GB2523915A

GB2523915A - Modular building

Info

Publication number: GB2523915A
Application number: GB1505683.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Russell Harrison
Original assignee: RUSSELL HARRISON Ltd
Current assignee: RUSSELL HARRISON Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-01
Filing date: 2015-04-01
Publication date: 2015-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-01
Also published as: GB201505683D0; WO2016156778A1; GB2523915B

Abstract

A modular building comprises factory-produced modules which are assembled on-site. Each storey of the building is made up of three shell modules 12, 32 and a triangular core 13; ideally a single common core extends through every storey. The shell modules 12, 32 have a horizontal cross section of a sector of a circle truncated by removal of the apex. They enclose the core 13 and together form a cylindrical outer wall of the building. The structure is constructed from wood, including cut timber and laminated/plywood. Outer faces of the building are insulted with polyurethane foam within a plywood skin. The building has a roof that slopes downwardly from its outer edge to a central opening allowing collection of rainwater. The roof comprises multiple radiating panels which may support solar panels. The building is supported on an array of screw piles. The core 13 is a conduit for building services.

Description

MODULAR BUILDING

The present invention relates to a modular building, manufactured and transported to a construction site as separate modules, for assembly into the building oil-site. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to such a modular building made from ecologically sustainable materials and requiring minimal energy input, to components for such a modular building, and to methods for their construction.

It is well known to produce prefabricated and modular buildings for a range of purposes such as domestic housing, site cabins, commercial premises. holiday honics and the like.

For example, holiday "chalets" may be made in two sections, each transportable on the back of a conventional flatbed articulated lorry and assembled on site, the two sections being joined along a vertical plane through a ridgeline of a pitched roof to produce a building of conventional configuration.

Such iabricatcd and modular buildings havc not met with widespread success outside a few niches, such as site cabins. For example, they generally are not as well insulated as a conventional brick building with a cavity wall. The prefabricated buildings put up just after World War II, niainy comprising metal panels, are hard to keep warm economically.

These issues have ed to prelabricated buildings having a poor reputation in residential use, for example. Nevertheless, building houses by conventional means is still as laborious and expensive a procedure as it has been for many years. Skilled bricklayers and tilers use methods that at heart are hundreds of years cAd. Building work remains at the mercy of the weather. Modern requirements for provision of services, and for cost-efficiency and energy-efficiency. have to he compromised against the praetiealities of conventional designs and construction methods.

While clay for bricks and tfles, and lime and gravel for concrete, are stifi in ample supp'y, firing bricks and tiles and ealcining cement are both immensely energy-intensive, crude and wasteful processes.

While house buyers and mortgage providers are notoriously conservative, there are sufficient drawbacks in conventional building approaches that if a new approach is sufficiently beneficial it could overcome such long-standing prejudices and fulfil long-felt wants for housing and other buildings that conventional approaches cannot handle.

It is hence an object of the present invention to provide prefabricated buildings for residential or other use that can be constructed off-site in modular form, preferably from ecologically sustainable materials, delivered to a desired site for rapid and convenient construction thereon, said buildings preferably having enhanced energy-saving performance without sacrificing existing creative-comforts or otherwise leading to quality of life issues for residents and other building users.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular building of one or more storeys, assembled from a plurality of building modules, wherein the or each storey of the building comprises three structurally identical shell modules arranged to enclose a core module, said core module has a triangular plan form, each said shell module is contiguously mounted to the core module and to each other shell module of the storey, and said three shell modules together define outer wall means for said storey of the building.

Preferahly, a singk common core moduk comprises the core module for the or each storey of the building.

Advantageously, the core module comprises an elongate body of triangular symmetry with its longitudinal axis aligned vertically in use.

Each shell modifie of a storey is preferably contiguous with each other shell mod&e of said storey.

In a preferred embodiment, the shell modules of the building define between them a substantially cylindrical outer wall of the building.

Each shell module preferably has a plan profile comprising a scctor of a circle truncated by removal of an apex of the sector.

Advantageously, each shell module comprises ceiling means and floor means having said plan profile, and is bounded laterally by curved outer wall means, straight inner wall means and two open radial laces, each of which extend vertically between the respective perimeters of the ceiling means and the floor means.

The curved outer wall may then follow the respective circumferential portion of said profile.

The straight inner wall may then follow the truncation surface of said profile.

The curved outer wall of each module may comprise a curved horizontal member extending along its top and bottom edges, with a plurality of vertical members extending between them.

The curved outer wall may further comprise a plurality of curved horizontal members mounted to the vertical members, The curved outer wall may further comprise a non-structural outer layer mounted to the members of the wall, optionally to the horizontal members of the wall.

