several storeys. The wall element can have a standardised and preferably rectangular frame element, wherein other shapes are also possible, which enable a completely closed wall panel after connecting several wall elements.
An advantageous embodiment consequently provides that a corner element is arranged on a supporting post, wherein the corner element has two interconnected wall elements with different orientations. The corner element can be configured in such a way that it is realised as an angle piece with a right angle. Preferably, it is configured so that the corner piece is adapted to the shape of the supporting post, so that the corner piece can be fixed to a supporting post with retaining elements fixed to the corner piece. The corner piece can be detachably connected to the wall elements via its contact surfaces with wall elements arranged on the contact surfaces using fastening elements. The corner element can be assembled from two wall elements of the same type. It is also possible for the corner element to be assembled from two differently configured wall elements and, for example, to combine a wide wall element with a width of 1 m or more with a narrow wall element that is only as wide as a supporting post.
It is also possible and optionally provided that each floor element and/or each ceiling element has a frame element running around its periphery, wherein adjacent floor elements and/or ceiling elements are each connected to one another via mutually facing sections of the respective frame elements with releasable fastening elements. The ceiling elements and/or the floor elements can be configured and manufactured in the same way as the wall elements. Here, the ceiling element and/or the floor element can have a surrounding frame element composed of four interconnected frame elements, wherein the frame element has a rectangular shape, analogous to the frame element of the wall element. The recess framed by the frame element can have a suitable cladding made of a hard-wearing and durable material on the side of the frame element facing the interior and/or the side facing away from the interior. Preferably, the ceiling element and/or the floor element can have a square or rectangular shape, wherein the respective edge lengths correspond to a width of a wall element or a multiple thereof. In the case of wall elements with a width of one metre, the ceiling elements and/or the floor elements can be configured as squares with an edge length of one metre, so that any base area, which is surrounded by an arrangement of wall elements aligned at right angles to each other, can be completely covered with the ceiling elements and the floor elements.
Furthermore, the individual floor and/or ceiling elements can be connected to each other via the contact surfaces of the frame element using fastening elements arranged on the contact surfaces and pressed against each other. It is also conceivable to connect the individual floor and/or ceiling elements using a tongue and groove connection. The recesses of the frame elements can have thermal insulation and/or sound insulation, wherein such insulation is also possible on the inside of several floor and/or ceiling elements joined together. The inside can also have additional cladding such as impact sound insulation or a floor covering. The recesses within the frame elements of the floor and/or ceiling elements can also be used for power and/or water lines.
Preferably, it is provided that the fastening element is a latch mounted in the frame element of a wall element, wherein the latch engages in an adjacent frame element of an adjacent frame element and enables a positive connection between two frame elements and thus the respective wall elements. The latch can be made of a dimensionally stable material, wherein a secure connection is achieved for two wall elements to be connected via the form-fitting engagement of the latch in the adjacent frame element and subsequent fixing, which can preferably be closed and released without the use of tools. A latch is any locking element with which a locking action can be achieved by form-fitting engagement, such that the latch can also be configured as a bolt, pin or hook. Furthermore, slidable, pivotable or rotatable plates or discs are also regarded as latches, which can be displaced beyond a frame element peripheral contour for locking and can effect positive engagement with an adjacent frame element. Floor and ceiling elements can also be connected in this way using a latch. Depending on the size of individual wall elements or ceiling and floor elements, several fastening elements and thus also several latches can be arranged across a contact surface that connects two wall elements and/or ceiling elements and/or floor elements with each other.
Furthermore, it is possible and optionally provided that the latch is operatively connected to a clamping device, wherein the latch connecting two adjacent frame elements to one another can be displaced via the clamping device in such a way that the adjacent frame elements are pressed against one another. By actuating the clamping device connected to the latch, two aligned wall elements that are in contact via the contact surfaces of their frame elements can not only be connected, but also pressed together and thus joined in an airtight and watertight manner. In this way, the tightest possible connection between two wall elements can be achieved. Floor and ceiling elements can also be connected in this way using a latch. Subsequent sealing of the respective contact surfaces or gaps and joints between individual elements is not necessary.
According to an advantageous implementation, it is provided that at least one retaining device is arranged on the frame element for form-fitting connection of the frame element to the supporting structure. To arrange the wall elements on the supporting structure, one or more retaining devices can be provided, wherein a retaining device is preferably arranged at each corner of the rectangular frame element so that the forces acting on the retaining device can be distributed as evenly as possible. The retaining device can be configured in such a way that it is suitable for engaging in grooves, recesses or slots formed on the crossbeams and/or on the support posts and for arranging the wall element on the crossbeam and/or the supporting post.
Advantageously, it is optionally provided that at least one sealing device is arranged on the frame element of a wall element in sections or completely surrounding it, wherein adjacent wall elements can be sealed against one another via the sealing device. No further physical building measures are required to achieve a sufficiently tight connection for inhabited buildings. The frame element can have a circumferential groove or notch, wherein a sealing device in the form of an O-ring made of a flexible material can be arranged in the groove or notch. It can also be provided that a sealing element is only arranged along one or two side edges on each frame element and adjacent frame elements are arranged and aligned in such a way that a side edge of a first frame element with a sealing element always rests against a side edge of an adjacent frame element without a sealing element, such that each gap between two adjacent frame elements is sealed by a sealing element. Several sealing devices can also be arranged on the outer surface of the frame element, for example in parallel, in order to maximise the sealing effect. By ensuring the best possible seal between the frame elements of the floor, ceiling and wall elements, in particular between the wall elements of the outer walls, the modular building can have the lowest possible heat transfer coefficient U and thus low energy consumption due to heat loss. The U-value should be kept as low as possible and is preferably below a value of U=0.17 W/m2K. Furthermore, the modular building can be configured to minimise uncontrolled ventilation heat loss ΦV. With low uncontrolled ventilation heat losses and good thermal sealing, a low heating load is achieved, preferably below a value of U=0.20 W/m2K.
