GB2314858A

GB2314858A - Foundation structure for composting

Info

Publication number: GB2314858A
Application number: GB9613446A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Julien Barratt; Anthony Michael Benneworth; George Ronald Walter
Original assignee: KINGLSEY CLIVUS ENVIRONMENTAL
Current assignee: KINGLSEY CLIVUS ENVIRONMENTAL
Priority date: 1996-06-26
Filing date: 1996-06-26
Publication date: 1998-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2016-06-26
Also published as: GB2314858B; GB9613446D0

Abstract

A prefabricated composting foundation structure 1 comprises four foundation walls 2 connected to a foundation floor 3 and containing integral composting chambers 4 and an upper support platform. The four foundation walls 2, the foundation floor 3 and the upper support platform form a six-sided rectangular box-like structure. The foundation structure 1 is constructed from laminate sections each comprising laminated plywood sheets and structural timber encased by glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP). The plywood substantially provides the essential load-bearing strength and form of the structure and conveniently may have up to 7 wood sheet layers. The GRP provides some additional essential load-bearing strength, flexural resilience and also a water resistant means to prevent liquid passing through the laminate structure.

Description

PREFABRICATED STRUCTURE The present invention relates to a prefabricated structure and method for the installation of a prefabricated structure, and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with a prefabricated composting foundation structure.

There has long been a need for toilet facilities in remote areas especially where mains sewage systems are unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

One known solution has been to provide a treatment system comprising a composting vessel which allows collected faeces and urine to decompose to form a compost. These composting vessels include a composting chamber having an inlet for faeces and an outlet hatch for the removal of the compost material and a liquid connecting passage whereby the liquid can drain from the composting chamber into a liquid chamber.

One known prior art system which describes such a treatment system comprising a composting vessel is US Patent No 5 228 984. This patent describes one embodiment of the treatment system as comprising concrete building foundation walls and floors which define the various chambers.

However, the concrete walls and floors have to be formed within a prepared excavation by a method of pouring the concrete into moulds and allowing the concrete to set.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a prefabricated composting foundation structure comprising a plurality of laminated sections including a plurality of foundation walls connected to a foundation floor, a number of integral composting chambers, and an upper support platform, whereby in use, the prefabricated composting foundation structure provides support means for a building structure disposed thereon.

Preferably, the laminated sections comprise a plurality of load-bearing layers and a number of fluid resistant layers.

Preferably, the load-bearing layers are encased by the fluid resistant layers.

Preferably, the load-bearing layers comprise layers of wood.

Preferably, the fluid resistant layers comprise glass fibre strands and glass fibre polyester.

Preferably, the integral composting chambers include a main composting chamber and a liquid composting storage chamber.

Preferably, the laminated sections comprise layered plywood sheets encased by glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP). Preferably, the laminated sections comprise layered plywood sheets and structural timber encased by glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP).

Preferably, the laminated foundation walls provide the support means for the building structure.

Preferably, the GRP provides a liquid barrier wherein, in use, liquid is prevented from passing through the structure of the laminated sections.

Preferably, the laminated foundation floor comprises foundation plates extending substantially horizontally from the lowermost perimeter of the laminated wall sections wherein, in use, the foundation plates provide securing means to secure the foundation structure within a preferred location.

Preferably, the integral composting chambers comprise an inlet passage for depositing faeces and urine into the main composting chamber, a hatch for the removal of the compost, a liquid passage duct, a liquid compost storage chamber and a liquid outlet tube whereby, in use, liquid can be drained from the main composting chamber through the liquid passage into the liquid compost storage chamber and when necessary the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber may be removed via the liquid outlet tube.

Preferably, the foundation structure also comprises an aeration system comprising air ducts connecting the inner space of the liquid compost storage chamber with the atmosphere.

The aeration system may be a passive system. Alternatively, the system is an active system comprising suitable ventilation equipment, such as ventilation fans.

