EP3635197A1

EP3635197A1 - Building system

Info

Publication number: EP3635197A1
Application number: EP18731738.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Allan BORGSTRØM
Original assignee: Globe Housing Aps
Current assignee: Globe Housing Aps
Priority date: 2017-06-07
Filing date: 2018-06-07
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Also published as: WO2018224109A1; ZA202000071B

Abstract

Building system for erecting standardized buildings where the system comprises four types of base components: a. A first type of wall panels having a first trapezoid shape, such that a base and a top edge are parallel, where the base and top edge are connected by straight sides; b. A first type of roofing panel having a second trapezoid shape, such that a base edge and a top edge are parallel, where the base and top edge are connected by straight sides; c. A second type of roofing panel having either a second trapezoid shape where a base edge is parallel to a top edge where the base and top edge are connected by sides, or where said second type of roofing panel has a triangular shape, comprising a base edge and two side edges meeting in an apex; d. A third type of roofing panel being substantially flat and having a polygonal circumference, adapted to in use being placed and cover either the top edges or apexes of adjacent second type roofing panels; where the length of the top edge of the first type of wall panel is equal to the base edge of the first type of roofing panel, and where the top edge of the first type of roofing panel is equal in length tothe base edge length of the second type of roofing panel.

Description

Building system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a building system for erecting standardized buildings as well as a method for erecting such standardized buildings using the building system.

Background of the Invention

In many areas of the world there is a huge need and demand for low-cost housing in order to replace the very poor standard of dwellings which are often referred to as slum.

Furthermore, there is also a worldwide demand for low-cost temporary housing or constructions which can house temporary hospitals, clinics etc., particularly in con- nection with wars, natural disasters etc.

This need has been addressed by many various solutions which so far have proved to have a very marginal success and not addressing the current needs. Examples of a low cost or temporary building structure are disclosed in WO2014/2009450. These constructions include portable modular building structures which are moulded from fibre boards such that moulded fibre board panels are provided which have a curved shape. Each panel constitutes both wall and roof. These panels made from moulded fibre board are not very durable and furthermore, due to their curved, even double-curved shape they require quite expensive form-work, and at the same time are difficult to transport. The production method also requires special equipment in order to handle the materials, and trained/skilled labour in order to manufacture the construction. Similar constructions are also known from DE880060, CA774802, GB1181341 and EP1143081. These constructions, however, are made from various other materials, such as for example steel or concrete. Common, however, are the different shapes and the requirement of specialized form-work in order to manufacture the components from which the buildings are made.

Common for the prior art buildings is the fact that the manufacture of the panels from which the various buildings are made relies on skilled personnel , and furthermore that many of them cannot be manufactured from materials which are available in the vicinity of where the buildings are to be erected and therefore transportation and extra expenses are involved when selecting any of the prior art constructions.

Object of the Invention

Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to address the drawbacks of the prior art constructions and provide a relatively cheap construction system which at the same time is very versatile and may be manufactured and raised in-situ where they are to be used without involving specialized or very expensive equipment.

Description of the Invention

The present invention addresses this by providing a building system for erecting standardized buildings, where the building system comprises wall and roofing panels made of concrete where the system comprises four types of planar base components:

a. A first type of wall panels having a first trapezoid shape, such that a base and a top edge are parallel where the base and top edge are connected by straight sides, and where the panel between the edges and sides is planar; b. A first type of roofing panel having a second trapezoid shape, such that a base edge and a top edge are parallel where the base and top edge are connected by straight sides, and where the panel between the edges and sides is planar;

c. A second type of roofing panel having either a second trapezoid shape where a base edge is parallel to a top edge where the base and top edge are connected by sides, or where said second type of roofing panel has a triangular shape, comprising a base edge and two side edges meeting in an apex, and where the panel between the edges and sides is planar;

d. A third type of roofing panel being substantially flat and having a polygonal circumference, adapted to in use being placed and cover either the top edges or apexes of adjacent second type roofing panels; where the length of the top edge of the first type of wall panel is equal to the base edge of the first type of roofing panel, and where the top edge of the first type of roofing panel is equal in length to the base edge length of the second type of roofing pan- el; and where the edges and sides are provided with an in use inwardly bent portion, such that the inwardly bent portions of adjacent panels are in contact, and where a building is erected by arranging a plurality of panels of at least the first type of wall panels, the first type of roofing panel, the second type of roofing panel, and the third type of roofing panel.

