GB2454938A

GB2454938A - A modular timber frame wall panel

Info

Publication number: GB2454938A
Application number: GB0723103A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian John Gallagher; Noel Gerard Clancy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-26
Filing date: 2007-11-26
Publication date: 2009-05-27
Also published as: GB0723103D0

Abstract

This invention relates to a wall panel 1, (28 figure 2), (31 figure 3) and (32 figure 4) and a modular timber frame structure incorporating the wall panel. The wall panel comprises a plurality of elongate substantially parallel studs 3 and a cladding sheet (5 figure 2), 7 connected to the plurality of studs. Each of the studs 3 has a transverse elongate aperture 15 that extends substantially the length of the elongate stud. The aperture 15 reduces the thermalbridging across the stud and provides a continuous passageway throughout the wall panel for reception of insulation. Such a wall panel improves the thermal properties of both the wall panel and, the modular timber frame structure incorporating the wall panel.

Description

"A modular timber frame structure"

Introduction

This invention relates to a modular timber frame structure and a wall panel for use in such a structure.

Modular timber frame structures have been growing in popularity for many years and are seen as a useful alternative to other methods of construction such as those entailing brick or block construction techniques. These modular timber frame structures typically comprise a plurality of prefabricated timber panels including wall panels, floor panels, roof members, trusses and rafters that are pre-constructed in a manufacturing facility before being transported to a site and connected together on site.

In this specification, the terms structure and building have been used interchangeably and it will be understood that by structure, what is meant is a building including a house or houses including a detached house, a bungalow, a semi detached or terraced row of houses, an apartment complex, a duplex apartment, a commercial premises such as a hotel, public house or retail outlet or a facility such as a hospital, church, youth centre and the like or a combination of any of the above. Essentially, structure and building are intended to include buildings inhabited by people for extended periods of time.

One of the most important aspects of any new structure and modular timber frame structures in particular is the thermal properties of the structure. It is of the utmost importance to ensure that the structure is as thermally efficient as possible and has as good a thermal rating as possible as this will directly affect the cost of heating the structure and in many cases may affect the value or resale value of the structure. It is imperative therefore for the persons constructing the structure to provide a structure that has a high degree of insulation and that is as energy efficient as possible. One of the problems with existing modular timber frame structures is that they are often less energy efficient than structures constructed using other known techniques.

It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide a modular timber frame structure that overcomes at least some of the difficulties with the known modular timber frame structures.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure comprising: at least one roof member; a plurality of external wall panels, the external wall panels each comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel elongate studs; a cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs; and in which each of the elongate studs further comprises a transverse aperture extending substantially the length of the elongate stud thereby forming a passageway through the studs and the wall panel for reception and through passage of an insulating material.

By having such a modular timber frame structure, the heat transfer properties of the structure will be improved significantly reducing the amount of heat loss from the interior to the exterior of the timber structure across the studs. The transverse aperture significantly reduces the amount of heat loss bridging possible across the stud.

Furthermore, the aperture in the stud provides a passageway for through-passage of insulation being poured into the wall. Finally, it is possible to have a continuous layer of insulation that passes between a number of adjacent panels connected together as insulation is able to pass through the apertures. This will provide a more effective insulation layer in the structure thereby improving the heat transfer properties further.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which each of the studs further comprises a pair of parallel stud bars spaced apart from each other and secured together by way of a plurality of interconnectors therebetween. This is seen as a particularly simple and preferred construction of stud to manufacture.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which the plurality of studs are bridged at one of their ends by a first end piece and bridged at the other of their ends by a second end piece.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which at least one of the end pieces defines a gap therein providing access to the passageway through the end piece.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which at least one of the end pieces further comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate battens with a gap therebetween, the gap providing access to the passageway through the end piece. This is seen as a preferred construction of end piece. Essentially therefore there will be a pair of battens, each of which will be connected to a row of stud bars across the width of the wall panel.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which the modular timber frame structure comprises at least one floor panel.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which the floor panel further comprises: a floor panel framework comprising a plurality of timber joists connected together; and an aperture in the floor panel framework adjacent the periphery of the floor panel defining a passageway through the floor panel in communication with the passageway in the wall panel.

This is seen as a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. By having the aperture in the floor panel it is possible to have an insulation layer that passes though the aperture and into the passageway in the wall panel connected to the floor, panel. In the case of a wall panel being mounted above the floor panel and the floor panel in turn being mounted on a separate wall panel, the insulation may pass all the way from the passageway in the upper wall panel, through the floor panel and into the lower floor panel thereby providing a continuous insulation layer in the structure and improving the thermal properties of the structure.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame in which the roof member further comprises: a roof member framework comprising a plurality of timber beams connected together; and an aperture in the roof member framework adjacent the periphery of the roof member defining a passageway through the roof member in communication with the passageway in the wall panel. In this way, insulation may pass through the passageway in a wall panel up into the roof member through the aperture thereby allowing a continuous layer of insulation to be provided.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which the cladding panel is an exterior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which there is further provided an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a modular timber frame structure in which the cladding panel is an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel for a timber frame structure, the wall panel comprising: a plurality of elongate studs; a cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs; and in which each of the elongate studs further comprises a transverse aperture extending substantially the length of the elongate stud thereby forming a passageway through the stud and the wall panel for reception and through passage of an insulating material.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel in which each of the studs further comprises a pair of parallel stud bars spaced apart from each other and secured together by way of a plurality of interconnectors therebetween.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel in which the plurality of studs are bridged at one of their ends by a first end piece and bridged at the other of their ends by a second end piece.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel in which at least one of the end pieces defines a gap therein providing access to the passageway through the end piece.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel in which at least one of the end pieces further comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate battens with a gap therebetween, the gap providing access to the passageway through the end piece.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel in which the cladding panel is an exterior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel in which there is further provided an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a wall panel in which the cladding panel is an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wall panel according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of wall panel similar to that shown in Figure 1 with an interior cladding sheet; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of wall panel according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of wall panel similar to that shown in Figure 3 with an interior cladding sheet; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the wall panel of Figure 4 with the interior cladding sheet shown cut away; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the wall panels of Figure 1 and 3 prior to engagement; Figure 7 is a front view of the wall panels of Figure 1 and 3 prior to engagement; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the wall panels of Figure 1 and 3 joined together; Figure 9 is a front view of the wall panels of Figure 1 and 3 joined together; Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a junction between a pair of wall panels with the cladding sheets removed for clarity; Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the junction between a pair of wall panels shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a top plan view of the junction between a pair of wall panels shown in Figure 10; Figure 13 is a top plan view of an alternative junction between a pair of wall panels; Figure 14 is a front perspective view of an alternative junction between a pair of wall panels with the cladding removed for clarity; Figure 15 is a top plan view the junction between a pair of wall panels similar to that shown in Figure 14 with cladding sheets in position; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a plurality of wall panels and part of a floor panel connected together; Figure 17 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the plurality of wall panels and floor panel of Figure 16 along the lines A-A; Figure 18 is a side cross sectional view of a wall panel connected to a first embodiment of roof member according to the present invention; Figure 19 is a side cross sectional view of a wall panel connected to a second embodiment of roof member according to the present invention; Figure 20 is a side cross sectional view of a wall panel connected to a third embodiment of roof member according to the present invention; Figure 21 is a side cross sectional view of a wall panel connected to a fourth embodiment of roof member according to the present invention; Figure 22 is an elevation view of a stud according to the present invention; Figure 23 is a right side end view of the stud of Figure 22; Figure 24 is a plan view of the stud of Figure 22; and Figure 25 is a top plan view of a structure with wall panels connected together; Referring to the drawings, an initially to Figure 1 thereof, there is shown an external wall panel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, for a modular timber frame structure (not shown) comprising a plurality of substantially parallel elongate studs 3 and an exterior cladding panel 7 laid across and connected to a plurality of studs 3. Each of the studs 3 further comprises a pair of parallel stud bars 9, 11 spaced apart from each other and secured together by way of a plurality of interconnectors 13 therebetween and each of the studs 3 comprises a transverse aperture 15 extending across the width of the stud and substantially the length of the elongate stud. In the embodiment shown, the transverse aperture 15 is divided into a pair of apertures by the interconnector located centrally on the stud bars 9, 11. It is envisaged that the transverse aperture 15 may be divided into three or more apertures and when reference is made to a transverse aperture this will be understood to incorporate a plurality of apertures that combined extend substantially the length of the elongate stud.

The plurality of studs 3 are bridged at one of their ends by a first end piece comprising a pair of spaced apart elongate battens 17, 19 defining a gap 21 in the end piece therebetween and bridged at the other of their ends by a second end piece comprising a pair of spaced apart elongate battens 23, 25 defining a gap 27 in the end piece therebetween. By having the transverse aperturesl5 in particular and to a lesser extent the gaps 21 and 27 in the external wall panel, there will be less thermal bridging between the interior and exterior cladding panels through the studs 3. This will improve the thermal characteristics of the structure as there will be less heat loss as a result of this reduced thermal bridging. The known external wall panels comprise a solid stud which enhances the thermal bridging across the wall panel thereby leading to poor insulation characteristics of the wall panel. Furthermore, most importantly, the apertures and the gaps 21, 27 define a passageway through the wall panel for the reception and through passage of an insulating material. The insulating material may be poured into the wall panel in a single pour and will extend in a single continuous insulating layer throughout the wall panel which will further improve the thermal characteristics of the wall panel which in turn improves the thermal characteristics of the timber frame structure. Furthermore, the apertures 15 and the gaps 21, 27 allow for travel of insulating material between adjacent timber panels which will allow for a uniform insulation layer to be formed over a number of panels around the structure, thereby improving the thermal characteristics of the structure.

Various connection means including nails, corrugated nails, punched plate connectors and the like (not shown) can be used to connect the separate timber components such as cladding panel 7 and interconnectors 13 to other separate timber components such as the studs 3.

Referring to Figure 2 there is shown an alternative construction of wall panel according to the invention similar to that shown in Figure 1, indicated generally by the reference numeral 28, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before.

The wall panel 28 further comprises an internal cladding panel 5 laid across and connected to a plurality of studs.

The interior cladding panel 5 is used predominantly as a lining panel and is not necessarily a structural component of the wall panel 28. It is envisaged that the inner lining panel could and probably would be supplied and fitted by other individuals on site.

The inner face of the studwork can be lined with a vapour barrier membrane with an interior cladding panel or these membranes could also be supplied and fitted by other individuals on site. What is important is that there is either an inner cladding panel and membrane that will act to retain the pumped insulation in place. It is further envisaged that the inner cladding panel could be provided and furthermore that the inner cladding panel could be used as a structural component and the outer cladding panel could be omitted. In such a case, the outer cladding panel could be supplied and fitted subsequently or alternatively a breather membrane could be fitted at the time of manufacture or subsequently on site.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown an alternative embodiment of external wall panel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 31, where like parts have been -10-given the same reference numeral as before. The wall panel 31 comprises an ope 33 for reception of an ope closure (not shown). Most importantly, the wall panel 31 retains the apertures 15 and the gaps 21, 27 in the studs and the end pieces respectively.

