CA1296857C - Modular building construction - Google Patents
Modular building constructionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1296857C CA1296857C CA000553203A CA553203A CA1296857C CA 1296857 C CA1296857 C CA 1296857C CA 000553203 A CA000553203 A CA 000553203A CA 553203 A CA553203 A CA 553203A CA 1296857 C CA1296857 C CA 1296857C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- module
- support columns
- building
- piece
- faces
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/56—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members
- E04B2/70—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members with elongated members of wood
- E04B2/706—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members with elongated members of wood with supporting function
- E04B2/707—Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members with elongated members of wood with supporting function obturation by means of panels
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Load-Bearing And Curtain Walls (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A modular building concept is described which entails connection of a building module between building support columns. The module comprises a frame having two uprights for connection to opposed faces of adjacent columns and a panel connected to the uprights. In a specific embodiment, the panel is formed by planks stacked vertically on their edges to reproduce the piece en piece appearance in which the columns are exposed on the finished building.
A modular building concept is described which entails connection of a building module between building support columns. The module comprises a frame having two uprights for connection to opposed faces of adjacent columns and a panel connected to the uprights. In a specific embodiment, the panel is formed by planks stacked vertically on their edges to reproduce the piece en piece appearance in which the columns are exposed on the finished building.
Description
9~i8~
The present invention relates to building structures and to rnethods of constructing them.
In one particular construction technique known as "pièce en pièce", the area extending between two support columns is spanned by logs stacked vertically on their sides. The tenoned ends of each plank are received within mortices formed in the opposing surfaces of adjacent suppoet columns. Logs of required length are positioned between the columns by sliding the logs downwardly so that a lower edge of a first log abuts the sill timber and subsequent logs stack edgewise on the first log, giving the characteristic pièce en pièce appearance in which the columns are exposed.
While this techni~ue results in a building having a traditional and pleasant appearance, it has certain drawbacks.
It is labour intensive, re~uiring custom-cut logs and a good de~l of time and effort to assemble the logs in the desired array. In addition, efforts to complete construction in a specified time can be stalled when it comes to seal the structure against weather. There is a tendency for the logs to slip after positioning and for shrinkage to occur naturally.
Thus, until the logs have settled, the plank/column interface cannot be caulked effectively, while the interior partitions, cupboa~ds,~panels and the like cannot be rigidly attached to the structure.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to ~k 5~
obviate or mitigate these disadvantages, by providing a novel building structure and technique for constructing the same.
Briefly stated, there present invention involves a building comprising:
a structural framework including adjacent support columns, each of the support colu~ns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam, each pair of the adjacent support columns and the sill and plate beams therebetwean having opposed faces defining a region therebetween;
and a building module arranged to fit snugly in the region, the module comprising a panel having a weather barrier and an outer surface which is representati~e of stacked logs, the support columns and beams being thicker than the module so that, when the module is assembled between the opposed faces, the support columns extend beyond the module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and remain exposed in such a manner that the exposed support columns and the outer surface together simulate a piece en piece building appearance.
In another aspect of the present in~ention, there is provided a method of erecting a wall area with a piece en piece appearance, the method including the steps of:
providing a structural framework including a pair of support columns, each of the support columns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam;
providing the adjacent support columns and the sill and plate beams with opposed faces to define a region therebetween, providing a building module to fit in the region;
providing the module with a weather barrier and with a panel having an outer surface which is representative of stacked logs; and arranging the support columns and the beams so that they are thicker than the module so that, when the module is assembled between the opposed faces, the support columns extend beyond the module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and 5~
remain exposed in such a manner that the exposed support columns and the outer surface together simulate the piece en piece building appearance.
The ~odules of the present invention offer the advantage that they may be preassembled and brought to the site as and when required. This reduces the time required on site to complete the construction, contributing to cost ~ffectiveness.
Where the panel is represented by vertically stacked planks in the piece en piece fashion, additional, specific advantages are realized. Whereas slippage and shri~kage is otherwise normally , 9~85'7 encountered, the module of the present invention allows only mini~al slippage and shrinkage since each plank is rigidly connected between the two uprights and each upright is, in turn, riyidly connected to a support column. Sealing around the module can thus be performed without undue delay i.e. without waiting for settling of the planks, which would otherwise be necessary.