An important aspect of the building system is that all panels, be they roofing panels or wall panels, are substantially plane. By the formulation plane wall panels and plane roofing panels shall be understood that the panels are substantially two-dimensional, i.e. they have a width and a height and also a material thickness. The material thickness is minimal compared to the width and height of the panels.

That is to say that the panels do not curve even in a single curve or a double curve configuration as some of the prior art systems mentioned above. Due to the fact that the wall and roof panels are plane/flat it is relatively easy to manufacture mould-work in order to cast the wall and roof panels for example with a concrete mixture. As furthermore the panels are provided with bent portions along the edges/sides, the panels are provided with stiffness. At the same time it is possible to cast the concrete panels relatively thin (due to the stiffness provided by the bent portions). This fact provides a number of advantages, for example the amount of materials necessary is very limited to thicker constructions. Even double curved structures which also to a certain degree achieve an own stiffness, requires more material per area unit than the panels provided with the bent portions. Additionally, by for example using fibre reinforced concrete very ductile and homogeneous structures may be manufactured. Additionally, thin panels are relatively light. It is the possible to transport and handle the panels without the use of special equipment. As the base materials for concrete such as sand, gravel and water are available in most places and also most remote places, only cement and optionally reinforcement need to be transported to the building site. The transport cost involved in transporting these very limited constituents of the panels will only amount to a fraction of the cost as compared to the cost involved if the entire wall or roof panel should be transported to the construction site. Typically, reinforcement will constitute 2-4% of the entire panel and cement content will be even less.

The components of the building system, i.e. the wall panels and the roofing panels are geometrically designed such that by arranging the second type of roof panel on top of the first type of roof panel which again is mounted on top of a wall panel and inclining all three panels with respect to a vertical plane, it is possible to create a section-wise circular building having a relatively large radius at the bottom where the foundation is positioned and a very small/narrow apex at the top of the roof. By the formulation "section-wise circular" is meant that as the panels are plane, they will have a straight edge at the bottom and by arranging the base of the first type of wall panels inside a circle (the base of the panels will be equal to a corde), a building structure will be able to be erected. Depending on the length of the base of the various panels and in particular the first type of wall panels the over-all size/area of the build- ing to be erected is determined.

The third type of roofing panel is designed to close the top of the building. It may be slightly elevated in order to provide ventilation. It is also foreseen that the panel may be transparent in order to allow light through, into the building.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention a further component to the building system is provided wherein a second type of wall panel is provided, said second type having an opening corresponding to a door opening. The standardized door opening in connection with a further embodiment wherein an entry portal is provided which entry portal is adapted to be installed projecting from the opening, said entry portal having a first end designed for fastening to the second wall element and second end opposite said first end, designed to either receive a door construction or be connected to a second end of a further entry portal.

In this manner it becomes possible in a modular-like manner to connect adjacent buildings such that the various buildings may constitute rooms in a larger structure. The entry portal may either be provided with a door or be provided with a connection to an entry portal on an adjacent building such that a corridor is established between two adjacent buildings.

In a further advantageous embodiment the first type of roofing panel, i.e. the roofing panel designed to be arranged with its base on the top edge of the first type of wall panels comprises one or more openings, suitable to fit windows or ventilation grates.

In order to ensure privacy inside the building it is advantageous to arrange the windows relatively high off the ground such that passers-by cannot look directly into the building and on the other hand users of the building are provided with light and venti- lation and are able to look outside without being "spied upon" by passers-by. This aspect is particularly important in certain regions of the world where religion or the norm sense in society put a strict regime on the ability to maintain privacy within one's own home. Also in other situations where for example the buildings are used for hospitals or other medical installations it is important to provide sufficient light, but at the same time provide a certain amount of privacy to what is going on inside the building.

