FI20175978A1

FI20175978A1 - Technics unit and method of providing a building structure

Info

Publication number: FI20175978A1
Application number: FI20175978A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Ville Volanen; Eero Pesola
Original assignee: Metsi Oy
Priority date: 2017-11-03
Filing date: 2017-11-03
Publication date: 2019-05-04
Also published as: WO2019086755A1

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a technics unit (1) comprising a body (2) which is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall (3) of a prefabricated module (4) including at least a first section (5) having an entrance (18) into the first section (5), and wherein the technics unit (1) includes building equipment and is configured to provide Access to at least a part of the building equipment only from the outside of the module (4) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4).

Description

TECHNICS UNIT AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A BUILDING STRUCTURE

FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a technics unit.

[0002] Further, the present invention relates to a method of providing a building structure.

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BACKGROUND [0003] It is known to build a structure such as a building from one prefabricated module or a plurality of different prefabricated modules. In principal, any building can be built using such modules. The building may be a correctional facility, a refugee camp, or a dormitory, for instance. Instead of building a facility on-site from the ground-up, fully operational modules are prefabricated at a manufacturing plant and shipped to the 15 construction site, where the modules are combined with each other.

[0004] For example, a single module may be used as a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, or a prison cell. The modules may comprise several walls, a ceiling, a floor, doors, windows, pipes, electric cables, furniture, and the like, for instance. Such completely prefabricated modules can be transported and are easy to install. Only the 20 utilities, electric, and plumbing need to be connected at the construction site. However, transporting such prefabricated modules is heavy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some 25 specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a technics unit comprising a body which is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall of a

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 prefabricated module including at least a first section and having an entrance into the first section, and wherein the technics unit includes building equipment and is configured to provide access to at least a part of the building equipment only from the outside of the module as the technics unit is being coupled to the module.

[0007] Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

• the technics unit is configured to provide an access to another part of the technics unit only from the inside of the first section as the technics unit is being coupled to the module · the technics unit comprises a first wall and a second wall separated from the first wall • the technics unit comprises a first wall and a second wall separated from the first wall, thus forming a cavity between the first wall and the second wall • the first wall serves at least as a part of the wall of the module «the technics unit is configured to provide an access to the cavity only from the outside of the module as the technics unit is being coupled to the module • the technics unit comprises at least one hygienic unit fixedly attached to the first wall and including at least one of a toilet and a wash basin • the technics unit is configured to provide access to the hygienic unit by a user from the inside of the first section as the technics unit is being coupled to the module • the hygienic unit comprises a fresh water connection and a waste water connection accessible from within the cavity • the technics unit comprises a communication unit fixedly attached to the first wall • the technics unit is configured to provide access to a user interface of the communication unit from the inside of the first section as the technics unit is being coupled to the module • the communication unit comprises an electrical connection accessible from within the cavity • the technics unit comprises an air exchange unit · the technics unit comprises an air exchange unit coupled to first openings through the first wall

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 • the technics unit is configured to provide an air exchange in the first section through the first openings as the technics unit is being coupled to the module • the technics unit is configured to provide the access from the outside of the module via a door providing an entrance into and an exit out of the cavity · the technics unit is configured to provide the access from the outside of the module via at least one hinged cover • the technics unit is configured to provide the access from the outside of the module via at least one cover hinged to a frame of the second wall • the technics unit comprises a video surveillance system configured to transmit activity data of a person located within the first section to a surveillance display • the technics unit comprises a video surveillance system configured to store activity data of the person located within the first section on a memory • the technics unit comprises an audio surveillance system configured to a transmit audio data of a person located within the first section to a loudspeaker «the technics unit comprises an audio surveillance system configured to store audio data of the person located within the first section on a memory • the technics unit is configured to be released from the module • the technics unit is configured to be connected to at least one of an electricity supply network, a fresh water supply, and a waste water disposal system · the technics unit is configured to be coupled to a concrete structure, a steel frame, or to a standard cargo container • the technics unit comprises a computing device capable of storing at least one of video data and audio data or transmitting at least one of video data and audio data to a surveillance center · the technics unit is configured to be connected to another technics unit coupled to another module • the technics unit is configured to be connected to another technics unit coupled to another module, thus forming a combined cavity in order to form a technical inspection and maintenance corridor · the technics unit is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall of a module of a correctional facility, refugee camp, or dormitory [0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a building structure, the method comprising providing a prefabricated module including an opening, providing a technics unit comprising a body which is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall of the prefabricated module including at least 5 a first section having an entrance into the first section, and wherein the technics unit includes building equipment and is configured to provide access to at least a part of the building equipment only from the outside of the module as the technics unit is being coupled to the module, and coupling the technics unit to the module.

