AU2018417116A1

AU2018417116A1 - Building including a cantilevered structure

Info

Publication number: AU2018417116A1
Application number: AU2018417116A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Angley
Original assignee: Sponsor Ed Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Sponsor-Ed Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-01
Filing date: 2018-10-01
Publication date: 2020-05-21

Abstract

Abstract A building, supported by a substrate and including at least one upright support fixed at a lower end thereof to the substrate; one or more transverse structures secured to the supports so as to be supported therefrom above the substrate, or each structure comprising at least one section cantilevered from one or more said supports to which that structure is secured; and a tensioned tie arrangement, via which at least one distal part of the or each section is connected to at least one said support from which that section is cantilevered, to transfer loading from the or each section to the supports from it is cantilevered.

Description

BUILDING INCLUDING A CANTILEVERED STRUCTURE

The present invention relates to a building comprising at least one upwardly standing support and a transverse structure cantilevered from the support/s). The invention has particular application to residential buildings, particularly houses, such as free-standing houses, terraced houses, and duplex or triplex houses, though has application also to commercial buildings, such as, for example, office buildings and hotels. The invention has applicability to a wide range of buildings, including, for example, holiday homes, granny flats, studios, home offices, flood relief shelters, temporary living quarters (e.g. on or near mine sites) and pop-up shops.

There is an ongoing need to innovate in the building construction industry, particularly for the purposes of efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a schematic end view, respectively, of a single-storey building including a single row of columns, overhead covering and platform structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a split-level house including two rows of columns, roof and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3A and 3B are a front perspective view and side perspective view, respectively, of another split-level house including two rows of columns, overhead covering and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4A and 4B are a front perspective view and an upper perspective view, respectively, of a single-storey cafe or restaurant building including four rows of columns, overhead covering/roof and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

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-2Figures 5A and 5B are an upper perspective view and front perspective view, respectively, of a two-storey house including single row of columns, roof and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 6A to 6C are a front perspective view, side perspective view and rear perspective view, respectively, of a two-storey house including two rows of columns roof and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 7A to 7D are a side perspective view, front perspective view, rear perspective view and side view, respectively, of a two-storey house including two rows of columns, roof and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 8 A to 8D are a right front lower perspective view, left front lower perspective view, left rear upper perspective view and left front upper perspective view, respectively, of a two-storey house including two rows of columns, overhead covering (including roof) and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 9 A to 9E are perspective views showing details of a support structure of the building of Figures 8A to 8D, and stages in the application of components of the building, including roof and floor surfaces, windows, walls and balustrades, to the support structure;

Figures 10A to 10C are a side upper perspective view, a side perspective view and a side lower perspective view, respectively, of a two-storey house including three rows of columns, roof/overhead covering and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 11A to 1 ID are a left side perspective view, left rear lower perspective view, right rear lower perspective view and rear perspective view and left side view, respectively, of a two-storey house including two rows of columns, roof/overhead covering and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 12A to 12D are a left side perspective view, right side perspective view, right

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-3 rear perspective view and rear perspective view and left side perspective view, respectively, of a two-storey house including two rows of columns, roof/overhead covering and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with an eleventh preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 13A to 13D are a right front perspective view, left front perspective view, right rear perspective view and rear perspective view and left side perspective view, respectively, of a two-storey block of townhouses including two rows of columns, roof/overhead covering and floor structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and those structures, in accordance with a twelfth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 14A to 14D are a perspective view, side view, front/rear view and side perspective view, respectively, showing structural details of offset side-by-side units of which the townhouses are comprised;

Figure 15 is a schematic view schematically showing a support structure, comprising a skeleton and tie arrangement, of a two-storey building according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 16A to 16C are schematic views showing grids consisting of eight columns, six columns and four columns respectively, each view showing exemplary alternative skeletons which include the columns forming the respective grid, of buildings according to preferred embodiments of the invention.

Each of the preferred embodiments of the invention is a building including columns, structures cantilevered from the columns, and ties that interconnect the columns and structures. In the description of the embodiments, common reference numerals will be used to denote and refer to the same or corresponding features.

Shown in Figures 1A and IB is a single-storey building 100A, such as a cafe, shop or studio, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The building 100A comprises two spaced apart columns 1 (defining a row) and, cantilevered from the columns 1, an overhead covering structure 3 and a platform structure 5 defining walking surfaces in the building. The overhead structure 3 comprises cantilevered sections 3A each of which projects laterally outwardly, in the opposite direction from the other, from the columns 1 and defines an awning,

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-4and the platform structure 5, correspondingly, comprises cantilevered sections 5A each of which projects laterally outwardly, in the opposite direction from the other, from the columns 1. At each end of the overhead covering structure 3, respective overhanging end portions of the sections 3A together define in their own right a cantilevered overhead covering (awning/shade) section, that section projecting from a respective endmost one of the columns 1. Correspondingly, at each end of the structure 5, overhanging end portions of the sections 5A together define in their own right a cantilevered platform section 5.

The building 100A includes steps providing/facilitating access, from the ground 9 over which it is installed, to the platform section 5.

The building 100A further comprises glass panelling supported on the platform structure 5, the panelling comprising upright panels, defining the sidewall structure, and substantially all of the peripheral shell 4, of the building 100A, and horizontal panels defining a roof-and-ceiling structure 8 of the building 100A, which structure, in the present embodiment, defines the upper bound of the building envelope (the lateral/peripheral bounding of the envelope being defined by the peripheral shell 4). The sidewall structure is inward of the perimeter of the structure 5, whereby the latter defines an interior floor 5C and an exterior floor or deck 5D extending around the sidewall structure at a periphery of the building.

Referring to Figure IB, which is a schematic view at one end of the building 100A, showing details thereof, each column 1 comprises a length of metal section or beam (typically comprising steel but possibly instead comprising, for example, aluminium), such as universal beam section, secured at its lower end in the ground 9 by a concrete pad 20 cast in a foundation void in the ground 9. A view, corresponding to Figure IB, at the other end of the building is a mirror image of Figure IB.

The building 100A further comprises a tie arrangement 50 interconnecting the columns 1 and overhead 3 and platform 5 structures, the tie arrangement 50 comprising diagonal ties 10 which extend from upper ends of the columns 1 to respective distal or laterally outer parts 3B of the overhead sections 3A, so as to transfer loading from the overhead structure 3 to the

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-5 columns 1, and upright ties 12 upper ends of which are connected to respective ones of the laterally outer parts 3B, and lower ends of which are secured to respective laterally outer parts 5B of the platform structure 5, so as to transfer loading between the overhead structure 3 and platform structure 5. In the present embodiment, advantageously, the ties 12, in addition to supporting the structure 5, tie the structure 3 down so as to secure it against upward wind loading, commonly termed uplift. (However, in other embodiments of the invention, the overhead structure may be afforded, as a result of the tension in the diagonal ties 10, bracing in an upward direction - e.g. against loads exerted on it by its own weight - particularly where wind loading will be relatively insignificant or non-existent.) The structure 5 is thus supported against moment loading resulting from downward loads to which it is subjected, including in particular loads resulting from the weight of the cantilevered sections thereof and loads resulting from the weight of whatever those sections support, such as occupants of the building and contents (e.g. furniture, equipment and fittings).