As the different panels, i.e. wall panels, roofing panels are relatively simple in design, it is also relatively simple to provide connection means along the side edges of the panels in order to connect one panel to an adjacent side edge of an adjacent panel.

In order to keep the system simple and yet reliable, traditional connection means such as for example a bolt and nut or a bracket or clamp connection is foreseen in order to connect adjacent panels. These types of connection means do not require specialized tools or specialized skills and as such may be handled and carried out by relatively unskilled labour with a satisfying result. Therefore in a further advantageous embodiment the building system is provided with an assembly clam, said clamp being generally U-shaped, where an indentation is provided in each leg of the U, and where the distance between the legs corresponds to the combined thickness of the bent portions of two adjacent panels, and where in the bent portions of the panels a protruding bracket is cast-in, such that as two panels are ar- ranged adjacently, the brackets will project in opposite directions, and the U-shaped clapm may be fitted over both bent portions, such that the brackets are inserted in the indentations. Advantageously the brackets are made from stainless steel, and the clamps are made from stainless spring steel. With this type of assembly means it is easy to assemble the structure, as very simple tools are needed. Furthermore, disassembly is also easy. With these types of constructions it is in some instances important to be able to disassemble the structure and reassemble it in a new location. Necessary water, moisture and wind tightness may also be provided for example by employing suitable seals between adjacent panels.

In a further advantageous embodiment the panels have an outer side and an inner side, where when assembled into a building the outer surface will be facing towards the ambient environment, and the inner surface will be facing towards the interior of the building, where on the inner surface of the first type of roofing panel fastening or connection means are provided for attaching a horizontal floor slab.

By providing means for example in the shape of inserts cast into the panels at the right height above the ground, it is possible to create an elevated floor (first level) such that a mezzanine or the like is created. Naturally, interior partition walls may also be provided as needed, for example as support for the horizontal slab mounted as a mezzanine. In this manner the interior space may be utilized more effectively such that more m2 per standardized building may be achieved. The invention is also directed at a method of erecting a building as discussed above where the method includes the following steps:

* in a first step a foundation is created, at least as points, where said points are spaced such that centers of the points' foundations are placed at a distance corresponding to the base length of said first type of wall elements, and where the point foundations are arranged along the perimeter of a circle;

* in a second step a number of first and optionally second type of wall panels are erected adjacent to each other, such that the ends of the base edges are supported by the foundations, and where the upwards inclination of adjacent panels is adjusted such that adjacent side edges are brought into contact

Description of the Drawing

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a standardized building according to the building system

Figure 2 illustrates schematically the various sections 100, 102, 104

Figure 3 illustrates buildings assembled in different patterns or as stand-alone buildings

Figure 4a-c illustrate schematically the various types of wall panels and roofing panels being used in the system

Figure 5 illustrates the circumference of the building and the foundations necessary in order to support the building

Figure 6 illustrates a vertical cross-section indicating a building having two secondary wall panels

Figure 7-10 illustrate various cross-sections through buildings according to the present invention

Figure 11 illustrates an assembly detail between adjacent panels;

Figure 12 illustrates a special embodiment of an insulated panel cross-section. Detailed Description of the Invention

In figure 1 is illustrated a standardized building according to the building system erected according to the method which is also part of the present invention. In this embodiment a very basic housing unit is illustrated. The building 1 is assembled from a first type of wall panels 10, a first type of roofing panels 20 and a second type of roofing panel 30. In this particular embodiment a fourth closing roof panel 40 is also provided. In this embodiment each first type of wall panels 10 are arranged edge by edge 1 1, 12 such that a substantially first closed wall is assembled. Each first type of wall panel has a trapezoidal shape such that the base 13 and a top edge 14 are parallel. Furthermore the base is longer than the top edge and the base and top edge are connected by straight sides 15, 16.