An advantageous embodiment consequently provides that an energy distribution device is arranged on or in the supporting structure, which can be connected to each wall element. The energy distribution device can be realised as a current-carrying insulated cable. The cables can preferably be arranged on the supporting posts and/or the crossbeams of the supporting structure, wherein they can also be braced within the support structure. The cables can be arranged in such a way that it is easy to lay the cables in each floor, ceiling and wall element in order to provide access to the power connection at the desired location. For this purpose, the cables can be routed in an empty conduit, wherein the wall element can be configured in such a way that pre-assembled empty conduits are already installed at the factory to allow easy access to the building's power grid. This allows maximum flexibility of use to be achieved.
The energy distribution device can have a connection for an external energy storage device with which the building can be supplied with energy. The energy distribution device can also have a connection of the building to a household energy supply network, wherein a connection for heavy current can also be provided in addition to a normal household connection.
It is also possible and optionally provided that the building has an energy storage device that is connected to the energy distribution device so that the energy distribution device can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device. For the most self-sufficient operation or power supply possible for the building, batteries or accumulators can be arranged in the floor elements and/or in the ceiling elements in particular, which can supply the building with electricity. Solar cells attached to the building can also be used to supply electricity. For a largely self-sufficient supply, fossil fuel-based power generators such as a diesel generator can also be used, which are installed on, in or next to the building. Furthermore, fossil or renewable energy sources such as oil or wood pellets, hydrogen, heat pumps or solar thermal energy can be used to generate hot water and thus heat.
Preferably, it is provided that a water distribution device is arranged on the supporting structure. The water distribution device can be realised in the form of interconnected pipes, wherein the pipes are preferably arranged along the supporting posts and/or the crossbeams. The water distribution device can be configured in such a way that, depending on the size of the building, several separate water circuits are possible. The electronics required to operate the water distribution device and any internal pump systems can be arranged in or on the ceiling and/or floor elements, for example.
Furthermore, it is possible and optionally provided that the water distribution device is connected to a fresh water tank, wherein the water distribution device can be supplied with fresh water from the fresh water tank. The fresh water tank can be located in or on the ceiling and/or floor elements alongside the pump systems required for operation and the associated electronics. In addition, a used water tank for used water can be located next to the fresh water tank. Thus, in addition to a self-sufficient system for the power supply, a self-sufficient water supply for the building can be achieved. Furthermore, the water distribution device can draw fresh water from an external fresh water tank, wherein a suitable connection is provided for the water distribution device. The water distribution device can also be connected to the public water supply via a suitable connection. A centrally installed fresh water tank can supply several parts of a building if the water distribution system is suitably networked.
According to an advantageous implementation, it is provided that a vacuum device is arranged on the water distribution device, wherein a vacuum can be generated in individual line sections of the water distribution device via the vacuum device. The vacuum device can be realised in the form of a pump, which is preferably arranged in the recesses of the floor or ceiling elements or between or on the crossbeams. A vacuum applied to individual pipe sections can enable an efficient supply of fresh water as well as the removal of waste water or process water in a predominantly horizontal water distribution system without the water distribution system having to have a gradient.
The individual wall elements can each have two different end faces connecting pipe sections for a power distribution device or for a water distribution device. These can either be empty conduits or cable sections or water pipe sections that have connection elements on the respective end faces for a quick and reliable connection of the individual pipe sections with those in adjacent wall elements.
Advantageously, it is optionally provided that connection elements for the energy distribution device and/or the water distribution device are arranged at regular intervals on several crossbeams of the supporting structure, wherein the connection elements are suitable for connecting the energy distribution device and/or the water distribution device of a first module to the energy distribution device and/or the water distribution device of an additional module. In addition, connection elements for the energy distribution device and/or the water distribution device can be arranged between individual supply units on several crossbeams of the supporting structure, wherein a supply unit can extend over several wall elements as well as over adjacent floor and ceiling elements. These connection elements can be used to connect the water and waste water pipes to the water and waste water pipes of other supporting structures if the supporting structure is extended. In this way, several modules can be supplied with water and electricity from a water tank and energy storage device located in the first module. Advantageously, the modular building can be easily expanded without the need for additional planning or expansion of the water and/or electricity infrastructure. The connection elements can be realised as coupling systems, enabling a quick connection, but also allowing movements of the devices to be connected relative to each other to be compensated by suitable systems.
An advantageous embodiment consequently provides that an energy recovery device is arranged on the outside of the wall elements and/or the ceiling elements facing away from the interior. The wall and/or ceiling elements can be partially or completely equipped with solar panels for generating electricity, wherein the electricity generated can be stored in energy storage devices configured as accumulators and made available via the building's energy distribution system, possibly in combination with an inverter.
Further advantageous embodiments of the modular building with a supporting structure surrounding an interior space are explained with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing.
Energy storage devices 11 in the form of accumulators, which supply the building with energy, are arranged between the crossbeams 3 facing away from the ground. An energy distribution device 12 is arranged on the crossbeams 3 in the form of power cables braced between the crossbeams 3, wherein the power cables are connected to the energy storage device 11 in a signal-transmitting manner. Similar to the connection elements 8 for the water and waste water supply, connection elements 13 are arranged at several points on the crossbeams 3 for the connection of further power lines from other supporting structures 1.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2021 112 872.2 | May 2021 | DE | national |
This application is a national stage application, filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of International Patent Application PCT/EP2022/063433, filed on May 18, 2022, which claims the benefit of German Patent Application DE 10 2021 112 872.2, filed on May 18, 2021.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/063433 | 5/18/2022 | WO |