Each tie comprises a rod, strap, wire or cable, typically of metal (such as, for example, steel) and may include a turnbuckle (not shown) or other tensioning device (e.g. winch or ratchet device - for instance, a hand-operable winch/ratchet device such as a come-along )operable to set the tension therein at an appropriate level.

The tie arrangement 50 additionally comprises a transverse tie 14 which extends between upper ends of the columns 1, so as to transfer loading therebetween. In particular, the tie 14 braces each column 1 against outward bending loads exerted on it by the respective end portions of the overhead covering 3 and platform 5 sections cantilevered therefrom and/or the horizontal component, parallel to the axis along which the tie 14 extends, of loading exerted on that column 1 by ones of the ties 10 which diverge from the upper end of that column 1 to respective comers of the sections 3A at the respective end of the structure 3 which is distal of that column 1.

Shown in Figure 2 is a split-level house 100B according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The ground 9 in which the columns 1 of the house 100B are secured (via respective pads 20 or other footings, not shown) is sloped. The spaced apart columns 1 in the

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-6house 100B are arranged in parallel rows 1A and IB, defining a grid. The house 100B includes opposed sections 110A and HOB each of which projects laterally outwardly from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB and defines respective living areas of the house 100B, the platform structure 5 of the section 110A being at a lower level than the platform structure 5 of the section 11 OB (the latter platform structure being uphill of the former). The house 100B further includes a central section HOC, which extends between the rows 1A and IB and defines other areas, including a hallway, in the house 100B. In the tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment, diagonal ties 10 extend from the upper ends of the columns in row 1A to laterally outer/distal parts 3B of the roof section 3 A of house section 110A, so as to transfer loading from that roof section to those columns 1, and upright ties 12 extend from those parts 3B to laterally outer parts 5B of the platform structure 5 of house section 110A therebelow, so as to transfer loading between the roof section 3 A and platform section 5 A of house section 110A. Correspondingly, diagonal ties 10 extend from the upper ends of the columns in row IB to laterally outer/distal parts 3B of the roof section 3A of house section 110B, so as to transfer loading from that roof section to those columns 1, and upright ties 12 extend from those parts 3B to laterally outer parts of the cantilevered platform section 5A of house section 110B therebelow, so as to transfer loading between the roof section 3 A and platform section 5 A of house section 110B. In the tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment, a respective transverse tie 14 extends between the two columns 1 in each of rows 1A and IB, and a respective transverse tie 14 extends between each column 1 in row 1A and the column 1 in row IB which is laterally opposite to it. The ties 12 in this embodiment secure the roof sections 3A of roof structure 3 against uplift. The peripheral shell 4 of the house 100B includes wall sections or panels 4A, windows 4B, doors 4C and supportive framework/members 4D including or consisting of uprights/posts. Weight loading exerted by the shell 4 on each of the cantilevered sections 5 A is transferred from that section, through the ties 12 connected thereto, to the cantilevered section 3A thereabove, and thence from that section 3A to the columns 1, through the ties 10 connected to that section 3 A.

Each tie 14 bears a proportion of the horizontal component of the loading exerted, on each of the columns 1 between which it extends, by the diagonal tie 10 connected to that column, along the axis of that tie 14. Each tie 14 also braces each of the columns 1 to which it is

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-7connected against bending loads on that column resulting from respective (end/side) portions of sections 3A and 5A cantilevered therefrom, in a direction parallel to the axis of that tie.

Shown in Figures 3A and 3B is a split-level house 100C according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention. The ground 9 in which the columns 1 of the house 100C are secured (via respective footings 20 or other footings, not shown) is undulating. The spaced apart columns 1 in the house 100C are arranged in parallel rows 1A and IB, each comprising four columns 1, defining a grid. The house 100C includes opposed sections 110A and HOB each of which projects laterally outwardly from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB and defines respective living areas of the house 100C, the platform structure 5 of the section 110A being at a lower level than the platform structure 5 of the section HOB. The house 100B further includes a central section HOC, which extends between the rows 1A and IB and defines other areas, including a hallway, in the house 100C. The house 100B additionally includes, between the roof and platform structures 3, 5, an intermediate structure 7 extending transverse to the columns 1, the intermediate transverse structure including a frame and having sections 7A each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB and each of which includes opposed ends each cantilevered from a column 1 at a respective end of that row. The sections 7A define intermediate supports for parts of the building peripheral shell structure defined by the sections 110A and HOB, including in particular the windows 4B, which comprise lower panes, extending between the sections 5A and the sections 7A, and upper panes, extending between the sections 7A and the roof sections 3 A. One of the sections 7A additionally defines pergola sections 7AA overlying the section 5 A at the exterior of house section 110A. The tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment includes diagonal ties 10 extending between the columns 1 and respective distal parts 3B of roof sections 3 A, which ties function in the same manner as those in the second embodiment, and diagonal ties 10' at the ends of the rows 1A and IB each of which extends from a column 1 at a respective end of a respective row and part of the section 7A supported from and distal of that column. The transverse ties 14 of the tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment interconnect adjacent ones of the columns 1 in each of the rows 1A and IB and interconnect each column 1 in one row with the column 1 in the other row which is adjacent to it, and function in the same manner as the transverse ties in the second embodiment. The upright ties

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-8in each of the house sections 110A and HOB in this embodiment comprise upper ties 12A, which extend from distal parts of each roof section 3A to distal parts 7B of the frame section 7A therebelow, and lower ties 12B, which extend from the distal parts 7B to respective distal parts 5B of the section 5A therebelow. The lower ties 12B brace the sections 7A, especially the pergola sections 7AA, against uplift and support the platform cantilevered sections 5 A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof, the weight of a lower part of the building peripheral shell structure 4 supported on them, and the weight of whatever else is supported on them, such as furniture and occupants. The upper ties 12A brace the cantilevered roof sections 3 A against uplift and support the cantilevered sections 7A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof and the weight of an upper part of the building peripheral shell structure 4 supported on them. The upright ties additionally comprise ties 12' each of which extends from a respective one of the aforementioned distal parts of the sections 7A and the distal part of the cantilevered section 5 A below it. The ties 12' brace, against uplift, the distal parts of the sections 7 A to which they are connected and support the parts of the sections 5A to which they are connected against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof and the weight of the part of the building peripheral shell structure 4 supported on them.

Shown in Figures 4A and 4B is a single-storey cafe or restaurant building 100D according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. The building 100D includes two parallel column rows 1A and IB, each comprising five spaced apart columns 1. The building further includes additional column rows 1 A' and IB', each comprising six columns Γ, parallel to and laterally inward of the rows 1A and IB respectively. The central section HOC of the building 100D is supported by the columns 1 and 1' in all of the rows 1A, IB, 1A' and IB'. The laterally outer sections 110A and 11 OB of the building 100D project laterally outwardly from the rows 1A and IB respectively. In this embodiment, roof section 3A' in building section 110A is supported by column rows 1A' and 1A and does not cantilever appreciably from the latter. Correspondingly, roof section 3 A' in building section 11 OB is supported by column rows IB' and IB and does not cantilever appreciably from the latter. The diagonal ties of the tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment include ties 10' which extend between the columns 1 in row 1A and distal parts 3B of one of opposed cantilevered sections 3A of a

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-9transverse overhead structure 3 of the building 100D, which structure is below the roof sections 3 A' and secured to all of the columns 1, the section 3 A forming part of building section 110A and defining an exterior pergola section 3 AA'. The diagonal ties further include ties 10' which extend between the columns 1 in row IB and distal parts 3B of the other cantilevered section 3A, in the section HOB, which section defines a cantilevered roof section 3A of the building section HOB. The upright ties of the tie arrangement comprise ties 12' each of which extends from a respective one of distal parts 3B and the distal part 5B of the cantilevered platform section 5A below it. The ties 12' brace, against uplift, the sections 3A to which they are connected and support the sections 5A to which they are connected against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof. The transverse structure 5, including each of the cantilevered sections 5A thereof, defines flooring/decking in the building 100D. The transverse ties in the tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment comprise ties 14' which interconnect adjacent ones of the columns 1 in each of the rows 1A and IB, ties 14' which interconnect the columns 1 in row 1A with the respective columns 1' in the row 1A' which are adjacent to them, and ties 14' which interconnect the columns 1 in row IB with the respective columns 1' in the row IB' which are adjacent to them.

Shown in Figures 5A and 5B is a two-storey house 100E according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. The house 100E includes a single column row 1C, comprising four spaced apart columns 1. Laterally outer sections 110A and 11 OB of the building 100E project laterally outwardly from the row 1C. The house 100E additionally includes an intermediate platform structure 7, including a frame, between the (lower) platform and roof structures 3,5, which includes sections 7A, each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from row 1C, defining the upper floor 7C and a balcony 7D in the house 100E. The house 100E includes, supported on the structure 7 at the distal perimeter of balcony 7D, a balustrade 7E. Defined below one of the two sections 7A is a carport 6. The tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment comprises diagonal ties 10, each of which extends between a respective one of the columns 1 and a respective one of the distal parts 3B of the roof sections 3A, so as to transfer loading from the latter to the former, upper upright ties 12A, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts 3B and a respective distal part 7B of the intermediate transverse structure 7 therebelow, so as to brace the roof sections 3A against

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-10uplift and support the sections 7A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof and the weight of an upper part of the building peripheral shell structure 4 and whatever else (e.g. furniture, occupants etc.) supported on them, and lower upright ties 12B, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts of the of the structure 7A and a distal part 5B of the respective cantilevered section 5 A of the lower platform structure 5 therebelow, thereby supporting the sections 5A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight those sections, the weight of a lower part of the building peripheral shell structure 4 supported on them, and the weight of whatever else is supported on them, such as furniture and occupants. The tie arrangement 50 further includes upright ground-anchoring ties 12 which extend between other of the distal parts 3B of the roof structure 3 and the ground 9, bracing the roof structure 3 against uplift, and may additionally include transverse ties 14 interconnecting adjacent ones of the columns 1.

Shown in Figures 6A to 6C is a two-storey house 100F according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention. The house 100F includes two parallel column rows 1A and IB and opposed sections 110A and HOB each of which projects laterally outwardly from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB and defines respective living areas of the house 100F. The house 100F further includes a central section 110C, which extends between the rows 1A and IB and defines other areas in the house 100D. The (lower) floor structure 5, attached to all of the columns 1, comprises sections 5 A each of which is cantilevered from a respective one of rows 1A and IB, and, in addition to defining the lower (interior) floor in the house 100D, defines a lower floor balcony 5D. The house 100F includes, supported on the structure 5 at the distal perimeter of balcony 5D, a balustrade 5E. The house 100F additionally includes an intermediate platform structure 7, including a frame, between the roof and (lower) platform structures 3,5, which includes sections 7A, each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from a respective one of rows 1A and IB, the structure 7 defining the upper floor 7C in the house 100F. The tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment comprises diagonal ties 10, each of which extends between a respective one of the columns 1 and a respective one of the distal parts 3B of the roof sections 3 A, so as to transfer loading from the latter to the former, upper upright ties 12 A, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts 3B and a distal part 7B of the intermediate transverse structure 7 therebelow, so

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- 11 as to brace the roof sections 3A against uplift and support the sections 7A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof and the weight of an upper part of the building peripheral shell structure 4 and whatever else (e.g. furniture, balustrades, occupants etc.) is supported on them, and lower upright ties 12B, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts 7B and a distal part 5B of the cantilevered platform section 5 A therebelow, thereby supporting the sections 5 A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight of those sections, the weight of a lower part of the building envelope periphery 4 supported on them, and the weight of whatever else is supported on them, such as furniture, balustrades, occupants, etc.

Shown in Figures 7A to 7D is a two-storey house 100G according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention. The house 100G includes two parallel column rows 1A and IB and opposed sections 110A and HOB each of which projects laterally outwardly from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB and defines respective living areas of the house 100G. The house 100G further includes a central section 110C, which extends between the rows 1A and IB and defines other areas in the house 100G. The (lower) floor structure 5, attached to all of the columns 1 in rows 1A and IB, comprises sections 5A each of which is cantilevered from a respective one of rows 1A and IB and defines the lower (interior) floor 5C in the house 100G. The house 100G further includes a roof structure 3 which comprises cantilevered sections 3A each of which projects from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB. The house 100G additionally includes an intermediate platform structure 7, including a frame, between the roof and (lower) platform structures 3, 5, which includes sections 7A, each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from a respective one of rows 1A and IB, defining the upper floor 7C and an upper storey balcony 7D in the house 100F. Each section 7A includes, at the distal perimeter of the respective balcony 7D, a balustrade 7E Defined below the platform structure 5 is a carport 6’. The tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment comprises diagonal ties 10, each of which extends between a respective one of the columns 1 and a respective one of the distal parts 3B of the roof sections 3 A, so as to transfer loading from the latter to the former, upper upright ties 12 A, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts 3B and a distal part 7B of the intermediate section 7 therebelow, so as to brace the roof sections 3A against uplift and support the sections 7A against downward loading

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- 12thereon resulting from the weight thereof and the weight of an upper part of the building peripheral shell 4 and whatever else (e.g. furniture, balustrades, occupants etc.) is supported on them, and lower upright ties 12B, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts 7B and a distal part of the lower platform section 5 A therebelow, thereby supporting the section 5 A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof, the weight of a lower part of the building peripheral shell structure 4 supported on them, and the weight of whatever else is supported on them, such as furniture, balustrades, occupants, etc. The tie arrangement 50 further includes upright ground anchor ties 12 which extend between other of the distal parts 3B of the roof structure 3 and the ground 9, bracing the roof structure 3 against uplift, and may additionally include transverse ties 14 interconnecting adjacent ones of the columns 1.