Connected on top of the first type of wall panel 10 is a first type of roofing panel 20 which also comprises a base 21 and a top edge where both the base edge and the top edge are arranged in parallel. The top edge 22 and the base are connected by straight sides 23, 24. The length of the base of this first type of roofing panel 20 is substantial- ly equal to the length of the top edge 14 of the first type of wall panels. In this manner, when the first type of roofing panel is placed with a base on top of the top edge of the first type of wall panel the straight edges 15, 16, 23, 24 will be substantially continuous delimiting the panel section 100. A second type of roof panel 30 is also provided where the base 31 is parallel to the top edge 32 and where the top edge 32 is connected with the base edge 31 by straight side edges 33, 34. Again, the base edge 31 corresponds in length to the top edge 22 of the first type of roofing panel 20 such that when the second type of roofing panel 30 is positioned on top of the first type of roofing panel 20 substantially continuous edges 33, 23, 16 and 15, 24 and 34 are provided. The inclination with respect to vertical as indicated by the angles α, β and Ω where the dashed lines indicate a vertical line having different inclinations such that the sections 100, 102, 104 leans towards each other whereby adjacent side edges in the sections 100, 102, 104 come into contact and stabilize the building. Finally, the third type of roofing panel 40 is positioned above the opening created by the adjacent top edges 32 of adjacent second type of roofing panels 30. In the illustrated embodiment in figure 1 a second type of wall element 50 is provided. The second type of wall panel 50 is in this embodiment provided with a door opening 51 where a corresponding cut-out 5 is provided in the first type of wall panel 10' positioned in this embodiment in the section 104. Also in the section 100 the first type of roofing panel is provided with a window opening 25 providing light and in open condition also ventilation to the interior of the standardized building 1.

The second type of roofing panel may as indicated in this embodiment be provided with solar panels 35 generating electricity which may be utilized inside the building for various purposes such as for example lighting, ventilation or as power for various utensils.

In figure 2 is schematically illustrated the various sections 100, 102, 104 in a separat- ed exploded view in order to illustrate the simple means used in order to construct the building illustrated above with reference to figure 1.

It is clear that the second type of wall panel 50 may be connected to a similar wall panel on an adjacent building thereby creating a corridor between two adjacent build- ings.

From the above it should be evident that it is possible to manufacture standardized buildings with a very limited amount of difference standard panels and at the same time achieve a high versatility in the structure. This is further illustrated with reference to figure 3 wherein buildings, for example as illustrated in figure 1 are assembled in different patterns or as stand-alone buildings.

For the cluster of buildings referred to as 300 a central building has second wall panels in four positions in order to create corridors/access to the four other standard build- ings surrounding the central building. In this manner a multi-room structure is created. With respect to the cluster of buildings referred to as 400 each building is provided with two secondary wall panels creating connections to an adjacent building whereby an array of buildings 400 is created.

Due to the versatility of the system it is clear that more or less buildings may be connected in any desirable pattern in order to create the necessary space/rooms for that particular purpose be it a building for a family, a doctor's clinic or a hospital. In figures 4a, 4b and 4c are schematically illustrated the various types of wall panels and roofing panels being used in the system.

Ad already explained above, the top edge 14 of the first wall panel 10 shall have the same length as the base edge 21 of the first type of roofing panel 20 and the top edge 22 of the first type of roofing panel shall have the same length as the base edge 31 of the second type of roof panel 30. In this manner, by placing the panels on top of each other 10, 20, 30 substantially continuous side edges will be created. With this basic principle it is possible to design a substantially endless amount of variations in that by changing the respective length of the base edge and the top edge 13, 14 various pa- rameters in the building change.

For example, if the top edge 14 is very short compared to the base edge 13 the inclination angle a (see figure 1) must be relatively large in order for the side edges of adjacent panels to come into contact. By furthermore changing the distance H between the base edge 13 and the top edge 14 the room height may be changed accordingly. The same is of course true with the roofing panels 20, 30 such that a designer having realized the inventiveness of the present system will be able to create buildings of varying shape. As indicated in figure 5 the base edges 13 of in this embodiment five first wall panels 10' - 10" " ' are positioned as cords inside an imaginary circle 45 in order to illustrate the circumference of the building and the foundations necessary in order to support the building. The foundation structure may be designed according to the soil quality, but also to the use of the building. For very temporary shelter type buildings which shall be erected quickly and which do not have very long life expectancy it will be sufficient to provide foundations only at the ends of the base edge 13 as indicated by the dashed lines 55. In practice the foundations 55 may be created by simply drilling into the soil by a relatively small diameter earth drill, for example 30 cm to a depth of maybe 50 cm in order to create a secure footing for the building to be erected.

