GB2576013A - A module for constructing a sound insulating module for a studio wall and system assembling same - Google Patents

Abstract

The module 10 comprises a front wall surface 11, and a backing frame 12 for providing a self-supporting structure for the front wall surface and having at least one engagement feature 15 for engaging with another of the modules such that in use the module is able to be pushed from a frontal direction into engagement with the other module and held in alignment therewith to construct a self-supporting wall. The backing frame may comprise at least two frame elements extending rearwardly of the front wall surface at opposite sides thereof. The engagement feature may include an upstanding element and a ledge 24. There may be a sound insulating or acoustic material 16 such as glass fibre, foam, or rubber against a rear side of the front wall and within the backing frame. Also claimed is a modular wall system comprising a plurality of the modules. A lowermost module may be received in a floor plate. An uppermost module may be received in a ceiling plate. The system may include a ceiling and floor comprised of the modules. The system may be used in a sound recording studio.

Description

A module for constructing a sound insulating studio wall and system for assembling same

The present invention relates to a sound insulation module or, more generally, a modular studio wall system. According to the invention, multiple modular wall components can be combined to build a standalone wall suitable for providing a sound barrier/blocking wall or enclosure in a recording studio environment or the like.

Background to the invention

Sound insulating walls are well known for use in recording studios or other rooms/venues where it is desirable to prevent sound escaping to an external environment, either for practical recording reasons (e.g. preventing unwanted external/bleed through sound being captured by a microphone within the recording room) or to reduce noise pollution and avoid disturbing occupants of neighbouring buildings or rooms. A variety of construction techniques are employed to build sound insulating walls either in a newly constructed studio or retro-fitting a building where new or additional sound proofing features are required. Wall construction usually relies on skilled labour to build a timber or metal frame to which a thickness of sound insulation/barrier materials (e.g. foam) can be mounted and covered with a plaster board sheet or the like.

Transporting and assembling a conventional wall may be inconvenient and time consuming due to the nature of components. Lengths of timber or steel and large sheets must be transported in large vehicles and often carried into a building to the studio location, e.g. up staircases with no elevator access and/or down into basement rooms.

The concept of a modular unit for a sound proofing wall is known, however these typically rely on being fixed to a supporting frame/wall and, therefore, it is still necessary to construct a suitable wall as a support for modular units of sound insulation. Indeed, convoluted acoustic square foam panels are very common as a simple solution to be implemented in home and professional studios, but these require an existing wall to provide support for the acoustic barrier layer and, typically, only function in an absorptive capacity, rather than providing inter-space noise control. It is noteworthy that when an independent and stand-alone wall is constructed in front of an existing wall, this is generally regarded as a highly efficient sound insulating method since the structural isolation can provide a still air gap. Surface mounted systems, upon a single thickness wall, are less efficient.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide a module suitable for a studio wall and system for implementing such a module that is able to form a self-supporting and/or standalone wall (e.g. that may be only perimeter fixed to another structure such as a floor, ceiling and/or other wall). The system may simplify the requirements for wall installation in a typical studio environment or at least provide the public with an alternative choice of wall construction.

In a broad aspect the invention provides a module for a studio wall according to claim 1. The module comprises a wall surface, e.g. a front facing wall surface and a backing frame, e.g. a rearwardly projecting frame element. The frame element or plurality of elements are arranged, e.g. at a peripheral edge of the wall surface, to provide a self-supporting structure for the front wall surface and provision for engaging with an adjacent module. The overall configuration allows a module to be able to be pushed from a frontal direction, i.e. in a horizontal plane, into engagement, and thereby constructing a wall of multiple module units that is also self-supporting. Abutting frame elements of adjacent modules may be permanently or removably fixed to one another by suitable fasteners and/or adhesives.

The module preferably comprises or includes an acoustic barrier material against a rear side of the front facing wall for providing substantive sound insulation through said wall. The front facing wall surface may also comprise sound wave blocking properties and/or additionally include a layer of sound insulation such as a convoluted/corrugated foam panel. In general it is preferable that the module is provided as an integrated unit, i.e. with connection means for fixing to a like-module and sound insulating materials in one unit, however components may be fully or partially provided separately for assembly. For example, the acoustic barrier material may be provided as a larger piece that is adaptable to fit with multiple modules (e.g. such material could be double, triple or greater the length of a module).

