AU2020250304A1

AU2020250304A1 - Low cost modular building system

Info

Publication number: AU2020250304A1
Application number: AU2020250304A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Gordon Sealey
Original assignee: Lifestyle Cabins Wa Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Lifestyle Cabins Wa Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-10
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2021-04-29

Abstract

A modular building comprising a plurality of walls, each wall comprising; a pair of wall sections, each wall section having a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel; and a module panel; wherein each frame comprises protrusions extending from one side of the frame, the protrusions configured to receive the module panel, so that the pair of wall sections, when arranged opposite one another, are configured to be connected at ends of the protrusions encasing the module panel, thus forming a wall. 1/6 00 rL IN(-

Description

1/6

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IN(- AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original)

APPLICATION NO: LODGED: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: ACCEPTED: PUBLISHED: RELATED ART:

NAME OF APPLICANT: Housing Solutions Asia Pte Ltd

ACTUALINVENTOR: Robert Gordon Sealey

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: LORD AND COMPANY, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, of PO Box 530, West Perth, Western Australia, 6872, AUSTRALIA.

INVENTION TITLE: "LOW COST MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S:

Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2019903813 filed on 10 October 2019

The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us:

TITLE "LOW COST MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM" FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular building.

[0002] More preferably, the present invention relates to a low cost modular building for use in disaster relief and rebuilding communities impacted by a disaster.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Where a large number of buildings are required to be constructed in a short time and at low cost, for example following a natural disaster such as an earthquake or tsunami, there are limited options available.

[0004] Temporary solutions include tents or simple structures, which are sometimes used for periods much longer than were intended initially. For example refugee camps may comprise hundreds of tents housing people for extended periods of time.

[0005] Such structures are not suited for longterm occupancy, and may degrade rapidly and not withstand harsher environments, or the occurrence of further disasters such as earthquakes.

[0006] Furthermore, tents are not necessarily a cost effective option, with larger more durable tents potentially costing thousands of dollars, and requiring ongoing maintenance or replacement.

[0007] More permanent modular structures intended for rapid construction are particularly costly, and may require skilled labour to manufacture or erect.

[0008] One example is using cementitious panels, which may require complicated construction sequences to enable the structure to be self-supporting and load bearing.

[0009] Furthermore, such structures are likely to be limited to single storey buildings, and not engineered to support a second storey.

[0010] Other more durable solutions are also costly and make take significant time to construct.

[0011] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous modular building systems by providing a modular building capable of being manufactured, delivered and erected at low cost, by relatively unskilled labour.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular building comprising;

a plurality of walls, each wall comprising;

a pair of wall sections, each wall section having a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel; and

a module panel;

wherein each frame comprises protrusions extending from one side of the frame, the protrusions configured to receive the module panel, so that the pair of wall sections, when arranged opposite one another, are configured to be connected at ends of the protrusions encasing the module panel, thus forming a wall.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular building comprising;

a perimeter wall comprising a plurality of wall sections, each wall section comprising a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel and a module panel; wherein each frame comprises protrusions extending from one side of the frame, and configured to receive the module panel between the protrusions, so that each wall section is configured to be connected using the fixings to an adjacent wall section, thus encasing the module panel.

[0014] Preferably, the protrusions comprise fixings at free ends, configured to connected to fixings on an adjacent frame.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fabricating a wall section, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a. positioning four channel members in ajig, arranged to forma rectangular frame, with one of the channel members positioned inwardly from the ends of its two adjacent channel members, so that the two adjacent channel members protrude a distance beyond an extent of the frame,

b. after positioning the second or third channel member, but before positioning at least a final channel member, locating an infill panel into the frame, so that edges of the infill panel are located within the channel of the channel members,

c. welding the channel members at their joints, so that the infill panel is entirely encased within the frame, and the frame comprises two protrusions.

