WO2009077792A1

WO2009077792A1 - Temporary building structure having mobile living cubicles

Info

Publication number: WO2009077792A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/051203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Mark Chilton
Original assignee: Marks Barfield Ltd
Priority date: 2007-12-18
Filing date: 2008-12-18
Publication date: 2009-06-25
Also published as: EP2235274A1; GB0724666D0

Abstract

The present invention concerns a temporary building structure (1) for location at a building development site. The structure comprises an internal living space (2, 3, 4), having an interior resembling one from within the building development. The internal living space (2, 3) is movable between variable positions for allowing an occupant to experience the internal living space (2, 3) at different positions which correspond to different positional options within the development.

Description

TEMPORARY BUILDING STRUCTURE HAVING MOBILE LIVING CUBILCLES

[001] The present invention relates to temporary building structures, in particular to those erected at building sites in order to assist in the marketing of a new building development .

[002] In this regard, such structures often are formed of temporary units connected together such as Portakabin (RTM) type units. The purpose of these buildings is to provide a reception/welcome area for potential purchasers visiting the building development being erected at the building site.

[003] Typically, such a reception will have pictures, schematics, models and perhaps videos of the development being erected so as to provide the potential purchasers with an idea of what they are being offered.

[004] Occasionally, it may be possible for potential purchasers to view an actual show house or show flat within the development. This can afford such purchasers with a better understanding of what a property in the development would be like to live in if they were to purchase the same.

[005] However, pictures, schematics, videos, models and even show flats/houses have their limitations in affording potential purchasers with a full understanding of what is on offer throughout the development. Different aspects, heights, and orientations of, for example, different flats within a development, can all considerably alter their respective appeal .

[006] As such, the present invention seeks to provide a temporary building structure affording an enhanced viewing experience to potential purchasers. [007] According to the present invention there is provided a temporary building structure for location at a building development site, the structure comprising: - an internal living space, having an interior resembling one from within the building development; said internal living space being movable between variable positions for allowing an occupant to experience the internal living space at different positions which correspond to different positional options within the development. In this way, the present invention provides potential purchasers with a real idea of what they can expect from different options within the development.

[008] Conveniently, the internal living space is movable in a vertical direction. In this way, the internal living space can be moved to different vertical positions which represent different floor levels within the development. The living space may further be movable rotationally, and possibly laterally to optimize its positional capabilities.

[009] Preferably, the internal living space is supported on one or more support members which can be raised and lowered. Conveniently, the one or more support members extend below the ground level of the development.

[0010] Preferably, the one or more support members is operated hydraulically in order to raise the internal living space between the different vertical positions.

[0011] The one or more support members may be arranged to support the living space from underneath and do not extend there-above .

[0012] Conveniently, the movable internal living space is part of a larger building structure, having one or more non- movable areas, the movable internal living space being dockable into position adjacent one or more non-movable areas. Preferably, when docked in position, the one or more non-movable areas and movable internal living space allow intercommunication for passage of people.

[0013] The building structure may have at least two movable internal living spaces, which are movable independently of one another. As such, the living spaces can be moved to different positions to afford occupants a view including the other of the living spaces.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a viewing structure for location at a building development site, the structure comprising: - an internal living space, having an interior resembling one from within the building development; said internal living space being movable between variable positions for allowing an occupant to experience the internal living space at different positions which correspond to different positional options within the development.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which: -

[0016] Figure Ia is a perspective view of a building structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure Ib is further perspective view of the embodiment of Figure Ia in a non-elevated state;

[0018] Figure Ic is a further perspective view of the embodiment of Figure Ia in a non-elevated state; - A -

[0019] Figure 2a is a side view of the embodiment of Figure Ia in a non-elevated state;

[0020] Figure 2b is a further side view of the embodiment of Figure Ia in a non-elevated state;

[0021] Figure 3a is a side view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with one building section in a partially elevated state;

[0022] Figure 3b is a side view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with one building section in a fully elevated state;

[0023] Figure 3c is a side view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with both movable building sections in an elevated state;