Furthermore, the framework surrounding the ope 33 including the sill 35 and the top portion 37 comprising a lintel, a plurality of lintel plates and a gap 39 so that the thermal bridging is reduced between the interior and exterior cladding panels 5, 7.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown a further alternative embodiment of external wall panel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 32, similar to the wall panel shown in Figure 3 and where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The wall panel 32 further comprises an internal cladding panel 5, also referred to as an internal cladding sheet, laid across and connected to a plurality of studs 3.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 9 inclusive, there are shown a perspective view of the wall panel 1 (as shown in Figure 1) and the wall panel 31 (as shown in Figure 3) prior to engagement (Figure 6), a front elevation view of the wall panel 1 and the wall panel 31 prior to engagement (Figure 7), a perspective view of the wall panel 1 and the wall panel 31 in engagement (Figure 8) and a front elevation view of the wall panel 1 and the wall panel 31 in engagement (Figure 9). Although the wall panel 1 and wall panel 31 have been shown in the drawings it will be understood that two or more wall panels I or two or more wall panels 31 could be used or indeed other constructions of wall panel other than those shown but with the apertures 15 in the studs 3 could be used joined together.

However, for the purposes of this illustration, a wall panel 1 has been shown in conjunction with a wall panel 31. The first wall panel 1 is connected in a side by side fashion to the second wall panel 31 by nails (not shown) or other suitable connectors. A continuous insulation void is formed in the interior of the two wall panels 1, 31 across the width of both of the panels 1, 31 as the passageway for insulation in the first wall panel 1 is in communication with the passageway for insulation in the second wall panel 31 by way of the apertures 15 in the endmost stud 3(a) of wall panel 1 and the endmost stud 3(b) in the second wall panel 31. In this way, the insulation when poured will not have any breaks but rather will be in a continuous layer and therefore will be more effective and secondly the insulation will be poured in one pour rather than a number of pours which will speed up the insulation process.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a front perspective view (view from inside a structure) and a rear perspective view (view from outside a structure) respectively of a junction between a pair of wall panels, indicated generally by the reference numeral 41, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The interior and exterior cladding panels have been removed for clarity. The junction 41 comprises a pair of wall panels 43, 45 joined together in an L-shape configuration. It can be seen that the wall panels 43, 45 are similar in many respects to the wall panels 1, 31 in that they are each provided with a plurality of elongate studs 3 each having an aperture extending substantially the length of the stud 3. In this way, insulation material may flow through the junction 41 in much the same way as described above and insulating material may flow between the wall panel 43 and the other wall panel 45 through the apertures 15 in the wall panels 43, 45. Similarly, insulation material may flow between the junction wall panels and any other wall panels of the construction described above (not shown) connected to the wall panels 43, 45. This will ensure a continuous layer of insulation material will be provided in the junction between the wall panels 43, 45 and across a number of wall panels thereby improving the thermal characteristics of the structure and furthermore the thermal bridging will be reduced.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13 there are shown a top plan view of the junction 41 between wall panels 43, 45 and a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of junction between wall panels, indicated generally by the reference numerals 41, according to the present invention. In this case, the exterior cladding panels 7 are mounted on the studs 3. The continuous passageway for insulation is shown diagrammatically with arrows in both embodiments. It can be seen from Figures 12 and 13 that the wall panels may be joined together in a number of different configurations in order to provide sufficient rigidity and stability at the junction.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, there is shown a junction between a pair of wall panels, indicated generally by the reference numeral 61. The interior 5 and exterior 7 cladding panels have been removed in Figure 14 for clarity and the exterior cladding panel 7 has been removed in Figure 15 for clarity. The junction 61 is similar in structure to the junctions 41, 51 and is provided with a passageway 63 indicated with arrows 65 for the through passage of an insulating material (not shown). -12-

Referring to Figure 16 of the drawings, there is shown a partial perspective view of a floor panel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 71, and a plurality of wall panels 1(a), 1(b), 41 connected thereto. The floor panel 71 comprises a floor panel framework 73 which in turn comprises a plurality of timber joists 75 connected together.