Once the uprights and panel are attached and caulked, the area behind the panel may be insulated and covered using any desired cladding. The cladding is most preferably attached to the module through the uprights although it may be attached to the columns, if desired.
A third aspect of the present invention resides in the building erected using the modules. These buildings are as pleasing in appearance and quality as those constructed by the previously described, known methods yet they are more cost attractive.
Embodiments of the invention are hereinafter described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Pigure l represents a perspective view of a building partially ~onstructed USiAg building modules.
.
.
,.. . .
Figure 2 represents an exploded view of a module; and Figure 3 represents a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1.
The structural framework 10 of a building is shown in Figure 1. The frame work includes a plurality of support column5 12 extending between sill beams 14, and plate beams 16. E~ of the sill and plate beams 14, 16 and the support columns lB and has an inner surface that is planar across its entir~ width This allows the module to slide laterally into place from either the interior or exterior sides of the building. In the area between adjacent support columns 18 and 20 is a module 22 which extends between the floor and sill and plate beams 14 and 16.
Module 22 is shown in isolation in Figure 2. The module has four side faces each of which is planar across its entire width and a framework 24 formed from 2" X 4" studs, including uprights 26, 28, top member 30 and bottom member 32.
Cross-members 34 are incorporated for stability. To the framework is connected a panel 36 having an inner sheet of material 38 acting as a weather barrier and an outer array of planks 40 which reproduce the piece en piece appearance. The area defined by the framework 24 is Eilled with insulating material 42. Attached to this inner surface of the framework 24 is a vapour barrier sheet 43 to which is connected a layer of interior cladding 44. Cladding 44 is presented to the interior of the dwelling and may be painted or embellished in any manner desired by the dweller of the completed building.
.. ... ~,, , .. .
15'7 In order for the module to be accommodated between adjacent support columns, the marginal edges of the module are defined by the framework 24 as shown in Figure 3. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the marginal edges of the panel 36 are coextensive with the perimeter of the framework, as well.
In addition, the inner and outer peripheries of ~he support columns 18, 20 extend beyond the peripheries of the int~rior cladding 44 and the planks 40 so as ~o accentuate the piéce en pi~ce appearance.
.
In order to form the module, each of the panel 36, cladding 44 and framework 24 may be cut or formed independently to desired specifications and connected to the framework. Alternatively, the framework may first be formed and used as a guide to trim the panel, once connected. This latter technique may be useful particularly when the planks form the exterior surface of the module to ensure that there is no plank overhanging the framework. In this way, the module can be accommodated snugly between opposed faces of two adjacent columns by abutment between the columns and the framework.
To connect the module in position, nails 43 are hammered through the framework into the columns and into the sill and plate beams when the module extends thereto. To allow for this nailing, it will be appreciated that the i . .
,, - . .
~2~35'7 insulating material and internal cladding are absent and are added only once the module is securely connected. Because the framework depends from the panel, ample room is provided within the confines of the module for the swinging of a hammer to effect the nailing. As an alternative, the framework may be connected first and the panel then nailed to the framework to allow more freedom for nailing. However, prior connection of the panel to the framework is greatly preferred, thereby to reduce the construction time required on site.
After the framework and panel are secured, the framework/column interface may be sealed by the use of caulking foam or other suitable material, almost instantaneously since it is so rigidly positioned and slippage and shrinkage are almost negligible. After sealing, insulation is added and the interior cladding is connected. Interior cladding may be connected directly to the framework, as shown in Figure 3 or connected to the support columns, if desired.
In wall areas where windows and/or doors are to be positioned, the modules such as those identified as 22a and 22b in Flgure 1 are designed to accommodate them on a sub-frame attached to the panel and connected with the framework for stability. Despite the existence of the sub-frame, adequate space is provided for the nailing action required to fix the module in position.
, ,,., ' ~?~68s7 To accelerate the construction process, the support columns may be spaced at constant distances so that a number of modules of the same siæ can be prefabricated for future use. There may, however, be two or more distances which are selected to be constant so that two or more panel sizes may be required. Sevcral variations of the framework 10 are contemplated including the p.rovision of rigid insulation in place of the weather barrier 38.
