AU2015230780A1 - Modular building structures - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention resides in an improved modular building structure (100) comprising a collapsible structural frame (200) comprising a 5 roof frame (400) and a base frame (300) detachably connectable via at least one removable column (500) and plurality of interchangeable external wall panels (600) attachable to the structural frame (200). In a collapsed state, the at least one removable column (500) is accommodated in a space (160) between the roof frame (400) and the adjacent base frame (300). 1187163v1 </0 in Figure 1

Description

1 TITLE MODULAR BUILDING STRUCTURES FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to buildings and dwellings for temporary and permanent accommodation. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a modular building structure suitable for temporary and/or permanent accommodation which is collapsible for easy storage and transportation. However, it will be appreciated that the present 10 invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Modular building structures are widely used throughout the world to provide temporary and permanent accommodation. Modular building 15 structures generally comprise pre-fabricated buildings or building modules which are usually assembled on a site-prepared foundation. Those structures which are intended for temporary use can be disassembled and removed from the site after use. United States Patent No. 4955174 describes a modular building 20 comprising a roof connected to a plurality of support frame members via releasable fasteners which can be removed to allow the roof to be lifted off and placed on the ground adjacent to the building. While the roof can be removed to transport the building as separate parts, the building and its separate parts are still bulky and cumbersome to transport. 1187163v1 2 United States Patent No. 3984953 describes a transportation assembly for a modular building formed from a planar shell half and a concavo-convex shell half within which components of the modular building are transported. The planar shell half can form an underlying support 5 surface or floor of the modular building and the concavo-convex shell half can form a roof of the modular building. Wall components, which can be accommodated within the assembly during transportation, extend between the underlying support surface or floor and the roof. One drawback of this transportation assembly resides in the concavo-convex shell half, which 10 prevents safe and stable stacking of multiple assemblies for transportation. In addition, the construction and layout of the modular buildings of United States Patent No. 4955174 and United States Patent No. 3984953 are limited in that their configurations are fixed and cannot be easily altered to suit different environments and requirements. 15 In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system and/or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. 20 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an improved modular building structure that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. 1187163v1 3 It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an improved modular building structure which can be readily stored and transported in a collapsed state, and easily erected and altered to suit different environments and requirements. 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in an improved modular building 10 structure comprising: a collapsible structural frame comprising a roof frame and a base frame detachably connectable via at least one removable column; and a plurality of interchangeable external wall panels attachable to the structural frame; 15 wherein, in a collapsed state, the at least one removable column is accommodated in a space between the roof frame and the adjacent base frame. Preferably, the base frame comprises at least one longitudinal member and at least one transverse member for supporting a floor cladding 20 for the modular building structure. Preferably, the base frame comprises at least one, and preferably four, vertical supports located at each corner of the base frame. 1187163v1 4 Preferably, the vertical supports are hollow to receive a respective connecting portion of the roof frame or a respective removable column therein. Preferably, the roof frame comprises a pair of spaced apart frame 5 members positioned on opposing sides of the modular building structure. Preferably, the pair of spaced apart frame members are connected via a transverse support member at each end of the modular building structure. Preferably, the frame members comprise a channel attached to or 10 integrally formed with the frame members for slidably receiving an edge of at least one roof panel. Preferably, provided at the bottom exposed ends of the frame members is a connection portion to be received within the respective vertical supports of the base frame to detachably mount the roof frame to the base 15 frame, when the modular building structure is in a collapsed state. Preferably, in an erected state, the removable columns are inserted in respective vertical supports between the base frame and the roof frame. Preferably, the removable columns are hollow at a first end to receive a respective connecting portion of the roof frame and comprise a connecting 20 portion at a second end for connection to the vertical support of the base frame. 1187163v1 5 Preferably, the modular building structure comprises at least one end bracing wall attached to the structural frame at an end of the modular building structure from providing structural support. Suitably, the end bracing wall bears on the bracket member of the 5 support feet at each end of the modular building structure, abutting the base frame and extending down beyond the level of the floor. Suitably, the end bracing wall panel comprises an elongate opening at a top end or at a mid level of the end bracing wall panel. Suitably, the end bracing wall panel comprises an opening that allows 10 entry and egress via one or more suitably positioned doors. Preferably, each interchangeable wall panel comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate panel frame members and at least one removable panel sheet. Preferably, each removable panel sheet is positionable with respect 15 to the pair of spaced apart elongate panel frame members according to the purpose of the wall panel. Preferably, the panel sheets are installed horizontally within the frame members to ensure the correct orientation of a patterned finish. Preferably, the modular building structure comprises a sliding 20 mechanism for operable wall panels and sliding doors, the sliding mechanism having a sliding track operatively engageable with at least one roller connected to the sliding door or operable wall panel. 1187163v1 6 Suitably, the sliding mechanism comprises a pelmet member which is connected to an inner side of the roof frame such that all connections will be concealed. Preferably, the modular building structure further comprises a plurality 5 of support feet mountable to the underside of the base frame to support the modular building structure. Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like features have like reference numerals, wherein: FIG 1 shows a modular building structure in a collapsed state 15 according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG 2 shows two of the modular building structures of FIG 1 in a stacked arrangement for transportation; FIG 3 shows a collapsible structural frame of the modular building structure in an erected state; 20 FIG 4 shows the stages of erection for the modular building structure of FIG 1; FIG 5 shows the connection of at least one interchangeable panel to the modular building structure in an erected state; 1187163v1 7 FIG 6 shows a sliding mechanism of the modular building structure according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG 6a shows a close up view of the sliding mechanism of FIG 6 according to embodiments of the present invention; 5 FIG 7 shows a pair of adjacent modular building structures connected together according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG 8 shows a basic module of a modular building structure according to embodiments of the present invention in an erected state; and FIGS 9 - 15 show two or more modular building structures connected 10 together according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to improved modular building structures suitable for temporary and 15 permanent accommodation. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be used to provide accommodation relating to many different applications such as holiday accommodation, camping accommodation and temporary accommodation used for respite care in the event of natural disasters and the like. It will be 20 appreciated that variations may need to be made as required. Referring to FIG 1, the improved modular building structure 100 is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG 1 shows the present invention when it is in a collapsed state for storage or 1187163v1 8 transportation. According to preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the modular building structure 100 are such that it can be efficiently stacked in a conventional twenty feet (six metre) or forty feet (twelve metre) shipping container. Preferably, four modular building structures 100 can be 5 transported in their collapsed state via semi-trailer without any restrictions. Accordingly, in some embodiments the modular building structure 100 illustrated will be about six metres in length and about two and a half metres wide. However, it is envisaged that the dimensions of the modular building structure 100 as a whole and/or its individual components can be varied as 10 required. In the collapsed state illustrated in FIG 1, the modular building structure 100 comprises a collapsible structural frame 200 made of a metal material, comprising a base frame 300 and a roof frame 400 detachably connectable via at least one removable column 500. Preferably, the 15 collapsible structural frame is made of an aluminium material. However, it is envisaged that any other materials suitable for outdoor use may also be utilised. In a collapsed state, the at least one removable column 500 is accommodated in a space 160 between the roof frame 400 and the adjacent base frame 300. It will be appreciated that the collapsible structural frame 20 200 can comprise bolted, welded or collapsible structural systems of varying material types. According to some embodiments, the modular building structure 100 comprises a plurality of support feet 310 mountable to the underside of the 1187163v1 9 base frame 300 to support the modular building structure 100. The support feet 310 are secured to the base frame 300 via a bracket member 311 or other suitable mounting means. In an alternative embodiment, the support feet 310 can be height adjustable so that the modular building structure 100 5 can be supported on uneven ground surfaces. It is envisaged that the design of the support feet 310 can be varied to suit different ground surfaces. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the support feet 310 can be replaced with a pontoon or the like to enable the structure to be used on water. 10 The base frame 300 comprises at least one longitudinal member 320 and at least one transverse member 321 for supporting a floor cladding, such as floor boards or sheeting, for the modular building structure 100. The longitudinal members 320 and transverse members 321 define hollow spaces or voids underneath the floor cladding suitable for the storage of 15 liquid storage tanks for fresh water, grey water and black water wastes, floatation tanks or the like if required. The base frame 300 further comprises at least one, and preferably four, vertical supports 330 located at each corner of the base frame 300. According to some embodiments, the vertical supports 330 are hollow to receive a connecting portion of the roof frame 20 400, as shown in the collapsed state is FIG 1, or to receive the column 500 therein. The roof frame 400 comprises a pair of spaced apart frame members 420 positioned on opposing sides and connected via a transverse support 1187163v1 10 member 430, shown more clearly in FIG 3. Preferably, the frame members 420 comprise a channel 450 for slidably receiving an edge of at least one roof panel 440, as shown in FIG 1. Preferably, the channels 450 support at least one roof panel 440 and in some embodiments, also provide a 5 channel/gutter for water collection purposes or for running wiring for electrical services. The channel 450 is attached to or integrally formed with the frame members 420 such that it has a predetermined fall to prevent settling of water on the roof. It is envisaged that more than one roof panel 440 can be attached to the roof frame 400 to achieve the desired length and 10 width for the roof. A sealant can be applied to a join between adjacent roof panels 440 to prevent water ingress. It will be appreciated that the roof can fall at varying angles to suit the length of the modular building structure 100 and can be of one of the following roof types: skillion; pitch; curved. Provided at the bottom exposed ends of the frame members 420 is a 15 connection portion (not illustrated). The connection portions are received within the respective vertical supports 330 of the base frame to detachably mount the roof frame 400 to the base frame 300, when the modular building structure 100 is in a collapsed state. The modular building structure 100 is transported and delivered to a 20 site in the collapsed state shown in FIG 1. In this embodiment, the other components of the modular building structure 100, such as removable removable columns 500, flooring panels 340 and interchangeable panels 600, are nestled into the space 160 between the base frame 300 and roof 1187163v1 11 frame 400. As shown in FIG 2, multiple modular building structures 100 can be stacked in a collapsed state for space-economical and efficient storage and stable transportation. FIG 2 illustrates two modular building structures 100, one stacked on top of the other in a double stacked collapsed state, but 5 it is envisaged that more that more than two modular structures 100 may be stacked in an alternative embodiment, depending on the mode of transport. It will be acknowledged that the space occupied by the collapsed modular building structures shown in FIGS 1 and 2 can be further reduced by removing the support feet 310 attached to the underside of the base frame 10 300. Referring now to FIG 3, the collapsible structural frame 200 of the modular building structure 100 is shown in an erected state. To achieve the erected state, the roof frame 400 is removed from the base frame 300 and the removable removable columns 500 are inserted between the base frame 15 300 and the roof frame 400. The removable removable columns 500 are preferably hollow at a first end 510 to receive a connecting portion of the roof frame 400 and comprise a connecting portion (not illustrated) at a second end 520 opposing end for connection to the vertical support 330 of the base frame 300. However, in an alternative embodiment, the removable 20 columns 500 may be connected to the roof frame 400 and base frame 300 via any other suitable means. In addition to providing support for the roof, the removable columns 500 are designed to enable clear access for electrical wiring and downpipe inserts (not illustrated) for water collection. 1187163v1 12 FIG 4 shows sequentially from left to right the steps of erecting an embodiment of the modular building structure 100 according to the invention. Certain items of detail such as decks, awnings and internal layouts and the like have been omitted from FIG 4 to more clearly illustrate the basic concept 5 of the invention. When the frame is in the collapsed state or the erected state, the floor cladding 340 can be laid flat over the base frame 300 and the roof panels 440 are positioned within the channels 450 on the frame members 420 of the roof frame 400 and secured thereto. According to some embodiments, the 10 length of the roof panels 440 is longer than the length of the modular building structure 100 such that they will protrude on one or both ends of the modular building structure 100 to provide a shelter outside the modular building structure 100. The modular building structure 100 comprises at least one end 15 bracing wall 700 for providing structural support for the modular building structure 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG 4, the modular building structure comprises a pair of end bracing wall panels 700 which are attached to the structural frame 200 at opposing ends of the modular building structure 100 via mechanical fixings. The end bracing wall 700 bears on the 20 bracket member 311 of the support feet 310 at each end of the modular building structure 100, abutting the base frame 300 and extending down beyond the level of the floor. The end bracing wall 700 provides lateral 1187163v1 13 rigidity and resists racking of the structure, for example, in the event of high wind conditions. According to some embodiments, the end bracing wall panel 700 comprises an elongate opening 710 at the top end or at a mid level of the 5 end bracing wall panel 700. Suitably, the opening 710 can remain open to provide ventilation and/or be covered with an insect proof mesh or the like. Alternatively, the opening 710 is adapted to receive a glass panel or the like to provide a window for the end bracing wall panel 700. In a further embodiment, the end bracing wall panel 700 can comprise an opening that 10 allows entry or egress via one or more suitably positioned doors. It is envisaged that the position of the opening 710 can be varied to achieve different configurations for a module of the modular building structure 100. It will be acknowledged that one or more end bracing panels 700 can be removed if not required. 15 An embodiment of a basic module of the modular building structure 100 in an erected state is shown in FIG 5. As illustrated, the modular building structure 100 comprises a plurality of interchangeable external wall panels 600 attachable to the structural frame 200 of the modular building structure 100. Preferably, each wall panel 600 comprises a pair of spaced 20 apart elongate panel frame members 620 and at least one removable panel sheet 610. Preferably, the frame members 620 are in the form of vertical mullions which act as stiffening members for, and frame, the wall cladding panel sheet 610 on both sides. The panel sheet 610 can be made of any 1187163v1 14 suitable material of varying thicknesses to suit different climate conditions. Preferably, the panel sheet 610 is made of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) material. Preferably, the panel sheet 610 is attached at its sides to a channel (not illustrated) provided on the panel frame members 620 and/or the 5 structural frame 200 by way of rivet connection, adhesive and sealant or mechanical fixing or the like. Preferably, when two adjacent wall panels 600 are abutted together and/or against the structural frame 200, a compressible rubber seal (not illustrated) is applied along the length of the outer side of the frame members 620 to create a weatherproof seal. 10 According to some embodiments, the panels 600 have a predetermined width, preferably 1280 millimeters, and a variable length, preferably 3000mm. Suitably, the panels 600 may have an external finish, which may be a printed finish applied during pre-fabrication. The pre-applied finish typically runs horizontally along the panel sheets 610. Thus, traditional 15 vertical installation of the panels generally results in incorrect orientation of a patterned finish. The interchangeable panels 600 of the present invention allow the panel sheets 610 to be installed horizontally within the frame members 620 to ensure the correct orientation of a patterned finish. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the wall panels 600 20 can be in the form of soft side panels (not illustrated) made of a soft material. As illustrated in FIG 5, a fascia column 140 can be attached to the external face of the frame members 620 to act as a secondary connection for adjacent wall panels 600 and/or prefabricated shading structures and a 1187163v1 15 secondary weatherproof seal. The fascia column 140 seals the joint between adjacent panels 600 and provides an aesthetic softening to the external appearance by concealing the joint. Preferably, a flashing 150 is placed over the connected wall panels 600 to provide a weatherproof seal for the 5 exposed line of wall panels 600 and roof beam 420 from water ingress above. The removable panel sheet 610 is positionable with respect to the pair of spaced apart elongate panel frame members according to the purpose of the wall panel 600. For example, the wall panel 600 can comprise 10 a single sheet 610 extending the full length of the elongate panel frame members 620 to provide a solid wall, shown as 600a in FIG 5, or a single, shorter sheet 610 to provide an opening 630 in an upper or lower position depending on the positioning of the sheet 610 relative to the elongate panel frame members 620 as shown in FIG 5. The opening 630 can be provided 15 for a number of purposes including one or more of the following: ventilation, a window or receiving an air conditioner unit, television unit or other device. According to some embodiments, the wall panels 600 can comprise two or more spaced apart sheets 610 of equal or unequal lengths to create one or more openings in the desired positions for a desired purpose, shown as 20 600b in FIG 5. As illustrated in FIG 6, the modular building structure 100 comprises a sliding mechanism 700 for facilitating the sliding of a movable panel relative to the structural frame 200. Preferably, the sliding mechanism 700 is located 1187163v1 16 adjacent the main roof beam formed by the frame member 420, as illustrated in FIG 6. The sliding mechanism 700 comprises a sliding track 720 operatively engageable with at least one roller (not illustrated) connected to an operable panel. The sliding mechanism 700 further comprises a pelmet 5 member 730 which is connected to the inner side of the roof beam 420 such that all connections will be concealed when viewed from the interior of the modular building structure 100. According to some embodiments, the interchangeable wall panels 600 are connected to the roof frame 400 via a joining member or plate 401 10 provided on the roof frame 400, as illustrated in FIGS 6 and 6a. The joining member or plate 401 is also utilised for a frame-to-frame splice connection such that the roof frames 400 of adjacent modular building structures 100 can be connected together, as shown in FIG 7. In this embodiment, the connection between the adjacent roof beams 420 will provide a double 15 sliding mechanism for movable panels to be provided on either side of the roof frame 400. According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG 8, the modular building structure 100 comprises at least one movable panel 610 such as a sliding door or movable partition or the like. The modular building structure 20 100 comprises at least one extension attachable to the structural frame 200, via a mounting bracket or other suitable securing means (not illustrated), at a point suitable for its intended purpose. Preferably, a first extension 120 is a deck or porch which is attached to the front of the base frame 300 to provide 1187163v1 17 a porch. The deck 120 can have one or more levels stepping up to the door 610 of the modular building structure 100. The deck 120 can also have adjustable support feet 121 similar to the base frame 300, which can be adjusted to create a ramp for access by disabled persons or similar. 5 Preferably, a second extension is an awning 130 attached to the roof frame 400 to provide shading and privacy screening over openings and windows. It is envisaged that the modules 100, decks 120 and shade structures 130 can be repositioned or expanded to modify and/or extend the usable areas of the modular building structure 100. The basic module of the 10 modular building structure 100 can be furnished or fitted as desired to suit different needs and requirements. It is envisaged that additional modules (not illustrated) could be added on, or implemented within, the basic module. The additional modules may include one or more of the following: personal hygiene module having a toilet, a wash basin and/or a shower; utility 15 modules having storage compartments, a refrigerator, a stove and oven or the like. FIGS 9 to 15 illustrate embodiments of the present invention having two or more modules connected together either in an end-to-end or a side by-side configuration. Internal design flexibility is provided through the use of operable panels, sliding doors and modular utility units. 20 In a further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that one or more wall panels 600 can be in the form of an awning wall panel comprising a hinge mechanism (not illustrated), which enables the wall panel to be opened outwardly from the modular building structure 100 to provide an 1187163v1 18 outdoor undercover area. Hence, the modular building structure 100 of the present invention thus provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing an improved modular building structure 100 which is based on 5 minimising waste of materials, ease of assembly, transportability, ease of maintenance, minimal use of traditional building trades, affordability and sustainability. The preferred material of aluminium is both strong and lightweight thus providing sufficient structural integrity whilst enabling a single person to manoeuvre all components of the modular building structure 10 100. Using aluminium also enables the components to be extruded or otherwise formed with straight, sharp edges. Aluminium also has an aesthetically pleasing finish and does not require additional coating to provide weather protection. Process engineering has ensured that prefabrication of the modular 15 building structure 100 will be more cost-effective compared to traditional prefabricated homes currently in the marketplace. The modular building structure 100 provides a simple, clean and well-proportioned product that exudes efficient design and is aesthetically pleasing. The modular building structure comprises a wall panel system which is interchangeable and fully 20 removable without compromising the structural integrity of the frame. For example, a wall panel 600 can be easily removed to make way for a door opening without needing to disassemble the modular building structure 100. The compact nature of the basic module of the modular building 1187163v1 19 structure 100 when collapsed, allows for efficient storage and transportation of the modular building structure 100 as required. The modular building structures 100 are also collapsible unlike some of the prior art. The robust, yet lightweight, structure permits transportation into remote areas by various 5 transport means. The structures 100 can be rapidly, easily and intuitively assembled with limited or no instructions and without the need for skilled labour or resources, such as specialized assembly tools. Where the basic module is utilized to deliver emergency shelter after, for example, a natural disaster, storage containers may include medical supplies, foodstuffs, 10 blankets, clothing, cooking and/or heating or the like appropriate to the circumstances of need. The modular building structure can be varied to suit specific site orientation, budget and owner requirements including internal layouts and module finishes. Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the 15 invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 1187163v1