[0009] Various embodiments of the second aspect may comprise at least one feature 10 from the following bulleted list:

• an opening between two walls of the module is covered by the technics unit • at least one opening in a wall of the module is covered by the technics unit • the technics unit is connected to at least one of a fresh water supply, a waste water disposal system, and an electricity supply network • the technics unit is fixedly attached to the module • the technics unit is released from the module • a plurality of technics units is connected to each other • a plurality of technics units is connected to each other, thus providing a technical inspection and maintenance corridor

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 [0010]

Considerable advantages are obtained by certain embodiments of the invention. A technics unit and a method of providing a building structure are provided according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The technics unit is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall of a module and comprises all building equipment required in the module. Thus, the technics unit can be prefabricated at a manufacturing plant and shipped to the construction site, while the module as such can be manufactured at another manufacturing plant, for example.

[0011] By prefabricating the technics unit and shipping the technics unit to a location, where an available module should be equipped with the technics unit, a fully operational accommodation facility can be provided. Shipping of a fully operational

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 module, i.e. a module including at least the building equipment, to a required location is not necessary anymore. Consequently, storage, handling and shipping can take place easily. In case of an emergency situation, for example after a hurricane, a plurality of technics units according to certain embodiments of the present invention can be quickly 5 transported to a required location. By coupling the technics units to available modules, for example to standard cargo containers, it is possible to quickly provide a camp for first aid accommodation. Building such a camp quickly by using fully operational, prefabricated modules is typically not an option, because of the heavy transport requirements.

[0012] A plurality of technics units can be connected to each other in order to 10 provide a technical inspection and maintenance corridor. When the modules are being used as units of a correctional facility, technical inspection and maintenance can take place separately from the normal course of prison life. A technician does not have to enter the correctional facility as such, but can enter the closed technical inspection and maintenance corridor. As the technical inspection and maintenance corridor is arranged separately from 15 the correctional facility, the technician cannot be directly in contact with one of the prisoners, thus improving safety of the technician or preventing the technician from bringing or smuggling goods into and out of the correctional facility, for instance.

[0013] Of course, the modules can also be used as units of a dormitory, refugee camp, or the like, when being equipped with the technics unit according to certain 20 embodiments. Further, the modules are not necessarily all used for accommodation of a person, but a module can also be used, for example, as a bathroom, a kitchen, or a living room. Thus, it is possible to form a wide variety of buildings by combining different modules having different technics units.

[0014] Further, at least some prefabricated modules do not require any electric 25 cables or pipes anymore. All required building equipment is comprised by the technics unit according to at least some embodiments. Consequently, construction and fabrication of the modules is easy to perform.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] For a more complete understanding of particular embodiments of the present invention and their advantages, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0016] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a technics unit in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the technics unit is coupled to a prefabricated module, [0017] FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a technics unit in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, [0018] FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic view of a technics unit in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the technics unit is coupled to a prefabricated module, [0019] FIGURE 4 illustrates a schematic view of a cross section of a technics unit in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the technics 15 unit is coupled to a prefabricated module, [0020] FIGURE 5 illustrates a schematic top view of a technics unit in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the technics unit is coupled to a prefabricated module, [0021] FIGURE 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of details of a technics 20 unit in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention during coupling of the technics unit to a prefabricated module, and [0022] FIGURE 7 illustrates a schematic top view of a plurality of technics units in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein each technics unit is coupled to a respective prefabricated module, thus forming a combined 25 cavity in order to form a technical inspection and maintenance corridor.

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EMBODIMENTS [0023] In this document, the term “module” means a structure that can be used for accommodating a person. Typically, a module comprises a perimeter wall as the technics unit according to the present invention is coupled to the module. For example, a module 5 comprises four separate walls forming a rectangular footprint as the technics unit according to the present invention is coupled to the module. The module may further comprise at least one of a ceiling and a floor. One module can be understood as a building as such or as a part of a building. Typically, a plurality of modules form a building structure. Typically, one of the walls of the perimeter wall is missing or at least there is at least one opening in 10 one of the walls in a prefabricated module before coupling of the technics unit. The perimeter wall is formed by coupling a prefabricated technics unit to the prefabricated module.