Each of the floor means and the ceiling means of the shell module may comprise a plurality of joist means extending horizontally between the inner and outer walls Preferably, each shell module comprises a shell module as defined in the second aspect below.

The core module may be adapted for passage through the module of building services such as clectricity, water, gas and/or telecommunications.

The core module may have building services lines extending through it, such as cabling for electricity and/or telecommunications and/or pipework for water and/or gas.

Advantageously, the core module comprises a core module as defined in the third aspect below.

The building is preferably provided with a roof comprising a plurality of panel means radiating outwardly from adjacent a generally central point; each said panel means being so upwardly angled that a perimeter of the roof is at a higher level than said central point.

The roof may be provided with collection means adjacent said generally central point adapted to collect rainwater flowing off said panel means.

Each panel of the roof may extend laterally beyond a wall of the building beneath it.

The roof may be provided with solar panel means, optionally with each panel means of the roof supporting respective solar panel means.

Advantageously, the roof comprises a roof as defined in the fourth aspect below.

In a preferred embodiment, the building is mounted on support means, raising it above a local ground surface.

Advantageously, the building is mounted on a plurality of pile means.

Said pfle means may comprise screw pile means.

Preferahly, the building is constructed substantially from wood.

Some or all of said wood may comprise plywood.

Preferably, each outer surface of the building is backed with a layer of thermal insulation, such as polyurethane foam.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shell modifie for assembly into a modular building, said shell module having a plan profile comprising a sector of a circle truncated by removal of an apex of the sector.

Preferably, said shell module comprises ceiling means and floor means having said plan proffle, and is hounded laterafly by curved outer wall means, straight inner wall means and two open radial faces, each of which extend vertically between the respective perimeters of the ceiling means and the floor means.

The straight inner wall may then follow the truncation surface of said profile.

The curved outer wall of the module may comprise a curved horizontal member extending along its top and bottom edges, with a plurality of vertical members extending hetween them.

The curved outer wall may further comprise a plurality of curved horizontal members mounted to the vertical members, Each of the floor means and the ceiling means of the module may comprise a plurality of joist means extending horizontally between the inner and outer walls.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a core module for assembly into a modular building, said core moduk comprising an elongate body of triangular symmetry with its longitudinal axis aligned vertically in use.

Preferably, said module is adapted for the passage through the module of building services, such as electricity, water, gas and/or telecommunications.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roof for a building, comprising a plurality of panel means radiating outwardly from adjacent a generally central point, each said panel means being so upwardly ang'ed that a perimeter of the roof is at a higher level than said central point.

Prcferahly, the roof is provided with collection means adjacent said generally central point adapted to collect rainwater flowing off said plurality of panel means Each panel of the roof may extend laterally beyond a wall of the building beneath it.

The roof may he provided with scAar panel means, optionally with each panel means of the roof supporting respective solar panel means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for constructing a modular building comprising the steps of providing three shell modules as descrihed in the second aspect above, providing a core module as described in the third aspect above, and mounting the shell modules around the core module such that each face of the core module is in contact with a face of a respective shell module, and each shell module also contacts each other shell module.

Preferably, the method also comprises the step of providing a roof as described in the fourth aspect above and mounting it to the assembled shell and core modules.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a modular building embodying the present invention. illustrating an underlying principle ol its construction; Figures 2A and 2B are alternative perspective views of an outer structural module for an upper storey of a building, embodying the present invention; Figures 3A and 3B are alternative perspective views of an outer structural module for a lower storey of a building, embodying the present invention; Figures 3C and 3D are a perspective view of (lie outer structural module of Figures 3A and 3W and an enlarged scrap view thereof to show constructional details: Figures 4A and 4B are alternative perspective views of the outer structural module of Figures 2A/2B, the outer structural module of Figures 3A/3B and an inner structural module embodying the present invention, assembled together; Figure 5 is a perspective view of three outer structural modules as in Figures 2A/2B, three outer structural modules as in Figures 3A/3B and one inner structural module as in Figure 4A/4B, assembled to form a basic structure of a building embodying the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the basic structure of a building as in Figure 5, with a roof structure embodying the present invention and a plurality of supporting piles mounted thereto; Figure 7 is a scrap sectional view of an upper portion of a outer structural module as in Figures 2A/2B and a portion of a roof structure as in Figure 6 mounted thereto; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the basic structure, roof structure and supporting piles of Figure 6, with an outer wall skin in place around the basic structure; Figure 9 is a plan view from above of the roof structure of Figure 6; Figure 10 is an example floor plan for a lower storey of the building of Figures 5, 6 and 8; and Figure 11 is an example floor plan for an upper storey of the building of Figures 5. 6, and 8.