[0016] Preferably, the inwardly positioned channel member is formed of H channel section.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a. creating footings at desired locations for walls of the building,

b. assembling a wall by locating a module panel between two opposed wall sections, each wall section having a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel, wherein opposed sides of each frame comprise protrusions extending from one side of the frame, the protrusions configured to receive the module panel, c. connecting the opposed wall sections using fasteners located at ends of the protrusions, so that the fasteners close the wall sections around the module section, thus forming the wall, d. repeating steps b and c to form the required number of walls, e. erecting a first wall and a second wall on a footing, and affixing an edge of the first wall to an edge of the second wall, f. erecting a further wall on a footing adjacent to either the first or second wall, and affixing the further wall to an edge of any adjacent wall, g. repeating step f until all walls are erected and connected to form the perimeter wall of the modular building.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an alternative method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a. creating footings at desired locations for walls of the building,

b. assembling a wall by locating a module panel between protrusions of a wall section, each wall section having a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel, wherein the protrusions extend from one side of the frame, the protrusions comprising fixings at free ends,

c. repeating step b to form the required number of walls to define the perimeter wall,

d. erecting sufficient walls adjacent one another to form a perimeter, and affixing the walls to one another along adjacent edges.

[0019] Preferably, footings are formed of strips of concrete poured on site.

[0020] Alternatively, footings are comprised of a transportable chassis, configured to be removably mounted on a flat-bed truck.

[0021] Preferably, the module panel comprises optionally a door or a window.

[0022] Preferably, the module panel has a height equal to a height of the infill panel.

[0023] Preferably, the module panel has a width approximately equal to twice a length of the protrusion.

[0024] Alternatively, the module panel has a width approximately equal to the length of the protrusion.

[0025] Preferably, the frame is fabricated from channel section, so that the infill panel is encased within the frame.

[0026] Preferably, the infill panel comprises a plurality of panels, inserted alongside one another to form the complete infill panel.

[0027] Alternatively, at least one the panels forming the infill panel is a window.

[0028] Preferably, each wall section comprises fixing locations along an edge, so that a wall can be affixed to an adjacent wall by fastening the adjacent wall sections.

[0029] Preferably, a side of each wall section from which the protrusions extend is formed of H channel section, to enable the encasement of the infill panel on one side, and the module panel on the other side.

[0030] Preferably, the wall sections are finished and painted prior to delivery.

[0031] Preferably, the building comprises at least one wall located internally, as a means to divide internal space.

[0032] Preferably, the modular building further comprises a drop down veranda hingably connected to a lower edge of a wall, so that the veranda is configured to be moved between a stowed configuration and an installed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a building according to an embodiment of the invention, showing four walls joined at 90 degrees to one another, and an internal wall dividing the space in two.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded view of one wall according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a pair of opposed wall sections, and a module panel.

[0036] Figure 3 is an elevation of a building according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a wall, wherein the module panel includes a door or pair of doors.

[0037] Figure 4 is an elevation of a building according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a wall, wherein the module panel includes a window or pair of windows.

[0038] Figure 5 is an isometric view according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection of two walls at 90 degrees, with the frames of each wall being connected to form the corner of the building.

[0039] Figure 6 is an exploded view of one wall according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a single wall section, and a module panel.

[0040] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a building according to an embodiment of the invention, showing four walls joined at 90 degrees to one another, in which two of the walls each comprise two wall sections and a module panel, and the other two walls each comprise a single wall section and module panel.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a modular building 10 comprising;

a plurality of walls 20, each wall 20 comprising;

a pair of wall sections 30, each wall section 30 having a rectangular frame 40 encasing an infill panel 50; and

a module panel 70;

wherein each frame 40 comprises protrusions 60 extending from one side of the frame 40, the protrusions 60 configured to receive the module panel 70, so that the pair of wall sections 30, when arranged opposite one another, are configured to be connected at ends of the protrusions 60 encasing the module panel 70, thus forming a wall 20.

[0042] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is provided a modular building 10 comprising;

a perimeter wall 20 comprising a plurality of wall sections 30, each wall section 30 comprising;

a rectangular frame 40 encasing an infill panel 50 and;

a module panel 70;

wherein each frame 40 comprises protrusions 60 extending from one side of the frame 40, the protrusions 60 comprising fixings at free ends and being configured to receive the module panel 70 between the protrusions 60, so that each wall section 30 is configured to be connected using the fixings to an adjacent wall section 30, thus encasing the module panel 70.

[0043] Referring to Figure 6, there is provided a wall 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wall 20 comprising a single wall section 30 and a module panel 70.

