GB2472464A

GB2472464A - Method of creating a modular building and building foundation.

Info

Publication number: GB2472464A
Application number: GB0913953A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rex Edward Michau; Andrew Quainoo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-07
Filing date: 2009-08-07
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-07
Also published as: GB2472464B; WO2011015836A1; GB0913953D0

Abstract

The modular building comprises at least two modules 2, 3, 4 each having side walls, the two modules being separate from each other, external wall members 8 extend between and connect the modules. The side walls and external wall members form the external walls of the building. The building also has a roof over the area enclosed by said external walls of the building. The modules may be made from shipping containers which are pre-installed with services and appliances before deployment to the desired building site. Also claimed is a foundation which comprises a number of foundation members, onto which a building is placed, the foundation members being spaced apart. Each foundation member is coupled to another foundation member using spacing members to arrange the foundation members at predetermined distances from each other. Additionally claimed is the said building built on said foundation.

Description

MODULAR BUILDING AND FOUNDATION SYSTEM THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a modular building and a method of constructing such a building by assembling modular parts together. The invention also relates to a foundation system for a building and a method of creating the foundation system.

It is known to construct buildings by assembling preformed shipping containers together. Each container has a floor, a roof and some side walls. The containers are then arranged adjacent to each other so as to form a continuous floor, continuous roof and external side walls enclosing the building. A building can thus be formed by shipping a plurality of such containers to the desired location and assembling them together to form a building of the desired floor area.

The previously known modular containers are essentially steel cargo containers of the type used to transport goods on ships. The interiors of the containers are modified by attaching more conventional building materials to the inside surfaces. A relatively large number of these containers are required to construct a typical building. Also, the foundation system for such a modular building is very difficult to align since the foundation pads for each container must be aligned with each other and must also be aligned with the foundation pads of the other containers used to form the building. Any misalignment in any one of the foundation pads can be very difficult to correct in a modular building system.

The present invention aims to overcome at least the above problems.

From a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a building comprising: providing at least two modules, each module having side walls; arranging the at least two modules so as to be spaced apart from each other; arranging external wall members so as to extend between and connect the modules; wherein the external wall members and side walls of the modules are arranged so as to form the external walls of the building; and providing a roof over the area enclosed by said external walls of the building.

The present invention optimises construction by providing a modular arrangement, wherein the modules are arranged at the exterior of the building so as to act as the main structural elements of the building. The gaps between the modules can then be walled off by the external wall members to form a building having a significantly larger area than the area of the modules alone. Furthermore, the present invention enables the external wall members to be transported inside of the modules and so the components for a building of relatively large area can be transported in relatively few modules.

As mentioned above, the at least two modules are arranged spaced apart in the building. It will be appreciated that the building can be made using any number of modules, the number depending on the size of the building desired. The method of constructing the building preferably comprises arranging at least three modules, at least four modules, or at least five modules at the edges of the building. The modules are preferably arranged such that all of them are spaced apart from each other. Also, the modules are preferably arranged such that at least one wall of each module forms at least part of an external wall of the building.

The modules are preformed structures that are constructed at a location away from the building construction site and which are then delivered to the site for assembling the building. The modules preferably have a metal structure such as a shell or a frame. The modules preferably have a steel structure.

This enables the modules to be configured to withstand being lifted and transported to the building assembly site. Further, the modules are also strong enough to contain and transport other building components that are to be erected to form part of the building. The modules are preferably configured to stack one on top of the other, which is useful to conserve space during transport. The modules are preferably configured to have ISO dimensions and/or preferably have ISO corner castings. This enables the modules to be transported (e.g. shipped) relatively easily. A tarpaulin or other waterproof layer is preferably arranged around the containers during transport so as to seal them.

Each module preferably has a top, a base and four sides. Each module preferably has a base wall, a top wall and at least two side walls connecting the base and top walls. In some embodiments at least some of the modules have three side walls connecting the base and top walls, In some embodiments at least some of the modules have four side walls connecting the base and top walls. Preferably, the modules have a square or rectangular base area. Less preferably, the modules may have other base areas and more than four side walls.

It will be appreciated that the building can be constructed using a plurality of modules that have a different numbers of side walls and/or that are different sizes. For example, at least one module may be provided with three side walls so that the module forms only some of the walls of a room in the building.

At least one other module may be provided with four side walls so that the module forms all of the walls of a room in the building or so that the module encloses more than one room of the building.