Preferably, the foundation structure comprises a liquid compost dilution system comprising liquid transportation ducts connecting the inner space of the liquid compost storage chamber with a liquid storage tank and an automatic controlling and measuring means, whereby in use, the dilution of the liquid within the said chamber is kept at substantially an optimum level.

Preferably, the liquid storage tank is replenished by a rainwater collection system. Alternatively, the liquid storage tank is replenished by a rainwater collection system and/or a mains water supply, and/or a liquid storage vessel.

Preferably, the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises an access chamber and an access hatch, whereby in use, operators may access the prefabricated composting foundation structure to remove the compost via the said hatch.

Preferably, the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises a heat exchanger system, whereby in use, the heat generated by the faeces and urine compost within the main composting chamber is transported by a liquid medium to the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber, so aiding evaporation of the said liquid.

Preferably, the heat exchanger system comprises a closed pipe system containing a fluid medium and being positioned such that part of the system extends through the compost within the main composting chamber and part of the system extends through the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber, whereby in use, the fluid travels through the pipe system by convection.

Preferably, the main composting chamber comprises a compost mixing means disposed within the said chamber.

Preferably, the mixing means comprises an auger aeration and raking mechanism which is electrically driven. Alternatively, the auger aeration and raking mechanism is manually driven.

Preferably, the building structure, disposed on the foundation structure, comprises co-operating passages to accommodate: the inlet passage for the depositing of faeces and urine, the liquid transportation duct and the air ducts.

Preferably, the prefabricated foundation structure comprises a solar heating means so arranged that, in use, the solar heat gained by the said means is used to aid evaporation of the liquid contained in the liquid compost chamber.

Preferably, the solar means also provides heat to the liquid used by the toilet facilities within the building structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention a method of installing a prefabricated composting foundation structure in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and in which the foundation floor comprises foundation plates extending substantially horizontally from the lowermost perimeter of the walls, comprises excavating a hole, placing the prefabricated composting foundation structure within the said hole so as to define a trench extending around the perimeter of the walls of said composting structure, whereby the foundation plates are substantially at the base of said trench, and then filling the said trench with material.

Preferably, the method comprises placing a prefabricated building structure on the uppermost surface of the said foundation unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a prefabricated composting structure, comprising a foundation structure comprising foundation walls connected to a foundation floor and containing a number of integral composting chambers, and a building structure disposed on the foundation structure, the prefabricated composting structure being made from laminated sections as hereinbefore described.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-section elevation of the prefabricated composting foundation structure; and Figure 2 shows the cross-section elevation of Figure 1 and a cross-section elevation of a prefabricated building structure disposed on the prefabricated composting foundation structure.

Referring to Figure 1, a prefabricated composting foundation structure 1 comprises four foundation walls 2 connected to a foundation floor 3 and containing integral composting chambers 4 and an upper support platform 5. The four foundation walls 2, the foundation floor 3 and the upper support platform 5 form a six-sided rectangular box-like structure.

The foundation structure 1 is constructed from laminate sections each comprising laminated plywood sheets and structural timber encased by glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP).

The plywood substantially provides the essential load-bearing strength and form of the structure and conveniently may have up to 7 wood sheet layers.

The GRP provides some additional essential load-bearing strength, flexural resilience and also a water resistant means to prevent liquid passing laminate structure. The laminate sections provide a relatively lightweight and strong structure. The GRP also provides a fire protection to BS476 (parts 7 and 22). The surface of the laminate structure can easily be formed to simulate brick, stone and render finishes made from applied filled and pigmented glass fibre polyester.

The foundation walls 2 extend substantially vertically from the uppermost surface of the foundation floor 3. The lowermost edges of the foundation walls 2 are suitably bonded to the said surface of the floor 3 using adhesives or glass fibre polyester and glass fibre matting, or alternatively using mechanical fastenings. The lowermost edges of the foundation walls are disposed inwardly from the outermost edge of the floor so forming a foundation plate 6 extending outwardly around the lowermost perimeter of the foundation walls 2.