[0024] In this document, the term “building equipment” comprises devices that require a connection to at least one of a fresh water supply, a waste water disposal system, 15 and an electricity supply network. Examples of such devices are a hygienic unit comprising at least one of a toilet and a water basin, a communication unit, a light source, a video surveillance system, an audio surveillance system, an air exchange unit, a washing machine, a dish washing machine, a shower, and an oven.

[0025] In FIGURE 1 a schematic perspective view of a technics 1 unit in accordance 20 with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the technics unit 1 is coupled to a prefabricated module 4. The technics unit 1 comprises a body 2 which is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall 3 of the prefabricated module 4. The prefabricated module 4 includes at least a first section 5 and a second section 6, i.e. two separate rooms or areas. The sections 5, 6 are separated by wall including a door 18 25 between the first section 5 and the second section 6. The first section 5 may be, for example, used for accommodation of a person and the second section 6 may be used as an entrance area into the module 4. An opening is provided between two walls of the module 4 and the technics unit 1 is coupled to the module 4, thus covering the opening and serving as a wall 3 of the module.

[0026] The technics unit 1 includes building equipment. The technics unit 1 is further configured to provide an access to at least a part of the building equipment only from the outside of the module 4 as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the module 4. In

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 other words, it is not possible to have access to at least a part of the building equipment, for example to the air exchange unit 14, from within the module 4, in particular from the first section 5 of the module 4. In particular, it is not possible to have access to fresh water, waste water, and electricity supply connections from within the module 4.

[0027] The technics unit 1 is a prefabricated unit that can be easily shipped to the construction site. The air exchange unit 14 may be removable from the technics unit 1 for reasons of transportation.

[0028] In FIGURE 2 a schematic perspective view of a technics unit 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The technics unit 1 10 comprises a body 2 which is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall (not shown) of a prefabricated module (not shown). The prefabricated module may be, for example, a module of a correctional facility used for accommodation of a person. The prefabricated module includes at least a first section (not shown) and a second section (not shown). The first section is being used for accommodation of the person and the second section can be 15 used by a guard. The sections 5, 6 are separated by a door 18 between the first section 5 and the second section 6 and can only be opened by the guard. The module has an opening between two walls of the prefabricated module and the technics unit 1 is coupled to the module, thus fully covering the opening and serving as a wall of the module.

[0029] The shown technics unit 1 includes building equipment such as a fresh water 20 connection, a waste water connection, an electric connection, an air exchange unit 14, a hygienic unit 7, a communication unit 13, and the like. The technics unit 1 further includes a window 19.

[0030] The technics unit 1 further comprises a first wall 10 and a second wall 11 separated from the first wall 10, thus forming a cavity 12 between the first wall 10 and the 25 second wall 11.

[0031] The technics unit 1 is further configured to provide an access to at least a part of the building equipment only from the outside of the module as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the module. In particular, the cavity of the technics unit 1 is only accessible from the outside of the first section as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the 30 module.

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 [0032] On the other side, a part of the technics unit 1 is only accessible from the inside of the first section as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the module. For example, the hygienic unit 7 is fixedly attached to the first wall 10. The hygienic unit 7 includes a toilet 8 and an integral wash basin 9 in one combined unit. The combined toilet 5 8 and wash basin 9 unit 7 may be of stainless steel, for instance. Such “anti-vandal-style” hygienic units 7 are often used in correctional facilities and cannot chip or crack due to their heavy duty construction. Of course, the toilet 8 and the wash basin 9 may also be separate units 7 each fixedly attached to the first wall 10. The hygienic unit 7 may be connected to a security frame comprised by the technics unit 1. While access to the 10 hygienic unit 7 by a user is provided from the inside of the first section 5 as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the module, the fresh water and waste water connections are only accessible from the cavity 12 between the first wall 10 and the second wall 11, i.e. from outside of the module. At the construction site, a fresh water supply system can be connected to the fresh water connection(s) and a waste water disposal system can be 15 connected to the waste water disposal connection(s).

[0033] Further, the shown technics unit 1 comprises a sprinkler nozzle 22. The sprinkler nozzle 22 is configured to produce a very fine spray of liquids into the first section of the module. The sprinkler nozzle 22 comprises a water connection only accessible from within the cavity 12, i.e. from the other side of the first wall. Furthermore, 20 the technics unit 1 may also comprise a smoke detector or fire detector (not shown) configured to detect smoke or a fire in the first section, respectively.