~ ~'`1 ~....~` !-',.
The present invention relates to building structures and to rnethods of constructing them.
In one particular construction technique known as "pièce en pièce", the area extending between two support columns is spanned by logs stacked vertically on their sides. The tenoned ends of each plank are received within mortices formed in the opposing surfaces of adjacent suppoet columns. Logs of required length are positioned between the columns by sliding the logs downwardly so that a lower edge of a first log abuts the sill timber and subsequent logs stack edgewise on the first log, giving the characteristic pièce en pièce appearance in which the columns are exposed.
While this techni~ue results in a building having a traditional and pleasant appearance, it has certain drawbacks.
It is labour intensive, re~uiring custom-cut logs and a good de~l of time and effort to assemble the logs in the desired array. In addition, efforts to complete construction in a specified time can be stalled when it comes to seal the structure against weather. There is a tendency for the logs to slip after positioning and for shrinkage to occur naturally.
Thus, until the logs have settled, the plank/column interface cannot be caulked effectively, while the interior partitions, cupboa~ds,~panels and the like cannot be rigidly attached to the structure.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to ~k 5~
obviate or mitigate these disadvantages, by providing a novel building structure and technique for constructing the same.
Briefly stated, there present invention involves a building comprising:
a structural framework including adjacent support columns, each of the support colu~ns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam, each pair of the adjacent support columns and the sill and plate beams therebetwean having opposed faces defining a region therebetween;
and a building module arranged to fit snugly in the region, the module comprising a panel having a weather barrier and an outer surface which is representati~e of stacked logs, the support columns and beams being thicker than the module so that, when the module is assembled between the opposed faces, the support columns extend beyond the module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and remain exposed in such a manner that the exposed support columns and the outer surface together simulate a piece en piece building appearance.
In another aspect of the present in~ention, there is provided a method of erecting a wall area with a piece en piece appearance, the method including the steps of:
providing a structural framework including a pair of support columns, each of the support columns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam;
providing the adjacent support columns and the sill and plate beams with opposed faces to define a region therebetween, providing a building module to fit in the region;
providing the module with a weather barrier and with a panel having an outer surface which is representative of stacked logs; and arranging the support columns and the beams so that they are thicker than the module so that, when the module is assembled between the opposed faces, the support columns extend beyond the module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and 5~
remain exposed in such a manner that the exposed support columns and the outer surface together simulate the piece en piece building appearance.
The ~odules of the present invention offer the advantage that they may be preassembled and brought to the site as and when required. This reduces the time required on site to complete the construction, contributing to cost ~ffectiveness.
Where the panel is represented by vertically stacked planks in the piece en piece fashion, additional, specific advantages are realized. Whereas slippage and shri~kage is otherwise normally , 9~85'7 encountered, the module of the present invention allows only mini~al slippage and shrinkage since each plank is rigidly connected between the two uprights and each upright is, in turn, riyidly connected to a support column. Sealing around the module can thus be performed without undue delay i.e. without waiting for settling of the planks, which would otherwise be necessary.
Once the uprights and panel are attached and caulked, the area behind the panel may be insulated and covered using any desired cladding. The cladding is most preferably attached to the module through the uprights although it may be attached to the columns, if desired.
A third aspect of the present invention resides in the building erected using the modules. These buildings are as pleasing in appearance and quality as those constructed by the previously described, known methods yet they are more cost attractive.
Embodiments of the invention are hereinafter described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Pigure l represents a perspective view of a building partially ~onstructed USiAg building modules.
.
.
,.. . .
Figure 2 represents an exploded view of a module; and Figure 3 represents a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1.
The structural framework 10 of a building is shown in Figure 1. The frame work includes a plurality of support column5 12 extending between sill beams 14, and plate beams 16. E~ of the sill and plate beams 14, 16 and the support columns lB and has an inner surface that is planar across its entir~ width This allows the module to slide laterally into place from either the interior or exterior sides of the building. In the area between adjacent support columns 18 and 20 is a module 22 which extends between the floor and sill and plate beams 14 and 16.