[0044] Such an embodiment may be used to form a shorter wall 20, where the available space requires.

[0045] Referring to Figure 7, there is provided a building 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, showing four walls 20 joined at 90 degrees to one another, in which two of the walls 20 each comprise two wall sections 30 and a module panel 70, and the other two walls 20 each comprise a single wall section 30 and module panel 70.

[0046] The figure further shows a drop down veranda 80 hingably connected to a lower edge of a wall 20.

[0047] One example of where such an embodiment may be used is where the modular building 10 is mounted upon a flat bed truck for transportation, where the width of the truck and safe transportation requires a shorter wall 20.

[0048] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fabricating a wall section 30, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a. positioning four channel members in ajig, arranged to forma rectangular frame 40, with one of the channel members positioned inwardly from the ends of its two adjacent channel members, so that the two adjacent channel members protrude a distance beyond an extent of the frame,

b. after positioning the second or third channel member, but before positioning at least a final channel member, locating an infill panel 50 into the frame 40, so that edges of the infill panel 50 are located within the channel of the channel members,

c. welding the channel members at their joints, so that the infill panel 50 is entirely encased within the frame 50, and the frame comprises two protrusions 60.

[0049] The module panel 70 may comprise optionally a door or a window.

[0050] The module panel 70 may have a height equal to a height of the infill panel 50.

[0051] The module panel 70 may have a width approximately equal to twice a length of the protrusion 60.

[0052] The module panel 70 may have a width approximately equal to a length of the protrusion 60.

[0053] The frame 40 maybe fabricated from channel section, so that the infill panel 50 is encased within the frame 50.

[0054] The infill panel 50 may comprise a plurality of sub-panels 52, inserted alongside one another to form the complete infill panel 50.

[0055] At least one of the sub-panels 52 may house a window, so that a configuration of infill panel 50 may incorporate a window.

[0056] Each wall section 30 may comprise fixing locations along an edge, so that a wall can be affixed to an adjacent wall 20 by fastening the adjacent wall sections 30.

[0057] The side of each wall section 30 from which the protrusions 60 extend may be formed of H channel section, to enable the encasement of the infill panel 50 on one side, and the module panel 70 on the other side.

[0058] The wall sections 30 maybe finished and/or painted prior to delivery.

[0059] The building 10 may comprise at least one wall 20 located internally, as a means to divide internal space.

[0060] The building 10 may further comprise a drop-down veranda 80, hingably connected to a lower edge of a wall 20, so that the veranda 80 may be configured to be moved between a stowed configuration and an installed configuration.

[0061] The frame 40 maybe constructed from low cost high strength material.

[0062] The frame 40 may be constructed from steel.

[0063] The frame 40 may be treated to prevent corrosion, for example galvanised.

[0064] The frame 40 may comprise two vertical lengths and two horizontal lengths, welded together to form the rectangular frame 40 with protrusions 60.

[0065] The infill panel 50 may comprise cementitious boards.

[0066] The cementitious boards may be slid into the U section forming the three sides of the frame 40, before the final side is completed.

[0067] Alternatively, one side may be bolted, rather than welded, to enable the fabrication of the wall section 30 without requiring welding after the installation of the infill panel 50.

[0068] Alternatively, all sides of the frame 40 may be bolted, so that no welding is required.

[0069] Fabrication of the wall section 30 may be assisted by the use of a jig, so that adequate tolerances are achieved without requiring skilled labour.

[0070] The frame 40 may be sized so that a wall 20 comprising an opposed pair of wall sections 30 and a module panel 70 forms an entire wall of the building 10.

[0071] The frame 40 may therefore be between 1.5m high and 4m high.

[0072] The frame may be between 2.Om high and 3.Om high.

[0073] The frame 40 may be 2.4m high according to a preferred embodiment.

[0074] The length of the frame maybe sized to enable transportation of wall sections 30 in a convenient manner, for example in a sea container.

[0075] The frame 40 may therefore be up to 12.Om long, including the protrusions 60.

[0076] The frame 40 may be between 1.5 and 6.Om long, including the protrusions 60.

[0077] The frame 40 may be between 2.3m and 2.5m long, extending to between 2.9m and 3.1m including the protrusions 60, according to a preferred embodiment.