For other constructions where a more or less permanent building is desired, a founda- tion under the entire base edge may be provided in a more traditional manner, for example by digging a ditch and filling the ditch with concrete.

As there is a continuous inclination on all surfaces of the building, rain water will be lead to the ground along the surfaces of the building. For this purpose it might be de- sirable to provide a drainage ditch surrounding the building in order to lead any rain water away from the building structure.

Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 illustrate various cross-sections through buildings according to the present invention. In figure 6 is illustrated a vertical cross-section indicating a building having two secondary wall panels 50, 50 providing access to the building 1. Inside the building at the level between the first wall panel and the first roofing panel 20 is provided a horizontal slab 60 providing a mezzanine floor. The mezzanine may again be divided by vertical walls 61 into a plurality of spaces. Likewise, additional partition walls 62 and further door openings 63 may be provided on the ground floor level.

In figure 7-10 are illustrated horizontal cross-sections through two different buildings. In figure 7 is indicated a building comprising two entrances 50, 50' leading into two dwellings 71, 72. Each dwelling comprises a living-room 73 as well as a bedroom. In this particular embodiment a mezzanine plate 60 has been positioned and the partition 75 between the two dwellings 71, 72 has been continued throughout the interior space thereby also separating the mezzanine in two halves 76, 76' one for each dwelling 71, 72. A different layout is used in the building illustrated with reference to figures 9 and 10 where 9 is the ground level comprising two entrances 50, 50', a bathroom 77, a living- room 73, a bedroom 74 and an available space 78. Again, a slab 60 has been provided creating a mezzanine which has a part partition 75' separating the mezzanine into two sleeping areas 79, 79' .

As should be evident from the various designs indicated in figure 6-10 and particularly the provision of a mezzanine slab 60, the inventive building system provides for a large variety of interior designs and layouts depending on the particular use the in- ventive building is designed for.

In fig. 11 is illustrated a cross-section through an assembly detail of two adjacent panels. Each panel (not illustrated) is provided with a flange 81,82. The flanges are arranged substantially orthogonal to the front face of the panels, and will typically be facing inwards (but may also face outwards) in the assembled housing unit. In each flange 81,82 is cast-in a stainless steel bracket 83,84, such that a nose 83', 84, projects out of the concrete and away from the other flange 81,82, such that for example the nose 83' projects away from the flange 81 . An assembly clamp is provided, said clamp 85 being generally U-shaped, where an indentation 86,86' is provided in each leg of the U, and where the distance between the legs corresponds to the combined thickness of the flanges 81,82 of two adjacent panels. By furthermore arranging the indentations 86,86' at a correct distance from the bottom of the U, the assembly clamp 85 will fit over a part of the flanges 81,82, and accommodate the noses83,83' in the indentations 86,86', thereby securing two adjacent panels together. Advantageously the assembly clamp 85 is manufactured from spring steel, and in particular stainless spring steel. The spring steel characteristics will assist in urging the flanges 81,82 towards each other, facilitating a tight joint 87 between the panels. In order to further the tightness (not show) seals, gaskets and the like may be fitted between the two flanges 81,82.

A special embodiment of the invention is disclosed with reference to fig 12. For certain applications it is desirable to insulate the buildings and possible also provide the inner surfaces with a hygienic-friendly or easy to clean surface. This may for example for food/supply storage, medical installations (hospitals, local medical centers) etc. For these purposes the present invention provides insulated panels 100. The panels 100 are, after being removed from the mold and cured, positioned such that for example a two-component polyurethane foam mixture is arranged and allowed to foam, inside the tub created by the panels^' flanges and the inside of the panel. Hence, an insulation 102 is form- fitted into the panel. The insulation 102 is thereafter cut to be level with the distal ends of the flanges 81,82. Thereafter a suitable membrane 104 is adhered to the now flush inner surface. In this manner it is possible to relatively easy create a continuous inner surface. The choice of membrane will provide the desired properties with respect to hygiene, cleanability etc.