Module 22 is shown in isolation in Figure 2. The module has four side faces each of which is planar across its entire width and a framework 24 formed from 2" X 4" studs, including uprights 26, 28, top member 30 and bottom member 32.
Cross-members 34 are incorporated for stability. To the framework is connected a panel 36 having an inner sheet of material 38 acting as a weather barrier and an outer array of planks 40 which reproduce the piece en piece appearance. The area defined by the framework 24 is Eilled with insulating material 42. Attached to this inner surface of the framework 24 is a vapour barrier sheet 43 to which is connected a layer of interior cladding 44. Cladding 44 is presented to the interior of the dwelling and may be painted or embellished in any manner desired by the dweller of the completed building.
.. ... ~,, , .. .
15'7 In order for the module to be accommodated between adjacent support columns, the marginal edges of the module are defined by the framework 24 as shown in Figure 3. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the marginal edges of the panel 36 are coextensive with the perimeter of the framework, as well.
In addition, the inner and outer peripheries of ~he support columns 18, 20 extend beyond the peripheries of the int~rior cladding 44 and the planks 40 so as ~o accentuate the piéce en pi~ce appearance.
.
In order to form the module, each of the panel 36, cladding 44 and framework 24 may be cut or formed independently to desired specifications and connected to the framework. Alternatively, the framework may first be formed and used as a guide to trim the panel, once connected. This latter technique may be useful particularly when the planks form the exterior surface of the module to ensure that there is no plank overhanging the framework. In this way, the module can be accommodated snugly between opposed faces of two adjacent columns by abutment between the columns and the framework.
To connect the module in position, nails 43 are hammered through the framework into the columns and into the sill and plate beams when the module extends thereto. To allow for this nailing, it will be appreciated that the i . .
,, - . .
~2~35'7 insulating material and internal cladding are absent and are added only once the module is securely connected. Because the framework depends from the panel, ample room is provided within the confines of the module for the swinging of a hammer to effect the nailing. As an alternative, the framework may be connected first and the panel then nailed to the framework to allow more freedom for nailing. However, prior connection of the panel to the framework is greatly preferred, thereby to reduce the construction time required on site.
After the framework and panel are secured, the framework/column interface may be sealed by the use of caulking foam or other suitable material, almost instantaneously since it is so rigidly positioned and slippage and shrinkage are almost negligible. After sealing, insulation is added and the interior cladding is connected. Interior cladding may be connected directly to the framework, as shown in Figure 3 or connected to the support columns, if desired.
In wall areas where windows and/or doors are to be positioned, the modules such as those identified as 22a and 22b in Flgure 1 are designed to accommodate them on a sub-frame attached to the panel and connected with the framework for stability. Despite the existence of the sub-frame, adequate space is provided for the nailing action required to fix the module in position.
, ,,., ' ~?~68s7 To accelerate the construction process, the support columns may be spaced at constant distances so that a number of modules of the same siæ can be prefabricated for future use. There may, however, be two or more distances which are selected to be constant so that two or more panel sizes may be required. Sevcral variations of the framework 10 are contemplated including the p.rovision of rigid insulation in place of the weather barrier 38.
~ ~'`1 ~....~` !-',.
Claims (7)
1.) A building comprising:
a structural framework including adjacent support columns, each of said support columns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam, each pair of said adjacent support columns and said sill and plate beams therebetween having opposed faces defining a region therebetween;
and a building module arranged to fit snugly in said region, said module comprising a panel having a weather barrier and an outer surface which is representative of stacked logs, said support columns and beams being thicker than said module so that, when said module is assembled between said opposed faces, said support columns extend beyond said module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and remain exposed in such a manner that said exposed support columns and said outer surface together simulate a piece en piece building appearance.
a structural framework including adjacent support columns, each of said support columns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam, each pair of said adjacent support columns and said sill and plate beams therebetween having opposed faces defining a region therebetween;
and a building module arranged to fit snugly in said region, said module comprising a panel having a weather barrier and an outer surface which is representative of stacked logs, said support columns and beams being thicker than said module so that, when said module is assembled between said opposed faces, said support columns extend beyond said module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and remain exposed in such a manner that said exposed support columns and said outer surface together simulate a piece en piece building appearance.