Referring now to the Figures of the accompanying drawings. and to Figure 1 in particular. the underlying geometry of a building I embodying the present invention is illustrated. Such a building 1 may comprise one. two or more storeys, but each storey essentially comprises three substantially identica' outer structural modules 2, surrounding an inner structural module 3.

These structural modules 2, 3 are produced in a suitahk factory or works, arc transported to a building site (for example on a flat-bed lorry, low-loader or the like) and are assembled to create the building I on-site.

Although other geometries may be possible, the arrangement shown, with three outer structural modules 2 in a ring enclosing an inner structural module 3. has been found to be generally superior in its balance of strength. convenience, handiness and providing module dimensions that fit conveniently on to an existing lorry for transport but still provides an assembled building of a desirable size, and so forth.

Ideally, each outer structural module 2 has the plan foim of a 120° sector of a circle.

truncated by rcmova of its apex. The inner structural moduk 3 has an equilateral triangular plan fonm Each face of the inner structural module 3 matches up precisely with a truncated face of a respective outer structural module 2. The outer structural modules 3 each have a pair of radial faces joining their truncated face and their outer curved face and each radial face of each outer structural module 2 matches up exactly with a radial face of each of the other two outer structural modules 2. The three outer structural modules 2 thus completely surround thc inner structure module 3, and the curved outer faces of the three outer structural modules 2 together define an outer wall of the building 1.

The preferred structures of individual modules are shown in the next sets of Figures.

Figures 2A and 2B show a first outer structural module 12 for an upper storey of a modular building 11, which has the same plan form as the outer structural modules 2 ahove.

A curved outer wall of the module 12 is defined by a curved upper beam 14, a correspondingly curved lower beam 15, and a regularly-spaced series of vertical studs or posts 16 extending between the upper and lower curved beams 14, 15. A further series of narrow curved rails 17 extend horizontally, paralld to the upper and lower curved beams 14. 15 and contacting an outer edge of each vertical stud 16. further defining the curvature of the outer wall. The upper curved beam 14 has a greater height than the lower curved beam 15, and extends above the remainder of the module 12. This is to support a roof structure of the building II, as shown in more detail in Figure 7 below.

Thus, the upper curved beam 14 acts as a combination wall plate and eaves, and the lower curved beam 15 acts as a girding beam or bressumer, in terms of a traditional timber-framed building structure.

An inner fiat wall 18 marks the truncated edge of the plan form of the moduk 12. A fan of primary floor joists 19 radiate outwardly from a base beam 20 that extends along a bottom edge of the inner wall 18, across the module to the lower curved beam 15. A series of thinner secondary floor joists 21 extend across an upper surface of the fan of primary floor joists 19. parallelly to the base beam 20. Similarly. a fan of primary ceiling joists 22 radiates outwardly from a top beam 23 that extends along a top edge of the inner wall 18, across the module 12 to a lower portion of the upper curved beam 14. A series of thinned secondary ceiling joists 24 extend across a thwer surlace ol the Ian of primary ceiling joists 22. parallelly to the top beam 23.

The upper and lower curved beams 14, 15 are shaped thick plywood members. The inner wall 18 is a light plywood sheet, with thicker plywood base and top beams 20, 23 mounted top and bottom. The vertical studs 16 and the primary floor and ceiling joists 19, 22 are timber or plywood, but are preferably plywood to facilitate the formation of multiple elongate apertures 25 in them (see below). The curved rails 17 and the secondary floor and ceiling joists 21, 24 are timber. These components are fastened together by conventional timber screws and glued. The components may also be jointed to other components where beneficial, using conventional woodworking techniques.

The ethngate apertures 25 formed extending longitudinally of each stud 16 and primary joist 19, 22 have several purposes. In the completed building 11 (see below), the inner and outer edges of the studs 16 define an inner and outer surface of the outer wall of the building 11. This cavity is filled with injected and sprayed conventional polyurethane insulating foam, and the apertures 25 allow the foam to flow freely throughout the cavity, fflling it evenly and preventing coM bridging Similarly. the upper and lower edges of the primary floor joists 19, and the upper and lower edges of the primary ceiling joists 22.

will also define enclosed cavities in the finished building 11. The cavity defined by the primary ceiling joists 22 will he insulated with polyurethane loam in the same fashion, since it will become part of the outer skin of the building 11 (the insulation here corresponds generally to loft insulation in a conventional building). In a multi-storey building 11, the cavity defined by the primary fioorjoists need not he insulated, as it will adjoin a further module below. However, the apertures 25 then a'low service pipework, cabling and the like to be conveniently run through this floor space.