[0034] Additionally, the technics unit 1 comprises a communication unit 13 fixedly attached to the first wall 10. The communication unit 13 may, for example, comprise a button which can be pushed by a user in order to request communication with a person 25 such as a guard outside of the first section. Further, the communication unit may, for example, comprise a loudspeaker and a microphone for communication. The communication unit 13 is fixedly attached to the first wall 10 and a user interface is accessible by the user from the inside of the first section as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the module. The communication unit 13 further comprises an electrical 30 connection only accessible from within the cavity 12, i.e. from the other side of the first wall 10.

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 [0035] Further, the technics unit 1 comprises at least one light source 21, for example a LED lamp. The light source 21 can be fixedly attached on the first wall 10 of the technics unit 1 or embedded in the first wall 10. The light source 21 is configured to illuminate the first section of the module. The light source 21 further comprises an electrical connection only accessible from within the cavity 12, i.e. from the other side of the first wall 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the technics unit 1 comprises an air exchange unit 14 coupled to first openings 15 through the first wall 10. A second opening 20 may be optionally arranged above the hygienic unit 7. The technics unit 1 is configured to provide an air 10 exchange in the first section through the first openings 15 as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the module. The air exchange unit 14 may also be capable of controlling a temperature of air flowing into the first section in addition to providing fresh air. The air exchange unit 14 is not accessible from the inside of the first section. The first openings 15 and the second opening 20 may each be equipped with bars in order to prevent a person 15 from accessing the cavity 12 or any air exchange piping between the air exchange unit 14 and the first openings 15 as well as the second opening 20, respectively.

[0037] An electricity supply network can further be connected to at least one electrical connection socket, plug or terminal of the technics unit 1 at the construction site in order to provide electricity to electrical consumers such as the air exchange unit 14, the 20 light source 21, and the communication unit 13. The electrical consumers are typically electrically (pre)connected to such electrical connection socket, plug or terminal.

[0038] When the technics unit 1 is being used in connection with a correctional facility, the technics unit 1 typically comprises a video surveillance system including a surveillance camera 23 configured to transmit activity data of a person located within the 25 first section to a surveillance display and/or to store activity data of the person located within the first section on a memory. Additionally, the technics unit 1 typically comprises an audio surveillance system configured to a transmit audio data of a person located within the first section to a loudspeaker and/or to store audio data of the person located within the first section on a memory. The video surveillance system may be, for example, arranged 30 within the cavity 12 behind an indestructible glass window (not shown) covering an opening in the first wall 10 or a surveillance camera 23 fixedly attached to the first wall 10.

Additionally, a microphone, which is not visible from the inside of the first section, may be

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 arranged in the first wall 10 or the communication unit 13 may be used for detecting audio signals. The display and the loudspeaker may be, for example, located within the second section or in a separate surveillance center. The technics unit 1 can further comprise a computing device capable of storing at least one of video data and audio data or 5 transmitting at least one of video data to the display and audio data to the loudspeaker or to the separate surveillance center.

[0039] According to certain embodiments, the technics unit 1 is configured to be coupled to a concrete structure, a steel frame, or to a standard cargo container. When the technics unit 1 is coupled to the prefabricated module, it is not possible for a person 10 located within the first section to manually release the technics unit 1 from the module.

However, the technics unit 1 may be configured to be released from the module according to certain embodiments. This is, of course, only possible from the outside of the module, for example by releasing screws, especially security screws, connecting the first frame of the first wall to parts of the module, for example to a steel frame of the module.

[0040] As described above, the technics unit 1 is configured to provide an access to a part of the technics unit 1 only from the outside of the first section of the module and to another part of the technics unit 1 only from the inside of the first section of the module as the technics unit 1 is being coupled to the module. All parts and devices accessible by a user from the inside of the first section may be designed and attached to the first wall according to “anti-vandal-style” criteria. Even when using brute force, an imprisoned person cannot remove or damage the parts and devices accessible from the inside of the first section. The parts and devices being accessible from the outside of the module can be inspected and maintained by a technician or any other person. The access from the outside of the module may take place via a door providing an entrance into and an exit out of the 25 cavity 12 and/or via at least one cover hinged to a frame 16 of the second wall 11.

However, an entrance into and an exit out of the module is not provided by means of the technics unit 1.

[0041] The technics unit 1 may comprise at least one further device not illustrated in FIGURE 2. In some embodiments, technics unit 1 lacks at least one device described 30 above.

[0042] In FIGURE 3 a schematic view of a technics unit 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the technics unit 1

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 is coupled to a prefabricated module 4. The technics unit 1 has been attached to one side of the prefabricated module 4 on its outside, thus forming at least a part of a wall 3 of the module 4. According to certain other embodiments the technics unit can be completely or partially inserted into an opening of the module 4.

[0043] In other words, the prefabricated module 4 and the technics unit 1 do not necessarily form a flush surface as the technics unit 1 is coupled to the prefabricated module 4. However, in all cases the body 2 of the technics unit 1 serves at least as a part of a wall 3 of the prefabricated module 4 after being coupled to the module 4.

[0044] In FIGURE 4 a schematic view of a cross section of a technics unit in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the technics unit is coupled to a prefabricated module. A cross section along intersecting line A-A shown in FIGURE 3 is illustrated.

[0045] In FIGURE 5 a schematic top view of a technics unit 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the technics unit 1 is coupled to a prefabricated module 4.

[0046] In FIGURE 6 a schematic perspective view of details of a technics unit 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention during coupling of the technics unit 1 to a prefabricated module 4 is illustrated. The technics unit 1 is connected to the module 4 such that an opening 28 in the module 4 is covered by the technics unit 1.

The module 4 has a window 19 and the technics unit 1 has a window duct which is configured to be aligned with the window 19. According to certain embodiments, the window 19 can also be comprised by the technics unit 1. The technics unit 1 may further comprise bars arranged to protect the widow duct from being accessed from the outside or to prevent a person from escaping from the first section 5 of the module 4 via the window duct. Subsequent to coupling the technics unit 1 to the module 4, only at least one of a fresh water supply, a waste water disposal system, and an electricity supply network have to be connected to the technics unit 1 in order to provide the functionality of the building equipment.

[0047] Of course, at least one of the sides of the body 2 of the technics unit 1 shown in FIGURE 6 without a cover can be closed with a cover. Alternatively, at least one other technics unit 1 can be connected to the shown technics unit 1.

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 [0048] In FIGURE 7 a schematic top view of a plurality of technics units 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein each technics unit 1 is coupled to a respective prefabricated module 4, thus forming a combined cavity in order to form a technical inspection and maintenance corridor 17. Each 5 technics unit 1 is configured to be attached to at least one other technics unit 1. At least one of the technics units 1 comprises a door in order to allow a person, for example a technician, to enter and exit the technical inspection and maintenance corridor 17. The person can walk from one technics unit 1 into another technics unit 1 along the technical inspection and maintenance corridor 17 as indicated by the arrows A. In the shown 10 example, each technics unitl serves at least as a part of a wall 3 of a module 4 and comprises a hygienic unit 7. Each hygienic unit 7 is arranged in a first section 5 behind blinds 27. The hygienic units 7 are attached to the first wall of the technics unit 1 forming at least a part of the wall 3. The wall 3 is arranged opposite to the walls separating the first sections 5 and the second sections 6 of the modules 4. Further, the second sections 6 form 15 a corridor 29 which can be, for example, used by guards of the correctional facility.

[0049] When the modules 4 are being used as units of a correctional facility, technical inspection and maintenance can take place separately from the normal course of prison life. A technician does not have to enter the correctional facility as such, but can enter a closed technical inspection and maintenance corridor 17. As the technical 20 inspection and maintenance corridor 17 is arranged separately from the correctional facility, the technician cannot be directly in contact with one of the prisoners, thus improving safety of the technician or preventing the technician from smuggling goods into and out of the correctional facility, for instance. Additionally, there are no technics closets arranged in the corridor 28, thus increasing the available space in the corridor 28. The 25 privacy of an imprisoned person is protected by the blinds 27 in each first section 5 of each module 4. Of course, the modules 4 can also be used as units of a dormitory, refugee camp, or the like. Further, the modules 4 are not necessarily all used for accommodation of a person, but a module 4 can also be used, for example, as a bathroom, a kitchen, or a living room. In such cases, a technics unit 1 can comprise at least one of a shower, a washing 30 machine, an oven, etc. fixedly attached to the first wall of the respective technics unit 1.