2.) A building as defined in claim 1 wherein said opposed faces are planar across their entire width to enable said module to be inserted into said region from either side of said structural framework, said module having four side faces, each of said side faces being arranged to slide against one of said opposed planar faces thereby to fit snugly between said beams and columns.
3.) A building as defined in claim 1 wherein said module further comprises a pair of uprights and a pair of cross members connected between said uprights.
4.) A building as defined in claim 1 wherein said outer surface is formed from a plurality of stacked planks.
5.) A method of erecting a wall area with a piece en piece appearance, said method including the steps of:
providing a structural framework including a pair of support columns, each of said support columns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam;
providing said adjacent support columns and said sill and plate beams with opposed faces to define a region therebetween;
providing a building module to fit in said region;
providing said module with a weather barrier and with a panel having an outer surface which is representative of stacked logs; and arranging said support columns and said beams so that they are thicker than said module so that, when said module is assembled between said opposed faces, said support columns extend beyond said module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and remain exposed in such a manner that said exposed support columns and said outer surface together simulate the piece en piece building appearance.
providing a structural framework including a pair of support columns, each of said support columns being joined at one end to a sill beam and at another end to a plate beam;
providing said adjacent support columns and said sill and plate beams with opposed faces to define a region therebetween;
providing a building module to fit in said region;
providing said module with a weather barrier and with a panel having an outer surface which is representative of stacked logs; and arranging said support columns and said beams so that they are thicker than said module so that, when said module is assembled between said opposed faces, said support columns extend beyond said module on the interior and exterior sides thereof and remain exposed in such a manner that said exposed support columns and said outer surface together simulate the piece en piece building appearance.
6.) A method as defined in claim 5, further including the steps of:
arranging said opposed faces to be planar across their entire width;
forming four side faces on said module with each of said side faces being planar across their entire width; and arranging each of said planar side faces to slide against one of said opposed planar faces thereby to fit snugly between said beams and columns.
arranging said opposed faces to be planar across their entire width;
forming four side faces on said module with each of said side faces being planar across their entire width; and arranging each of said planar side faces to slide against one of said opposed planar faces thereby to fit snugly between said beams and columns.
7.) A method as defined in claim 6 further including the step of attaching a plurality of stacked planks to said panel to form said outer surface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000553203A CA1296857C (en) | 1987-12-01 | 1987-12-01 | Modular building construction |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000553203A CA1296857C (en) | 1987-12-01 | 1987-12-01 | Modular building construction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1296857C true CA1296857C (en) | 1992-03-10 |
Family
ID=4136975
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000553203A Expired - Lifetime CA1296857C (en) | 1987-12-01 | 1987-12-01 | Modular building construction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1296857C (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-12-01 CA CA000553203A patent/CA1296857C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4869036A (en) | Modular building construction | |
| US5377470A (en) | Modular insulating wall panel system | |
| US4269006A (en) | House assembly with prefabricated elements | |
| US4435928A (en) | Low energy building | |
| US5524400A (en) | Wall assembly and method of making the same | |
| US5353560A (en) | Building structure and method of use | |
| US4071984A (en) | House assembly with prefabricated elements | |
| US5701708A (en) | Structural foam core panels with built-in header | |
| US4674253A (en) | Insulated construction panel and method | |
| US4947615A (en) | Modular building construction | |
| US4409763A (en) | Post and beam building | |
| US4815242A (en) | Modular lean-to post and beam structure | |
| CA1116371A (en) | Insulated wall construction | |
| EP0623182A1 (en) | Improved building structure and method of use | |
| CA1296857C (en) | Modular building construction | |
| JPH02292438A (en) | Building structure of wooden house | |
| US20050126084A1 (en) | System of building modular log homes | |
| US3609936A (en) | Method for constructing low cost housing units | |
| US20040111990A1 (en) | Building structures | |
| WO2001044594A2 (en) | Building system | |
| JP3841747B2 (en) | Axle panel structure for building houses, framed panel construction method and wood panel | |
| JP3571485B2 (en) | Insulation inner wall foundation method of window opening | |
| JP3025069U (en) | Architectural panel | |
| GB2364333A (en) | A prefabricated modular building structure | |
| AU2003288411A1 (en) | Modular building unit and method of assembly |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |