AU2011202489A1 - Building module - Google Patents

Abstract

-32 Apparatus for use in constructing a building, the apparatus including a transportable module including a base for positioning on a substrate in use, load bearing walls, and a roof supported 5 by the walls, wherein in use, the module provides structural support to one or more building elements coupled thereto. Fig. 1A Fig. 1A Fig. 1B

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (ORIGINAL) Name of Applicant: Podfirst Pty Ltd Actual Inventors: Alan Gayne Emblin Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, Level 10, 301 Coronation Drive, Milton 4064, Queensland. Invention Title: "Building module" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2010902390, filed 1 June 2010 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: i flne BUILDING MODULE Background of the Invention This invention relates to apparatus for use in constructing a building, and in particular, a module for use in constructing a building, as well as a method for constructing the module 5 and a method of constructing a building using the module. Description of the Prior Art The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from 10 it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. It is known to provide modules for use in constructing buildings. One example is described in US-6,493,996, in which a prefabricated room module is used for the construction of a modular building. The room module comprises a floor slab of generally rectangular shape in 15 plan, and load bearing walls formed at adjacent sides of the slab and mutually adjoining at a common corner. The module has no ceiling slab opposite the floor slab and an open face opposite one of the load bearing walls which constitutes a party wall. Opposite another of the load bearing walls the module may be open or include a further wall which can have an access opening therein for providing service access to a kitchen or bathroom pod installed in 20 a corner of the module. Edges of the floor slab have projecting tongues and fastening means for engaging complementary recesses and fastening means respectively of an adjacent module. The module may have a ceiling slab instead of a floor slab. However, the above described arrangement suffers from a number of disadvantages. For example, the structure is open at either the roof or floor, and therefore needs to be arranged in 25 conjunction with other modules, and cannot therefore be used independently. Additionally, this impacts on the overall strength of the module, making the module difficult to transport. This also renders the inside of the module susceptible to damage during installation. A -2 further drawback of this arrangement is that modules are only designed for use with other modules, thereby reducing the flexibility that can be achieved in constructing a final building. Summary of the Present Invention In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide apparatus for use in constructing a 5 building, the apparatus including a transportable module including: a) a base for positioning on a substrate in use; b) load bearing walls; and, c) a roof supported by the walls, wherein in use, the module provides structural support to one or more building elements coupled thereto. 10 Typically at least part of the base, the walls and the roof are formed from reinforced concrete. Typically the base includes a plurality of polystyrene blocks at least partially overlaid with concrete. Typically the polystyrene blocks are arranged in a grid with spaces therebetween, the spaces being filled with concrete. 15 Typically at least one of the side walls includes a wall panel having: a) first and second wall sheets; b) a number of elongate spacer members for supporting the wall sheets in a spaced apart arrangement; and, c) a filling material provided between the first and second sheets. 20 Typically the wall sheets are fibre cement sheets. Typically the filling material is concrete. Typically at least one spacer member includes: a) first and second studs for coupling to inner faces of the first and second wall sheets respectively; and, 25 b) a plurality of spacers, each spacer engaging a respective first and second stud.

-3 Typically each stud includes: a) a substantially flat head for coupling to the face of a wall sheet; and, b) a pair of spaced apart flanges extending from the head to thereby define a recess for receiving a finger of each spacer. 5 Typically each wall sheet includes a plurality of spacer members arranged substantially in parallel. Typically spacer members are bonded to the wall sheets using adhesive. Typically the spacer members define supports for receiving reinforcing members. Typically the apparatus includes a track defining spaced apart channels for receiving the first 10 and second wall sheets. Typically the walls and base are at least partially integrally formed. Typically concrete in the base extends through an aperture provided in a wall sheet of the at least one of the walls. Typically the roof includes: 15 a) a sheet defining a ceiling; b) a plurality of polystyrene blocks provided on the sheet; and c) concrete overlaid on the blocks. Typically the roof includes at least one sheet extending across gaps between at least some of the blocks, the at least one sheet defining one or more voids in the roof. 20 Typically the roof includes at least one reinforcing rib extending across the roof between at least two of the blocks, the at least one reinforcing rib including a reinforcing member. Typically at least one of the walls includes an opening including at least one of a window and a door. Typically the module is adapted for use as a storm shelter.

C:NKPortbl\UUL\5hH1iUJ 22J /_1j.U-2WU3/U I I -4 Typically the apparatus includes a frame removably mounted to the module, the frame being for supporting the module during transport. Typically the building elements include at least one of: a) a building wall; 5 b) a building floor; and, c) a building roof. Typically the module includes at least one fixture. Typically the module includes at least one connector for connecting the at least one fixture to a utility connection. 10 Typically the at least one connector extends through at least one of the floor and the wall. Typically the at least one fixture is at least one of: a) a bathroom fixture; b) a kitchen fixture; c) a plunge pool; 15 d) a water storage cavity; and, e) a staircase. Typically the at least one connector extends through at least one of the floor and the wall. In a second broad form the present invention seeks to provide a method of constructing a transportable module for use in constructing a building, the method including constructing a 20 base, load bearing walls and a roof on a releasable substrate, wherein in use, the module provides structural support to one or more building elements coupled thereto. Typically the method includes constructing at part of the base, the walls and the roof with reinforced concrete. Typically the method of constructing the base includes: 25 a) providing a plurality of polystyrene blocks in a grid with spaces therebetween; and, b) filling the spaces and overlaying at least part of the polystyrene blocks with concrete.

