AU2023202638A1 - Panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to panels 12 adapted to be attached to attached to each to define panel assemblies 14. A plurality of assemblies 14 joined together may be used for erecting an entire building structure. A particular arrangement of the panel 12 comprises a plurality of layers 16, 18 and 20 joined together defining the assemblies 14. The first layer 16 comprises the structural element. The second layer 18 comprises the insulation element of the panel12. The third layer 20 comprises the decorative element of the panel 12 for providing the architectural finish to the panel 12. Fig 4 12 16 20 Fig. 3 30 16 . . . 18I . . . .. .. .. ... ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 26a 22 20 Fig. 4

Description

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PANEL DIVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is divided from Australian Patent Application 2017208370, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to systems for erecting building structures.

[0003] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to panels of building structures and the methods for manufacturing the panels

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0005] There are available methods for erecting building structures which do not involve the cumbersome task of laying bricks. An example of one of the methods is the cast-in-place concrete building system.

[0006] Cast-in-place concrete building systems allow relatively easy construction of building structures. Broadly speaking, the steps for manufacturing a building structure using cast-in-place concrete systems include the step of fabricating on-site a formwork and pouring a concrete mixture into the formwork to define the walls of the building structure.

[0007] Alternatively, the formworks may be pre-fabricated formworks that may be erected and joined to each other for defining the walls of the building structures.

[0008] A particular arrangement of a prefabricated formwork comprises two spaced apart sheets. The sheets are joined together through spacing bars that extend from an inner side of one sheet to the inner side of the other sheet. There is a plurality of spacing bars arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other around the inner sides of the sheets; this ensures that the sheets are kept together during the process of pouring concrete into the formwork. The spacing bars also provide the reinforcement means for defining a structural panel required for defining walls of building structures. In a particular arrangement, the spacing bars arranged such as to define a plurality of columns of spacing bars extending longitudinally from the upper to the lower portion of the prefabricated formwork. The columns of spacing bars are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other defining a space between each pair of columns extending longitudinally from the upper to the lower portion of the prefabricated formwork.

[0009] In particular arrangements of the above-described formworks, the inner side of one of the sheets comprises insulation material. For example, in a particular arrangement, a strip of insulation material may be located within each space defined between the columns of the spacing bars. The strip of insulation material comprises one side that is attached to the inner side of one of the sheets that define the prefabricated formwork; the other side of the insulation material faces the inner side of the other sheet. During casting of the formwork, the insulation material is covered with the concrete. In this manner, the wall defined by the cast formwork will have one side that is insulated. Typically, the prefabricated formworks, during erection of the walls of the building structure are arranged in such a manner that the insulated side of the prefabricated formwork faces the exterior sides of the building structure. Thus, the inside of the building structure is isolated at least partially from, for example, the thermal energy generated by the sunlight that impinge onto the building structures.

[0010] The above-described prefabricated formwork has its drawbacks. Assembly of the formwork is cumbersome; in particular, the insulation strips need to properly adhere to the inner side of the sheets of the formwork so that the insulation strip stays adhered during handling of the formworks and pouring of the concrete into the formwork.

[0011] Moreover, the edges of the insulation strips are exposed at the upper and lower portions of the formwork; this is because the upper and lower ends of the formwork are open ends. Typically, the edges of the strips of insulation material get damaged during handling and assembly of the formwork; this damage may reduce the efficiency of the insulation strips.

[0012] Further, after joining together the prefabricated formworks to define the walls of the building structure, concrete will be poured into the array of prefabricated formworks for casting of the walls. To provide structural strength to the building structure it is essential that during casting of the building structure the formworks be filled in their entirety with the concrete mixture. Further, the concrete mixture needs to be properly settled to ensure that the concrete mixture contained within the formwork is a homogenous mixture. Also, no air pockets should be present in the concrete mixture after the concrete mixture has been poured into the formwork. Settling of the concrete mixture is conducted, for example, by pulling and pushing movements of a rod inserted in the poured concrete mixture.

[0013] On occasions, specific areas within the formwork may not be properly filled with the concrete mixture. These areas may be located below the openings made in the panels (for defining, for example, the windows).