Shown in Figures 8A to 8D is a two-storey house 100H according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention. The house 100H includes two parallel column rows 1A and IB and opposed sections 110A and HOB each of which projects laterally outwardly from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB and defines respective living areas of the house 100H. The house 100H further includes a central section 110C, which extends between the rows 1A and IB and defines other areas in the house 100H. The (lower) platform structure 5, attached to all of the columns 1, comprises sections 5 A each of which is cantilevered from a respective one of rows 1A and IB, and defines, in addition to the lower floor 5C in the house 100H, a lower floor balcony, deck or patio 5D. The house 1 OOF includes, supported on the structure 5 at the distal perimeter of balcony/patio/deck 5D, a balustrade 5E. The house 100H additionally includes a lower intermediate transverse structure 7, including a frame, above the (lower) platform structure 5, which transverse structure includes sections 7 A, each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from a respective one of rows 1A and IB, defining the upper floor 7C and an upper storey balcony 7D in the house 100F, and has a front end cantilevered from a column 1 at a front end of that row. The house 100F includes, supported on the structure 7 at the distal perimeter of balcony 7D, a balustrade 7E. Defined below the transverse structure 7 is a carport 6. The house 100H also includes an upper intermediate transverse structure 7’, including a frame, above the lower intermediate transverse structure 7, which includes sections 7A’, each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from a respective

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- 13 one of rows 1A and IB , and has a front end cantilevered from a column 1 at the front end of that row. The structure 7’ defines pergola sections 7AA' overlying respective outdoor parts of the upper storey floor structure defined by the structure 7. The structure 7’ additionally defines a central section 3C of the roof structure 3 of the house 100H, within the house section 110C, the central section 3C being at a lower level than the sections 3 A of the roof structure 3 each of which is cantilevered from a respective one of the rows 1A and IB. The structures 7 and 7’ define intermediate supports for parts of the building, including those parts defined by the sections 110A and HOB, which include wall panels or sections 4A, upper and lower windows 4B (particular upper ones of which comprise upper and lower panes), doors 4C and supportive framework/members 4D.

The tie arrangement 50 in this embodiment includes diagonal ties 10 comprising ties 10 each of which extends laterally outwardly from a respective one of the columns 1 to connect to a distal part 3B of the roof section 3 A cantilevered from the row in which that column lies, and further comprising ties 10 each of which extends to laterally outwardly from a respective one of the columns 1 to connect to a distal part 7B' of the section 7A’ cantilevered from that row. The tie arrangement 50 additionally includes further diagonal ties (oblique ties) 10 each of which extends from a respective distal part 7B' of a respective one of the sections 7A'. The tie arrangement 50 further includes diagonal ties 10’ each extending forwardly from a respective one of the columns 1 at the front ends of the rows 1A and IB to a distal part of the front end of a respective one of the sections 7A’ cantilevered from that column. The tie arrangement 50 additionally includes upper upright ties 12 A, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts 3B of roof sections 3A and a distal part 7B' or 7B of the intermediate structure 7’ or 7 (respectively) therebelow, so as to brace the roof sections 3 A against uplift and support the sections 7A’ or 7A against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight thereof and the weight of upper parts of the building peripheral shell structures 4 they support, and whatever else (e.g. furniture, balustrades, occupants etc.) is supported on them, and lower upright ties 12B, each of which extends between a respective one of the distal parts of (lower) floor structure 5 and a respective distal part of the lower structure 7 or 7’ thereabove. The tie arrangement 50 also includes intermediate upright ties 12C, each of which extends between a respective distal part 7B of the structure 7 and a distal part 7B' of the

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- 14structure 7’ arranged above that part, thereby supporting cantilevered sections 7A of the structure 7 against downward loading thereon resulting from the weight of those sections and the weight of whatever else is supported on them. Also, the tie arrangement 50 includes transverse ties 14 which interconnect adjacent ones of the columns 1 in each of the rows 1A and IB and interconnecting each column 1 in one row with the column 1 in the other row which is adjacent to it.

Shown in Figure 9A are details of the support structure of the building 100H, that structure comprising a skeleton 200 and diagonal ties 10,10', upright ties 12A,12B,12C and transverse ties 14 of the tie arrangement 50. The skeleton comprises the columns 1, a support frame 7F' of the structure 7', a support frame 7F of the structure 7, and a support frame 5F of the structure 5. Each of the frames 7F', 7F and 5F comprises longitudinally extending beams L and transversely extending beams T and defines a perimeter frame P of transverse structure of which it forms a part. The beams L, T comprise beam section members, typically I-beam or universal beam members but possibly also/alternatively channel section members. The beams L, T will typically be of steel though may comprise beams comprising alternative metal (e.g. aluminium). Each of the frames 7F', 7F and 5F, and more particularly the perimeter frame P thereof, is configured with connection points C, to which lower/distal ends of the ties 10/10', opposite ends of ties 12A/12B/12C, and opposite ends of ties 14 are connected, each connection point C comprising flange and web portions. The columns 1 are likewise configured with connection points C, to which upper/proximal ends of diagonal ties 10/10’ are connected, and to which ends of ties 14. Each of the frames 7F', 7F and 5F is mounted - e.g. bolted and/or welded, via mounting brackets (not shown) if appropriate - to respective ones of the columns 1 at a respective mounting position M. Each of the columns 1 is anchored in the ground 9 via a respective concrete footing F.

Construction of the building 100H is carried out as follows.

Referring to Figure 9A, firstly, the lower end of each column 1 is positioned in a respective foundation void dug into the ground and concrete is then poured into the foundation void to form the pad or footing F. Once the pads F have set, the frames 5F, 7F and 7F' are lifted by

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- 15 crane, one after another, into position and each is mounted to the spine structure defined by the columns 1 at mounting points M, whereupon the building skeleton 200 is defined. Diagonal ties 10,10', upright ties 12A,12B,12C and transverse ties 14 of the tie arrangement 50 are connected to respective connection points C and tensioned, and wall cladding 4A, forming part of the building peripheral shell structure, is applied to the perimeter frames P. Steps 2 are installed. A stairway 2' is secured at its lower end to the frame 5F and at its upper end to the frame 7F, one of openings O defined by longitudinal L and transverse T members of the frame 7F providing access between the stairway 2' and the second storey.

Referring to Figure 9B, platform modules or cassettes 90 (of which interior and exterior floor/platform structures in the building are to be comprised) are installed within respective openings O defined by longitudinal L and transverse T members of the mounted frames 5F and 7F, whereby they are supported from those members/frames. Suitable coverings may, if appropriate, thereafter be applied over the installed modules/cassettes 90 (either before or after installation of the roof structure 3) to provide the interior/exterior walking surfaces of the platform structures. Also, slats or louvres are installed within other of the openings O, so as to be supported from the members L,T defining those openings, whereupon the pergola sections 7AA' are defined.

The roof structure 3 is thereafter installed, as are the remaining wall sections 4A, the windows 4B, doors 4C, supportive framework/members 4D and balustrades 4E. Installation of the roof 3 comprises installation of panels 30 to define roof sections 3A and 3C. Installation of the panel 30 which is to define the central roof section 3C comprises securing that panel to the columns 1 in each of the rows. Installation of each of the panels 30 which is to define a respective roof section 3A comprises securing a proximal end of that panel to columns 1 in the row from which the roof section is to be cantilevered and securing distal parts 3B of the panel 30 to ones of diagonal ties 10 each connected at its upper/inner end to a respective column 1 and at its lower/outer end to a respective distal part 7B' of a cantilevered section 7A' (the ends likewise being connected via respective connection points C). The distal parts 3B are connected to ties 10 at respective positions intermediate the ends of those ties, whereupon the elongate element (rod, strap, wire or cable) defining each tie 10 to which a

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- 16distal part 3B is so connected defines two ties - a tie 10 extending from a column 1 to distal part 3B, and, contiguous with that tie, a tie 10 extending from the distal part 3B to a respective distal part 7B'. Alternatively or additionally, discrete ties 10 are connected between columns 1 and respective distal parts 3B, the ends of each discrete tie 10 being connected to a column 1 and distal part 3B via a respective connection point C, and discrete oblique ties 10 are connected between distal parts 3B and respective distal parts 7B'. Each oblique tie 10, be it defined by part of a single elongate element or discrete, extends between one cantilevered section and another cantilevered section at a lower or higher level, albeit connecting distal parts thereof which are not arranged one-above-another.

Other houses, 1001, 100J and 100K, according to ninth, tenth and eleventh embodiments, respectively, of the invention are illustrated in Figures 10A to 10D, 11A to 11D and 12A to 12D, respectively. The relevant details thereof will be self-evident in light of the foregoing description of the first to eighth embodiments.

Shown in Figures 13A to 13D is a block 100L comprising four two-storey houses or units 100L’ according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention. Referring also to Figure 14A, the units 100L’ are arranged side-by-side, and interconnected or terraced, though are transversely offset one-to-another.

Referring to Figures 14C to 14D, each unit 100L’ comprises two rows of columns 1A, IB, outer sections 110A and HOB which project from row 1A and IB respectively, and a central section 110C extending between and supported by those rows. The unit 100L’ includes roof sections 3 A, each of which is cantilevered from a respective one of those rows, and a platform structure 5, defining a lower floor 5C in the unit and including sections 5 A, each of which is cantilevered from a respective one of the rows. The unit 100L’ comprises a lower intermediate transverse structure 7, including a frame, above the structure 5, which includes sections 7 A, each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from a respective one of rows 1A and IB, defining the upper floor 7C and an upper storey balcony 7D in the unit 100L’. The unit 100L’ further comprises an upper intermediate transverse structure 7’, including a frame, which includes sections 7A’, each of which cantilevers laterally outwardly from a respective

- 172018417116 01 Oct2018 one of rows 1A and IB. The structure 7’ defines a central section 3C of the roof structure 3 of the unit 100L’. The structures 7 and 7’ / sections 7A and 7A’ define intermediate supports for parts of the unit 100L’, including those parts defined by the sections 110A and HOB, which include wall panels or sections 4A, upper and lower windows 4B (particular upper ones of which comprise upper and lower panes), supportive framework/members 4D and doors 4C. The tie arrangement 50 in the unit 100L’ comprises ties 10, 12A, 12B, 12C and 14.

The block 100L could, without departure from the invention, instead be a hotel or serviced apartment complex.

Construction of the buildings/units of each of the second to seventh and ninth to twelfth embodiments is carried in a manner consistent with that described in respect of the eighth embodiment. First, each column 1 is secured at its lower end in the ground 9 by a respective pad F, formed as described above. The/each transverse frame 5F (which, where the building is to have more than one storey, is for a lowermost floor structure of the building), is lifted into position and secured to columns 1 at respective mounting position(s) M. Where the building is to include transverse structure 7, the frame 7F for that structure is lifted and secured to columns 1 at respective mounting positions M. Where the building is to include transverse structure 7', the frame 7F' for that structure that structure is likewise lifted and secured to columns 1 at respective mounting positions M. Ties 10/10', 12/12'12/12A/12B/12C, 14/14', to effect load-transmissive interconnection of the frame/s 5/7F/7F' and columns 1 are installed as described, so as to connect to respective connection points C. The cassettes/modules 90 is/are applied to the/each frame 5/7, covering(s) thereafter being applied over the cassette(s)/module(s), as previously discussed, if appropriate. Wall sections/panels/cladding 4A, windows 4B, doors 4C, supportive framework/members 4D and/or balustrades, are installed as and where appropriate, as are balustrades. The roof/overhead section(s) 3A/3C are also installed, installation of each of sections 3A comprising securing a proximal end of that section to columns 1 in the row from which that section is to be cantilevered and securing a distal end 3B of that section to diagonal ties 10 already installed to support a transverse structure 7/7' (at respective positions between proximal and distal ends of those ties) and/or installing remaining ones of the diagonal ties 10

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- 18such that a proximal end of each of those remaining ties 10 is secured to a respective one of the columns 1 from which the section 3A is to be cantilevered and a distal end of that tie is secured to a distal end 3B of the section 3A/respective panel 30.

In each embodiment, a supportive spine of the building is defined by the column(s) 1. The number of columns 1, the configuration of any array in which such columns are arranged and the number of rows which may be defined thereby) can vary according to the building layout, the weight of overhanging transverse structures, including the floor/roof sections, of the building, the extent to which such sections project from the support structure/spine, number of floor structures in the building, the degree of wind loading on the structure (if any), and many other factors as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

Transverse ties 14 and 14' are inter-columnar or inter-support ties in that each extends between a respective two of the columns 1 to brace each of them transversely (and in each of the embodiments described and illustrated, substantially horizontally) against outward bending/horizontal loads exerted thereon. Diagonal ties 10 and 10' are support-to-cantilevered section or column-to-cantilevered section ties in that each extends between a support and a distal part of a cantilevered section of a transverse structure (defining a platform structure, overhead structure and/or building periphery-supporting structure). Upright ties 12,12', 12A, 12B and 12C are inter-sectional or section-to-section ties in that each extends between one cantilevered section and another cantilevered section at a lower or higher level. Oblique ties 10 are also inter-sectional or section-to-section ties in that each likewise extends between one cantilevered section and another cantilevered section at a lower or higher level, albeit connecting distal parts thereof which are not arranged one-aboveanother. Anchoring ties 12 are cantilevered section-to-substrate ties, in that each ties a cantilevered section of a transverse structure (defining a platform structure, overhead structure and/or building periphery-supporting structure) to the ground/substrate over which the building is constructed.

Figure 15 schematically shows an exemplary building support structure comprising features typical of preferred embodiments of the invention, comprising a skeleton 200 defined by

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- 19column(s) 1 and transverse frames 5F, 7F and 3F mounted to the column(s) 1 at mounting positions M (the/each frame 3F defining a support frame of roof panel(s) 30 of the roof 3), and tie arrangement 50 comprising ties 10 and 12 and, if the number of column(s) is two or more, possibly also transverse ties 14 extending between ones of the columns 1.

Figures 16A to 16C are schematic views showing grids consisting of eight columns 1, six columns 1 and four columns 1 respectively, each view showing exemplary alternative buildings/support structures therefor in each of which the columns forming the grid define a supportive spine structure for the transverse structures 3/5/7/7' defining cantilevered sections 5A/7A/7A73A, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description, preferred embodiments of the invention confer several advantages. One such advantage is a ready ability to construct the building over uneven or undulating ground - owing to the/each floor structure in the building being suspended over the ground. In particular embodiments of the invention, the substrate could, instead of being defined by ground, be defined by a bed underlying a (sufficiently shallow) body of water, e.g. a lake or river, with the occupiable parts of the building being supported over the body of water.

The substrate could, without departure from the invention, be an artificial structure, such as a frame and/or slab structure.

Although in the embodiments described and illustrated, there are plural columns 1, also possible are embodiments in each of which the spine structure consists of only one column, to which the/each cantilevered section-defining transverse structure is mounted.

Alternative forms of footing for the/each column 1, e.g. bored piers, are possible without departure from the invention.

In the construction of each of the buildings according to the preferred embodiments of the invention, which comprises a skeleton frame structure, floor/platform modules/cassettes and

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-20cladding/panel structures -including to define part of the building peripheral shell/envelope structure - employment of wet trades in the construction is eliminated- either substantially or entirely. More particularly, for many preferred embodiments of the invention, the building construction does not involve any of blockwork, brickwork, grouting, masonry, mortaring, painting, plastering rendering, roof, wall or floor tiling, screeding or, save for formation of the footings if they are to comprise concrete, concreting. Preferably, where building embodying the invention are to include any of kitchens, bathrooms and lavatories, installation of same, like installation of the platform structures, comprises installation of kitchen, bathroom or toilet modules, which, like the floor modules/cassettes (and roof sections 3A), are prefabricated.

Where a given cantilevered section 3 A/5 A/7A/7A' has a span of up to 6 metres in a building embodying the invention, it is generally suitable that the ties 10/12/14 comprise 30mm-35mm diameter solid steel rod or 25mm-30mm diameter stainless steel cable and turnbuckles or other tensioning devices, e.g. winches or ratchet devices - for instance, hand-operable winches/ratchet devices such as come-alongs.

In embodiments in which the cantilevered sections include one or more roof sections, a said roof section can be flat or pitched, or a pair of such roof sections may define, for example, a butterfly roof.

It will be noted that, in each of the embodiments described and illustrated, the tie arrangement 50 includes, supporting each or both of the laterally outer sections 110A and HOB, one or more respective groups of contiguous ties, each group comprising a

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-21 column-cantilevered section tie 10/10' (diagonal tie), connected at anupper/inner end thereof to a connection point C on a cantilevered section distal part 3B/7B77B, and an inter-sectional tie 10/12/12'/12A/12B/12C, connected at an uppermost end thereof to that same connection point C, and at a lowermost end thereof to a connection point C on a cantilevered section distal part 7B77B/5B below/at a lower level than the former connection point C. In many instances, each group additionally includes a an inter-sectional tie 12/12712A/12B/12C connected at an uppermost end thereof to the latter connection point C and at a lowermost end thereof to a further connection point C, on a cantilevered section distal part 7B/5B below/at a lower than said latter connection point C. Commonly, each group will further include another an inter-sectional tie 12 connected at an uppermost end thereof to the further connection point C and at a lowermost end thereof to an additional connection point C, on a cantilevered section distal part 5B below/at a lower than said further connection point C.

Where sections 110A and HOB project from respective column rows 1A and IB, groups of contiguous ties typically further include transverse ties 14'. Where the sections 110A and HOB instead both project from a single row of columns, upper/inner ends of diagonal ties 10 connecting each of those sections to a respective column 1 are secured to that column at adjacent positions. In either case, each group of contiguous ties spans from one side of the building to the other.

In many embodiments, cantilevered sections 3A/7A77A/5A are, advantageously, braced against uplift forces by ones of the ties 10'712 upper ends of which are connected to them and/or supported against weight loads exerted thereon (including resulting from their own masses) by ones of the ties 12 lower ends of which are connected to them.

As will be clear from the foregoing, particular preferred embodiments of the invention provide for relative ease and/or rapidity of construction of a building, including over ground/supportive substrate which is uneven, sloped, and/or flood-prone or underwater.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be

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-22understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

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 that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this entire disclosure.

Claims

Claims

1. A building, supported by a substrate and including:

at least one upright support fixed at a lower end thereof to the substrate;

one or more transverse structures secured to the support(s) so as to be supported therefrom above the substrate, the or each structure comprising at least one section cantilevered from one or more said supports to which that structure is secured; and a tensioned tie arrangement, via which at least one distal part of the or each section is connected to at least one said support from which that section is cantilevered, to transfer loading from the or each section to the support(s) from it is cantilevered.
2. A building according to claim 1, wherein the tie arrangement comprises one or more diagonal ties, the or each diagonal tie being connected at a lower end thereof to a distal part of a said section and connected at an upper end thereof to a said support from which that section is cantilevered, to transfer loading from that section to the said support from which that section is cantilevered.
3. A building according to claim 2, wherein the tie arrangement comprises plural said diagonal ties, each connected at a lower end thereof to a respective distal part of a section and a said support from which that section is cantilevered.
4. A building according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more sections comprise at least one section which defines any one of or any combination among:

an overhead covering;

a walking surface; and a section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported, and wherein the one or more diagonal ties comprise at least one tie connected at a lower end thereof to a such section and connected at an upper end thereof to a said support from which that section is cantilevered.
5.

A building according to claim 4 as appended to claim 3, wherein the diagonal ties

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-24comprise plural said diagonal ties each connected between a respective said distal part of a such section and a respective one of plural said supports from which that section is cantilevered.
6. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, including plural said transverse structures, the cantilevered sections of which comprise at least one plurality of said sections arranged at levels one-above-another, wherein the tie arrangement comprises, in the or each said plurality, one or more inter-sectional ties connected at an upper end thereof to a said distal part of one of the so arranged sections and connected at a lower end thereof to a said distal part of another or the other of the so arranged sections to transfer loading between the sections to the distal parts of which it is connected.
7. A building according to claim 6, wherein the, each, or at least one said inter-sectional tie in the or each said plurality is a vertical tie, the distal parts to which it is connected being arranged one above the other.
8. A building according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the, each, or at least one said intersectional tie in the, each, or at least one said plurality is an oblique tie, the distal parts of the sections to which it is connected being at differing horizontal distances from said support(s) from which both of those sections are cantilevered.
9. A building according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, in the, each, or at least one said plurality, the cantilevered sections arranged at levels one-above-another comprise upper and lower sections each of which defines any one of or any combination among:

an overhead covering;

a walking surface; and a section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported, and wherein the one or more inter-sectional ties comprise at least one tie connected at an upper end thereof to a respective distal part of the upper section and connected at a lower end thereof to a respective distal part of the lower section.

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10. A building according to claim 9, wherein, in the, each, or at least one said plurality, the lower cantilevered section defines a walking surface and the upper cantilevered section defines an overhead covering over that walking surface.
11. A building according to claim 10, wherein the overhead covering over the walking surface comprises any one of or any combination from among:

a roof and/or ceiling structure;

an awning structure;

a shade structure; and a pergola structure.
12. A building according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the walking surface defined by the lower cantilevered section comprises an interior walking surface.
13. A building according to claim 12, wherein the interior walking surface is defined by flooring of which the lower cantilevered section defining the walking surface is comprised.
14. A building according to any one of the claims 10 to 13, wherein the walking surface defined by the lower cantilevered section comprises an outdoor or exterior walking surface.
15. A building according to claim 14, wherein the lower cantilevered section defining the walking surface comprises any one of or combination from among:

decking;

a balcony;

a patio; and a veranda, defining the outdoor or exterior walking surface.
16. A building according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein either of the lower section defining the walking surface and the upper section defining the overhead covering over that walking surface defines a said section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is

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-26supported.
17. A building according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein each of the lower section defining the walking surface and the upper section defining the overhead covering over that walking surface defines a said section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported, lower and upper parts of the shell structure being connected to those lower and upper sections, respectively, such that the shell structure is supported therefrom.
18. A building according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein, in the, each, or at least one said plurality, the cantilevered sections arranged at levels one-above-another further comprise at least one intermediate section between the upper section and the lower section and defining any one of or any combination among:

an overhead covering;

a walking surface; and a section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported, and wherein the one or more inter-sectional ties comprise at least one tie connected at one end thereof to a respective distal part of a said intermediate section and connected at the other end thereof to a distal part of the upper section, the lower section or another said intermediate section.
19. A building according to claim 18, wherein, in the, each, or at least one said plurality which includes at least one vertically intermediate section, the lower cantilevered section defines a walking surface.
20. A building according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, in the, each, or at least one said plurality which includes at least one vertically intermediate section, a said vertically intermediate section defines an overhead covering over the lower cantilevered section.
21. A building according to claim 20, wherein the overhead covering, which is defined by a said vertically intermediate section and is over a said walking surface defined by the lower section, comprises any one of or any combination among:

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-27a roof and/or ceiling structure;

an awning structure;

a shade structure; and a pergola structure.
22. A building according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the walking surface, defined by the lower cantilevered section over which is the overhead covering defined by a said vertically intermediate section, comprises an interior walking surface.
23. A building according to claim 22, wherein the walking surface, defined by the lower cantilevered section over which is the overhead covering defined by a said vertically intermediate section, is defined by flooring of which that lower cantilevered section is comprised.
24. A building according to any one of the claims 20 to 23, wherein the walking surface, defined by the lower cantilevered section over which is the overhead covering defined by a said vertically intermediate section, comprises an outdoor or exterior walking surface.
25. A building according to claim 24, wherein the lower cantilevered section, defining the walking surface over which is the overhead covering defined by a said vertically intermediate section, comprises any one of or combination from among:

decking;

a balcony;

a patio; and a veranda, defining the outdoor or exterior walking surface which that walking surface comprises.
26. A building according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein either of the lower section defining the walking surface and a said vertically intermediate section defining the overhead covering thereover defines a said section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported.

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27. A building according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein each of the lower section defining the walking surface and a said vertically intermediate section defining the overhead covering thereover defines a said section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported, lower and upper parts of the shell structure being connected to those lower and upper sections, respectively, such that that shell structure is supported therefrom.
28. A building according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein, in the, each, or at least one said plurality which includes at least one vertically intermediate section and in which the lower section defines a walking surface, a said vertically intermediate section defines over that walking surface at least one transverse opening through which interior space in the building extends.
29. A building according to claim 28, wherein said interior space comprises interior space of a living area or room bounded at a lower end thereof by that floor section and bounded at an upper end thereof by a roof and/or ceiling structure above the opening(s) through which the interior space of the room or living area extends.
30. A building according to claim 29, wherein the vertically intermediate section defining the opening(s) through which the interior space of the room or living area extends defines a said section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported, the interior space of the room or living area being bounded at one or more sides thereof by that shell structure.
31. A building according to claim 30, wherein lower and upper parts of the shell structure bounding the interior space of the room or living area at one or more sides thereof extend downwardly and upwardly, respectively, from the vertically intermediate section defining the transverse opening(s) through which that space extends.
32. A building according to claim 21 and any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the roof and/or ceiling structure bounding the interior space of a living area or room at an upper end

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-29thereof is defined by a said roof and/or ceiling structure of the upper cantilevered section and/or a said roof and/or ceiling structure of another said vertically intermediate section which overlies the vertically intermediate section in which the or each transverse opening is defined.
33. A building according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the at least one transverse opening comprises an opening to a floor defined by the vertically intermediate section in which that opening is defined, and the building comprises steps extending from the walking surface to that floor such that the floor can be accessed through that opening.
34. A building according to any one of claims 6 to 33, wherein the, each, or at least one said inter-sectional tie is arranged to brace against wind uplift the section to the distal part of which it is connected at its upper end.
35. A building according to any one of claims 6 to 34, wherein the tie arrangement comprises plural said inter-sectional ties, each connected at the upper and lower ends thereof to respective distal parts of so arranged sections to transfer loading between the sections to the distal parts of which it is connected.
36. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tie arrangement comprises at least one substrate-anchoring tie connected at an upper end thereof to a respective said distal part and connected at a lower end thereof to the substrate, whereby the tie arrangement additionally ties down to the substrate the or each section to a distal part of which a said substrate-anchoring tie is connected at its upper end.
37. A building according to claim 36, wherein the, each, or at least one said substrateanchoring tie is arranged to brace against wind uplift the section to the distal part of which it is connected at its upper end.
38. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising plural said supports to which the, each, or at least one said transverse structure is secured, the/each section of the /each structure being cantilevered from at least one of the supports to which that

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-30structure is secured.
39. A building according to claim 38, wherein the supports are arranged such that there is at least one row comprising ones of said supports and the, each, or at least one said transverse structure is secured to supports in one or more said rows such a respective said section thereof projects laterally outwardly from the or each row to supports in which the structure is secured.
40. A building according to claim 39, wherein the or each row extends in a direction from the front of the building to the rear of the building or in a direction from one side of the building to the other side of the building.
41. A building according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the number of rows is one.
42. A building according to claim 41, wherein the, each, or at least one said structure projects bilaterally outwardly from the support(s) in the row to which it is secured such that said sections thereof comprise ones which project in opposite directions from the row.
43. A building according to claim 41 or 42, wherein each of plural said transverse structures is secured to supports in said row such that said sections thereof comprise ones projecting in laterally opposite directions from the row.
44. A building according to claim 39 or 40, comprising plural said rows.
45. A building according to claim 44, wherein at least one said structure is secured to supports in each of said rows, such the each of respective said sections of that structure projects laterally outwardly from the row to supports in which that structure is secured.
46. A building according to claim 44 or 45, wherein at least one said transverse structure is secured to supports in a said row such that at least one said section thereof projects laterally outwardly from that row, and at least one other said transverse structure is secured to supports in another said row, such that at least one said section thereof projects laterally outwardly from

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-31 that other row.
47. A building according to any one of claims 44 to 46 wherein the rows comprise two substantially parallel rows, whereby the sections of the transverse structure(s) secured to supports in the rows comprise ones which project laterally outwardly from said rows in substantially opposite directions.
48. A building according to claim 47, wherein the rows comprise at least one further row substantially parallel to and laterally inward of said two rows.
49. A building according to any one of claims 44 to 48, including at least one transversely intermediate section secured to supports in respective ones of said rows, the or each transversely intermediate section defining any one of or any combination among:

an overhead covering;

a walking surface; and a section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported.
50. A building according to claim 49, wherein the, each, or at least one said transversely intermediate section is contiguous with one or more said cantilevered sections each projecting laterally outwardly from a respective said row to supports in which the transverse structure is secured.
51. A building according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the, each, or at least one said transversely intermediate section and the cantilevered section(s) with which it is contiguous is defined by a respective said transverse structure.
52. A building according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the, each, or at least one said transversely intermediate section and the cantilevered section/s) with which it is contiguous together define a floor or storey of the building.
53. A building according to any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the, each, or at least one