-5 Typically at least one of the side walls includes a wall panel and wherein the method of constructing the wall panel includes: a) providing first and second wall sheets held in a spaced apart arrangement by a number of elongate spacer members; and, 5 b) providing a filling material provided between the first and second sheets. Typically the method includes positioning reinforcing members on the spacer members. Typically the method includes positioning a track defining spaced apart channels on a substrate and mounting the first and second wall sheets in the channels. Typically the method includes: 10 a) providing an aperture in at least one of the wall sheets; and, b) providing concrete such that concrete in the base extends through the aperture in the at least one wall sheet. Typically the method includes constructing the roof by: a) providing a sheet defining a ceiling; 15 b) positioning a plurality of polystyrene blocks on the sheet; and c) overlaying concrete on the blocks. Typically the method includes: a) positioning at least one sheet extending across gaps between at least some of the blocks; and 20 b) overlaying the concrete on the at least one sheet to thereby define one or more voids in the roof. Typically the method includes providing at least one connector for connecting the at least one fixture to a utility connection. In a third broad form the present invention seeks to provide a method of constructing a 25 building using a transportable module, the transportable module including: a) a base for positioning on a substrate in use, the base defining a floor; b) load bearing walls; -6 c) a roof supported by the walls; and, i) positioning the module on a substrate; and, ii) connecting at least one building element to the module, the building element forming part of the building. 5 Typically the module includes at least one fixture for connection to a utility, and wherein the method includes connecting the at least one fixture to a utility. Typically the method includes: a) constructing a floor slab, the floor slab extending from the module, such that a surface of the floor slab is level with a surface of the base; 10 b) providing at least one building wall, the building wall being coupled to the module; and, c) providing a building roof. Typically the method includes: a) providing dowels extending outwardly from the walls; and, 15 b) embedding the dowels in at least one of the floor slab and the at least one building wall. Typically the method of constructing the floor slab includes: a) providing a plurality of polystyrene blocks in a grid with spaces therebetween; and, b) filling the spaces and overlaying at least part of the polystyrene blocks with concrete. 20 Typically at least one of the building walls includes a wall panel and wherein the method of constructing the wall panel includes: a) providing first and second wall sheets held in a spaced apart arrangement by a number of elongate spacer members; and, b) providing a filling material provided between the first and second sheets. 25 Typically the method includes positioning reinforcing members on the spacer members. Typically the method includes positioning a track defining spaced apart channels on a substrate and mounting the first and second wall sheets in the channels.

L:\NKY'OT0\U~tilU0443/_A-~U IU3/U -7 Typically the method includes providing a number of modules in a stacked arrangement. Typically the method includes providing at least one support column extending through the stacked modules. In a fourth broad form the present invention seeks to provide apparatus for use in 5 constructing a building, the apparatus including a transportable module including: a) a base for positioning on a substrate in use; b) load bearing walls; c) a roof supported by the walls; and, d) at least one fixture. 10 Typically the at least one fixture is for connection to a utility In a fifth broad form the present invention seeks to provide a method of constructing a transportable module for use in constructing a building, the method including constructing a base, load bearing walls and a roof on a releasable substrate, and providing at least one fixture in the module. 15 In a sixth broad form the present invention seeks to provide a method of constructing a building using a transportable module, the transportable module including: a) a base for positioning on a substrate in use, the base defining a floor; b) load bearing walls; c) a roof supported by the walls; and, 20 d) at least one fixture and wherein the method includes: i) positioning the module on a substrate; and, ii) connecting the at least one fixture to a utility. Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the 25 accompanying drawings, in which: Figure IA is a schematic perspective view of an example of a building module; Figure IB is a schematic plan view of the module of Figure 1 A; -8 Figure 1 C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the module of Figure 1 A; Figure ID is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the module of Figure IA; Figure IE is a schematic side view of the module of Figure IA incorporating a number of fixtures; 5 Figure IF is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the arrangement of Figure 1E; Figure 1G is a schematic cross-sectional side view of part of a building incorporating the module of Figure lA; Figure 1 H is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the arrangement of Figure 1 G; Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a second example of a building module; 10 Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the module of Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a first stage of construction of the module of Figure 2A; Figure 2D is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the first stage of construction of the module of Figure 2A; 15 Figure 2E is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a second stage of construction of the module of Figure 2A; Figure 2F is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the second stage of construction; Figure 2G is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a third stage of construction of the module of Figure 2A; 20 Figure 2H is a cross-sectional end view of the third stage of construction; Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a fourth stage of