Claims (20)

1. An improved modular building structure comprising: a collapsible structural frame comprising a roof frame and a base 5 frame detachably connectable via at least one removable column; and a plurality of interchangeable external wall panels attachable to the structural frame, the plurality of interchangeable external wall panels comprising: a pair of spaced apart panel frame members; and 10 at least one removable panel sheet positionable with respect to the pair of spaced apart panel frame members according to the purpose of the wall panel; wherein, in a collapsed state, the at least one removable column is accommodated in a space between the roof frame and the adjacent base 15 frame.

2. The improved modular building structure of claim 1, wherein the base frame comprises at least one longitudinal member and at least one transverse member for supporting a floor cladding for the modular building 20 structure. 21

3. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, wherein the base frame comprises at least one vertical support located at each corner of the base frame. 5

4. The improved modular building structure of claim 3, wherein the vertical supports are hollow to receive a respective connecting portion of the roof frame or a respective removable column therein.

5. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, 10 wherein the roof frame comprises a pair of spaced apart frame members positioned on opposing sides of the modular building structure.

6. The improved modular building structure of claim 5, wherein the pair of spaced apart frame members are connected via a transverse support 15 member at each end of the modular building structure.

7. The improved modular building structure of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the frame members comprise a channel attached to the frame members for slidably receiving an edge of at least one roof panel. 20

8. The improved modular building structure of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the frame members comprise a channel integrally formed with the frame members for slidably receiving an edge of at least one roof panel. 22

9. The improved modular building structure of any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein, provided at the bottom exposed ends of the frame members is a connection portion to be received within the respective vertical supports of 5 the base frame to detachably mount the roof frame to the base frame, when the modular building structure is in a collapsed state.

10. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim wherein, in an erected state, the removable columns are inserted in 10 respective vertical supports between the base frame and the roof frame.

11. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, wherein the removable columns are hollow at a first end to receive a respective connecting portion of the roof frame and comprise a connecting 15 portion at a second end for connection to the vertical support of the base frame in an erected state.

12. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one end bracing wall attached to the structural frame at 20 an end of the modular building structure for providing structural support in an erected state. 23

13. The improved modular building structure of claim 12, wherein in an erected state, the end bracing wall bears on the bracket member of the support feet at each end of the modular building structure, abutting the base frame and extending down beyond the level of the floor. 5

14. The improved modular building structure of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein in an erected state, the end bracing wall panel comprises an elongate opening at a top end or a mid level of the end bracing wall panel. 10 15. The improved modular building structure of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the end bracing wall panel comprises an opening that allows entry and egress via one or more doors.

15

16. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, wherein in an erected state, the panel sheets are installed horizontally within the frame members to ensure the correct orientation of a patterned finish. 20

17. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, further comprising a sliding mechanism for operable wall panels and sliding doors, the sliding mechanism having a sliding track operatively engageable with at least one roller connected to the operable wall panels or the sliding doors. 24

18. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a pelmet member which is connected to an inner side of the roof frame such that all connections will be 5 concealed.

19. The improved modular building structure of any preceding claim, wherein the modular building structure further comprises a plurality of support feet mountable to the underside of the base frame to support the 10 modular building structure.

20. An improved modular building structure as substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15