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-32said transversely intermediate section and the cantilevered section(s) with which it is contiguous together define at least one transverse opening through which interior space in the building extends.
54. A building according to claim 54, wherein said interior space comprises interior space of a living area or room which extends through the opening(s).
55. A building according to any one of claims 49 to 54, wherein the, each, or at least one said transversely intermediate section and the cantilevered section(s) with which it is contiguous together define a section from which a peripheral shell structure of the building is supported.
56. A building according to any one of claims 49 to 55, wherein the, each, or at least one said transversely intermediate section and the cantilevered section(s) with which it is contiguous together define overhead covering in the building.
57. A building according to any one of claims 39 to 56, wherein in the or each row the number of supports is 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2.
58. A building according to any one of claims 39 to 57, wherein the supports are arranged in a grid defining the row(s).
59. A building according to any one of claims 38 to 58, wherein the tie arrangement includes at least one transverse tie, the or each transverse tie being connected to a said support and another of the supports to brace the two supports to which it is connected against outward bending loads thereon.
60. A building according to claim 59, wherein the or each transverse tie is connected to upper ends of said two supports.
61. A building according to claim 59 or 60 as dependent from any one of claims 44 to 56,

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-33 wherein the two supports to which the, each, or at least one said transverse tie is connected are in respective ones of said rows.
62. A building according to claim 61, comprising plural said transverse ties each of which is connected to a respective said support in one of the rows and a respective said support in another or the other of the rows.
63. A building according to claim 39 and any one of claims 59 to 61, wherein the two supports to which the, each, or at least one said transverse tie is connected are both within a said row.
64. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tie arrangement is exterior.
65. A building according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the tie arrangement comprises at least one group of substantially contiguous ties.
66. A building according to claim 65, wherein the contiguous ties comprise separate ties arranged in end-to-end relation.
67. A building according to claim 65 or 66, wherein the contiguous ties comprise at least one elongate tie element connected at an intermediate position therealong to a said distal part of a cantilevered section.
68. A building according to claim 67, wherein the, each, or at least one said element is connected at a lower end thereof to a said distal part of another cantilevered section, below the distal part to which it is connected at the intermediate position therealong.
69. A building according to claim 67 or 68, wherein the, each, or at least one said element is connected at a lower end thereof to said substrate.

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70. A building according to any one of claims 67 to 69, wherein the, each, or at least one said element is connected at an upper end thereof to a said support.
71. A building according to any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein the, each, or at least one said element is connected at an upper end thereof to a said distal part of another cantilevered section, above the distal part to which it is connected at the intermediate position therealong.
72. A building according to any one of claims 67 to 71, wherein the, each, or at least one cantilevered section to a distal part of which a said element is connected at said intermediate position therealong is or defines a roof or other overhead covering.
73. A building according to claim 2 and any one of claims 65 to 72, wherein the, each, or at least one said group includes the, each, or at least one said diagonal tie.
74. A building according to claim 6 and any one of claims 65 to 73, wherein the, each, or at least one said group includes the, each, or at least one said inter-sectional tie.
75. A building according to claim 36 and any one of claims 65 to 74, wherein the, each, or at least one said group includes the, each, or at least one said substrate-anchoring tie.
76. A building according to claim 59 and any one of claims 65 to 75, wherein the, each, or at least one said group includes the, each, or at least one said substrate-anchoring tie.
77. A building according to any one of the preceding claims having upper and lower storeys comprising respective ones of said sections.
78. A building according to claims 52 and 77, wherein either or each storey comprises a (respective) said transversely intermediate section and the cantilevered section(s) with which it is contiguous.
79. A building according to claim 78, wherein each storey comprises a respective said

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-35 transverse structure.
80. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, having split level flooring defined by ones of said sections.
81. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more supports are generally centrally disposed with respect to said structure.
82. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, each, or at least one said section extends to a peripheral part of the building.
83. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, each, or at least one said section defines a peripheral part of the building.
84. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, each, or at least one said section supports a peripheral part of the building.
85. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, each, or at least one said distal part is at or adjacent a peripheral part of the building.
86. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, each, or at least one said tie is defined by a rod, cable, wire or strap.
87. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, each, or at least one said support is columnar.
8 8. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each columnar support is a column.
89. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each column comprises an I-beam or universal beam column.

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90. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, including an accessway via which the building can be accessed and departed.
91. A building according to claim 90, wherein the accessway comprises stairs and/or at least one ramp.
92. A building according to claim 90 or 91, wherein the accessway extends between the substrate and a walking surface of the building.
93. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, each or at least one said transverse structure comprises a transverse frame secured to the, each or at least one said support.
94. A building according to claim 93, wherein the, each, or at least one said transverse structure comprising a frame defines at least one platform structure and includes one or more modules applied to the frame thereof, the platform structure(s) comprising the module(s).
95. A building according to claim 93 or 94, wherein the, each, or at least one said transverse structure comprising a frame defines at least one overhead structure and includes, applied to the frame thereof, one or more modules of which the overhead structure(s) is/are comprised.
96. A building according to any one of claims 93 to 95, comprising a structural skeleton comprising the support(s) and frame(s), wherein the, each, or at least one said tie is connected between separate parts of the skeleton.
97. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, the substrate on which the building is supported being any one of, or any combination within:

uneven;

sloped; and

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-37undulating.
98. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate is ground.
99. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, being any one of:

a house;

a villa;

a townhouse;

a bungalow;

a commercial building;

a shop building;

a granny flat;

a hotel;

a studio;

a cafe or restaurant building;

a relief shelter; and living quarters.
100. A building according to any one of the preceding claims, being a free-standing building.
101. A building according to any one of claims 1 to 99, being part of a complex including at least one further building.
102. The complex of which a building according to claim 101 is a part.
103. A complex according to claim 102, wherein the or each additional building accords with any one of claims 1 to 99.
104. A method of constructing a building according to any one of the preceding claims,

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-38comprising fixing the or each support at the lower end thereof to the substrate and thereafter installing the transverse structure(s), the method including installing the tie arrangement.
105. A method according to claim 104, wherein the building accords with claim 93, wherein installing the transverse structure(s) comprises effecting securement of the, each, or at least one said frame thereof to the, each, or at least one said support.
106. A method according to claim 105, wherein installing the transverse structure(s) comprises lowering the, each, or at least one said frame over and/or suspending that frame adjacent, the, each or at least one said support and thence securing it to that/those support(s).
107. A method according to claim 105 or 106, wherein the building accords with either or each of claims 94 and 95, wherein installing the transverse structure(s) includes applying one or more said modules to the frame of the or each of a transverse structure defining a platform structure.
108. A method according to claim 107, wherein the applying of the module(s) to said frame(s) is subsequent to securing of that/those frame(s) to the support(s).
109. A method according to claim 108, wherein installation of the tie arrangement includes tensioning the, each, or at least one said tie.
110. A method according to any one of claims 104 to 109, wherein the, each or at least one said peripheral shell structure is installed subsequent to securing to said support(s) the frame(s) from which the peripheral shell structure(s) are supported when so installed.