The floor panel framework 73 further comprises an aperture 77 in the framework adjacent the periphery 79 of the floor panel defining a vertical passageway through the floor panel. The passageway in the floor panel framework is in communication with the passageway for insulation in the wall panels 1(a), 1(b) via the gaps 21 and 27 in the wall panels. In the embodiment shown, the floor panel 71 is mounted on top of one wall panel 1(a) and the passageway in the floor panel 71 is in communication with the passageway in the wall panel via the gap 21 in the wall panel 1(a). Furthermore, a separate wall panel 1(b) is mounted on top of the floor panel and the passageway in the floor panel 71 is in communication with the passageway in the wall panel 1(b) mounted above it via the gap 27 in the wall panel 1(b). Therefore, a continuous passageway is formed throughout the structure and an insulation material may pass through internal passageway in the lower wall panel 1(a), up through the internal passageway in the floor panel 71 and up into the internal passageway in the upper wall panel 1(b) mounted above the floor panel 71. The insulation is thereby laid in a continuous fashion without the normal breaks in the insulation that would normally be the case thereby improving the insulation of the structure.

It is envisaged that other constructions of floor panels could be provided other than the one shown that would also provide a sufficient channel for through passage of insulation.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that a plurality of the floor panel timber joists 75 could be provided with a plurality of apertures therein in a similar fashion to the apertures in the studs of the wall panels to provide a transverse passageway in the floor panel for reception of insulation and passage of the insulation material around the periphery of the building. This may improve the insulation properties of the structure.

Referring to Figure 17 of the drawings, there is shown a partial cross sectional view taken along the lines A-A of Figure 16. Various return corner sections of the wall panels 1 have been removed for clarity. The aperture 77 in the floor panel 71 is in communication with the passageways formed by apertures 15 and gaps 21, 27 in the wall panels 1. Therefore, there is a continuous void in the structure formed in the wall -13-panels and the floor panels in which it is possible to pour insulation material. The insulation material may be poured in a single layer without breaks thereby improving the thermal characteristics of the structure. A floor cladding sheet 80 is shown mounted on the timber joists 75. A ceiling cladding sheet (not shown) may be mounted on the underside of the timber joists.

Referring to Figures 18 to 21 inclusive of the drawings, there are shown a number of roof members, indicated generally by the reference numerals 81, 91, 101 and 111 respectively, for use in the modular timber frame structure according to the present invention. The roof members each comprise a plurality of rafters 83 and may further comprise trusses, beams and/or panels. The rafters 83 have an aperture 85 therein adjacent the periphery of the roof panel defining a passageway through the roof panel 81, 91, 101, 111 in communication with the passageway in the wall members 1. In this way, insulation may be inserted in a continuous fashion through the roof panels also to form a continuous layer of insulation in the structure that runs through the roof members and wall panels. The insulation continues into the attic (as shown by arrows in Figures and 21) or alternatively may continue into the sloped roof areas (as shown by arrows in Figures 18 and 19) which again increases the overall building envelope thermal performance and air tightness of the structure. The roof members, and particularly those shown in Figures 18 and 19, would typically each further comprise an exterior roof cladding panel and an interior roof cladding panel, neither of which are shown, in order to provide an enclosed void in the roof member for reception of the insulation material.

Referring to Figure 22 there is shown an elevation view of a stud 3 according to the present invention. The aperture 15 provides a break in the thermal bridge from one of the stud bars 11 across to the other stud bar 9 and furthermore the interconnectors 13 are significantly smaller in cross-sectional area for transport of heat across the stud than a solid stud would be. Referring to Figure 23, there is shown a cross sectional view taken along the lines B-B of Figure 22. Referring to Figure 24, there is shown a plan view of the stud of Figure 22. The jointing 13 is a block with a corrugated nail arrangement but alternatively could be provided by way of a punched plate connector. The present construction technique could be further expanded to provide studs, rails, cripples or other components required in the fabrication of the timber frame panel. It can be seen that the aperture extends substantially the entire length of the stud, approximately -14 -greater than 85% of the length of the studs. It is envisaged that the aperture will extend at least 50% of the length of the stud, preferably greater than 75% of the length of the stud and ideally over 90% of the length of the stud.

Finally, referring to Figure 25 there is shown a top plan view of a structure, indicated generally by the reference numeral 115, with wall panels connected together. It can be seen that there is a continuous passageway or void 117 for insulation around the building envelope surrounding the entire structure. This will enable for improved installation of insulation providing for more effective insulation. Furthermore there are shown a plurality of wall panels 1 connected at junctions 41, 51 and junction 61.