Figures 3A and 3B show a second outer structural module 32 for a lower storey of a modular building 11, which has the same plan form as the outer structural modules 2 and 12 ahove.

A curved outer wall of the module 32 is defined by a curved upper beam 34 and a correspondingly curved thwer beam 35. A regularly-spaced series of vertical studs or posts 16 extend between the upper and lower curved beams 34, 35. as in the first outer structural module 12 above, and a further series of narrow curved rails 17 extend horizontally, as in the first outer structural module 12, parallel to the upper and lower curved beams 34, 35 and contacting an outer edge of each vertical stud 16, further defining the curvature of the outer wall. The module 32 also comprises an inner wall 18 with base and top beams 20, 23, from which extend fans of primary floor joists 19 and primary ceiling joists 22. as in the first outer structural module 12, above. Similarly, secondary floor joists 21 and secondary ceiling joists 24 respectively extend parallelly to the base beam 20 across an upper surface of the fan of primary floor joists 19 and extend parallelly to the top beam 23 across a lower surface of the fan of primary ceiling joists 22.

(NB: not all of these components are visible in Figures 3A and 3B, since the second outer module 32 is shown with a ceiling skin 30 mounted across an upper surface of the Ian of primary ceiling joists 22 -this will also be fitted to the first outer structural module 12, but is omitted from Figures 2A and 2B for clarity).

The main dilTerence between die first outer structural modu'e 12 and the second outer structural module 32 is that the upper curved beam 34 does not extend higher than the primary ceiling joists 22, since it does not need to act as eaves for the roofing structure.

The upper curved beam 34 is thus more of a girding beam in conventional terms. If this second structural module 32 is used in the lower/lowest floor of the building 11, then its lower curved beam 35 acts as a sill beam in conventional terms. Additionally, although the wall structure of this second module 32 will be insulated as for the first module 12, its ceiling structure will not need to be insulated, but its floor structure will need to be.

Figure 3C is a perspective view to clarify the location (within circle 3D) of the scrap view Figure 3D relative to the second outer structural module 32. Figure 3D shows structural features of the second module 32 in more detail. For example. in this embodiment of the invention, the curved rails 17 are simply screwed and plued to an outer edge of each stud 16, leaving an outer surface of each rail 17 level with an outer surface of the lower curved beam 35. However, since they will he helping to support flat floor surfaces, the secondary floor joists 21 are let into rebates. formed in an upper surface of the primary floor joists 19 where they cross with the secondary floor joists 21, such that the upper surfaces of the primary and secondary floor joists 19, 21 are flush.

Figure 3D also shows how the lower ends of the studs 16 are rebated to fit around the proffle of the lower curved beam 35: a similar rebate is formed at the upper ends of the studs 16 to fit around the profile of the upper curved beam 34.

Figure 3D further shows how the studs 16 and the primary floor joists 19 are aligned. In this embodiment, there are equal numbers of studs 16. primary floor joists 19 and primary ceiling joists 22. Each primary floor joist 19 meets the curved lower beam 35 radially.

immediately adjacent the lower end of a respective stud 16. to which it is fastened for additional strength and rigidity. Similarly, each primary ceiling joist 22 meets the curved upper beam 34 radially, immediately adjacent the upper end of a respective stud 16, to which it is fastened (NB: not visible in Figures 3C and 3D).

Figures 4A and 4B show how the outer structural modules 12, 32 are mounted to an inner structural module 13 of the building 11. The first. outer structural module 12 and the second outer structural module 32 are as shown in Figures 2A and 2B and Figures 3A to 3D respectively. The inner structural module 13 comprises a central post or pillar 36, to which are mounted three triangular support frames 37, each extending horizontally, one at a top of the post 36, one at a foot of the post 36, and one slightly below half way up the post 36. Each support frame 37 comprises three support struts 38 extending to respective apices of an equilateral triangle formed by three mounting struts 39, each strut 38, 39 extending in a vertical plane. A mounting tab 40 extends outwardly from each apex of the support frame 37. Floor/ceiling panels 41 will usually be fitted across the upper and lower surfaces of the support struts 38 and mounting struts 39 at an optional stage of assembly. hut only a lowest floor panel 41 is here shown, mounted to the lowest of the support frames 38, for clarity. Each mounting strut 39 matches up exactly with a respective inner wall 18 of an adjacent outer structural module 12, 32, either at the top ol the respective inner wall 18, opposite the respective top beam 23, or at the bottom of the respective inner wall 18, opposite the respective base beam 20. Each mounting tab 40 then extends alongside a respective primary ceiling joist 22 or primary floor joist 19. The mounting strut 39 is fastened to the inner wall 18 with timber screws/bolts and adhesive, and the mouthing tab 40 is fastened to the primary ceiling or floor joist 22, 19 similarly.

The respective first and second outcr structural modules 12, 32 arc also fastened to cach other using the same methods. Note: the support frame 37 slightly below halfway up the post 36 is mountcd to the inner wall 18 and primary ceiling joists 22 of the second (lower) outer structural module 32 for convenience, since the second (lower) outer structural module 32 will be mounted to the inner structural module 13 first, before the first (upper) outer structural module 12 is mounted to both. In other embodiments, not shown, an additional support frame 37 is provided to be mounted to a base of the inner wall 18 and to the primary floor joists 19 of the first (upper) outer structural module 12, or a support frame 37 of double height is provided, to be mounted to both outer structural modules 12. 32.

The inner structural modulc 13 is made cntircly of timber and/or plywood (except for fastenings).

Figure 5 shows a basic structure of the modular building 11, assembled from an inner structural module 13. three first (upper) outer structural modules 12 and three second (lower) outer structural modules 32, one of which is concealed in this view. It should be noted that despite the apparent complexity ci the structure, with the curved beams 14. 15, 34, 35, the vertical studs 16 and the curved horizontal rails 17 defining a "drum" or cylindrical outer wall of the building 11. and the primary and secondary floor and ceiling joists 19, 21, 22, 24 defining floors and ceilings of thc building II, there is an almost uninterrupted open space within each storey of the building, except for the inner walls 18 of each outer structural module 12, 32. which between them 110W enclose the inner structural module 13.

The inner walls 18 are necessary for the strength and rigidity of the individual outer structural modules 12, 32 during manufacture. transport and assembly, but once the basic structure of the building 11 is complete, they are no longer essentiaL The inner walls 18 may then each be removed, either partially or leaving only those top and bottom portions mounted to the inner structural module 13 or to the primary floor/ceiling joists 19, 22.

How far this is carried out depends on the internal layouts desired for the building. A major function of the inner structural module 13 is to contain pipework and cabling for services such as water, electricity, telecommunications, TV, gas and so forth. These services can radiate outwardly from the inner structural module 13 to where they are needed, via the ceiling and floor spaces defined by the primary floor/ceiling joists 19, 22.

passing through the apertures 25 in the primary joists 19, 22 as necessary.

This may not require the entire volume within the inner structural module 13, though.

Part or all of the inner structural module 13 may then be opened up and the space provided added to rooms within the building 11, used as a connecting passage/lobby, or both (see Figures 10 and 11, below, for typical floor layouts).

Figure 6 shows a further stage of assembly. with a roof 42 fitted to the basic structure of the building 11. It also shows a further preferred feature of this embodiment of the invention, in that the building 11 is mounted on pfles or stilts and the entire basic structure of the building 11 is thus held off the ground (details below).

The roof 42 comprises a circular array of wedge-shaped roof panels 43 defining an opening or oculus 44 at a centre of the roof 42 located above the inner structural module 13. Each panel 43 slopes downwardly from its circumferential end towards the central opening 44; the circumference of the roof 42 extends out beyond the cylinder defined by the curved beams 14, 15,34,35 of the basic structure.

Rainwater falling on the roof 42 thus flows inwardly towards the central opening 44.

where it is collected. It may he led downwarWy through a downpipe extending through the inner structural module 13 and away to conventional soakaway or drain.

Alternatively, the rainwater may be collected, filtered and cleaned sufficiently for use as part of a domestic water supply. Suitable apparatus for rainwater "harvesting" is widely available, and the rainwater can he dcancd to the point where it is usable for central heating systems, bathing. clothes washing and almost all uses except. drinking and cooking. Such an arrangement would greatly reduce the volume of potable water that has to be supplied from the mains, but is arguably usually wasted by being used where potability is not necessary. NB: This roof arrangement also saves considerably on the guttering that would otherwise he necessary around a perimeter of a pitched roof.

The roof 42 may also be used to support solar panels 45.

Conveniently, each roof panel 43 may support a solar panel 45; solar panels 45 matching the size and shape of the roof panels 43 may be sourced and used, or one or more conventional rectangular solar panels may he fitted on to the roof panel 43, covering as much as possible of its upper surface. Due to the relatively shallow slope of the roof pands 43, direct sunlight should fall on every solar panel 45 except close to dawn and dusk, and their arrangement means that there will always be sonic solar panels 45 aligned favourably with the sun. The energy that can be collected will still depend on the weather, hut will not he as variable, through the day, as a set of solar panels in a fixed alignment on a flat face of a conventional pitched roof.

It is possible that such a roof arrangement may be useful for other buildings, as well as those with a modular structure as disclosed herein.

The electrical energy collected by the solar panels 45 may be stored in an electrical accumulator or other electrical storage system within the building 11, for use as required.

It might also be possible to collect more electrical power than is required within the huilding II, allowing sale of an excess to mains electricity suppliers.

As noted above, Figure 6 also shows that the building II is intended to he constructed above ground level, leaving a crawlspace 300-600mm high between the building 11 and the ground surface. In this case, the building 11 has been assembled on top of a set of nine screw piles 46. Six of these screw piles 46 are screwed into the ground in a hexagonal array to support the circumference of the building, ideally being located at equally-spaced points beneath the curved lower beams 34 of each structural module of the lowest storey of the building I I. The other three screw piles 46 are in an equilateral triangular array. ideally located beneath the apices of the triangular support frames 37 of the inner structural module 13.

The relatively low mass of timber construction, compared to traditional brick, means that it is much easier to support a building 11 above the ground than for conventional buildings. This arrangement saves the need to dig conventional foundations. If the ground surface is not as solid as desired, further bracing piles 47 can he fitted.

As long as a lowest floor space of the building 11 is insulated with PU foam, to the samc standard as descnbed above with respect to the walls and ceiling spaces, heat loss downwardly through the floor of the building 11 should be less than for conventional construction in contact with the ground. The spacing of the timber/plywood basic structure of the building 11 away from the ground should avoid any risk of damp rising into the building 11. It is hence not necessary to incorporate anything corresponding to a traditional damp course. (Of course, if a variant of the building 11 were to be located directly on thc ground, rather than hcing supported on piles 46. etc. prccautions against damp and conductive heat loss would be required).

Figure 7 shows the structure of the roof 42, and its interaction with the first upper) outer structural modules 12, in more detail. As described above, the upper curved beam 14 of the first outer structural module 12 extends significantly above the primary-ceiling joists 22. This allows the circumferential ends of the roof panels 43 to be supported at a higher level than their inner ends, located on top of the inner structural element 13 (itself level with the primary ceiling joists 22), producing a desired net inwards slope for the roof panels 43. The roof panels 43 can be mounted securely to an upper edge of the upper curved beam 14. all around the circumference of the roof 42. The space between the roof 42 and the primary ceiling joists 22 may he left as an air space or filled with further insulating foam, as preferred.

Figure 7 also shows one further stage of construction of the building 11. As briefly mentioned above, the wall structure made up of curved beams 14, 15, 34, 35, vertical studs 16 and curved rails 17 needs to he finished with an actual continuous wafl surface.

hi initial plans for the present invention, this wall surface was envisaged as being made up of a arge number of generally flat, long, narrow sheets of plywood, each extending the full height of the wall, but cover ng only a small proportion of its circumference. It is has proven possible to make much larger sheets of plywood. but which can be shaped into part-cylindrical form, and these can he used to produce an outer wall skin 50 for the building 11. As shown in Figure 7, this outer wall skin 50 is relatively thin (it does not need to contribute significantly to structural integrity or insulation) and is supported on an outer surface of the curved beams 14, 15, 34, 35 and an outer surface of the horizontal curved rails 17.

The result appears generally as shown in Figure 8. Suitably finished, an apparently continuous outer wall skin 50 wraps around the entire basic structure of the building 11, producing a neat, cylindrical building form, with a slightly concave circular roof 42, overhanging the outer wall skin 50, as shown also in Figure 9.

Naturally, the outer wall skin 50 will not be entirely continuous in practice. Doors and windows can easily he fitted to suitable apertures formed in the skin 50, their positioning being almost wholly to taste. The skin 50 makes very little contribution to the strength and rigidity of the structure of the building 11; the same applies to the curved rails 17.

Apertures for doors and windows can he located to fit between the vertical studs 16, hut the strength and rigidity of the basic structure, once fully assembled, would allow portions of selected studs 16 to he cut away, for arger apertures or where an exact location of an aperture for a door or window is required.

Figures 10 and 11 show typical examples of a finished internal layout for buildings 11 embodying the present invention, showing a lower ("ground") floor and an upper floor respectively. In this exanipe, the flexibility of these buildings 11 is shown by locating sleeping quarters on the lower floor (Figure 10) and living quarters on the upper floor (Figure 11).

In Figures 10 and 11. windows formed through the wall skin 50 (and the insulation behind it) are shown by the conventional cross symbol 51, while an entrance doorway on the lower floor is shown by triangular symbol 52. The studs 16 are also shown as context for these fittings (in Figure 10 only). On each floor, there is also a pair of glazed doors/French windows 53, leading out to a balcony 54. The balconies 54 are bolted to the wall of the structure; since they are arranged one above the other, they are also linked to each other and to the overhanging roof 42 by vertical tie-rods (not shown). An access ramp (not shown) is provided, curling up from pound level to a landing outside the entrance door 52.

Internally, the floors are connected by a flight of stairs 55 following the curve of an inner surface of thc wall. On (lie lower floor, non-load-hearing walls have been inserted to divide the circular space into an entrance hall 56, three bedrooms 57. one with en-suite bathroom 58, and a separate bathroom!WC 59.

One inner wall 18 ol an outer structural module 32 has been left in place, hut die other two have been removed. Just over a third of the inner structural module 13 has been partitioned off for services, the remainder being incorporated into one bedroom 57 and the entrance haIl 56. As noted above, services such as water to the bathrooms 58, 59 and electricity to all rooms can be run out from the services in the inner structural module 13, within the floor space between the primary floor joists 19.

This arrangement provides the entrance hall 56 with roughly 39 m2 of floor space. the bedrooms 57 with about 38m2. 28 m2. and 21 m2 respectively, and the en-suite bathroom 58 with just under 10 in2. all perfectly reasonably sized rooms.

On the upper floor, non-load bearing walls have been fitted to divide the circular space into a kitchen area 60. a dining and family area 61 and a hying area 62.

This provides about lOOm2 for the kitchen/dinging/faniily area combined, and just over 48m2 for the living area 62, again well within reasonable expectations.

It has also been found that most modern furniture and fittings are compatible with the curved outer wall of the building. Fitted units for the kitchen area 60 nright need to be specially made, but the curve is sufficiently shallow as to make any redesign straightiorward.

It has thus been found possible, in line with the present invention, to produce a modular building for residential use, that can he transported in sections/modules, hut which assembles to give plenty of room inside; that is straightforward and quick to build, with much of the difFicult and skilled work being carried out in a workshop constructing the individual modules, that allows a wide variety of internal configurations; that lends itself to energy-saving arrangements such as rainwater collection and solar panels; that is well-insulated and energy-efficient; but which still has its own unique appearance and character.

Similar buildings would be equally useful for commercial and other non-residential uses.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular building of one or more storeys. assembled from a plurality of building modifies, wherein the or each storey of the building comprises three substantially identical building shell modules enclosing a building core module, said building core module has a triangular plan form, each of the three building shell modules being mounted directly to the building core module and to the other two building shell modules of the respective storey. and the three building shell modules together defining outer wafl means of the storey.
2. A modular building as claimed in claim 1, wherein a single common core module comprises the building core module for (he or each storey of the building.
3. A modular building as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2. wherein the building core module comprises an dongate body of triangular symmetry with its longitudinal axis aligned vertically in use.
4. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each building shell module of a storey is contiguous with each other building shell module of said storey.
5. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building shell modules of the building define between them a substantially cylindrica' outer wall of the building.
6. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each building shell module has a plan profile comprising a sector of a circle truncated by removal of an apex of the sector.
7. A modular building as claimed in claim 6, wherein each building shell module comprises ceiling means and floor means having said plan profile, and is hounded laterally by curved outer wall means, straight inner wall means and two open radial faces, each of which extend vertically between the respective perimeters of said ceiling means and said floor means.
8. A modular building as claimed in claim 7. wherein the curved outer wall of each building shell module comprises a curved horizontal member extending along each of its top and bottom edges, with a plurality of vertical members extending between them.
9. A modular building as claimed in claim 8, wherein the curved outer wall further comprises a plurality of curved horizontal members mounted to the vertical members.
A modular building as claimed in claim 9, wherein the curved outer wall further compriscs a non-structural outcr layer mounted to the members of the wall, optionally mounted to the horizontal members of the wall.
II. A modular building as claimed in any one of claims 7 to II, wherein each of the floor means and the ceiling means of the building shell module comprises a plurality of joist means extending horizontally between the inner and outer walls.
12. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building core module has building service lines extending through it. such as cabling for electricity and/or telecommunications and/or pipework for water and/or gas.
13. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided with a roof comprising a plurality of panel means radiating outwardly from adjacent a generally central point, each said panel means being so upwardly angled that a perimeter of the roof is at a higher level than said central point.
14. A modular huflding as claimed in daim 13, wherein the roof is provided with collection means adjacent said generally central point adapted to collect rainwater flowing off said panel means.
15. A modular building as claimed in either claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the roof is provided with solar panel means.
16. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building is mounted on support means, raising it above a local ground surface.
17. A modular building as claimed in claim 16. mounted on a plurality of pile means.
18. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, constructed substantially from wood, including plywood.
19. A modular building substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A shell module for assembly into a modular building. said shell module having a plan profile comprising a sector of a circle truncated by removal of an apex of the sector.
21. A core module for assembly into a modular building, said core module comprising an elongate body of triangular symmetry with its longitudinal axis aligned vertically in use, adapted for the passage through the module of building services, such as electricity, water, gas and/or telecommunications.
22. A roof for a building, compnsing a plurality of panel means radiating outwardly from adjacent a generally central point, each said panel means being so upwardly angled that a perimeter of the roof is at a higher level than said central point.
23. A roof for a building as claimed in claim 23, provided with collection means adjacent said generally central point adapted to collect rainwater flowing oil said plurality of panel means.
24. A rool br a building as claimed in either claim 23 or claim 24, provided with solar panel means, optionally with each panel means of the roof supporting respective solar panel means.
25. A method for constructing a modular building, comprising the steps of providing three shell modules as claimed in daini 20, providing a core module as claimed in claim 21, and mounting the shell modules around the core module such that each face of the core module is in contact with a face of a respective shell module, and each shell module also contacts each other shefi moduk.
26. A method for constructing a modular building as claimed in claim 25, also comprising (he step of providing a roof as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, and mounting it to the assembled shell and core modules.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:CLAIMS1. A modular building of one or more storeys, assembled from a plurality of building modules, wherein the or each storey of the building comprises three substantially identical building shell modules enclosing a building core module, said building core module has a triangifiar plan form, each of the three building shell modules being mounted directly to the building core module and to the other two building shell modules of the respective storey. and the three building shell modules together defining outer wall means of the storey.2. A modular building as claimed in claim 1, wherein a single common core module IC) comprises the building core module for (he or each storey of the building.I0 3. A modular building as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2. wherein the building core module comprises an dongate body of triangular symmetry with its longitudinal axis aligned vertically in use.4. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each building shell module of a storey is contiguous with each other building shell module of said storey.5. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building shell modules of the building define between them a substantially cylindrica' outer wall of the building.6. A modular building as claimed in any one ol the preceding claims, wherein each building shell module has a plan profile comprising a sector of a circle truncated by removal of an apex of the sector.7. A modular building as claimed in claim 6, wherein each building shell module comprises ceiling means and floor means having said plan profile. and is hounded laterally by curved outer wall means, straight inner wall means and two open radial faces, each of which extend vertically between the respective perimeters of said ceiling means and said floor means.8. A modular building as claimed in claim 7. wherein the curved outer wall of each IC) building shell module comprises a curved horizontal member extending along each of its top and bottom edges, with a plurality of vertical members extending between 0 them.9. A modular building as claimed in claim 8, wherein the curved outer wall further comprises a plurality of curved horizontal members mounted to the vertical members.A modular building as claimed in claim 9, wherein the curved outer wall further comprises a non-structural outcflaycr mounted to the members of [he wall.11. A modular building as claimed in claim 10, wherein said non-structural outer layer is mounted to the horizontal members of the wall.12. A modular building as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11. wherein each of the floor means and the ceiling means of the building shell module comprises a plurality of joist means extending horizontally between the inner and outer walls.13. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building core module has building service lines extending through it, said service lines comprising one or more selected from cabling for electricity, cabling for telecommunications, pipework for water, and pipework for gas.14. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided with a LI') roof comprising a plurality of panel means radiating outwardly from adjacent a substantially central point, each said panel means being so upwardly angled that a 0 perimeter of the roof is at a higher level than said central point. c'J15. A modular building as claimed in claim 14, wherein the roof is provided with collection means adjacent said substantially central point adapted to collect rainwater flowing off said panel means.16. A modular building as claimed in either claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the roof is provided with solar panel means.17. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building is mounted on support means, raising it above a local ground surface.18. A modular building as claimed in claim 17, mounted on a plurality of pile means.19. A modular building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, constructed substantially from wood, wherein the term wood includes plywood.20. A modular building substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.21. A method for constructing a modular building, comprising the steps of providing three shell modules, each having a plan profile comprising a sector of a circle truncated by removal of an apex of the sector; providing a core module comprising LI') an elongate body of triangular symmetry with its longitudinal axis aligned vertically in use, adapted for the passage through the module of building services, said 0 building services comprising electricity, water, gas and/or telecommunications; and mounting the shell modules around the core module such that each face of the core module is in contact with a face of a respective shell module, and each shell module also contacts each other shell module.22. A method for constructing a modular building as claimed in claim 21, also comprising the step of providing a roof comprising a plurality of panel means radiating outwardly from adjacent a substantially central point, each said panel means being so upwardly angled that a perimeter of the roof is at a higher level than said central point; and mounting said roof to the assembled shell and core modules.23. A method br constructing a moduhr building substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings. IC) (4