The modules are arranged so that at least some of the side walls of the modules form external walls of the building. The modules are preferably delivered to the building assembly site such that at least some of the side walls f or forming the external walls are provided with one or more ports f or windows and/or doors. In the preferred embodiments the actual windows and/or doors are fitted into the ports on the building construction site. In less preferred embodiments the modules may be delivered to the building assembly site with the windows and/or doors already pre-fitted in the ports.

At least some of the modules are preferably arranged in the building so as to have side walls that form internal walls of the building. At least some of these internal walls may be provided with one or more ports for internal doors through the walls. These internal doors are preferably fitted into the ports at the building assembly site. However, in less preferred embodiments they may be pre-fitted in the modules off site such that the modules are delivered to the assembly site with the doors pre-fitted.

Preferably, at least one of the modules is delivered to the building assembly site with electrical circuitry for the building already fitted into the structure of the module. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one of the modules is preferably delivered to the building assembly site with plumbing for the building already fitted into the structure of the module. This is particularly advantageous as it saves the amount of time and work that a skilled electrician or plumber is required to spend at the building assembly site. The module is only required to be electrically connected to the electrical Circuit in the other parts of the building. Similarly, the plumbing in the module is only required to be connected to the plumbing system in the other parts of the building.

Similarly, at least one of the modules may be delivered to the building assembly site with room fittings and/or appliances already fitted. For example, a module for forming at least part of the kitchen could be supplied to the building assembly site with kitchen electrical appliances already installed or integrated.

Additionally, or alternatively, the plumbing for kitchen fittings and appliances may already be installed in the module when it is delivered to the building assembly site. Similarly, it is contemplated that electrical and/or plumbing work required for the WC and/or bathroom may be pre-fitted in a module before it is delivered to the building assembly site. Less preferably, at least one of the modules may be delivered to the assembly site already containing building furniture, such as one or more of: kitchen cupboards; kitchen worktops; toilets; baths; showers; sinks; taps; tables; chairs; or beds.

Once the modules have been placed on the building construction site a floor is preferably laid down. The floor is laid so as to cover at least the areas between the modules and preferably to cover the area up to the external wall panels. In a preferred embodiment the modules are delivered to the building assembly site already comprising a suitable floor, such as a concrete floor. The modules are preferably delivered comprising a pre-cast concrete floating floor. Less preferably, the modules are not delivered having a suitable floor for the building as so must also be floored on site.

Preferably, a plurality of floor panel members are laid down so as to extend between the spaced apart modules. At least some of the floor panel members are preferably arranged so as to extend completely from one module to another module. Preferably the floor panel members are elongated and their ends may be supported by the bases of the modules between which they extend.

Preferably, the floor panel members are arranged directly adjacent to each other and may interlock with each other for forming a continuous floor.

The floor panel members may form the final floor.

However, in the particularly preferred embodiments, the floor panel members do not form the final floor.

Preferably the floor panel members are trays for receiving cement. The trays preferably have sides and a base. The sides and/or base may be continuous material or may be a mesh or grid structure for reinforcing the cement that is poured into the tray. Most preferably, the trays are folded sheet metal, such as for example steel. Once the floor panel trays have been laid down they are then filled with cement, levelled off and allowed to set so as to provide a continuous floor area.

Preferably, the floor panel members are sized and configured such that they are delivered to the building assembly site inside of one or more of the modules to be used as part of the building.

The external wall members may be arranged so as to extend between and connect the modules either before or after the floor panel members have been laid down. In the preferred method, a plurality of external wall panel members are erected so as to form each external wall that extends between the modules. Preferably the external wall panel members are elongated and their ends extend from the base to the roof of the building.

Preferably, the wall panel members are arranged directly adjacent to each other and preferably interlock with each other for forming a continuous external wall. The wall panel members are preferably sheet metal, such as steel for example. However, other materials could be used such as timber or composites.

Preferably, the wall panel members are sized and configured such that they are delivered to the building assembly site inside of one or more of the modules to be used as part of the building.

Once the modules have been placed, a ceiling is preferably constructed. This may be constructed before or after either the floor or external wall panels have been erected. The ceiling is constructed so as to cover at least the area between the modules and preferably to cover the area up to where the external wall panels are to be arranged. In a preferred embodiment the modules are delivered to the building assembly site already comprising a suitable ceiling structure. For example, the module top sides may be formed from ceiling struts extending across the modules.

