AU2010203022A1

AU2010203022A1 - Building System

Info

Publication number: AU2010203022A1
Application number: AU2010203022A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Frederick Sparks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-23
Filing date: 2010-07-16
Publication date: 2011-02-10

Description

Building System Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to a building system. In particular, the present invention 5 relates to a building system adapted for the erection of a building without requiring the use of heavy equipment. Background Art. During the construction of a typical building, heavy mechanical equipment (such as 10 cranes, forklifts or the like) are required to lift and position construction elements (such as wall panels, roof trusses and the like) in place for securing. While conventional, the use of cranes contributes significantly to the cost of erecting a building. In addition, the erection of a typical building is dependent on both the 15 availability of a crane (and a skilled operator) as well as ensuring that the crane is in good working order. Delays in construction may be experienced if these criteria are not met. In addition to this, many conventional construction elements are fabricated from dense 20 or heavy materials which, coupled with their size, make them particularly unwieldy. In many cases, conventional construction elements are unable to be maneuvered into position without the aid of heavy equipment. Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a building system 25 that allowed for the erection of a building without requiring the use of any heavy mechanical equipment. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the 30 common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates 2 otherwise. Object of the Invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for the erection of a 5 building which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice. In one aspect, the invention resides broadly in a system for erecting a building, the system comprising: 10 erecting a building frame assembly; connecting one or more floor elements, one or more wall elements and one or more ceiling elements to the building frame assembly to form a semi-erected building; and erecting a roof assembly over the semi-erected building. 15 The building frame assembly may be of any suitable form. For instance, in some embodiments of the invention, the building frame assembly may comprise one or more frame members. In one embodiment of the invention, the building frame assembly may comprise a plurality of substantially horizontal frame members adapted 20 for connection to a plurality of substantially vertical post members. The post members are preferably adapted to form the footings of the building, either through securing the post members to a concrete slab or by digging holes into which the post members may be located and secured using any suitable technique. 25 In some embodiments of the invention, the frame members and the post members may be formed integrally with one another. In an alternative embodiment, the frame members and the post members may be formed separately and adapted for fixed or temporary attachment to one another. 30 In a preferred embodiment, the frame members are formed separately from the post members and are adapted for connection thereto. In these embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that the post members are provided with height adjustments means whereby the height of the point at which the frame member is connected to the 3 post member may be adjusted as desired. Any suitable height adjustment means may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more brackets associated with the post member and adapted for vertical movement relative to the post member. When the desired height is selected, the height adjustments means may be fixed in position on 5 the post member, for instance using fastening means (bolts, screws, nails, rivets or the like) or by welding the height adjustment means to the post member. Similarly, the post members may be provided with second height adjustment means at a lower end thereof. Both height adjustment means may be of the same or different 10 construction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second height adjustment means may be adapted for engagement with anchoring means located in the hole into which the post member is placed. Any suitable anchoring means may be provided, such as, but is not limited to, a post, screw or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring means is fixed within the hole, and the height of the post member may be adjusted through adjustments made to the height adjustment means. In this way, the height of the building may be adjusted, or small adjustments may be made to ensure that the building is level. 20 In some embodiments, the frame assembly is provided with four post members, with one post member located at each corner of the building. One or more frame members may be provided between adjacent post members. In embodiments of the invention in which more than one horizontal frame member is provided between adjacent post 25 members, each of the frame members may be adapted for connection to height adjustment means. In further embodiments of the invention, the frame assembly may be provided with a corner post member at each corner of the building and one or more further post 30 members located intermediate the corner post members along one or more sides of the building. While the distance between post members may be any suitable distance, in a preferred 4 embodiment of the invention, the distance between adjacent post members is approximately 3 metres. The frame assembly may further comprise one or more bracing members. Any 5 suitable bracing members may be provided. In some embodiments of the invention, the bracing members may be cross bracing members. In this embodiment, the cross bracing members may be positioned to extend between adjacent post members at an angle intermediate the horizontal frame members and the vertical post members. 10 The frame assembly may further comprise one or more floor members. The floor members may be of any suitable shape or configuration, although it is preferred that the floor members are adapted to extend between opposed frame members in order to support one or more floor elements to be placed over the floor members. 15 The precise number and spacing of the floor members is not critical, and a skilled addressee will understand that the number and spacing of floor members is largely dependent on the shape and configuration of the wall elements to be used. The frame assembly may be fabricated from any suitable material. However, in order 20 to provide sufficient structural strength, it is preferred that the frame assembly is fabricated from metal, and, in particular, steel. The frame members and post members may be of any suitable configuration, such as, but not limited to C-section beams. In some embodiments of the invention, the frame members may be provided with 25 alignment means to allow for the correct alignment of wall elements thereon. In these embodiments of the invention, the alignment means may be of any suitable form. For instance, the alignment means may comprise one or more flanges extending outwardly from the frame members and on which the wall element may be located (and possibly secured). In embodiments of the invention in which the frame members comprise a 30 C-beam, the alignment means may comprise a flange extending upwardly from an upper portion of the C-beam. The floor members may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, but not 5 limited to, metal or wood. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor members comprise a pair of C-section beams connected to one another using any suitable technique. For instance, the pair of C-section beams may be connected to one another so as to form an H- or I-section beam. 5 The floor elements, wall elements and ceiling elements may be connected to the frame assembly using any suitable technique. For instance, the floor elements may be connected to the frame assembly using fastening means (such as bolts, screws, nails, rivets or the like) or adhesives. In a preferred embodiment, the floor elements are in 10 the form of panels. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the floor elements are adapted for connection to the frame members and the floor members (if present). In other embodiments of the invention, the floor elements may be adapted to be interlocking. 15 The floor elements may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as wood, fiberglass, metal, concrete, or the like. In a preferred embodiment the floor elements are fabricated from a material that is sufficiently light to allow a single user (or pair of users) to locate and secure the floor elements in place without requiring any heavy 20 mechanical equipment. Thus, for instance, the floor elements may be fabricated from a light weight air rate concrete. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the length and width dimensions of the floor elements are each 600mm or a multiple thereof. 25 The one or more wall elements may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. It will be understood that a minimum of four wall elements will be required: one on each side of the building, although each side of the building may include one or more wall elements. 30 The one or more wall elements may be provided with one or more openings therein. The openings in the wall elements may be provided to allow a door, window, air vent or the like to be to be located in the walls of the building. The windows may be a 6 conventional glass or plastic (or similar transparent material) window or the opening in the wall element for the window may be provided with one or more louvers. The louver blades may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, glass, aluminium, plastic, steel, wood or the like, or any combination thereof. 5 Similarly, the doors located in the wall elements may be conventional hinged doors, folding doors (e.g. bi-fold doors) or sliding doors. The doors may be fabricated from glass, aluminium, plastic, steel, wood or the like, or any combination thereof. 10 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more wall elements may be fabricated as steel or aluminium frames. The wall elements may be provided with roof fixing means. Any suitable roof fixing means may be provided. For instance, the wall elements may be provided with one or 15 more roof anchors in an upper portion thereof. The roof anchors may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the roof anchors comprise one or more projecting rods, shafts or the like. In some embodiments, the roof anchors may be provided with a threaded portion. Most preferably, the roof anchors extend outwardly from the uppermost part of the wall element. 20 In other embodiments, similar anchors may also be provided in the lower portion of the wall elements. In embodiments of the invention in which two or more wall elements are provided on 25 each side of the building, adjacent wall elements may be adapted for connection to one another using any suitable technique. For instance, adjacent wall elements may be adapted to be interlocking with one another. Alternatively, the uppermost portions of the adjacent wall elements may be joined together using a capping piece. In other embodiments, one or more infill panels may be used to connect adjacent wall 30 elements. In some embodiments of the invention, the wall elements may include an internal cavity created with the frame of the wall element. The cavity may be filled with any 7 suitable material, such as sound proofing material, insulating material, and any suitable materials required for building services (e.g electrical cabling, plumbing conduits, heating and/or air conditioning conduits and the like). 5 The wall elements may be provided with any suitable form of covering. For instance, the wall elements may be provided with one or more layers of fibre cement sheeting or reconstituted sheeting such as fibre board. Preferably, the fibre cement sheeting is provided as an external surface. 10 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, internal walls or partitions are installed prior to the installation of the ceiling elements. The ceiling elements may be of any suitable construction. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ceiling elements are fabricated from a lightweight 15 material to allow for ease of handling and installation. On the other hand, the material selected for the ceiling elements must also be of sufficient strength and rigidity to be used as a structural element. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ceiling elements may be a composite 20 material. For instance, the ceiling elements may be a layered composite. Preferably, at least one layer of the composite material is a reconstituted board (such as fibre board) adapted to provide the necessary rigidity to the ceiling element. Preferably, another layer is fibre cement sheeting. In these embodiments of the invention, the fibre board or fibre cement sheeting is clad to the exterior of the ceiling element. 25 Any suitable material may be used for the core of the ceiling element. Preferably, however, the core is fabricated from a suitably light material so that installation of the ceiling elements may be performed without requiring the use of heavy mechanical equipment. For instance, the core material may be plastic, foamed material or the 30 like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the core material is extruded polystyrene. The ceiling elements may be provided with an internal frame to which the sheeting 8 material is attached. For instance, the ceiling elements may be provided with a steel frame which forms an internal cavity within the ceiling element. In some embodiments of the invention, the cavity may be filled with any suitable material, such as sound proofing material, insulating material, and any suitable materials 5 required for building services (e.g electrical cabling, plumbing conduits, heating and/or air conditioning conduits and the like). The ceiling elements may be adapted for connection to the frame assembly and/or wall elements using any suitable technique. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, 10 the ceiling elements are adapted to be interlocking. The ceiling elements may be of any suitable size and shape, although in a preferred embodiment, the ceiling elements are provided with length and width dimensions of 600mm or multiples thereof for ease of handling and construction. is The roof assembly may be of any suitable construction. For instance, the roof assembly may comprise one or more roof trusses adapted for connection to the ceiling elements using any suitable technique. The roof trusses may be formed as a single integral unit or may be constructed as a number of pieces that are adapted for fixed or temporary connection to one another. 20 The remainder of the roof assembly is relatively conventional and comprises one or more battens, cladding panels and may further comprise insulation material as required. 25 A skilled addressee will understand that the building system of the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. The installation of ceiling elements allows for fast and easy installation of the roof assembly by a minimal number of workers (perhaps one or two workers only) without requiring the use of heavy mechanical equipment such as cranes. In addition, the selection of the sizing and 30 materials for the ceiling and floor elements ensures that the building may be rapidly and easily erected. In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method of erecting a building, the 9 method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a site on which the building is to be erected; (b) erecting a building frame assembly comprising a plurality of frame members on the site; 5 (c) attaching one or more floor elements, one or more wall elements and one or more ceiling elements to the building frame assembly; (d) positioning one or more roof trusses above the one or more ceiling elements; and (e) attaching one or more roof members to the one or more roof trusses. 10 There are a number of ways in which the site may be prepared for the erection of the building. For instance, the site may be cleared and/or leveled, and post holes may be dug. Alternatively, a concrete slab may be laid. 15 In some embodiments of the invention, step (c) may further comprise the step of adjusting the level of the floor elements to ensure that the floor of the building is flat. Adjustment of the level of the floor elements may be achieved using one or more height adjustment means. 20 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, step (c) may further comprise the step of installing all internal walls within the building. In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a system for erecting a building, the system comprising: 25 a plurality of frame members; a plurality of floor elements, wall elements and ceiling elements; and a plurality of roof members, wherein the floor elements and the ceiling elements are fabricated such that the length and width dimensions of the floor elements and the ceiling elements are 600mm or a 30 multiple thereof. Brief Description of the Drawings. An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following 10 drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a building frame assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention during erection; Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of a floor frame layout according to an 5 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of a floor element layout according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a ceiling element layout according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10 Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a ceiling element according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a roof assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a floor plan of an erected building according to an 15 embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8-11 illustrate steps in the erection of a building using a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 12-16 illustrate a comparison of the steps in the erection of buildings using both a conventional technique and a system according to an 20 embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings. It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention 25 should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings. In Figure 1 there is illustrated a side view of a building frame assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention during erection. The building frame assembly 10 comprises a pair of post members I Ia, 1 lb wherein post member 1 Ia is a corner post 30 member while post member 11 b is an intermediate post member located intermediate corner post member II a and an adjacent corner post member (not shown). The lower ends of post members 11 a, II b are located in post holes 12 that are dug to 11 below ground level 13. Screw threaded rods 14 are provided in the post holes 12. The screw threaded rods 14 are associated with concrete supports 15 that ensure the screw threaded rods 14 remain in a vertical position within the post holes 12. 5 The lower end of the post members 1 Ia, 1 b are provided with height adjustment means in the form of brackets 16 that engage with the screw threaded rods 14 and provide a user with a simple way in which to adjust the desired height of the building. In addition to adjusting the height of the entire building, the height of only some of the post members in a building may be adjusted in order to ensure that the resulting 10 building is level. The exact position of the brackets 16 on the post members 1 a, 11 b may be adjusted depending on the desired height of the building. 15 The frame assembly 10 illustrated in Figure 1 further comprises a frame member 17 adapted for connection to the post members I 1a, 11 b. The frame member 17 is a C beam having a flange 18 extending vertically from an upper portion thereof, the flange 18 being adapted to assist with the alignment of wall or floor elements (not shown) thereon. 20 The frame member 17 is connected to the corner post member 11 a using a corner bracket 19, and to the intermediate post member 11 b using an intermediate bracket 20. The brackets 19, 20 are held in place on the post members I la, 1 b and frame 25 member 17 by attaching the brackets 19, 20 using TEC screws 21. In Figure 2 there is illustrated a plan view of a floor frame layout according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the floor frame comprises an opposed pair of frame members 17 interconnected at opposed ends by a pair of C 30 beams joined together so as to form an I- or H-shaped beam 22. In addition, a further beam 22 of this type is connected parallel to and intermediate the frame members 17. The floor frame is completed by the connection of a plurality of C-beams 23 extending between the frame members 17.

12 A deck or patio area 24 is also provided at one end of the floor frame. Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of a floor element 25 layout according to an 5 embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a plurality of floor elements 25 are laid out on and secured to the floor frame illustrated in Figure 2. In addition, a plurality of wall elements 26 are secured to the frame members (obscured) and the I or H-shaped beams (obscured). 10 In Figure 4, a ceiling element 27 layout is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, a plurality of ceiling elements 27 are attached to a support frame (obscured). The floor plan of the building located below the ceiling elements 27 is shown in dotted lines 28. 15 Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a ceiling element 27 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ceiling element 27 comprises a core 29 of extruded polystyrene with sandwiched between two layers of fibre cement 30 sheeting. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the fibre cement sheeting 30 layers are each approximately 6mm thick, and the total 20 thickness of the ceiling element is approximately 40mm. In Figure 6, a side view of a roof assembly according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. A wall element 26 is connected to a frame member 17 having a flange 18 for alignment of the wall element 26. Ceiling elements 27 are laid over the 25 top of the wall element 26 providing a flat surface onto which roof trusses 31 may be located and secured using brackets 32. The flat surface provided by the ceiling elements 27 ensures that the roof trusses 31 may be placed onto the flat surface and then installed with ease by a worker also standing on the flat surface created by the ceiling elements 27. In this way, there is no necessity of using heavy equipment (such 30 as cranes) for lifting the roof trusses 31 into position for installation. Roofing panels (not shown) are attached to the roof truss 31 once the roof truss 31 has been secured in place. Roofing panels (not shown) are relatively conventional in 13 design and do not require any specific discussion. Figure 7 illustrates a floor plan of a completed building 33 erected in accordance with the present invention. 5 In Figures 8-11 there are shown steps in the erection of a building 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 8, a first step in the erection of a building 40 is illustrated. A plurality of 10 transom beams 41 are bolted to posts 42. Floor joists 43 are added, as well as diagonal bracing beams 44 and cross-bracing 45. In this Figure, the transom beams 41 are connected so as to form a rectangular ring beam which provides significant rigidity to the building 40. 15 In Figure 9, a second step in the erection of a building 40 is illustrated. Additional transom beams 46 are bolted to the rectangular ring beam. Due to the rigid nature of the rectangular ring beam, the additional transom beams 46 are capable of supporting their own weight. 20 Turning now to Figure 10, Further posts 47 are subsequently connected to the unsupported ends of the additional transom beams 46, along with further diagonal bracing beams (obscured) and cross-bracing 45 if required. Floor joists (obscured) are also added to the building 40 25 After the connection of each set of additional transom beams 46, the level of the building 40 is checked. Once the frame work is complete, a final leveling is performed and then the building 40 is fixed in position. Floor panels 47 are placed in position, along with external wall panels 48 and window 30 panels 49. Door panels (not shown) are also placed in position. Once the external panels are fixed in place, internal wall panels (not shown) are put in place and fixed in position.