construction of the module of Figure 2A; Figure 2J is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the fourth stage of construction; Figure 2K is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing an example of a first stage of 25 construction of a building using the module of Figure 2A; Figure 2L is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the arrangement of Figure 2K; Figure 2M is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing an example of a second stage of construction of a building using the module of Figure 2A; Figure 2N is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the arrangement of Figure 2M; 30 Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a building incorporating the module of Figure 2M; -9 Figure 3A is a schematic plan view of an example of a building module incorporating a kitchen and bathroom; Figure 3B is a schematic side view of the module of Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a second schematic side view of the module of Figure 3A; 5 Figure 4A is a schematic plan view of a first example of a building incorporating a number of modules; Figure 4B is a schematic plan view of an example of a first one of the modules of the building of Figure 4A; Figure 4C is a schematic plan view of an example of a second one of the modules of the 10 building of Figure 4A; Figure 4D is a schematic plan view of an example of a third one of the modules of the building of Figure 4A; Figure 5A is a schematic end view of an example of a module attached to a frame; Figure 5B is a schematic side view of the module and frame of Figure 5A; 15 Figure 6A is a schematic plan view of a second example of a building incorporating a module; Figure 6B is a schematic perspective view of the building of Figure 6A; Figure 6C is a second schematic perspective view of the building of Figure 6A; Figure 7A is a schematic plan view of an example of a building incorporating a number of 20 modules for providing water storage; Figure 7B is a schematic side of the building of Figure 7A; Figure 8A is a schematic side view of an example of a number of stacked modules; Figure 8B is a schematic plan of the stacked modules of Figure 8A; and, Figure 8C is a second schematic plan of an example of stacked modules showing connections 25 to utilities. Figure 9A is a schematic plan view of a further example of a module; Figure 9B is a schematic plan view of a building including the module of Figure 9A; and, Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of an example of a building incorporating a further example module.

L riOfl0DIU tflrucOVWJ / .UUL-4/U3/4U I -10 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments An example of a module for use in building will now be described with reference to Figures 1A to 1D. In this example, the module 100 includes a base 110, load-bearing side walls 120 and a roof 5 130. The side walls 120 may incorporate one or more openings, such as doorways 141 and/or windows 142. In this example, a single doorway 141 and window 142 are shown but it will be appreciated that this is for the purpose of example only and is not intended to be limiting. Typically at least part of the base, the walls and the roof are formed from reinforced concrete, thereby ensuring that the module 100 is sufficiently strong so as to act as a load-bearing 10 structure within a constructed building. As a consequence, it is possible to provide the module as part of the building and effectively construct the remainder of the building around the module so that the module is incorporated into the final building. In this arrangement, the module can provide structural support to one or more building elements coupled thereto, such as building walls, a building roof or the like. Thus, as the module is load-bearing, this allows 15 at least part of the remainder of the building to be supported by the module, thereby enhancing the strength of the building, and reducing the construction requirements associated with the remainder of the building. In one example, the module 100 typically includes one or more fixtures that are to be included in a room or other portion of a constructed building. An example of this is shown in 20 Figures 1E and IF. In this example, the module 100 includes fixtures 151, 152, 153, 154, 155. The fixtures can be of any suitable form depending on how the module is to be used within the constructed building. Thus, for example, if the module is to be used as a bathroom, the module could incorporate a toilet, bath, shower unit, or the like. Alternatively, if the module is to be used 25 as part of a kitchen, the module could be fitted with a kitchen sink, cooker, refrigerator, dishwasher, cabinets, or the like. The module 100 may also include other fixtures such as lighting, tiling, wall or ceiling coverings, or the like. Where applicable the fixtures can - 11 include connectors 157, 158 allowing the fixtures to be connected to required utilities such as electricity, water supply, sewage or the like. Connectors 157, 158 may also be provided to allow connection to external fixtures. For example, gas could be supplied to a module 100 via a first connector with appropriate 5 plumbing and a second connector then being used to provide onward supply to an external wall of the module, allowing this to be used by an outdoor fixture or appliance such as a barbeque, heater or the like. Similar functionality can also be provided with other utilities, such as water, electricity or the like. In one example, the module 100 can be constructed and fitted with any required fixtures at a 10 manufacturing location, before being transported to a building location in a constructed state. By providing any required fixtures the module in effect provides a finished room for inclusion in the building, allowing the module to be incorporated into a building on-site without requiring additional fitting out by skilled personnel, such as plumbers, electricians, or the like. This reduces the requirement for skilled personnel when constructing a building, 15 which can help reduce construction costs and overcome issues of labour shortages, which often arise in remote locations, or where skilled labour is in short supply. In addition to this, because the module is formed from reinforced concrete, the module is sufficiently resilient to damage during transport