[0078] The frame 40 maybe between 1.9m and 2.Im long, extending to between 2.9m to 3.1m including the protrusions 60, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0079] The wall 20 comprising two opposed wall sections 30 and a module panel70 may therefore be 2.4m high and 6.0m long according to a preferred embodiment.

[0080] It is acknowledged that variations in size of frame 40 are considered to be within the scope of the invention, for example to provide for different sizes of building 10.

[0081] The protrusions 60 may comprise engagement features at the ends, to allow one wall section 30 to be connected to an opposed wall section 30.

[0082] A building 10 perimeter may be constructed using four walls 20, therefore requiring eight wall sections 30 and four module panels 70.

[0083] Alternatively, the building 10 perimeter maybe constructed using four walls, in which two of the walls each are comprised of two wall sections 30 and one module panel , and the other two walls 20 are each comprised of a single wall section 30 and a single module panel 70.

[0084] In such configurations, the module panels 70 may include two modules panels 70 containing doors and two module panels 70 containing windows.

[0085] It is recognised that a building 10 may comprise more than four walls 20, for example a longer or wider structure may be achieved by using more than one wall 20 along each side.

[0086] It is acknowledged that roofing is also required, and roofing elements form a component of the package which would be delivered.

[0087] It is also acknowledged that electrical and plumbing connections to not form part of the invention, but could be included if desired. The current World Bank funded earthquake homes and intended to provide shelter at a fixed budget, and no provision for plumbing or wiring is included in the specification.

[0088] For example light fittings and electrical points may be fitted to the wall sections prior to completion, with required connections being provided at a perimeter of the frame, for connection to available power supply after construction.

[0089] The method of construction of the wall sections 30, using low cost high strength materials and unskilled labour, enables the rapid production of low cost wall sections 30.

[0090] Importantly, the fabrication may be carried out in a regular workshop or space, and does not require complex machinery or specific facilities, which may be beneficial following a natural disaster when fabrication may commence earlier due to readily available facilities.

[0091] The dimensions and geometry of the wall sections 30 and the module panels 70 may be such that a large quantity of each are accommodated in a standard container, for example a sea container.

[0092] Importantly, this enables the shipping of sufficient wall sections 30 and module panels 70 to build accommodation for victims of natural disasters in a short space of time.

[0093] Alternatively, the dimensions of the wall sections 30 and the module panels 70 may be such that a wall comprised of a single wall section 30 and module panel 70 may be approximately the width of a standard sea container.

[0094] Importantly, this facilitates the transportation of a modular building 10 erected upon a steel chassis, where the building is located upon a truck and transported to a site.

[0095] The high strength frame 40 allows the building to withstand greater extremes than would be the case for comparable structures used following disaster relief, such as tents.

[0096] The strength of the frame 40 allows the building to be rated to withstand earthquakes, for example in accordance with a recognised rating system, although it is recognised that different jurisdictions may use different rating systems.

[0097] Similarly, the wall section 30 and module section 70 maybe constructed of a material which enables the wall to be rated for a number of other factors, such as fire, water incursion and cyclone.

[0098] The infill panel 50 may be constructed of a material which provides increased performance and efficiency, for example thermal, acoustic and energy efficiency.

[0099] The strength of the frame 40 may also be selected to support a second storey, either as an initial or future installation.

[00100] The walls sections 30 may be affixed to pre-prepared concrete strip footings to secure the walls 20 in place.

[00101] Alternatively, the wall sections 30 maybe affixed to a steel chassis to secure the walls 20 in place.

[00102] The building 10 may be initially located to provide disaster relief, and accommodate residents in a location convenient to other relief providing amenities, but the modular construction means that the building 10 may also be re-located at a later date.

[00103] This is beneficial for a number of reasons, for example where land titles and rights may be affected as a result of the disaster, and resolved at a later date, and the residents are then able to re-locate the building 10 accordingly.

[00104] In use, the wall sections 30 maybe fabricated and loaded into a container, along with the selected module panels 70, roofing and any required fixings and tooling.

[00105] The container, possibly containing multiple buildings 10, may then be shipped at short notice to a desired location, for example to a location affected by a disaster such as a tsunami.

[00106] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building 10, the method comprising all of the following steps; a. creating footings at desired locations for walls 20 of the building 10, b. assembling a wall 20 by locating a module panel70 between two opposed wall sections 30, each wall section 30 having a rectangular frame 40 encasing an infill panel 50, wherein opposed sides of each frame 40 comprise protrusions 60 extending from one side of the frame 40, the protrusions 60 configured to receive the module panel 70, c. connecting the opposed wall sections 30 using fasteners located at ends of the protrusions 60, so that the fasteners close the wall sections 30 around the module section 70, thus forming the wall 20, d. repeating steps b and c to form the required number of walls 20, e. erecting a first wall 20 and a second wall 20 on the strip footings, and affixing an edge of the first wall 20 to an edge of the second wall 20, f. erecting a further wall 20 on a strip footing adjacent to either the first wall 20 or second wall 20, and affixing the further wall 20 to an edge of any adjacent wall 20, g. repeating step funtil all walls 20 are erected and connected to form a the perimeter walls 20 of the modular building 10.

[00107] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an alternative method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building 10, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a. creating footings at desired locations for walls 20 of the building 10,

b. assembling a wall 20 by locating a module panel 70 between protrusions 60 of a wall section 30, each wall section 30 having a rectangular frame 40 encasing an infill panel 50, wherein the protrusions 60 extend from one side of the frame 40, the protrusions 60 comprising fixings at free ends, c. repeating step b to form the required number of walls 20 to define the perimeter wall, d. erecting sufficient walls 20 adjacent one another to form a perimeter, and affixing the walls 20 to one another along adjacent edges.

[00108] The wall sections 30 and module sections 70 maybe connected using standard fixings, such as nuts and bolts, to create the walls 20.

[00109] The building 10 is ideally situated on footings formed by pouring concrete into strips upon which the walls 20 will be located.

[00110] In an alternative embodiment, the footings are comprised of a transportable chassis, configured to be removably mounted onto a flat-bed truck.

[00111] In this embodiment, the wall sections 30 maybe sized according to the width of a flat-bed truck.

[00112] Once the walls 20 are assembled, two walls 20 maybe erected at 90 degrees to each other, located on the footings and connected at the coincident edge.

[00113] Alternatively, the first two walls 20 may be erected at a different angle, either where an alternative shape of building is required, or where one side of a building 10 requires more than one wall 20 to complete the desired length.

[00114] Once two walls 20 are erected at an angle, the structure maybe self supporting, and further walls 20 may be erected and connected.

[00115] Ina preferred embodiment, the building 10 comprises four walls 20, arranged in a square, the building 10 is in this case sized to accommodate a small family.

[00116] The walls 20 maybe affixed to the footings to add strength to the structure.

[00117] Importantly, the connections to the footings may be removable, so that the building 10 can be relocated at a later date.

[00118] Further walls 20 maybe used where larger buildings are desired.

[00119] Internal walls may also be provided by using more wall sections 30, and where the module section 70 used for an internal wall may comprise doors.

[00120] In a preferred embodiment, the building 10 comprises a full length internal wall 20 to divide the space in two, and a half length internal wall, where the half length internal wall divides one half of the internal space in two again, for example into two bedrooms.

[00121] In such an embodiment, the half length internal wall may comprise a single wall section 30, and if required to fill the void, a half size module panel.

[00122] Once the walls 20 are erected and affixed to each neighbouring wall 20 and footing, the roofing structure may be installed.

[00123] The simplicity of the installation enables the building 10 to be erected with minimal labour and without the requirement for skilled labour.

[00124] If a building 10 is required to be relocated at a later date, this is easily achieved by dismantling the structure as standard fixings are used throughout.

[00125] It has been shown that multiple buildings 10 can be fabricated and inspected as finished products in one day.

[00126] The building 10 can then be delivered to site and fully erected in one day by four people without costly tooling of machinery.

[00127] The multiple identical wall sections 30 and limited options of module sections 70, mean that fabrication and assembly is simple.

[00128] The capability of having a building available to view and inspect and purchase, and then being able to deliver and install that same building the next day, is a considerable advantage, providing both the supplier and purchaser increased levels of comfort.