Preferably the front wall surface includes an overlap portion configured to, in use, overlap with an adjacent module and/or other associated supporting structure. In some embodiments the overlap portion may provide an additional surface by which one module can be permanently or removably fixed to another. Preferably an overlap portion is provided at a corner and extending across at least two side edges of the wall surface.

Preferably the rearwardly extending frame element includes one or more features such as a ledge to mate and/or abut with a corresponding feature/ledge of an adjacent module in a suitable interlocking/supporting manner. In this way a frame element of a module is configured to be pushed frontally onto a frame element of an adjacent module already in place. In a preferred form a ledge feature is provided at an upstanding end of the frame element. Such a ledge is configured to receive a lower side edge of a next module in a stacking arrangement.

A module according to the invention is intended for incorporation with an overall modular sound proofing/studio wall system. Wall modules may be supplied with a ground and/or ceiling contacting element. The element or plate preferably includes surface features that are compatible with the frame elements of the module in order to support a module therewith/on/into. The ground contacting element/plate may be fixed to the floor as a single length extending a substantive width of the wall or as multiple units side-by-side sized to be compatible with a module.

A module, in combination with floor and/or ceiling elements comprises a total wall construction system resulting in a self-supporting wall. The wall may or may not be load bearing depending on the nature of components. In most cases the wall only needs to form a sound barrier layer against an existing wall and/or a partition in a room to divide it into multiple spaces/booths.

The system preferably includes a compatible rear wall module that closes off a cavity formed behind the front wall surface, within which sound insulation material may be enclosed. Preferably the compatible rear wall panel is also configured to slide in a frontal plane into the engagement with the frame element. Either or both sides of the modular wall, when assembled, can be plastered in order to cover over joins between panels/modules.

The module of the invention provides a method for construction of a 'wall' but may equally be applicable to construction of a self-supporting ceiling or floor with no or only minor modification. In this sense the term 'wall' can be construed to include vertical, perpendicular or slanted walls, ceilings and floors. Furthermore, walls/ceilings/floors can be constructed for any size including small sizes to form a box, isolation cabinet for pieces of musical equipment to be recorded, vocal booth and/or where a room-within-a-room configuration is required. Upstanding edges/supports with different functions may be provided, such as hinges to enable a door to be formed in a modular wall.

The approach to studio wall construction provided by the invention results in the following advantages, which benefit both the builder and owner of a studio:

• More efficient transit of materials; e.g. modules can be carried by one person.

• Able to fit into more confined spaces, such as an elevator, unlike large plasterboard sheets and timber lengths etc., typically carried by two or more people through communal spaces in a building, causing potential for damage.

• Can be installed by one relatively unskilled person with minimal cutting/preparation time; thereby reducing the need for a sizeable working area and significant site protection when working in finished properties. No highly skilled labour such as a carpenter/joiner is required. Less time on site with quicker installation. Reduced cost due to speed and simplicity.

• Reduced requirement for tools; i.e. basic hand tools that are quieter and use less energy such that installation can occur at night/early morning with minimal disturbance on site.

• Reduced wastage as a specific number of modules can be pre-ordered to fit a required space as opposed to cutting large panels on site and having to remove large pieces of off-cut.

• Reduced haulage cost; can be transported in small vehicles due to reduced component size.

• More efficient warehousing due to smaller component size.

• Small component size results in reduced risk of injury from heavy lifting.

• Less dust, notably from cutting fibreglass insulation as such materials can be provided pre-cut as part of a module.

• Increased uniformity in mass-manufacture at off-site factory results in a system more likely to comply with regulations, less scope for construction error, etc.. Particularly, engineered components are less prone to warping, in contrast to long timber lengths that may be warped or warp over time.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a module according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a plan perspective view of a ground engaging plate for use as part of a modular wall system according to the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a side pictorial view of a module from Figure 1 being installed onto a ground engaging plate from Figure 2;

Figure 4 illustrates a completed assembly of the view from Figure 3;

Figure 5 illustrates a second module being installed above a first module;

Figure 6 illustrates a completed assembly of the view from Figure 5;

Figure 7 illustrates a further construction option where a second module is installed side-by-side with a first module;

Figure 8 illustrates a completed assembly of the view from Figure 7;

Figure 9 illustrates a rear view of a module (e.g. from Figure 1), in place upon a ground plate;

Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a compatible rear wall module, for forming an enclosure with the front wall module (e.g. from Figure 1) in place upon a ground plate; Figure 11 illustrates a side view showing the rear module from Figure 10 being installed with a front facing module (e.g. from Figure 1);

Figure 12 illustrates a completed assembly of the view from Figure 11; and

Figure 13 illustrates a ceiling mountable/engaging plate for use with a system according to the invention.

Detailed description ofthe invention

Advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments, with variations and equivalent constructions apparent to a skilled person deemed also to be covered by the description of this invention. Furthermore, terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term comprising as used in this specification means consisting at least in part of such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term comprising, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as comprise and comprises are to be interpreted in the same manner. The description herein also refers to spatial directions such as 'horizontal', 'vertical', 'front' and 'rear'. These are terms relative to the context ofthe invention used for ease of explanation. It should be clear that these are not ultimately limiting if a construction has otherwise the same function. For example, a front wall may become a rear wall if it is turned around and the former rear wall serves as a front wall.

The present description refers to embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible.

An overview of a module 10 for a modular wall system is shown by Figure 1. As seen in frontal view, module 10 comprises a front wall surface 11 and backing frame in the form of a pair of rearwardly extending frame elements 12 respectively affixed to peripheral side (e.g. left and right) edges of the front wall 11. The illustrated form shows each frame element effectively being a double thickness where an outermost and rearmost part includes an upstanding guide (alternatively termed a connector and/or tongue) element or feature 15. A ledge 24 is provided coincident with the uppermost/top edge of front wall surface 11. Ledge 24 serves to support a second module above as will be described further below. Upstanding element 15 can be seen in Figure 3 as a rearward extension of the substantive backing frame 12. Many variations in construction will be possible that achieve the same equivalent function herein described.

In the illustrated embodiment front wall 11 is mainly comprised of two panels in a staggered arrangement so as so provide an overhang/overlap portion at one side 13 and a lower edge 14 of module 10. It will be apparent that alternative configurations of overlap could be implemented according to reasonable trial and experimentation to find an optimum configuration. Furthermore, while the illustrated form features a front wall comprised of two overlaid panels to provide an overlap it will appreciated that alternative forms and/or mouldings will be possible to achieve an equivalent function.

Also visible in Figure 1 is an insulating material 16, e.g. glass fibre or foam, that can provide substantive sound barrier properties for the module 10. While it is preferable that insulating material 16 is sized consistent with the dimensions of module 10 i.e. to fit between frames 12, and can be supplied as an integrated/complete unit, it will be apparent that noise insulating materials/backing may be provided after multiple modules are stacked together, either as a single length/piece or as multiple lengths/pieces. Alternatively or in addition, a completed wall cavity may be filled with expandable foam or like material.

Front panel/s 11 may have inherent sound insulating properties and/or include a further layer of barrier material such as a convoluted/corrugated foam panel or incorporate any other sound dampening surface features.

Figure 9 best illustrates a rear/internal view of module 10 where the upstanding connector elements 15 are clearly visible, along with insulating material 16 filling a void between frame members 12.

The initial stage of constructing a wall comprised of multiple modules 10 is best understood by reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4. Firstly, a ground contacting element 17, dubbed a sole plate, is fixed to a floor surface G, preferably in a substantially level (i.e. horizontal) orientation. Sole plate 17 is in the form of a block-like step of solid material that will provide a foundation for the wall, further including upstanding guide/connector blocks 18 at each end that will, in use, provide an abutting surface for the module 10 as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

While a module can be installed from above directly down onto a sole plate, according to Figure 3 module 10 is able to be pushed from a frontal direction F onto sole plate 17 where bottom overlap portion 14 clears the ground surface G, moving toward a front facing surface 19 of sole plate 17. Peripheral edge frames 12 are generally supported by the upper surface of sole plate 17 as module 10 has been pushed in direction F to ultimately engage upstanding guide 18 of sole plate 17 (Figure 4). Module 10 can be fixed in this position by the underhanging portion 14 to front surface 19 of sole plate 17 and/or by introducing fixing elements through guide 18 into frame 12, since these elements can be accessed by the open/exposed rear of module 10 seen in Figure 4.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a second module 10A with identical features to module 10 can be installed above the first module. A distal downwardly facing end of frame 12A (module 10A) is brought into contact with ledge 24 and upstanding guide element 15 provides an abutment surface for a rear edge of frame 12A that limits movement in the horizontal plane. It is noteworthy that while Figure 5 shows second module 10A being installed downwardly in a direction D onto module 10, this is merely for convenience when constructing lower parts of the wall and module 10A could be installed purely from a frontal direction F in the same way as shown by Figures 3 and 4. The significance of being able to install frontally is that, at the upper parts of a wall, there may be no clearance from the ceiling to bring a module downwardly into position. As such it is desirable for the invention to be able to front load a module into place when assembling the wall. Furthermore, the nature of the guide or stop upstanding element 15 limits movement and ensures alignment of multiple front wall surfaces of modules installed in an array.

When second module 10A is in position as shown by Figure 6, fastening means (e.g. clips, screws, adhesives) can be employed, again through overlap portion 14A and/or through upstand 15 into frame 12a.

Figures 5 and 6 also illustrate a second sole plate 17A positioned directly next to the first sole plate (obscured from view), ready to receive a further module unit (e.g. module 10C as shown by Figures 7 and 8). In this way (i.e. in side-by-side configuration) the ground contacting sole plate elements are built across a floor surface, however, it is noteworthy that a single beam may be laid across a floor surface, preferably including corresponding upstanding elements 18 to guide and fix the supported modules.

It will be apparent to a skilled person from the teaching of Figures 5 and 6 that modules can be stacked up to any practical height toward a ceiling of a room in a building. It is intended that the modules would be approximately 30-80cm square and a stack of 5-10 modules may be required to reach a ceiling, each installable from a frontal location 14 and coupled together as described.

Typically glass fibre insulation of the type illustrated is supplied at a width of approximately 600mm. Accordingly, a preferred width of the cavity formed between the frame members 12 would be 590mm to ensure a snug fit. A total width of the front surface wall would be 640-680mm to accommodate a standard insulation size but it is clear that this dimension could be varied within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the module need not be substantially square as illustrated. A longer/higher panel may be appropriate to minimise the total number of joins between a floor and ceiling.

The dimensions chosen for the module preferably provide practical advantages compared to traditional wall construction. For example, when conventional walls are built it is impractical to construct studwork with

600mm cavities because this is not compatible with standard 1200mm-wide plasterboard that must be fixed to studs at the edge, i.e. if a 600mm-wide cavity is constructed the sheet width will miss the next stud and cannot be screw fixed.

In any event, it is generally accepted that studs should be a maximum 609mm (24 inches) apart on centre,

i.e. incompatible with 600mm cavity insulation. If this is unavoidable as a regulation then the module can be produced at smaller sizes, e.g. with a cavity width approximately 530-550mm, having a bespoke insulation solution.

In one form of the system a ceiling mounted sole 'top' plate 20 (Figure 13) is utilised to top-off a stacked module structure. The ceiling sole plate 20 has essentially the same features/dimensions as ground contacting ground sole plate 17 and provides an abutting surface (upstanding guides 18) for the uppermost module in the stack so that the module can be pushed against guide 18 and stopped in position. It is noteworthy that if the generally square-shaped uppermost module is too large to fit into a gap between ceiling sole plate 20 and the last complete module, then it can be cut to size anywhere across the front wall surface 11 in the horizontal plane, since the module has a consistent cross section and rearmost surface of frame 12 will still be available to abut against the downwardly extending guides 18 (although these could be removable or cut to a smaller size) from ceiling sole plate 20 and upstands 15 of the next adjacent module below (which may also be cut down or removed to accommodate the uppermost partial module piece) already in place. In this way the modular system of the invention is adjustable and adaptable to a particular room dimension without major work being required or compromising functionality, e.g. regarding the remaining height of the wall when the last module goes into position.

Alternatively, if an uppermost module would fit into place with only a small gap between it and the sole plate 20 above, additional packing could be applied between the ceiling of the room and sole plate 20 in order for it to span the required gap. Minor modification in this way is well within the skills of an installation team and may simply require a beam of suitable thickness to be affixed to the ceiling against which each sole plate 20 can, in turn, be affixed.

A second or further column of modules may be constructed according to Figures 7 and 8 in the same way as previously described. For example, a further module 10C is pushed frontally onto sole plate 17A (obscured from view) and optionally affixed thereto via underhang 14C and from a rearward direction through upstand 18. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the side located overlapping portion 13C will overhang a ledge/channel 21 of first module 10 (i.e. at the opposite side edge to the overlapping portion 13) which provides a further frontally accessible fixing point between modules. It will also be apparent from Figure 8 that a fastening means can be driven laterally through upstanding members 15,15C to join side adjacent modules 10 and 10C. An alternative fixing means may be a form of clip which surrounds and binds together adjacent upstanding members 15 and 15C. All rearward fixings/connections may be applied while the wall is in a semi exposed state, i.e. with sound barrier material 16 visible. Alternatively, a modular sound insulating wall according to the invention may be constructed directly over an existing wall and, in such a case, front fixings only may be necessary and/or an additional connector may be provided to fix the module 10 directly to the existing wall.

As a yet further feature of the system/method of installation, e.g. with the use of a supplementary wall stud, modules 10 can be cut through a vertical plane, such that a wall stud can support the cut edge. Such a system enables wall widths to be closed off where a full-width column of modules would extend too far across.

The capability to cut a module in either or both a vertical or horizontal direction makes the manufacturing process more simple since only one module size is needed.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate application of a rear panel/tile 22 that completes an enclosure over sound barrier material 16. Internal details of rear wall tile 22 are best seen in Figure 10, sitting in place upon sole plate 17. In an analogous way to the installation of module 10, rear wall 22 is able to be pushed into place directly from a rearward direction R and can be fixed in place by a suitable adhesive or clips while the internal structure is still accessible or by fastening means driven through peripheral frames 23. Alternatively, or in addition, rear tile 22 may have overlapping features (not shown) to interlock adjacent units and provide a fixing point for them to be fixed to each other externally.

It will be appreciated that rear cover/wall 22 may not be required at all if the modular wall is built against an existing wall. Wall 22 is required when a partition wall is being constructed in a room to divide an existing room into multiple spaces. Multiple rear walls 22 can be stacked or arranged side-by-side as needed. In a case where no rear cover 22 is required, sole and top plate 17, 20 respectively may have reduced depth since this amounts to a 'thinner wall' option, i.e. that is only required to receive one front facing module. In terms of functionality this is notable because often there may be only limited space for wall systems to be fitted, particularly in front of an existing wall. A slim line option sole/top plate is therefore desirable where, in practice, the upstanding elements 18 are flush with a (rear) side opposite front facing side 19.

The modular wall can be permanently finished by plastering over the exterior exposed surfaces to hide joins. This provides a generally permanent/tidy finish, but the modules can be retrieved and reused at a later date if necessary. Alternatively, some studios may prefer the facility to be able to reconfigure partition walls and sound proofing needs in which case the system can be configured for removable fasteners and without a covering plaster layer.

It will be apparent that the wall construction system of the invention could be applied to other fields than sound proofing by simply omitting the sound proofing component or using a lower grade material such as may be sufficient for an office partition wall or similar. Early forms of the invention have been constructed with plywood frames and plasterboard panels, however, it will be appreciated that any suitable material or manufacturing technique could be employed. Indeed, a module could be moulded/pressed as a single piece including front wall, frame and overhanging portions.

The module may be used directly or adapted as a construction component for a ceiling or floor as well as wall. Furthermore, while the initial motivation for the invention was not intended to require load bearing characteristics, suitable modification to dimensions and/or materials may provide such capabilities.

The invention requires a module to be able to be fitted from a frontal direction, e.g. in a horizontal plane, in a way analogous to where a jigsaw puzzle piece must fit frontally into place. However, unlike a jigsaw puzzle piece a module of the invention may additionally be fitted from different orientations as convenient, e.g. from above or at an angle approaching from above.

Claims (26)

Claims:

1. A module for constructing a wall comprising:

a front wall surface;

a backing frame, the frame being configured to provide a self-supporting structure for the front wall surface and having at least one engagement feature for engaging with another module such that, in use, the module is able to be pushed from a frontal direction into engagement with another module and held in alignment therewith, thereby constructing a self-supporting wall comprised of a plurality of modules.

2. The module of claim 1 wherein the backing frame is comprised of at least two frame elements, extending rearwardly of the front wall surface and respectively located at opposite sides thereof.

3. The module of claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one engagement feature includes an upstanding element for, in use, providing an engagement, mating and/or abutment surface against which a portion of the backing frame of the other module may abut and be held in alignment.

4. The module of any preceding claim wherein the at least one engagement feature includes a ledge for, in use, providing an engagement, mating and/or abutment surface against which a portion of the front wall surface and/or backing frame of the other module may abut and be held in alignment.

5. The module of any preceding claim wherein the backing frame includes provision for fastening means to be permanently or removably fixed to the other module.

6. The module of any preceding claim, including an acoustic barrier material.

7. The module of claim 6 wherein the acoustic barrier material is located against a front and/or rear side of the front wall surface.

8. The module of claim 7 wherein the acoustic barrier is located against a rear side of the front wall surface and at least partially within the backing frame.

9. The module of any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the acoustic barrier material is comprised of glass fibre, foam, rubber or any combination of these materials.

10. The module of any preceding claim wherein the front wall surface includes an overlap portion configured to, in use, overlap with the front wall surface of the other module or other associated supporting structure.

11. The module of claim 10 wherein the overlap portion is located at a corner of the front wall surface and extends substantially across side edges thereof.

12. The module of any preceding claim wherein the at least one engagement feature includes an interlockable element for receipt by a compatible element of the other module.

13. A modular wall system comprised of a plurality of modules, according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged in a self-supporting array.

14. The modular wall system of claim 13 including a ground engaging support plate for receiving a lowermost module of the plurality of modules.

15. The modular wall system of claim 14 wherein the ground engaging support plate includes at least one engagement feature to mate, engage and/or abut with the lowermost module of the plurality of modules to hold it in alignment therewith.

16. The modular wall system of claim 14 or 15 wherein the ground engaging support plate is affixed to a ground surface.

17. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 13 to 16 wherein respective modules of the plurality of modules are permanently or removably fixed to one another from a frontal or rearward access direction by a fastening means.

18. The modular wall system of claim 17 wherein the fastening means is one or a combination of: adhesive, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, tongue in groove connections, interference fit.

19. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 13 to 18 further including a ceiling engaging plate for receiving an uppermost module of the plurality of modules.

20. The modular wall system of claim 19 wherein the ceiling engaging plate includes at least one engagement feature to mate, engage and/or abut with the uppermost module of the plurality of modules to hold it in alignment therewith.

21. The modular wall system of any of claims 13 to 20 wherein a module is cut across the front wall surface and through the backing frame to enable it to have a reduced height.

22. The modular wall system of any of claims 13 to 21 wherein a module is configured to be cut across the front wall surface in a vertical plane to enable it to have reduced width.

23. The modular wall system of claim 22 further including a supplementary wall stud for supporting a vertically cut edge of the module.

24. The modular wall system of any of claims 13 to 23 wherein the modular wall system is erected proximate an existing wall in a building with an air gap therebetween.

25. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 13 to 24 further including a compatible cover module for closing off a cavity formed behind the front wall surface, associated with the backing frame.

26. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 11 to 25 constructed for any size, including in the form of a box, isolation cabinet for pieces of musical equipment to be recorded, room-within-aroom or vocal booth.

26. The modular wall system of claim 25 wherein the compatible cover module is configured to be engageable in a horizontal plane with the backing frame of a module.

27. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 13 to 26, also including a ceiling and/or floor comprised of a plurality of modules.

28. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 13 to 27 constructed for any size, including in the form of a box, isolation cabinet for pieces of musical equipment to be recorded, room-within-aroom or vocal booth.

Amendments to the claims are as follows:

Claims:

1. A module for constructing a wall comprising:

a front wall surface including an overlap portion;

a backing frame, the frame being configured to provide a self-supporting structure for the front wall surface;

at least one upstanding element forming an engagement feature extending beyond the backing frame for, in use, providing an abutment surface against which a portion of the backing frame of another module of the same type may abut and be held in alignment; and wherein the overlap portion is configured to, in use, overlap with an underlap portion of another module of the same type;

such that, in use, the module is able to be pushed from a frontal direction into engagement with another module of the same type and fixed in alignment therewith, thereby constructing a self-supporting wall comprised of a plurality of modules.

2. The module of claim 1 wherein the backing frame is comprised of at least two frame elements, extending rearwardly of the front wall surface and respectively located at opposite sides thereof.

3. The module of any preceding claim wherein the backing frame provides a ledge adjacent the upstanding element for, in use, providing a further abutment surface against which a portion of the backing frame of the other module may abut and be held in alignment.

4. The module of any preceding claim wherein the backing frame includes provision for fastening means to be permanently or removably fixed to the other module.

5. The module of any preceding claim, including an acoustic barrier material.

6. The module of claim 5 wherein the acoustic barrier material is located against a front and/or rear side ofthe front wall surface.

7. The module of claim 6 wherein the acoustic barrier is located against a rear side of the front wall surface and at least partially within the backing frame.

8. The module of any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the acoustic barrier material is comprised of glass fibre, foam, rubber or any combination of these materials.

9. The module of any preceding claim wherein the overlap portion is located at a corner of the front wall surface and extends substantially across side edges thereof.

10. The module of any preceding claim wherein the at least one upstanding element includes an interlockable element for receipt by a compatible element of the other module.

11. A modular wall system comprised of a plurality of modules, according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged in a self-supporting array.

12. The modular wall system of claim 11 including a ground engaging support plate for receiving a lowermost module of the plurality of modules.

13. The modular wall system of claim 12 wherein the ground engaging support plate includes at least one engagement feature to mate, engage and/or abut with the lowermost module of the plurality of modules to hold it in alignment therewith.

14. The modular wall system of claim 11 or 12 wherein the ground engaging support plate is affixed to a ground surface.

15. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 11 to 14 wherein respective modules of the plurality of modules are permanently or removably fixed to one another from a frontal access direction by a fastening means.

16. The modular wall system of claim 15 wherein the fastening means is one or a combination of: adhesive, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, tongue in groove connections, interference fit.

17. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 11 to 16 further including a ceiling engaging plate for receiving an uppermost module of the plurality of modules.

18. The modular wall system of claim 17 wherein the ceiling engaging plate includes at least one engagement feature to mate, engage and/or abut with the uppermost module of the plurality of modules to hold it in alignment therewith.

19. The modular wall system of any of claims 11 to 18 wherein a module is cut across the front wall surface and through the backing frame to enable it to have a reduced height.

20. The modular wall system of any of claims 11 to 19 wherein a module is configured to be cut across the front wall surface in a vertical plane to enable it to have reduced width.

21. The modular wall system of claim 20 further including a supplementary wall stud for supporting a vertically cut edge of the module.

22. The modular wall system of any of claims 11 to 21 wherein the modular wall system is erected proximate an existing wall in a building with an air gap therebetween.

23. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 11 to 22 further including a compatible cover module for closing off a cavity formed behind the front wall surface, associated with the backing frame.

24. The modular wall system of claim 23 wherein the compatible cover module is configured to be engageable in a horizontal plane with the backing frame of a module.

25. The modular wall system of any preceding claim 11 to 24, also including a ceiling and/or floor comprised of a plurality of modules.