and installation that this allows the building to be constructed around the module without risk of damage to the fixtures within the 20 module, thereby further facilitating this process. The strength of the module also allows building elements, such as building walls, floors and roofs to be directly coupled to and supported by the module. This allows the module to act as the structural core of a building significantly simplifying the construction of the remainder of the building. An example of the process of constructing a building using the module of Figure 1 A will now 25 be briefly described with reference to Figures 1 G and 1 H. In this example, the module 100 is generally positioned on a substrate 160, which is typically the ground. In particular, the base 110 is designed to provide sufficient support to allow the module 100 to be mounted directly on the ground 160 with only minimal preparation, such as -12 flattening or the like. As a result it is not generally necessary to provide a concrete slab or other foundations for supporting the module as is the case with traditional building arrangements. Once the module 100 has been positioned, a floor slab 170 for the remainder of the building 5 can be constructed around the module 100. As shown, the floor slab 170 is designed such that an upper surface of the floor slab 170 is substantially level with an upper surface of the base 110, thereby providing a single integrated floor for the entire building. Following or during construction of the floor slab 170, one or more walls 180 can be constructed with the walls being connected to the module 100 as shown. Finally, any roof 190 can be constructed 10 as required. It will be appreciated from this that the floor slab 170, walls 180 and roof 190 can be connected to, and at least partially directly supported by the module 100. This assists in the building process, allowing the remaining portions of the building to be easily constructed, and reducing the need for skilled labour, thereby making the module suitable for use in 15 remote environments. It will be appreciated that the arrangement shown in Figures 1 G and 1 H is for the purpose of example only and additional exemplary arrangements will be discussed in more detail below. Whilst the module 100 can simply be formed from a reinforced concrete as described above, in another example, the module has a specific arrangement as will now be described with 20 reference to Figures 2A and 2B. In this example, the module 200 includes a base 210, side walls 220 and a roof 230, with openings for a doorway and window being provided as shown at 241 and 242. The base 210 is formed from a number of polystyrene blocks 211 arranged in a grid or other similar arrangement. The polystyrene blocks 211 are overlaid with concrete 213, with the concrete 25 extending down into spaces between the blocks, as shown at 212. The concrete is typically reinforced concrete with a number of reinforcing bars embedded therein, as will be described in more detail below.

C:\KPrblDC\tU I23/lU-20/U3f4Ul I - 13 The side walls 220 are formed from wall panels including first and second wall sheets 221, 222 having a filling material 223, such as concrete, provided therebetween. The wall sheets may be made of any suitable material, and in one particular example are fibre cement sheets. The wall panels may be constructed in any suitable manner and examples of this are 5 described in more detail in pending International Application W02009/070830. In this example, the roof 230 is formed from a first roof sheet 231 having a number of polystyrene blocks 232 positioned thereon. Some of the polystyrene blocks are overlaid with a second sheet 233 to thereby define voids between the polystyrene blocks as shown at 234. The roof sheets may be made of any suitable material, and in one example are fibre cement 10 sheets similar to the wall sheets 221, 222. A concrete layer 236 is provided on the roof sheets 231, 232, with at least some of the concrete extending into gaps 235 between the polystyrene blocks 232 to thereby provide reinforcing ribs extending substantially across the roof. Corner pieces 238 may also be used to couple the roof 230 to the walls 220, although this is not essential and any suitable arrangement may be used. 15 The reinforcing helps provide additional strength to the roof 230, whilst the presence of the voids 234 helps minimise the weight of the roof, thereby balancing strength and weight requirements. In addition to this, the presence of the voids in the roof can act to provide noise insulation, whilst the concrete provides fire protection, which is particularly beneficial when modules 200 are provided in a multi-layer stacked arrangement, as will be described in 20 more detail below. An example process for constructing the module 200 will now be described with reference to Figures 2C to 2L. The construction process is typically performed on a flat substrate from which the constructed module can be easily removed. In one example this is performed on a concrete slab having a polythene sheet or the like provided thereon. It will be appreciated 25 however that any suitable surface may be used. In a first stage of construction as shown in Figures 2C and 2D, the polystyrene blocks 211 are laid out in the arrangement required for the base. As described above, the arrangement is typically a grid or other similar arrangement with spaces 214 provided between the blocks 211. Following the position of the blocks, wall panels consisting of first and second wall -14 sheets 221, 222 separated by spacer members 224 are erected to define a perimeter surrounding the polystyrene blocks 211. The wall sheets 221, 222 are typically held in position using suitable bracing or the like, as described in W02009/070830, thereby ensuring that the wall sheets don't move or separate during filling or the subsequent stages of 5 construction. In this example, a lower portion of the first wall sheet 221 on the inside of the module 200 is removed to provide an aperture 226, extending substantially around the inside of the walls 220. The aperture is sized to correspond to the depth of concrete to be provided on the polystyrene blocks 211, as will be described in more detail below. This allows the 10 polystyrene blocks 211 to abut against the spacer member 224, thereby ensuring