14 In Figure 11, ceiling panels 50 are positioned over the building 40 and are adapted for connection to the wall panels 48 and window panels 49. Once in place, a roof truss 51 may then be positioned over the ceiling panels 50. Roof panels (not shown) may then be connected to the roof truss 51 to complete the building 40. 5 In Figures 12-15 and 17, the steps in erecting a building according to a conventional building system are illustrated in the left hand side of the Figures, while the steps in erecting a building according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated in the right hand side of the Figures. In Figure 16, the steps for both the conventional 10 system and the system of the present invention are similar enough that the same illustration suffices for each system. In Figure 12, a building 100 erected according to a conventional erection system is shown in the first stage of construction, while a building 200 erected according to an 15 embodiment of the system of the present invention is also shown in the first stage of construction. In this Figure, the construction of each building 100, 200 is essentially the same, with profiles 101, 201 used to make out the outline of the building 100, 200 and string-lines 102, 202 used to ensure the building 100, 200 is square and level. Post holes 103, 203 may then be dug. To ensure that the buildings 100, 200 are 20 square, the diagonal measurements 104, 204 of the buildings 100, 200 are checked. In Figure 13, the profiles 101 for the building 100 erected using the conventional system are required, unlike those for the building 200 of the present invention. 25 In building 100, a steel post 105 is placed in a post hole 103 in a raised position so as not to touch the ground. Props 106 are put in place and temporarily fixed to allow leveling and aligning to take place. Concrete is then poured into the post hole 103 to retain the post 105. Levels and alignment are then re-checked. This procedure is then repeated for every post hole 103. Further, string-lines are still required for correct 30 placements of the posts. By contrast, in building 200 steel frame members 205 are put together placed in their vertical position and held while additional frame members and bracing are added to 15 produce a rigid rectangle. The remaining frame members 205 can be fixed to the rectangle. A transom 206 is put into position, another post is placed in position and the transom 5 206 and the post are connected to one another. A masonry tile is placed in the bottom of the post holes 203 before the post is located in the hole and adjusters are fixed to the base of the post to provide horizontal bracing. Small adjustments to the vertical position of the posts may be made, before concrete is poured into the post holes and the vertical position of the posts is checked again. 10 Floor joists 207 are put into place across the entire frame until complete. It is envisaged that step 2 of the present invention will take approximately 4 hours. In Figure 14, bearers 107 are added to the conventional building 100. By contrast, the 15 frame of the building 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention has already been completed in Figure 13. In the conventional building 100 illustrated in Figure 15, floor joists 108 are added on top of the bearers 107. Diagonals 104 are checked for squareness of the joists 108. 20 Typically, the joists 108 are cantilevered into position past the bearers 107 to give adjustment is required to set the square. Typically, a string-line 102 is again required for alignment of the floor joists 108. Once correctly aligned, the floor joists may be fixed in place. 25 By contrast, in the building 200, floor joists 207 fit into the side transoms 206 and over the centre transom 208. Bracing ensures that the structure remains square meaning that the joists 207 may be bolted into place immediately. 30 As previously stated, the step in the erection process shown in Figure 16 is the same for both techniques. In this Figure, floor panels 109 are laid. In Figure 17, the final step in the erection processes is shown. In building 100, wall 16 frames 110 are either built on site and placed in an upright position or fabricated off site and located on the building using a crane (not shown). Trusses 111 are then lifted into position by a crane and then fixed in place. 5 Fascia boards 112 are fixed, followed by guttering 113, followed by an insulating blanket and roofing iron. Soffits 114 are framed our and sheeted. Finally, external cladding 115 is fixed. Insulation is added and internal sheeting is fixed. Ceiling are fixed in place and sheeted, before doors and windows are fitted. 10 By contrast, in building 200 modular panels 209 (comprising insulation between internal and external cladding) are added and secured by bolts through the transom. Windows and doors are also formed in panel format and are affixed in the same manner. The modular panels 209 are interlocking. When all of the panels 209 15 (including internal panels) are in place, capping is fixed to the tops of the panels 209 to hold the panels 209 straight and rigid. Typically, the transoms have an upturned lip to maintain the panels 109 in the correct alignment. Insulated reinforced ceiling panels 210 are located in position and then fixed in place 20 to be cantilevered outwards to form a soffit. Light weight trusses 211 are placed in position, however no fascia is required. The benefits of the building 200 of the present invention are that skilled labour is required only in the first stage illustrated in Figure 12. No heavy machinery is 25 required, and it is envisaged that a 170m 2 building may be constructed by three workers in under 21 working days. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be 30 understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A system for erecting a building, the system comprising: erecting a building frame assembly; 5 connecting one or more floor elements, one or more wall elements and one or more ceiling elements to the building frame assembly to form a semi-erected building; and erecting a roof assembly over the semi-erected building.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the building frame assembly comprises 10 a plurality of substantially horizontal frame members and a plurality of substantially vertical post members.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the substantially vertical post members are provided with height adjustment means in an upper region thereof whereby the location of the point at which a horizontal frame member is connected to a 15 vertical post member is adjustable.

4. A system according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the substantially vertical post members are provided with height adjustments means in a lower region thereof.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the height adjustments means are 20 adapted for connection to anchoring means.

6. A system according to any on of the preceding claims wherein the building frame assembly is provided with alignment means to allow for the correct alignment of the one or more wall elements thereon.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of 25 the one or more wall elements is provided with an opening therein.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein the opening is provided with a door, window or air vent.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the one or more wall elements is provided with roof fixing means. 30

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more wall elements comprise one or more external wall elements and one or more internal wall elements.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the roof 18 assembly comprises one or more roof trusses adapted for connection to the one or more ceiling elements.

12. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the length and width of the floor elements and ceiling elements are 600mm or a multiple 5 thereof.

13. A method of erecting a building, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a site on which the building is to be erected; (b) erecting a building frame assembly comprising a plurality of frame members on the site; 10 (c) attaching one or more floor elements, one or more wall elements and one or more ceiling elements to the building frame assembly; (d) positioning one or more roof trusses above the one or more ceiling elements; and (e) attaching one or more roof members to the one or more roof trusses. 15

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the site on which the building is to be erected is prepared by one or more of clearing the site, leveling the site, digging one or more post holes or laying a concrete slab.

15. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein step (c) further comprises the step of adjusting the level of the floor elements to ensure that 20 the floor of the building is flat.

16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein step (c) further comprises the step of installing one or more internal walls within the building

17. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the length and width of the floor elements and ceiling elements is 600mm or a multiple 25 thereof.

18. A system for erecting a building, the system comprising: a plurality of frame members; a plurality of floor elements, wall elements and ceiling elements; and a plurality of roof members, 30 wherein the floor elements and the ceiling elements are fabricated such that the length and width dimensions of the floor elements and the ceiling elements are 600mm or a multiple thereof.

19. A system for erecting a building substantially as hereinbefore described with 19 reference to the drawings.

20. A method for erecting a building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. 5