Thus, it is possible to form a wide variety of buildings by combining different modules 4 having different technics units 1.

[0050]

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0051] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same 10 embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0052] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified 15 as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such 20 embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0053] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following 25 description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or 30 described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0054] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0055] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open 5 limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of a or an, that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0056] At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in building a correctional facility, a refugee camp, or a dormitory.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017

15	1	technics unit
	2	body
	3	wall
	4	module
	5	first section
20	6	second section
	7	hygienic unit
	8	toilet
	9	wash basin
	10	first wall
25	11	second wall

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017

12	cavity
13	communication unit
14	air exchange unit
15	first opening
16	frame of second wall
17	technical inspection and maintenance corridor
18	door
19	window
20	second opening
21	light source
22	sprinkler nozzle
23	surveillance camera
24	piping
25	fresh water connection
26	fresh water tank
27	blind
28	opening
29	corridor
A	arrow

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A technics unit (1) comprising a body (2) which is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall (3) of a prefabricated module (4) including at least a first section (5) having an entrance (18) into the first section (5), and wherein the technics unit (1) includes building equipment and is configured to provide access to at least a part of the building equipment only from the outside of the module (4) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4).
2. The technics unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to provide an access to another part of the technics unit (1) only from the inside of the first section (5) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4).
3. The technics unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the technics unit (1) comprises a first wall (10) and a second wall (11) separated from the first wall (10), thus forming a cavity (12) between the first wall (10) and the second wall (11).
4. The technics unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to provide an access to the cavity (12) only from the outside of the module (4) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4).
5. The technics unit (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the technics unit (1) comprises at least one hygienic unit (7) fixedly attached to the first wall (10) and including at least one of a toilet (8) and a wash basin (9), and wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to provide access to the hygienic unit (7) by a user from the inside of the first section (5) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4).
6. The technics unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the hygienic unit (7) comprises a fresh water connection and a waste water connection accessible from within the cavity (12).
7. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the technics unit (1) comprises a communication unit (13) fixedly attached to the first wall (10), and wherein

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017 the technics unit (1) is configured to provide access to a user interface of the communication unit (13) from the inside of the first section (5) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4).
8. The technics unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit (13) comprises an electrical connection accessible from within the cavity (12).
9. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 3-8, wherein the technics unit (1) comprises an air exchange unit (14) coupled to first openings (15) through the first wall (10), wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to provide an air exchange in the first section (5) through the first openings (15) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4).
10. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 3-9, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to provide the access from the outside of the module (4) via a door providing an entrance into and an exit out of the cavity (12).
11. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 3-10, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to provide the access from the outside of the module (4) via at least one cover hinged to a frame (16) of the second wall (11).
12. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the technics unit (1) comprises a video surveillance system configured to transmit activity data of a person located within the first section (5) to a surveillance display and/or to store activity data of the person located within the first section (5) on a memory.
13. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the technics unit (1) comprises an audio surveillance system configured to a transmit audio data of a person located within the first section (5) to a loudspeaker and/or to store audio data of the person located within the first section (5) on a memory.
14. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to be released from the module (4).

20175978 prh 03 -11- 2017
15. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to be connected to at least one of an electricity supply network, a fresh water supply, and a waste water disposal system.
16. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to be coupled to a concrete structure, a steel frame, or to a standard cargo container.
17. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the technics unit (1) comprises a computing device capable of storing at least one of video data and audio data or transmitting at least one of video data and audio data to a surveillance center.
18. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to be connected to another technics unit (1) coupled to another module (4), thus forming a combined cavity in order to form a technical inspection and maintenance corridor (17).
19. The technics unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the technics unit (1) is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall (3) of a module (4) of a correctional facility, refugee camp, or dormitory.
20. A method of providing a building structure, the method comprising:

- providing a prefabricated module (4) including an opening,

- providing a technics unit (1) comprising a body (2) which is configured to serve at least as a part of a wall (3) of the prefabricated module (4) including at least a first section (5) having an entrance (18) into the first section (5), and wherein the technics unit (1) includes building equipment and is configured to provide access to at least a part of the building equipment only from the outside of the module (4) as the technics unit (1) is being coupled to the module (4), and

- coupling the technics unit (1) to the module (4).
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein a plurality of technics units (1) is connected to each other, thus providing a technical inspection and maintenance corridor (ΙΌ-