The invention has now been explained with reference to a few embodiments which have only been discussed in order to illustrate the many possibilities and varying design possibilities achievable with the building system according to the present invention. The invention, however, shall only be limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Building system for erecting standardized buildings, where the building system comprises wall and roofing panels made of concrete where the system comprises four types of planar base components:

a. A first type of wall panels having a first trapezoid shape, such that a base and a top edge are parallel where the base and top edge are connected by straight sides, and where the panel between the edges and sides is planar;

b. A first type of roofing panel having a second trapezoid shape, such that a base edge and a top edge are parallel where the base and top edge are connected by straight sides, and where the panel between the edges and sides is planar;

d. A third type of roofing panel being substantially flat and having a polygonal circumference, adapted to in use being placed and cover either the top edges or apexes of adjacent second type roofing panels; where the length of the top edge of the first type of wall panel is equal to the base edge of the first type of roofing panel, and where the top edge of the first type of roofing panel is equal in length to the base edge length of the second type of roofing panel; and where the edges and sides are provided with an in use inwardly bent portion, such that the inwardly bent portions of adjacent panels are in contact, and where a building is erected by arranging a plurality of panels of at least the first type of wall panels, the first type of roofing panel, the second type of roofing panel, and the third type of roofing panel.

2. Building system according to claim 1 wherein a second type of wall panel is provided, said second type having an opening corresponding to a door opening.

3. Building system according to claim 2 wherein an entry portal adapted to be installed projecting from the opening is provided, said entry portal having a first end designed for fastening to the second wall element and second end opposite said first end, designed to either receive a door construction or be connected to a second end of a further entry portal.

4. Building system according to claim 1 wherein said first type of roofing panel comprises one or more openings, suitable to fit windows or ventilation grates.

5. Building system according to any preceding claims where along the side edg- es of the elements means for connecting to an adjacent side edge is provided, where said means may include one or more of the following: a. Apertures provided at intervals along the side edges, said apertures suitable to receive bolt and nut connections;

b. Recesses or apertures provided spaced along or in the side edges, such that a bracket or clamp having two connection ends may have a connection end fitted in a recess in adjacent panels and by tightening the bracket or clamp the connection ends are brought closer thereby urging adjacent panel edges together;

c. Ridges and/or grooves arranged parallel to the edges, such that a curable material may be filled in said groove or ridge, adhering adjacent panels together.

6. Building system according to any preceding claim wherein an assembly

clamp is provided, said clamp being generally U-shaped, where an indentation is provided in each leg of the U, and where the distance between the legs corresponds to the combined thickness of the bent portions of two adjacent panels, and where in the bent portions of the panels a protruding bracket is cast-in, such that as two panels are arranged adjacently, the brackets will pro- ject in opposite directions, and the U-shaped clap may be fitted over both bent portions, such that the brackets are inserted in the indentations.

Building system according to claim 6, where the brackets are made from stainless steel, and the clamps are made from stainless spring steel.

Building system according to claim 1 where the panels has an outer side and an inner side, which when assembled into a building the outer surface will be facing towards the ambient environment, and the inner surface will be facing towards the interior of the building, where on the inner surface of the first type of roofing panel fastening or connection means are provided for attaching a horizontal floor slab, is provided.

Building system according to any preceding claim, wherein the side of the panel which in use will be facing the interior, is provided with an expanded polyurethane protective layer approximately 100 mm thick.

Method of erecting a building according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein:

* in a first step a foundation is created, at least as points, where said points are spaced such that centers of the points foundations are placed a distance corresponding to the base length of said first type of wall elements, and where the point foundations are arranged along the perimeter of a circle

* in a second step a number of first and optionally second type of wall panels are erected adjacent to each other, such that the ends of the base edges are supported by the foundations, and where the upwards inclination of adjacent panels is adjusted such that adjacent side edges are brought into contact.