[0014] To ensure that the walls (defined by the assembly of formworks) are structurally sound it is necessary to continuously monitor that all areas of the formwork are properly filled with concrete; this ensures early detection of concrete mixture that may have not flown into specific areas. Moving concrete mixture to these specific areas within the assembly of formworks is typically accomplished by inserting rods into the concrete mixture. The rods are typically inserted through upper portion of the formwork; by pushing and pulling the rods, the concrete mixture can be moved into the areas having none or only small quantities of concrete mixture. This process is typically cumbersome. Also, on occasions, the continuous monitoring of the pouring process to detect areas which have not been filled properly with the concrete mixture could be forgotten and, thus, the wall cast using the formwork would not be structurally sound.

[0015] Furthermore, after the formworks have been filled with concrete it is necessary to give the external surfaces of the walls an architectural finish. This is particularly true for the outer side walls of the building structure as well as the inner side of the wall of the building structure that define the living areas.

[0016] The process for providing an architectural finish is typically a cumbersome process. This is particularly true because architectural finishing process requires a multitude of steps to be listed below.

[0017] Typically, a first step includes preparing the outer surfaces of the walls; this step implies levelling the surface. The process of levelling the wall surfaces is particularly cumbersome because it requires, for example, (1) filling the gaps that are formed between the formworks - this may be done by applying strips of material covering the gaps; (2) it may also include removing any hardened concrete that may have adhered to the walls' outer surface during pouring of the concrete into the formwork; and (3) there may be the need of filling any irregularities, recesses or cracks that the outer surface of the formworks outer surface may have due to manufacture and handling of each formwork.

[0018] After levelling of the surface has been completed, the next step includes cleaning the surface so that it be free of dirt and oils or friable material, amongst others. This step will ensure that the render - to be attached to the surface - stays adhered to the surface.

[0019] Rendering of the surface can be done once the surface has been cleaned. The rendering process requires preparation of the rendering material and application thereof onto the wall surface. On occasions more than one render coat is desired o required.

[0020] After the surface has been rendered, the render needs to be finished to provide a decorative finishing effect - also referred to as the architectural finishing. There are many decorative finishing effects such as trowel finish and textured finish, amongst many others.

[0021] As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, the process of providing an architectural finish to the walls is a cumbersome process. This is particularly true if the process has to be done after erection of the building structure. For example, finishing of the external walls of a multi-story building structure requires surrounding the building structure with scaffolds to provide personnel access to the outer surface of the outer walls of the multi-story building structure that is being erected; the process of providing the scaffolds is cumbersome and relative expensive.

[0022] Further, the inner surfaces of the outer and inner walls of the building structure also require finishing. The process of finishing the inner surface typically requires installation of scaffolds; it may also require personnel to work in confined spaces with no natural light or no proper ventilation; thus, artificial lighting and air- conditioning systems need to be provided.

[0023] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0024] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a panel comprising a first layer having a structural element, a second layer having an insulation element, and a third layer having a decorative element, the second layer being attached to an external surface of the first layer, and the third layer being attached to an external surface of the second layer.

[0025] Preferably, the structural element comprises a concrete slab including a reinforcement skeleton to provide structural integrity to the concrete slab.

[0026] Preferably, the insulation element comprises insulating material for reducing transfer of thermal energy from the outer surface of the third layer into the first layer.

[0027] Preferably, the insulation material may comprise fire rated insulted material.

[0028] Preferably, the decorative element comprises at least one layer of render to provide an architectural finish to an outer surface of the panel.

[0029] In an alternative arrangement, the decorative element may comprise one of more layers of render.

[0030] In another alternative arrangement, the decorative element may comprise one or more sheets of material.

[0031] Preferably, there is provided a coating layer covering the one or more layers of render.

[0032] Preferably, the structural element is cast within a formwork that, after hardening of the structural element, is removed from the structural element.

[0033] Preferably, the insulation element of the second layer is attached to the structural element of the first layer by abutting a side of the insulation element layer to the external side of the structural element prior hardening of the structural element.

[0034] In an alternative arrangement, the insulation element is attached to the structural element of the first layer through fastening means.

[0035] In another alternative arrangement, the insulation element of the second layer is attached to the structural element of the first layer by abutting a side of the insulation element to the external side of the structural element prior hardening of the structural element and through fastening means.

[0036] Preferably, the panel further comprises a frame member attached to the insulation element.

[0037] Preferably, the frame member surrounds the periphery of the insulation element.

[0038] In alternative arrangements, particular sections of the periphery of the insulation element may include portions of frame members.

[0039] Preferably, the regions of the periphery of the insulation element which are prone to be damaged such as the corners of the insulation element may be covered by portions of frame members.

[0040] Preferably, the frame member comprises a beam that is adapted to receive the periphery of the insulation element.

[0041] Preferably, the beam is a U-shaped beam having two spaced apart wings between which the periphery of the insulation element is received; a first wing abuts the structural element and a second wing abuts the outer side of the periphery of the insulation element.

[0042] Preferably, the wings of the beam may include apertures.

[0043] Preferably, each wing comprises a plurality of triangular shaped apertures arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other extending longitudinally along the wings.

[0044] Preferably, the apertures are adapted to anchor the beam to the structural element.

[0045] Preferably, the beam comprises a centre member to which the wings are attached; the centre member being adapted to receive the sides of the insulation element.

[0046] Preferably, the centre member comprises apertures arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other extending longitudinally along the centre member.

[0047] Preferably, the frame member comprises two side beams and upper and lower beams for surrounding at least partially the periphery of the insulation element.

[0048] In an alternative arrangement, the panel further comprises a second layer having an insulation element, and a second third layer having a decorative element, the second layer being attached to another external surface of the first layer, and the second third layer being attached to an external surface of the second layer.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a panel comprising at least one insulation element, the method comprising the steps of: casting a structural element within a formwork; abutting a first surface of the insulation element onto an external surface of the structural element prior hardening of the casting material; and detaching the cast structural element and the attached insulation element from the formwork.

[0050] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of attaching a decorative element to a second surface of the insulation element,

[0051] Preferably, the second surface of the insulation element is an opposite surface to the first surface of the insulation element.

[0052] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a panel comprising a first layer having a structural element, a pocket for receiving a second layer having an insulation element, and a third layer having a decorative element, the pocket being attached to an external surface of the first layer, and the third layer being attached to an external surface of the pocket.

[0053] Preferably, the pocket comprises a frame member attached to the first layer, and a sheet covering the frame member, the sheet being spaced apart from an external surface of the structural element defining a space for receiving the insulation element.

[0054] Preferably, the sheet comprises the external surface of the pocket for receiving the third later having the decorative element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an assembly of panels in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a first arrangement of a panel of the assembly shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the panel shown in figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of a second arrangement of the panel shown in in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a detail of panel 12c in accordance with the second arrangement of panel 12 having a portion of the insulation layer removed exposing the structural element;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the detail of the panel 12c shown in figure 5;

Figure 7 is a side of the panel shown in figure 4 excluding the decorative element;

Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a detail of a panel shown in figure 4;

Figure 9 is a top perspective view of a detail of a panel shown in figure 7 prior finishing of the outer layer of the panel shown in figure 7;

Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a detail of a panel shown in figure 7 prior finishing of the outer layer of the panel shown in figure 7; and

Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of a detail of an assembly defined by a plurality of panels shown in figure 4.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S

[0056] Figures 1 show an assembly 14 comprising a plurality of panels 12 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. A plurality of assemblies 14 joined together may be used for erecting an entire building structure.

[0057] For erection of the building statue, each panel 12 has sides that are adapted to attach the panels 12 to each other to define the assembly 14. Any side of the each panel 12 may comprise means for attaching adjacent panels 12. This permits locating for example, as is shown in figure 1 a panel 12a on the top of a panel 12b and a panel 12c besides the panel 12b to define the assembly 14.

[0058] As will be described below, the panel 12 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention may be manufactured on site or at a location distal to the constructions site. The panel 12 comprises a plurality of layers that in accordance with a particular arrangement of the present embodiment of the invention may be formed during the manufacturing process of the panel 12.

[0059] The panels 12 comprise structural composite panels 12.

[0060] Figures 2 and 3 show a first arrangement of a panel 12 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention.

[0061] The panel 12 shown in figures 2 and 3 comprises a plurality of layers 16, 18 and 20 joined side by side for defining the panel 12.

[0062] The layer 16 (the first layer) comprises the structural element of the panel 12. In a particular arrangement, the layer 16 comprises a concrete slab including a reinforcement skeleton to provide structural integrity to the concrete slab.

[0063] The layer 18 (the second layer) comprises the insulation element of the panel 12. In a particular arrangement, the layer 18 comprises insulating material for reducing transfer of thermal energy from the outer surface of the panel 12 into the layer 16. The insulation material may comprise fire rated insulted material.

[0064] The layer 20 (the third layer) comprises the decorative element of the panel 12 for providing the architectural finish to the panel 12. The decorative element may comprise one of more layers of render.

[0065] Alternatively, the decorative element may comprise one or more sheets of material.

[0066] The process for manufacturing the first arrangement of the panel 12 comprises the step of manufacturing the first layer 16 comprising the structural element of the panel 12.

[0067] The structural element of the layer 16 may be cast within a formwork. After hardening of the structural element, the formwork is removed from the layer 16.

[0068] The formwork comprises a bottom surface that is mounted on a casting bed, and a border defining the periphery of the formwork for containment of the concrete during casting of the structural element of the layer 16.

[0069] A reinforcement mesh is inserted into the formwork before pouring of the concrete into the formwork for reinforcement of the structural element. The reinforcement mesh may comprise ferrules as well as piping for defining conduits within the structural element to permit passage of plumbing and electrical services through the structural element. The ferrules provide, for example, the means for supporting the periphery of the floor structures of the building structures 10 as well as for providing the means that permit attachment of the panels 12 attached to each other for defining the assembly 14 during erection of the building structures using panels 12.

[0070] After positioning the mesh 24 within the formwork 60 concrete is poured into the formwork 60. The casting bed 62 may be adapted to let the concrete to properly settle within the formwork 60 to ensure sound integrity of the structural element.

[0071] Prior hardening of the concrete, the insulating material is mounted on the structural element such that one side of the insulating material abuts the wet concrete. Subsequently, the concrete is let to cure permitting the insulating material to be attached to the structural element of the layer 16. In this manner, the layer 18 is attached to the layer 16.

[0072] The third layer 20 comprising the decorative element of the panel 12 is mounted onto second the layer 18 preferably after curing of the concrete. As mentioned before, the decorative element may be one of more coats of render that may be finished using conventional render finishing techniques and/or covered by a coating layer. Figures 9 and 10 show the process of applying a particular arrangement of the decorative element.

[0073] Referring now to figures 4 to 8. Figures 4 to 8 show a second arrangement of a panel 12 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

[0074] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a second arrangement of a panel 12. The panel 12 shown in figure 4 comprises a layer 16 (comprising the structural element), a layer 18 (comprising the insulation element) and a layer 20 (comprising the decorative element). And, figures 5 and 6, show top and front perspective views of a detail of panel 12c in accordance with the second arrangement of panel 12.

[0075] The panel 12 shown in figure 5 comprises a frame member 22 attached to the layer 18 comprising the insulation element. The frame member 22 may surround the periphery of the insulation element; in alternative arrangements, only particular sections of the periphery of the layer 16 may be include portions of frame members; for example, the regions of the periphery of the insulation element which are prone to be damaged such as the corners of the insulation element - may be covered by portions of frame members 22.

[0076] Father, for illustration purposes figure 5 shows an image of the panel 12c having an upper section of the insulation layer 18 removed so as to expose the layer 16 defining the structural element. Also, the corresponding upper section of the frame member 22 abutting a side of the removed insulation panel has been removed. From figure 5, it can see that the frame member 22 comprises a beam 24 that is adapted to receive the periphery of the insulation element.

[0077] The beam 24 may be a U-shaped beam 24 having two spaced apart wings 26 between which the periphery of the insulation element of layer 18 is received. One of the wings 26b (not shown) abuts the structural element of the layer 18 and the other wing 26a abuts the outer side of the periphery of the layer 16.

[0078] The wings 26a and 26b of the beam 24 may be include apertures 28. As shown in figure 6, the wing 26a comprises a plurality of triangular shaped apertures 28 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other extending longitudinally along the wing 26a. The wing 26b also comprises the apertures 28.

[0079] The apertures 28 of the wing 26b (the wing that abuts the layer 16) permit anchoring of the beam 24 to the structural element of the layer 16. This is because it permits the wet concrete to traverse the apertures 28 during mounting of the beam 24 onto the wet concrete; in this manner, the beam 24, after curing of the concrete, is anchored to the layer 16.

[0080] Furthermore, the beam 24 comprises a centre member 30 to which the wings 26 are attached. The centre member 30 is adapted to receive the sides of the insulation element as appreciated, for example, in figure 5. The centre member 30 may comprise apertures 32 - see figure 7. In the particular arrangement shown in figure 7, the apertures 32 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other extending longitudinally along the centre member 30.

[0081] It was mentioned before that the frame member 22 may surround the periphery of the insulation element of layer 18; in this particular arrangement, the frame member 22 comprises beams 26 that receive the upper and lower sides of the periphery of the insulation element. Figure 8 shows a panel 12 having a layer 16 including a beam 26 for receiving the upper side of the periphery of the insulation element.

[0082] Referring now to figures 9 and 10.

[0083] Further, it was mentioned before that the panel 12 in accordance with present embodiment of the invention comprises a layer 20 having a decorative element for providing the architectural finish to the panel 12.

[0084] Figures 9 and 10 show a particular arrangement of the decorative element of the panel 12 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. As shown in figures 9 and 10 the decorative element in this particular arrangement comprises a plurality of coats of render 34 covered by a coating layer 36.

[0085] In an alternative arrangement, the decorative element may comprise one or more sheets of material - such as timber or synthetic material of mixtures thereof - for attachment to the second layer 18.

[0086] As mentioned before, the panels 12 may be assembled together for erecting a building structure. For this, the panels 12 are adapted for attachment to each other for defining of the assemblies 14 to erect the building structure. Figure 11 shows a particular assembly 14 comprising a plurality of panels 12 attached to each other for defining the assembly 14.

[0087] The particular arrangement of assembly 14 comprises panels 12 and panels 38 and 40. The panels 12 have substantially identical dimensions; the panels 38 and 40 have dimensions that differ from the dimensions of panels 12.

[0088] The fact that the panels 12, 38 and 40 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention have different dimensions with respect to each other is particularly advantageous because it permits tailoring the panels 12, 38 and 40 so that when joined together, an assembly 14 of any particular shaped may be formed.

[0089] The panels 12, 38 and 40 may be manufactured off-site or on-site. Panels 12, 38 and 40 manufactured off-site are forwarded to the construction sites for erection of the building structure. Alternatively, the panels 12, 38 and 40 may be manufactured on site and once completed, the building structure may be erected assembling the panels 12, 38 and 40 together.

[0090] The panels 12, 38 and 40 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention are particularly advantageous because, after assembly of the building structure, there is no need to finish the exterior surfaces of the walls to provide them with an architectural finish; this is because the panels 12, 38 and 40 already include the decorative element prior assembly. Thus, the cumbersome process - currently used during erection of building structures - of finishing the surfaces of the building structure's walls is no longer required and there is no need of setting up expensive scaffolding to permit access to the exterior surfaces of the panels 12, 38 and 40.

[0091] Further, the cumbersome casting process that was described in the Background Section described in relation to the conventional formworks is also no longer required.

[0092] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0093] For example, the panel 12 in accordance with present embodiment of the invention has been described as having a layer 18 comprising an insulation element that is attached to the structural element of the layer 16 by abutting the insulation element before the concrete of the structural element hardened.

[0094] In an alternative arrangement, the insulation element may be attached to the structural element via fastening elements 42 such as screws traversing the insulation element and drilled into the structural element - see figures 5 and 6.

[0095] In another alternative arrangement, the insulation element may be attached to the structural element of the layer 16 by abutting the insulation element before the concrete of the structural element is hardened in conjunction with the fastening elements 42.

[0096] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. By way of example, the present embodiment of the invention has been described as including an insulation element that is attached to the support element of the panel 12 by mounting the insulation element onto the support element during casting of the structural element.

[0097] In alternative arrangements, the panel 12 may comprise the layer 16 comprising the structural element and a pocket for receiving the insulation element such that the insulation panel abuts the structural element of the layer 16. The pocket may be defined by frame members 22 that are attached to the structural element of the layer 16 and a sheet spanning between the frame member 22 and spaced apart from the structural element of the layer 16; in this manner, a space is defined between the sheet and the structural element for receiving the insulation element. The outer face of the sheet is adapted to receive the decorative element of the layer 20.

[0098] Furthermore, in another alternative embodiment, the panel further comprises a second layer 18 having an insulation element, and a second layer 20 having a decorative element wherein the second layer 18 is attached to another external surface of the structural element of the first layer 16; and the second layer 20 is attached to an external surface of the second layer 18. In this particular arrangement, the layer 16 including the structural element is sandwiched between the layers 18 including the insulation element. And, each of the external surfaces of the layers 18 have attached thereto a layer 20 including each a decorative element.

[0099] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (32)

1. A panel comprising a first layer having a structural element, a second layer having an insulation element, and a third layer having a decorative element, the second layer being attached to an external surface of the first layer, and the third layer being attached to an external surface of the second layer.

2. A panel according to claim 1, wherein the structural element comprises a concrete slab including a reinforcement skeleton to provide structural integrity to the concrete slab.

3. A panel according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the insulation element comprises insulating material for reducing transfer of thermal energy from the outer surface of the third layer into the first layer.

4. A panel according to claim 3, wherein the insulation material may comprise fire rated insulted material.

5. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element comprises at least one layer of render to provide an architectural finish to an outer surface of the panel.

6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element comprises one or more sheets of material.

7. A panel according to claims 5 or 6, wherein there is provided a coating layer covering the one or more layers of render.

8. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural element is cast within a formwork that, after hardening of the structural element, is removed from the structural element.

9. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulation element of the second layer is attached to the structural element of the first layer via hardened concrete defining the structural element.

10. A panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insulation element is attached to the structural element of the first layer through fastening means.

11. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel further comprises a frame member attached to the insulation element.

12. A panel according to claim 11, wherein the frame member surrounds at least particular peripheral regions of the insulation element.

13. A panel according to claim 12, wherein the particular peripheral regions of the insulation element which are prone to be damaged such as the corners of the insulation element are covered by particular portions of frame members.

14. A panel according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the frame member comprises a beam that is adapted to receive the peripheral regions of the insulation element.

15. A panel according to claim 14, wherein the beam is a U-shaped beam having two spaced apart wings between which the peripheral regions of the insulation element is received; a first wing abuts the structural element and a second wing abuts the outer side of the periphery of the insulation element.

16. A panel according to claim 15, wherein the wings of the beam may include apertures.

17. A panel according to claims 15 or 16, wherein each wing comprises a plurality of triangular shaped apertures arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other extending longitudinally along the wings.

18. A panel according to claims 16 or 17, wherein the apertures are adapted to anchor the beam to the structural element.

19. A panel according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the beam comprises a centre member to which the wings are attached, the centre member being adapted to receive the sides of the insulation element.

20. A panel according to claim 19, wherein the centre member comprises apertures arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other extending longitudinally along the centre member.

21. A panel according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the frame member further comprises two side beams and upper and lower beams for surrounding at least partially the peripheral regions of the insulation element.

22. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel further comprises a second layer having an insulation element, and a second third layer having a decorative element, the second layer being attached to another external surface of the first layer, and the second third layer being attached to an external surface of the secondlayer.

23. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises attachment means for attaching panels according to any one of the preceding claims to each other for erecting building structures.

24. A panel according to claim 26, wherein the attachment means are located at sides of the panels.

25. A method for manufacturing a panel comprising at least one insulation element, the method comprising the steps of: casting a structural element within a formwork; abutting a first surface of the insulation element onto an external surface of the structural element prior hardening of the casting material; and detaching the cast structural element and the attached insulation element from the formwork.

26. A method according to claim 28, wherein the method further comprises the step of attaching a decorative element to a second surface of the insulation element,

27. A method according to claims 28 or 29, wherein the second surface of the insulation element is an opposite surface to the first surface of the insulation element.

28. A panel comprising a first layer having a structural element, a pocket for receiving a second layer having an insulation element, and a third layer having a decorative element, the pocket being attached to an external surface of the first layer, and the third layer being attached to an external surface of the pocket.

29. A panel according to claim 28, wherein the pocket comprises a frame member attached to the first layer, and a sheet covering the frame member, the sheet being spaced apart from an external surface of the structural element defining a space for receiving the insulation element.

30. A panel according to claims 28 or 29, wherein the sheet comprises the external surface of the pocket for receiving the third layer having the decorative element.

31. A panel according to any one of claims, wherein 28 to 30, wherein the panel comprises attachment means for attaching panels according to any one of the preceding claims to each other for erecting building structures.

32. A panel according to claim 31, wherein the attachment means are located at sides of the panels.