[0024] Figure 4a is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with one building section in a partially elevated state;

[0025] Figure 4b is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with one building section in a fully elevated state;

[0026] Figure 4c is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with one building section in a partially elevated state and a further building section in a fully elevated state;

[0027] Figure 4d is a further perspective view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with one building section in a partially elevated state and a further building section in a fully elevated state;

[0028] Figure 4e is a further perspective view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with both movable building sections in a fully elevated state;

[0029] Figure 5 is a view of substructure of the embodiment of Figure Ia; and

[0030] Figure 6 is a partial view of the substructure of the embodiment of Figure Ia showing two internal movable living space sections in place.

[0031] A temporary building 1, as shown in Figures Ia and Ib, has a generally rectangular ground plan. The building 1 comprises three sections 2, 3, 4. The main section 4 of the building 1 is a fixed level construction. Two movable sections 2, 3 form sections at opposing corners of the building 1 and are generally rectangular in plan view. Of course different configurations are possible.

[0032] The section 4 of the building 1 may be divided into separate defined areas and assigned to a particular use, e.g. as reception, display, or office areas. The main section 4 in Figure Ia is shown transparent to reveal examples of such areas. The sections 2, 3 are intended to resemble living spaces available in the development. As such they may be decorated and furnished accordingly.

[0033] In the side view of the building 1 as shown in Figure Ic, the building sections 2, 3 are in their lowermost positions. The building sections 2, 3, 4 are set at a level above the ground level 12 and supported on support columns 5, 6, 14, 15. For the fixed-level section 4 of the building 1, the support columns 5, 6 are fixed in height. The movable building sections, 2, 3 are supported on adjustable support columns or pillars 14, 15. [0034] In the side view of the building 1 as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, it can be seen that when the movable sections 2, 3 are in their lowermost position, the main section 4 and movable sections 2, 3 are in horizontal alignment. Intercommunication between the movable section and the main section is possible, so that people and walk through from one to the other.

[0035] The space 13 under the building 1 may be used, for example, for parking.

[0036] The support columns 5, 6, 14, 15 are set in foundations 7, 8 which extend into the earth beneath the ground level 12. Access to the building may be gained, for example, through stairs or an elevator in one of the fixed support columns 5, 6.

[0037] As with more conventional buildings, the sections 2, 3, 4 are provided with windows around their outer periphery. In Figure 2a, the typical view from a window that a person within one of the building sections has is indicated by the lines 10. In the embodiment shown, the building 1 is located adjacent trees 9 and as such the view from the building at that level is hindered. Trees may be protected by preservation orders and these may be a permanent feature that should be taken into consideration for a purchaser of the development .

[0038] With a conventional marketing suite or even a show flat/home, the purchaser may be put off the development by such the trees in their line of sight.

[0039] However, with the present invention, the movable sections 2, 3 can be moved to different elevations to provide potential purchasers with a true idea of what the development has to offer from different positions. Hence, when desired, a potential purchaser can enter into one of the movable sections 2, 3, and it can be moved to the appropriate position in order to afford that purchaser with as accurate an idea of what the development will be like from that position.

[0040] As such, the purchaser can make a more informed decision knowing what the development has to offer them. As such, they can, for example, judge if a first floor or perhaps a fifth floor flat is most appropriate.

[0041] Figures 3a and 3b show a side view of the movable building section 14 in increasing elevated states. In Figure 3c, the first movable section 2 has been raised vertically to be located above the top of the adjacent trees 9. The second movable section 3 has been raised vertically to be located both above the top level of the trees 9 and above the first movable section 2. As such, the views from each of the movable sections 2, 3 as defined by the lines 10a, 10b do not overlap.

[0042] The movable sections 2, 3 are provided with adjustable support means to raise and lower the respective section 2, 3. In the embodiment shown, the means to raise and lower the movable sections 2, 3 comprise a telescopic hydraulic cylinder support members 14, 15 located at the centre of the base of each the movable sections 2, 3. Each telescopic cylinder support member 14, 15 comprises four cylinders 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 of decreasing diameter, arranged such that when fully retracted the smallest diameter cylinder 19, 23 is fully located within the largest cylinder 16, 20 like the barrels of a telescope. By providing a telescopic arrangement, the necessary foundations 7, 8 are greatly reduced in depth as the foundations of the structure do not have to extend the same depth as full the height of the extended cylinders 14, 15.

[0043] Figures 4a and 4b show a perspective view of the building 1 with one movable building section 3 being progressively raised on support member 14. Figures 4c and 4d show the second movable building section 2 being raised on support member 14. In Figure 4d, the fixed support members

5, 6 which support the fixed building section 4 are visible. Figure 4d also shows how two separate movable building sections can be moved to different positions so that the occupants within one can appreciate the effect the other would have on their outlook.

[0044] A further view of the building 1 with the movable sections 2, 4 in an elevated state are shown in Figure 4e.

[0045] The head of each telescopic cylinder 14, 15 is attached to the building 1 via a supporting structure formed integrally with the floor of the building section. The supporting structure serves to ensure that the horizontal level of the building is maintained, when the movable sections are raised and lowered.

[0046] In order to raise the relevant movable section 2, 3 of the building 1, hydraulic fluid is pumped into the telescopic support cylinder. The telescopic sections 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 of the cylinders 14, 15 extend such that the building section are raised.

[0047] However, alternative means for raising and lowering the movable sections 2,3 may be provided. One such alternative may be a single vertical pillar which extends through each of the movable sections 2,3 and around which the movable section can be raised/lowered. As well as hydraulic systems, mechanical ones, using for example rack and pinion mechanisms may be used to raise and lower the movable sections .

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the sections 2, 3, 4 of the building 1 comprise a reinforced base grid structure of truss elements 28. These elements may be formed of steel. These truss elements 28 comprise elongate sections 29 connected by diagonal cross members 30. The building sections 2, 3, 4 may be formed of conventional materials such as steel reinforced concrete. However, in order to reduce the weight of the movable sections 2, 3, these sections may be made of composite materials.

[0049] The movable sections 2, 3 of the building 1 are attached to the top of the hydraulic support cylinders 14, 15 using a support members 24, 25, which each comprise four equi-radially spaced connecting members which are attached to the truss elements in the base of the respective section 2, 3.

[0050] Although a building structure has been described including a fixed section, embodiments are envisaged where the whole structure may be movable, between lower and higher vertical levels.

[0051] Moreover, as well as being movable vertically, the movable living spaces may also be configured for rotational and/or lateral movement. This may be achieved through a system of tracks and rotational couplings.

Claims

1. A temporary building structure for location at a building development site, the structure comprising: - an internal living space, having an interior resembling one from within the building development; said internal living space being movable between variable positions for allowing an occupant to experience the internal living space at different positions which correspond to different positional options within the development.

2. A temporary building structure according to claim 1, wherein the internal living space is movable in a vertical direction.

3. A temporary building structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal living space is supported on one or more support members which can be raised and lowered.

4. A temporary building structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more support members extend below the ground level of the development.

5. A temporary building structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more support members is operated hydraulically in order to raise the living space between the different vertical positions.

6. A temporary building structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more support members support the living space from underneath and do not extend there-above .

7. A temporary building structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable internal living space is part of a larger building structure, having one or more non-movable areas, the movable internal living space being dockable into position adjacent one or more non-movable 5 areas.

8. A temporary building structure according to claim 7, wherein when the movable living space and non-movable area are docked, they are interconnected to allow passage of

10 people there-between.

9. A temporary building structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each internal living space is supported on one or more telescopic cylinders.

15

10. A temporary building structure according to any preceding claim, having at least two movable internal living spaces, which are movable independently of one another.

20 11. A viewing structure for location at a building development site, the structure comprising: - an internal living space, having an interior resembling one from within the building development; said internal living space being movable between variable

25 positions for allowing an occupant to experience the internal living space at different positions which correspond to different positional options within the development.

12. A structure substantially as described herein, with 30 reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.