Typically, the U-value of a l4Ommm stud used in standard construction techniques would be of the order of 0.27. Using the studs according to the present invention, the U-value has been measured as 0.17 for a 245mm deep stud and 0.14 for a 275mm deep stud. The U-value is the common measure of the rate of heat loss through a material and is measured as the amount of heat lost through a one square meter of the material for every degree difference in temperature either side of the material and is measured in Watts per Meter squared per Degree Kelvin (W/m2K). Preferably, cellulose or a similar pumpable material is used as the insulation.

Finally, it is envisaged that the system according to the present invention will provide a wall panel and a timber frame structure with a high level of air tightness due to the continuous insulation layer (for example, cellulose insulation when tightly packed in a continuous layer will provide a good seal to the passage of air). Furthermore, there will be no need for joint seals at any inner vapour barriers of membranes in order to improve air tightness. This will reduce the time needed to provide the insulation further. The improved air tightness leads to less heat loss through draughts which is highly desirable.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, included, includes and including" are all deemed interchangeable and are to be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

This invention is in no way limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1) A modular timber frame structure comprising: at least one roof member; a plurality of external wall panels, the external wall panels each comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel elongate studs; a cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs; and in which each of the elongate studs further comprises a transverse aperture extending substantially the length of the elongate stud thereby forming a passageway through the studs and the wall panel for reception and through passage of an insulating material.
2) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in claim I in which each of the studs further comprises a pair of parallel stud bars spaced apart from each other and secured together by way of a plurality of interconnectors therebetween.
3) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in claim I or 2 in which the plurality of studs are bridged at one of their ends by a first end piece and bridged at the other of their ends by a second end piece.
4) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in claim 3 in which at least one of the end pieces defines a gap therein providing access to the passageway through the end piece.
5) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in claim 4 in which at least one of the end pieces further comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate battens with a gap therebetween, the gap providing access to the passageway through the end piece.
6) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the modular timber frame structure comprises at least one floor panel.
7) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the floor panel further comprises: a floor panel framework comprising a plurality of timber joists connected together; and an aperture in the floor panel framework adjacent the periphery of the floor panel defining a passageway through the floor panel in communication with the passageway in the wall panel.
8) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the roof member further comprises: a roof member framework comprising a plurality of timber beams connected together; and an aperture in the roof member framework adjacent the periphery of the roof member defining a passageway through the roof member in communication with the passageway in the wall panel.
9) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the cladding panel is an exterior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.
10) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in claim 9 in which there is further provided an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.
11) A modular timber frame structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 in which the cladding panel is an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.
12) A wall panel for a timber frame structure, the wall panel comprising: a plurality of elongate studs; a cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs; and in which each of the elongate studs further comprises a transverse aperture extending substantially the length of the elongate stud thereby forming a passageway through the stud and the wall panel for reception and through passage of an insulating material.
13) A wall panel as claimed in claim 12 in which each of the studs further comprises a pair of parallel stud bars spaced apart from each other and secured together by way of a plurality of interconnectors therebetween.
14) A wall panel as claimed in claim 12 or 13 in which the plurality of studs are bridged at one of their ends by a first end piece and bridged at the other of their ends by a second end piece.
15) A wall panel as claimed in claim 14 in which at least one of the end pieces defines a gap therein providing access to the passageway through the end piece.
16) A wall panel as claimed in claim 15 in which at least one of the end pieces further comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate battens with a gap therebetween, the gap providing access to the passageway through the end piece.
17) A wall panel as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16 in which the cladding panel is an exterior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs. -18-
18) A wall panel as claimed in claim 17 in which there is further provided an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.
19) A wall panel as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16 in which the cladding panel is an interior cladding panel laid across and connected to a plurality of the elongate studs.
20) A wall panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
21) A modular timber frame structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.