Disposed on the uppermost edge of the foundation walls 2 is the substantially horizontal upper support platform 5 which is suitably bonded, as hereinbefore described, to the said uppermost edge of the foundation walls.

Extending substantially vertically through the upper support platform 5 there is an inlet passage 7 for directing faeces and urine from a suitable toilet unit (not shown) into a main composting chamber 8. The chamber 8 is defined by two of the substantially parallel foundation walls 2 and a third foundation wall being tangential to the said two walls, a substantially vertical partition wall 9 extending upwardly from the uppermost surface of the foundation floor, and an inclined wall 10. The main composting chamber 8 receives the faeces and urine compost from the inlet passage 7 and the inclined wall 10 directs the compost towards the partition wall 9 by gravitational force.

Disposed below the main composting chamber 8 is a liquid compost storage chamber 11 being separated from the main composting chamber 8 by the inclined wall 10. The storage chamber 11 is defined by the innermost surfaces of the lower regions of the said three of the foundation walls 2, a region of the uppermost surface of the foundation floor 3, the lower region of the partition wall 9 and the lowermost surface of the inclined wall 10.

Disposed at the lowermost end of the inclined wall 10 there is a liquid duct 12 whereby in use, the liquid is directed towards the duct by the inclined wall 10 and drains through the liquid duct 12 into the storage chamber 11.

The liquid within the storage chamber 11 is removed via a liquid outlet tube 13 which extends through the foundation wall 2. The liquid may be removed via the outlet tube 13 using a liquid pump 14.

The prefabricated composting foundation structure 1 also comprises an aeration system comprising air ducts 15 extending through the upper support structure 5 and having air tubes 16 extending therefrom. The tubes 16 extend horizontally from the ducts 15 along the innermost surface of the upper support platform towards a foundation wall 2 and at a location substantially next to the innermost surface of the wall 2, the tube 16 alters direction by 90" and extends substantially vertically towards and through the main composting chamber, and through the inclined wall 10 substantially into the storage chamber 11. The vapours given off by the urine liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber 11 may be removed via the tube 16. The aeration system 15 may be a passive system allowing the vapour to be extracted without mechanical assistance or, if necessary, it may be an active system having a mechanical fan used to aid the extraction process.

A liquid tube 19 extends substantially vertically from within the liquid compost storage chamber 11 through the inclined wall 10 and the main composting chamber 8, towards and through the upper support platform 5 and connects with the inner space of a liquid storage tank 20. The dilution of the liquid within the storage chamber 11 is controlled by the addition of liquid from the storage tank 20, via the tube 19. Alternatively the dilution could be controlled by the addition of liquid from a storage tank (not shown) which is supplied by a tanker vehicle or from a mains supply source (not shown). The dilution can be controlled by an automatic controlling and measuring means 21. The liquid within the liquid storage tank 20 is replenished by a rain collection system using guttering 22.

The partition wall 9 comprises a hatch 17 disposed adjacent to the lowermost region of the main composting chamber 8 and secured to the wall 9 by a hinge 18. The hatch 17 allows access to the lowermost region of the main composting chamber 8 to enable the composted material to be removed by an operator when necessary. The operator can gain access to the inside of the prefabricated composting foundation structure 1 via a manway hatch 30 which extends the length of the upper support platform and is secured to the uppermost edge of one of the foundation walls 2 by a hinge 19.

To help ensure the compost material contained within the main composting chamber 8 is adequately mixed, a auger aeration and raking mechanism 23 is disposed within the said chamber 8.

The auger aeration and raking mechanism 23 is conveniently secured to the uppermost surface of the inclined wall 10 and the innermost vertical surface of the partition wall 9 by mounting brackets 24, 25 respectively.

The auger and raking mechanism 23 may be rotated by an electrical motor (not shown) obtaining power from mains electricity or a battery power storage unit 26, or alternatively by a suitable mechanical means.