a strong structural connection between the floor 210 and the walls 220. The wall sheets 221, 222 may also include any openings required for windows, doorways or the like, although these are not shown in this example for simplicity. In addition to this, the roof 230 is partially constructed by providing the polystyrene blocks 15 232 on the first roof sheet 231. Second roof sheets 233 are then positioned extending across some of polystyrene blocks 232, thereby creating voids 234 which reduce the overall weight of the roof, as well as allowing for fitting of fixtures such as recessed lighting or the like. The partially constructed roof is then aligned with the walls 220, and typically coupled thereto using corner pieces 238, which in one example are formed from aluminium 20 extrusions, or the like. At this stage the roof may be supported internally with suitable formwork. However, as an alternative, the roof may be suspended from a frame 239, using bolts 239A that pass through and engage the roof sheet 231. This can be used to allow access to the inside of the module 200, whilst ensuring that the position of the roof is maintained during the following stages of 25 construction. Reinforcing bars 215, 237 are typically positioned around the polystyrene blocks 211, and within the roof, as shown. The reinforcing bars 215, 237 may be supported in any suitable manner, such as through the use of wire connectors, or the like, and may be provided in the C:\NRPortbl\DCC\b5tMU00,2237_I .UC-20/U20I - 15 form of a mesh, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. In addition to this, further reinforcing bars 225 are provided on the spacer members 224 between the wall panels 221, 222, as shown. Following this, in a second stage shown in Figures 2E and 2F, concrete or another suitable 5 filling material is poured onto the polystyrene blocks 211, to thereby provide a concrete layer 213 covering the blocks 211 and the reinforcing members 215. As part of this process, the concrete 213 flows through the apertures 226 in the first wall sheets 221, to thereby start filling of the wall panels. As a result, the concrete in the base 210 and the walls 220 is formed as a single piece, so that the base 210 and walls 220 are at least partially integrally 10 formed, thereby enhancing the strength of the resulting module 200. Filling with concrete continues after a break of about 30 minutes, so that concrete is provided between the walls sheets 221, 222, thereby filling the walls 220, and embedding the spacer members 224 and reinforcing bars 225, as shown at 223 in Figures 2G and 2H. The 30 minute wait is performed so that the floor begins to set and is not displaced when concrete is 15 poured into the walls, whilst avoiding the formation of a cold joint between the concrete 213, 223. This ensures that the floor 210 and wall 220 are integrally formed, thereby ensuring structural strength is maintained. Concrete pouring then continues on the roof sheets and flows into the upper portions of the walls 220, thereby forming the concrete layer 236, as shown in Figure 2A. 20 As an alternative to the provision of a concrete roof 230, the roof could be formed from a panel system, such as a RitekTM Insulated Roof Panel System. In this example, additional structural strength can be provided through the use of steel bracing or the like. Using a roof panel can make the module more aesthetically pleasing, as well as to allow greater flexibility for integration of the module into a building, for example by allowing the building roof to 25 span the module and other parts of the building, thereby allowing a single roof to be used for the entire building. Omission of the concrete roof 230 can also reduces the overall weight of the module 100, thereby making the module easier to transport. Such weight reduction can be further C:\NKPortb\UULX- kU\5 2J I_1 .UUL-20/U3/UI I -16 enhanced, for example, by only partially filling the walls 220 with concrete prior to transport. In this instance, the floor and walls are partially filled and bracing provided to ensure structural integrity of the module during transport. Once positioned onsite, the walls can be completely filled with concrete, and a roof added as required, as will be appreciated by 5 person skilled in the art. It will also be appreciated that by completing the floor and lower parts of the walls, the partially constructed module not only has a lower overall weight, but also has a lower centre of gravity, thereby further assisting with transport. Once the module 200 is constructed, additional fixtures can be provided as shown generally at 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, in Figures 21 and 2J. As previously mentioned, the fixtures may 10 include connectors 257, 258 for coupling to utilities and as shown in this example, the connectors 257, 258 can extend through the walls 220 and/or base 210 as required. Similarly connectors may extend through the roof, for example to allow electrical connection of recessed lighting 259. It will be appreciated that the location of the connectors will depend on the design of the building in which the modules are used, as well as the utility connections 15 provided on-site. However as the modules can be custom made, the connectors can be arranged to minimise connection requirements on-site. The module 200 may be used in a similar manner to the module 100 described above to allow a building to be constructed, as will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2K to 20. 20 In this example, the module 200 is provided directly onto a substrate such as the ground 260. Again this can be performed with only minimal preparation such as flattening of the ground surface. In the event that utility connections are to be provided, suitable utility pipes or the like 262 will typically be provided in a filled trench within the ground 260. Once the module 200 has been positioned, a small portion of ground underneath the module 200 can be 25 removed to provide a cavity 261. This cavity 261 allows access to the connector 258, allowing this to be connected to the utility pipe 262. Once the connection has been made, the cavity 261 can be filled in. Thus, it will be appreciated that the fixtures can be easily connected to onsite utilities, such as water, sewage, electricity, communications networks or the like.

-17 Following this, the floor slab 270 for the remainder of the building is constructed by providing a number of polystyrene blocks 271 in a grid-like arrangement with a number of spaces 272 therebetween. Reinforcing bars 273 are typically provided in the spaces 272 and above the blocks 271, and these may be supported using any suitable technique. 5 Dowels 274 are inserted into the walls 220 of the module 200 at a height below the surface level of the base 210, and this may be achieved in any suitable manner, such as drilling or the like. Formwork 276 is typically provided surrounding the floor slab area, allowing concrete to be poured onto the blocks 271 to form a concrete layer 275 with the dowels 274 embedded within the concrete 275, thereby coupling the floor slab 270 to the module 200. Following 10 this, the formwork can be removed, as will be understood by persons skilled in the art. As a further alternative, dowels can be replaced by ferrules or the like, to allow reinforcing members within the floor slab to be coupled thereto, thereby further enhancing the coupling between the module and the floor slab. For construction of building walls 280, dowels 284, or other suitable members such as 15 ferrules or the like, are inserted into the walls 220, with first and second walls sheets 281, 282 then being positioned with the dowels 284 therebetween. The wall sheets 281, 282 are then filled with concrete 283, so that the dowels are embedded therein, thereby coupling the resulting wall 280 to the module 200. It will be appreciated from this that the module 200 can be incorporated into the building, 20 with the module base 210 and walls 220 forming an integral part of the building floor and walls. Similarly a building roof or upper floor can be coupled to the roof of the module, thereby allowing the module roof to form part of the building roof, or the floor of an upper level in the building. An example roof structure 290 is shown in Figure 20. In this example, the roof 290 includes 25 sloping faces 291, and support members 292. In use, the support members can advantageously be coupled directly to the module 200, thereby allowing the module to support the majority of the roof weight. In the example of Figure 20, piles 278 are additionally provided to support for the floor slab 270. It will be appreciated that these can -18 be constructed prior to building the floor slab 270, and this may be required depending on the nature of the ground on which the building is provided. A specific example of module adapted to provide a bathroom and kitchen functionality will now be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3C. 5 In this example, the module 300 includes an internal dividing wall 310 that separates the inside of the module into a bathroom 320 and a kitchen 330. The bathroom 320 has a number of fixtures including a sink 321, a toilet 322 and a shower 323, as well as window openings 324 and a door 325. The kitchen 330 has fixtures including a refrigerator 331, oven 332, sink 333, dishwasher 334, cabinets 335, and work surfaces 336, as well as windows 337 and a 10 door 338. This highlights how the module can be adapted for different, and in some cases, multiple uses, thereby making the modules suitable for use in a range of applications. An example of a house design incorporating a number of modules will now be described with reference to Figure 4A. 15 In this example, the house includes three modules 400, 410, 420, which are shown in further detail in Figures 4B to 4D, as well as separate rooms 430, 440, 460, 470, 480 and an entrance corridor 450. The module 400 is designed to act as a kitchen 401 and separate powder room 402. The module 410 provides a bathroom 411, powder room 412 and utility room 413, whilst the module 420 provides a bathroom 421 and corridor/study 422. 20 This example highlights how multiple modules can be provided as part of a house, with the modules acting to provide structural strength, as well as incorporating the major facilities in the form of the kitchen, bathroom and utility rooms. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that during construction of the house, the modules 400, 410, 420, can be initially constructed off-site at a manufacturing facility, with all relevant 25 fixtures being fitted therein, using available skilled labour. The modules are then transported to the house building site, and positioned as shown in Figure 4A. Following this, the floor slab for the rest of the house will be laid, before walls and a roof are provided. As the -19 construction of the floor, walls and roof can be performed relatively easily, which reduces the need for skilled on-site labour. Additionally, as the modules 400, 410, 420 are preformed and the remainder of the house is easy to construct, this allows the entire house to be built rapidly once the modules have been positioned, thereby further reducing construction costs. It will 5 therefore be appreciated that the use of the modules allows houses to be constructed more cheaply and more rapidly than traditional construction. The use of modules can also provide a number of other advantages. For example, as the modules are formed from reinforced concrete, they are extremely robust. This allows the modules to act as storm shelters, for example to protect occupants from hurricane, cyclone, 10 tornados, or the like. With the provision of a suitable door, the modules can also act as panic rooms. The modules are sufficiently strong to allow the modules to be stacked, thereby allowing for multiple levels to be constructed easily. In one example, the modules can include a staircase, further reducing the complexity of constructing a multiple level house or building. 15 The modules can incorporate any fixtures or other features that would normally require significant installation on site, and the examples above of the bathroom and kitchen are not intended to be limiting. The modules can be transported using any suitable technique. However, as the modules have significant weight, typically in the order of several tonnes, a frame can be used to assist with 20 the transportation process. An example of a frame is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. In this example, the frame comprises two cross beams 501, 502, and two diagonal beams 503, 504, mounted in an 'A' shape configuration. The beams may be made of any suitable material, but are typically steel beams that can support the weight of the module. The beams may be coupled to the module 200 using any suitable technique, but are typically attached by 25 bolts extending into the base and roof. The use of the 'A' shape helps provide stability to the module 200 during transport, and is particularly effective at reduce torsional loads, which can cause damage to the module. The cross beam 501 can also act as a lifting point, allowing the module to be lifted by a crane, or other lifting mechanism.

- 20 In one example, lifting is achieved using four lifting systems 510 adapted to be coupled to the cross beams 510. The lifting systems 510 include a support 511, a winch 512, steel cable 513, and supporting feet 514. Operation of the winch 512 can be used to retract the cable 513, thereby lifting the module, with the weight of the module 200 being distributed using the 5 feet 514 to thereby reduce any crushing of the ground. This arrangement is easily portable, whilst allowing the weight of the module to be easily lifted. Additionally, by lifting the module at the corners, this allows a flat bed truck to be positioned under the raised module, so that the module can be easily lowered on to the truck without requiring the use of complex lifting systems. It will be appreciated that the module can also be removed from the truck in 10 a similar manner, allowing the module to be easily positioned on-site during construction of a building. However, it will be appreciated that the above described lifting arrangement is for the purpose of example only, and in practice, any suitable lifting mechanism can be used. A second example of a house incorporating a building module will now be described with 15 reference to Figures 6A to 6C. In this example, the house includes a single building module 600, which provides an ensuite bathroom 610, a laundry 620, a kitchen 630 and a powder room 640, separated by internal walls 601, 602, 603. It will be appreciated that the internal walls 601, 602, 603 may be constructed in a manner similar to the external walls of the building module 600, so the 20 internal walls can provide load support both for the roof of the module and for other building elements, such as the walls and roof of the house. In this example, the bathroom 610 includes a bath and shower unit 611, a sink 612 and a toilet 613, the laundry 620 includes a first cupboard 621, for containing a washing machine 623 and a sink 624 and a second cupboard 622 to provide a linen store. The kitchen 630 25 includes a kitchen unit 631 mounted next an opening 632 to provide an open plan kitchen. Finally the powder room 640 includes a toilet 641 and a sink 642. It will be appreciated from this that building modules can have any dimension and may be divided into any number of rooms as appropriate.

LAJNtU'ORflU~UtflUDO44.,_ £.UUL-4NWVVil - 21 In the current example the house also includes a bedroom 650 and a living/dining room 660. As shown the bedroom and dining/living room are defined by a number of external walls 670 and internal walls 680 together with windows 675 and sliding doors 685. A roof 690 is also provided as shown in Figures 6B and 6C. 5 It will be apparent from the above described example that once the pod is installed the remaining walls that need to be constructed are minimal, making construction of the rest of the house particularly easy. Additionally, at least some of the walls 670 and the roof 690 are at least in part supported by building modules 600. This structural support adds significantly to the strength of the resulting building. As the walls and roof can also be supported by the 10 module 200 during construction this makes the construction process far easier. A further example of the functionality of the pod will now be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. In this example, three pods 700, 710, 720 are aligned to provide a wall for a house. In this example there is a small separation between the pods which is typically filled with a window, 15 wall or the like, although this is not essential and the modules 700, 710 and 720 may be provided in abutment. The building modules 700, 710, 720 are typically used as part of a building provided on the ground 750, which can be of any suitable design, and for the purpose of this example includes walls 730 and a roof 740. Each of the building modules 700, 710 and 720 defines a respective cavity 705, 715, 720 20 which is capable of storing water. In order to achieve this, the inside of the building module will typically be coated with a water resistant material during construction. In this example, the roof 740 is sloped towards a drain 745 allowing rain water to be directly captured within the building modules 700, 710, 720. The water can then be stored subsequent re-use, such as for irrigation or gray water usage. By providing modules storing 25 water as part of the building structure, this substantially increases the thermal mass of the building. This will result in the building maintaining a cooler temperature during hot weather and a warmer temperature during cold weather.

C:\NKPOrtbIlCtU62I/_.UUU-26/U/20I - 22 It will be further appreciated from this that modules can be manufactured to provide for other water storage or usage facilities, such as to provide plunge pools, swimming pools or the like. A further example of usage of the building modules will now be described with reference to Figures 8A to 8C. 5 In this example, three modules 800, 810, 820 are stacked on top of each other to provide part of a multi level building. In this example the lower pods 800, 810 include stairways shown generally at 801, 811, having individual stairs 802, 812, and a respective landing 803, 813. The stairs extend to respective openings 804, 814 provided in the floor and roof of the abutting modules 800, 810; 810, 820. This allows the pods to provide a staircase extending 10 between floors of the resulting building. Providing a staircase in this manner provides a number of benefits. Firstly, the building modules 800, 810, 820 can simply be positioned on site prior to building the rest of the building. Immediately upon positioning as the modules include stairwells access is available to upper floors, even during construction of the lower floors, thereby making construction of 15 the building significantly easier. Secondly, it is not necessary to construct stairs within a completed building, which is generally a significantly labour intensive task and can add to on site costs during building construction. Finally, the modules provide sufficient strength to provide a protected stairwell, which can be important for both structural and safety purposes, for example when providing protect fire exit routes from a building. 20 In one example, additional support columns may be integrated to the stacked building modules as shown at 830. In this example each module includes two columns, but it will be appreciated that this is for the purpose of example only and in practice any number of columns could be used depending on the support requirements for the module arrangement. Each column typically includes a reinforcing bar 831 embedded in concrete 832, and may be 25 constructed in any suitable manner. For example, an individual support column may be constructed in each module so that the support columns simply align when the modules are stacked. Alternatively the building modules can be stacked and the support columns 830 added in after positioning. In this instance, the support column 830 can be added in by .\NKYfnDIRULU\btrI 1U00D /_ U.1W-UJ/VI I - 23 providing an opening in the floor and roof modules during construction. Once positioned, the reinforcing bar can simply be lowered through the openings, and embedded in concrete utilising a suitable formwork arrangement. It will be appreciated that the use of support columns can add significantly to the structural strength of the stacked modules. 5 In Figure 8C, two examples of how access to utilities can be provided are shown. In one example, a utility pipe is provided on the outside of the modules, with connectors 841, 842 extending through the floor or wall of the respective modules 800, 810. This ensures that the roof of each module retains it's integrity, which in turn ensures that noise insulation and fire rating between floors is maintained. 10 Alternatively, a utility pipe 850 can be provided within the modules 800, 810, with the utility pipe 850 exiting the lower module 800 via the module floor and/or wall. In this example, the utility pipe 850 is typically provided behind an internal wall 855, having respective connectors 851, 852 extending therethrough. In this example, by ensuring that the internal wall 850 is fire rated, again fire rating between floors of the building is maintained. 15 A further example module and a house incorporating the module will now be described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. In this example, the module 900 includes a bathroom 910, a laundry 920, a kitchen niche 930 and a living room niche 940, separated by internal walls 901, 902, 903. It will be appreciated that the internal walls 901, 902, 903 may be constructed in a manner similar to the external 20 walls 904, 905, 906 of the building module 900, so the internal walls can provide load support both for the roof of the module and for other building elements, such as the walls and roof of the house. In this example, the bathroom 910 includes a bath or shower unit 911, a sink 912 and a toilet 913, the laundry 620 includes a washing machine space 921, for containing a washing 25 machine, a cupboard 922 and a bench 923, including a sink 924. The kitchen niche 930 includes a kitchen unit 931 having a cook top 932, sink 933, fridge space 934 and dishwasher space 935. The living room niche 940 includes a unit 941 for accommodating a television, study desk or the like.

-24 In this example, the kitchen and living room niches face outwardly from the module. In use, the module can then form part of a building, so that the niches face into the building, as shown for example in Figure 9B. In this example, the module 900 is provided to form a wall of a living/dining room 950, with the niches facing into the room 950 to thereby provide 5 kitchen and living room functionality. It will be appreciated that this allows the module to provide functionality for rooms within a building, without requiring the room is provided within the module itself. Thus, for example, buildings can be constructed around modules, with all facilities incorporated into the modules, thereby vastly reducing the complexity in constructing the remainder of the building. 10 A similar arrangement can also be used to provide facilities external to the completed building, for example, by allowing a barbeque and food preparation area to be incorporated into a niche which faces outwardly from the completed building, for example onto a deck, to thereby provide a barbeque area. In this example, the building also includes bedrooms 960 and decks 970, as shown, although 15 it will be appreciated that this is for the purpose of example only and is not intended to be limiting. An example of a building formed from a single module is shown in Figure 10. In this example, the module 1000 is separated into a bathroom 1010, living area 1020, and kitchen area 1030, to provide a studio style building. An optional external deck 1040 can also be 20 provided, with a common roof 1050, made for example from a roof panel, extending over the module 1000 and external deck 1040. It will be appreciated from this example, that the modules can be used independently to form an entire building, without necessarily requiring additional walls and the like. This allows buildings to be constructed easily simply by positioning of the module, and connection of the 25 fixtures to utility services, as previously described. Additional rooms can then be provided through the provisional of minimal additional building elements, such as walls or the like. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons -25 skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.