[00129] The high strength frame gives the structure greater durability than tents or other accommodation commonly used for disaster relief.

[00130] The cost of each structure has shown to be comparable with high end large tents, such as the type designed to accommodate a family.

[00131] The rigidity and strength of the structure, and the ability to relocate means that the building 10 is a low cost option to provide for families as accommodation for both short term and long term.

[00132] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A modular building comprising; a plurality of walls, each wall comprising; a pair of wall sections, each wall section having a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel; and a module panel; wherein each frame comprises protrusions extending from one side of the frame, the protrusions configured to receive the module panel, so that the pair of wall sections, when arranged opposite one another, are configured to be connected at ends of the protrusions encasing the module panel, thus forming a wall.

2. A modular building comprising; a perimeter wall comprising a plurality of wall sections, each wall section comprising a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel and a module panel; wherein each frame comprises protrusions extending from one side of the frame, and configured to receive the module panel between the protrusions, so that each wall section is configured to be connected using the fixings to an adjacent wall section, thus encasing the module panel.

3. A modular building according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the protrusions comprise fixings at free ends, configured to connected to fixings on an adjacent frame.

4. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module panel comprises optionally a door or a window.

5. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module panel has a height equal to a height of the infill panel.

6. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame is fabricated from channel section, so that the infill panel is encased within the frame.

7. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infill panel comprises a plurality of panels, inserted alongside one another to form the complete infill panel.

8. A modular building according to claim 5, wherein at least one the panels forming the infill panel is replaced with a window.

9. A modular building according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the panels forming the infill panel are cementitious.

10. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wall section comprises fixing locations along an edge, so that a wall can be affixed to an adjacent wall by fastening the adjacent wall sections.

11. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a side of each wall section from which the protrusions extend is formed of H channel section, to enable the encasement of the infill panel on one side, and the module panel on the other side.

12. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building comprises at least one wall located internally, as a means to divide internal space.

13. A modular building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular building further comprises a drop down veranda hingably connected to a lower edge of a wall, so that the veranda is configured to be moved between a stowed configuration and an installed configuration.

14. A method of fabricating a wall section, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a positioning four channel members in ajig, arranged to form a rectangular frame, with one of the channel members positioned inwardly from the ends of its two adjacent channel members, so that the two adjacent channel members protrude a distance beyond an extent of the frame, b after positioning the second or third channel member, but before positioning at least a final channel member, locating an infill panel into the frame, so that edges of the infill panel are located within the channel of the channel members, c welding the channel members at their joints, so that the infill panel is entirely encased within the frame, and the frame comprises two protrusions.

15. A method of fabricating a wall section according to claim 12, wherein the inwardly positions channel member is formed of H channel section.

16. A method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a Creating footings at desired locations for walls of the building,

b assembling a wall by locating a module panel between two opposed wall sections, each wall section having a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel, wherein opposed sides of each frame comprise protrusions extending from one side of the frame,

c connecting the opposed wall sections using fasteners located at ends of the protrusions, so that the fasteners close the wall sections around the module section, thus forming the wall,

d repeating steps b and c to form the required number of walls,

e erecting a first wall and a second wall on a footing, and affixing an edge of the first wall to an edge of the second wall,

f erecting a further wall on a footing adjacent to either the first or second wall, and affixing the further wall to an edge of any adjacent wall,

g repeating step f until all walls are erected and connected to form the perimeter wall of the modular building.

17. A method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building, the method comprising all of the following steps;

a creating footings at desired locations for walls of the building,

b assembling a wall by locating a module panel between protrusions of a wall section, each wall section having a rectangular frame encasing an infill panel, wherein the protrusions extend from one side of the frame, the protrusions comprising fixings at free ends,

c repeating step b to form the required number of walls to define the perimeter wall, erecting sufficient walls adjacent one another to form a perimeter, and affixing the walls to one another along adjacent edges.

18. A method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building according to claim 15 to 17, wherein the footings are formed of strips of concrete poured on site.

19. A method of erecting a perimeter wall of a modular building according to claim 15 to 17, wherein the footings are comprised of a transportable chassis, configured to be removably mounted on a flat-bed truck.