Disposed within the composting chambers 4 is a heat exchanger system comprising a closed pipe system 31 which contains a fluid medium. The closed pipe system 31 comprises a single pipe which extends from the partition wall 9 and through the liquid within the liquid storage chamber 11, and being substantially parallel to the inner surface of the liquid compost storage chamber 11. The single pipe then extends upwardly towards and through the inclined wall 10 and into the main composting chamber 8 where it extends through the compost material contained within the composting chamber 8 and towards the partition wall 9. Substantially near the liquid duct 12 the single pipe extends downwardly towards and through the inclined wall 10 and into the liquid composting chamber 11 so forming a continuous loop of pipe. The fluid medium within the pipe travels through the inner passage of the pipe loop under the influence of heat convection. Heat is gained from heat generated by the decomposing compost in the main composting chamber 8.

As the fluid medium travels around the pipe it will tend to give off heat whilst in the liquid compost storage chamber 11 so aiding the evaporation of the liquid contained within the liquid compost chamber 11.

A typical method of installation of the prefabricated foundation structure 1 comprises first excavating an area of the ground to produce a hole, the area being slightly larger than the plan area of the foundation floor 3 and foundation plates 6. The depth of the hole is substantially equal to the depth of the foundation walls 2. The bottom of the hole receives a thin blinding layer of fine material to facilitate the final levelling of the structure and so form a levelled bottom. The prefabricated foundation structure 1 is then lowered into the hole, being suspended using conveniently positioned lifting eyes, until the lowermost surfaces of the foundation floor 3 and foundation plates 6 rest against the levelled bottom of the hole. When the foundation structure 1 is resting on the bottom of the hole there is a trench around the perimeter of the foundation structure 1 being defined by the uppermost surface of the foundation plates 6, the outermost surface of the foundation walls 2 and the sides of the hole.

Material is then placed into the trench, and rests on the uppermost surface of the foundation plates 6, placed and compacted in suitable layers in accordance with good practice, until the trench has been completely filled up to the level of the surrounding ground. This material holds the foundation structure 1 within the hole. The foundation structure 1 is then ready to receive a prefabricated building structure 27 as shown in Figure 2.

With reference to Figure 2, the building structure 27 is lifted by a crane cable attached to lifting eyes conveniently positioned on the said structure.

The structural sections of the building structure 27 comprise laminated plywood and GRP as hereinbefore described.

The base 28 of the building structure 27 comprises cut-out sections through the structure of the base disposed to cooperate with the inlet passage 7, the outlet tube 13, and the liquid tube 19. The building structure may contain various toilet units including lavatories, urinals, sinks and showers, together with other general purpose or designated room compartments. It should be appreciated that the inlet passage may also direct greywater from sinks and showers into the composting foundation unit.

The outermost surface of the walls of the building structure 27 may be covered with simulated brick, stone, render finishes as hereinbefore described. The innermost wall surface of the walls of the building structure 27 may be covered with a standard, low maintenance, washable surface being a decorative or simulated covering (as hereinbefore described) The storage tank 20 can be disposed within the roof volume 28 and can be supplied by guttering 22 attached to the outside of the building structure 27. Alternatively the storage tank 20 can be disposed on the uppermost surface of the floor 28 and may also serve as a seat.

A solar panel 29 is placed on the roof of the building structure 27. The solar panel system 29 is used to heat water to be used for the sinks and shower units. The heat generated by the solar panel can also be used to aid the evaporation of the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber 11.

The solar panel is used to heat water with tubes. The water is then transported via water pipes (not shown) to and through the liquid compost storage chamber 11 and then back to the panel. A water pump (not shown) is used to circulate the water around the solar panel system.

Also disposed on the roof of the building structure 27 is a number of photo voltaic panels (PVP) 29a which provide low dc electrical voltage to charge the power storage unit 26 which can provide power to electrical devices such as ventilation fans, lights, the liquid pump 14 and the auger aeration and raking mechanism.

Claims

1. A prefabricated composting foundation structure comprising a plurality of laminated sections including a plurality of foundation walls connected to a foundation floor, a number of integral composting chambers, and an upper support platform, whereby in use, the prefabricated composting foundation structure provides support means for a building structure disposed thereon.

2. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the laminated sections comprise a plurality of load-bearing layers and a number of fluid resistant layers.

3. A structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the load-bearing layers are encased by the fluid resistant layers.

4. A structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein the load-bearing layers comprise layers of wood.

5. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fluid resistant layers comprise glass fibre strands and glass fibre polyester.

6. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integral composting chambers include a main composting chamber and a liquid composting storage chamber.

7. A structure as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laminated sections comprise layered plywood sheets encased by glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP).

8. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laminated sections comprise layered plywood sheets and structural timber encased by glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP).

9. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laminated foundation walls provide the support means for the building structure.

10. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the GRP provides a liquid barrier wherein, in use, liquid is prevented from passing through the structure of the laminated sections.

11. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laminated foundation floor comprises foundation plates extending substantially horizontally from the lowermost perimeter of the laminated wall sections wherein, in use, the foundation plates provide securing means to secure the foundation structure within a preferred location.

12. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integral composting chambers comprise an inlet passage for depositing faeces and urine into the main composting chamber, a hatch for the removal of the compost, a liquid passage duct, a liquid compost storage chamber and a liquid outlet tube whereby, in use, liquid can be drained from the main composting chamber through the liquid passage into the liquid compost storage chamber and when necessary the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber may be removed via the liquid outlet tube.

13. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foundation structure also comprises an aeration system comprising air ducts connecting the inner space of the liquid compost storage chamber with the atmosphere.

14. A structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the aeration system may be a passive system.

15. A structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the aeration system is an active system comprising suitable ventilation equipment, such as ventilation fans.

16. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foundation structure comprises a liquid compost dilution system comprising liquid transportation ducts connecting the inner space of the liquid compost storage chamber with a liquid storage tank and an automatic controlling and measuring means, whereby in use, the dilution of the liquid within the said chamber is kept at substantially an optimum level.

17. A structure as claimed in claim 16, wherein the liquid storage tank is replenished by a rainwater collection system.

18. A structure as claimed in claim 16, wherein the liquid storage tank is replenished by a rainwater collection system and/or a mains water supply, and/or a liquid storage vessel.

19. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises an access chamber and an access hatch, whereby in use, operators may access the prefabricated composting foundation structure to remove the compost via the said hatch.

20. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises a heat exchanger system, whereby in use, the heat generated by the faeces and urine compost within the main composting chamber is transported by a liquid medium to the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber, so aiding evaporation of the said liquid.

21. A structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein the heat exchanger system comprises a closed pipe system containing a fluid medium and being positioned such that part of the system extends through the compost within the main composting chamber and part of the system extends through the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber, whereby in use, the fluid travels through the pipe system by convection.

22. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main composting chamber comprises a compost mixing means disposed within the said chamber.

23. A structure as claimed in claim 22, wherein the mixing means comprises an auger aeration and raking mechanism which is electrically driven.

24. A structure as claimed in claim 23, wherein the auger aeration and raking mechanism is manually driven.

25. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building structure, disposed on the foundation structure, comprises cooperating passages to accommodate the inlet passage for the depositing of faeces and urine, the liquid transportation duct and the air ducts.

26. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prefabricated foundation structure comprises a solar heating means so arranged that, in use, the solar heat gained by the said means is used to aid evaporation of the liquid contained in the liquid compost chamber.

27. A structure as claimed in claim 26, wherein the solar means also provides heat to the liquid used by the toilet facilities within the building structure.

28. A method of installing a prefabricated composting foundation structure wherein the foundation floor of the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises foundation plates extending substantially horizontally from the lowermost perimeter of the walls, the said method comprises excavating a hole, placing the prefabricated composting foundation structure within the said hole so as to define a trench extending around the perimeter of the walls of said composting structure, whereby the foundation plates are substantially at the base of said trench, and then filling the said trench with material.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the method comprises placing a prefabricated building structure on the uppermost surface of the said foundation structure.

30. A prefabricated composting structure, comprising a foundation structure comprising foundation walls connected to a foundation floor and containing a number of integral composting chambers, and a building structure disposed on the foundation structure, the prefabricated composting structure being made from laminated sections as hereinbefore described.

3 1. A structure substantially s herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

32. A method of installing a structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A prefabricated composting foundation structure comprising a plurality of laminated sections including a plurality of foundation walls connected to a foundation floor, comprising foundation plates extending substantially horizontally from the lowermost perimeter of the laminated wall sections to provide securing means to secure the foundation structure within a preferred location, a number of integral composting chambers, and an upper support platform, whereby in use, the prefabricated composting foundation structure provides support means for a building structure disposed thereon.

11. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integral composting chambers comprise an inlet passage for depositing faeces and urine into the main composting chamber, a hatch for the removal of the compost, a liquid passage duct, a liquid compost storage chamber and a liquid outlet tube whereby, in use, liquid can be drained from the main composting chamber through the liquid passage into the liquid compost storage chamber and when necessary the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber may be removed via the liquid outlet tube.

12. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foundation structure also comprises an aeration system comprising air ducts connecting the inner space of the liquid compost storage chamber with the atmosphere.

13. A structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the aeration system is a passive system.

14. A structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the aeration system is an active system comprising ventilation equipment, such as ventilation fans.

15. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foundation structure comprises a liquid compost dilution system comprising liquid transportation ducts connecting the inner space of the liquid compost storage chamber with a liquid storage tank and an automatic controlling and measuring means, whereby in use, the dilution of the liquid within the said chamber is kept at substantially an optimum level.

16. A structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the liquid storage tank is replenished by a rainwater collection system.

17. A structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the liquid storage tank is replenished by a rainwater collection system and/or a mains water supply, and/or a liquid storage vessel.

18. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises an access chamber and an access hatch, whereby in use, operators may access the prefabricated composting foundation structure to remove the compost via the said hatch.

19. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises a heat exchanger system, whereby in use, the heat generated by the faeces and urine compost within the main composting chamber is transported by a liquid medium to the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber, so aiding evaporation of the said liquid.

20. A structure as claimed in claim 19, wherein the heat exchanger system comprises a closed pipe system containing a fluid medium and being positioned such that part of the system extends through the compost within the main composting chamber and part of the system extends through the liquid within the liquid compost storage chamber, whereby in use, the fluid travels through the pipe system by convection.

21. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main composting chamber comprises a compost mixing means disposed within the said chamber.

22. A structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein the mixing means comprises an auger aeration and raking mechanism which is electrically driven.

23. A structure as claimed in claim 22, wherein the auger aeration and raking mechanism is manually driven.

24. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building structure, disposed on the foundation structure, comprises cooperating passages to accommodate the inlet passage for the depositing of faeces and urine, the liquid transportation duct and the air ducts.

25. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prefabricated foundation structure comprises a solar heating means so arranged that, in use, the solar heat gained by the said means is used to aid evaporation of the liquid contained in the liquid compost chamber.

26. A structure as claimed in claim 25, wherein the solar means also provides heat to the liquid used by the toilet facilities within the building structure.

27. A method of installing a prefabricated composting foundation structure wherein the foundation floor of the prefabricated composting foundation structure comprises foundation plates extending substantially horizontally from the lowermost perimeter of the walls, the said method comprises excavating a hole, placing the prefabricated composting foundation structure within the said hole so as to define a trench extending around the perimeter of the walls of said composting structure, whereby the foundation plates are substantially at the base of said trench, and then filling the said trench with material.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the method comprises placing a prefabricated building structure on the uppermost surface of the said foundation structure.

29. A prefabricated composting structure, comprising a foundation structure comprising foundation walls connected to a foundation floor and containing a number of integral composting chambers, and a building structure disposed on the foundation structure, the prefabricated composting 'structure being made from laminated sections as hereinbefore described.

30. A structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31. A method of installing a structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.