In the preferred method, a plurality of ceiling panel members are arranged so as to extend between the spaced apart modules. At least some of the ceiling panel members are preferably arranged to as to extend completely from one module to another module. Preferably the ceiling panel members are elongated and their ends may be supported by the tops of the modules between which they extend. Preferably, the ceiling panel members are arranged directly adjacent to each other and may interlock with each other f or forming a continuous ceiling area.

In a particularly preferred set of embodiments, the ceiling panel members do not form the final ceiling of the building. Preferably, the ceiling panel members are made from timber and/or metal (e.g. steel) panels. Once the panels have been erected they may be covered on the underside with plaster or plasterboard.

Preferably, the ceiling panel members are sized and configured such that they are delivered to the building assembly site inside of one or more of the modules to be* used as part of the building.

The roof may be provided over the building at any point after the modules have been arranged in place.

The roof is placed over the modules so as to extend between and cover the area between the modules. The roof is preferably a structure that is pre-formed before being delivered to the site for assembling the building.

The roof preferably has a structure such that it is placed on top of and is supported by the top sides of the mOdules.

Once the modular building is assembled, internal walls of the building may be erected on site. The material for forming the internal walls may be delivered to the construction site inside one or more of the modules.

The building formed according to the present invention is preferably a house, although other types of buildings may also be constructed according to the invention. Although a single floor building has been described, it will be appreciated that multi-floor buildings could be assembled by arranging modules on top of each other and laying additional floors between these stacked modules, and before attaching the roof.

The present invention also provides an apparatus configured for assembling a modular building according to the methods described above.

From a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of creating a building foundation comprising; arranging a plurality of foundation members, onto which a building is to be placed, at spaced apart locations, in the ground; coupling each foundation member to another foundation member using a spacing member having a predetermined length so as to arrange the foundation members at predetermined distances from each other; and setting the foundation members at fixed locations in the ground.

As the foundation members are spaced apart by spacing members of predetermined length, the foundation members can be arranged in their desired relative locations quickly and easily.

Preferably, the method comprises creating a plurality of holes in the ground, one for each foundation member. The holes are created at the approximate desired locations for the foundation members. The bases of the holes are then preferably levelled. This may be achieved by adding a filler material into each hole, such as sand, and levelling the filler material so as to form a flat base in the hole.

A foundation member is then lowered into each hole so that a portion of each foundation member extends upwardly. Each foundation member is then coupled to another foundation member by a spacing member having a predetermined length. Preferably, all of the foundation members are interconnected by spacing members.

The method preferably comprises providing at least three foundation members and coupling each foundation member to at least two other foundation members using at least two respective spacing members. More preferably, the method comprises providing at least four foundation members and coupling each foundation member to at least three other foundation members using at least three respective spacing members. It will be appreciated that the number of foundation members desired depends on the size and weight of the building to be placed or erected on the foundation members. In a particularly preferred embodiment at least six foundation members are provided.

This is particularly useful, for example, whena module of the type described above in relation to the modular building is placed on the foundation system.

The relative positions of the foundation members may depend, in part, on the shape of the building to be placed on them. However, the foundation members are preferably arranged in groups of four foundation members, the foundation members defining the corners of a square or rectangle. Four foundation members are preferably arranged to define the corners of a first square or rectangle. Each of the four foundation members is preferably connected to two or three of the other foundation members in the first square or rectangle by respective spacing members.

Two further foundation members may be provided outside of the first square or rectangle. These foundation members preferably define the corners of a second square or rectangle together with two of the foundation members from the first square or rectangle.

Each of the four foundation members defining the second square or rectangle is preferably connected to two or three of the other foundation members in the second square or rectangle by respective spacing members.

Two further foundation members may be provided outside of the second square or rectangle. These foundation members preferably define the corners of a third square or rectangle together with two of the foundation members from the second square or rectangle.

Each of the four foundation members defining the third square or rectangle is preferably connected to two or three of the other foundation members defining the third square or rectangle by respective spacing members. It will be appreciated that the foundation system can be -12-grown to any size by adding further foundation members to define further squares or rectangles and then spacing the foundation members apart by the correct amount by using further spacing members.

The spacing members have predetermined lengths that correspond to the desired spacing between the foundation members that they are coupled to. Different pairs of foundation members may be coupled with different length spacing members so that they are arranged with different spacings between them. For example, if the foundation members are arranged at the corners of a square or rectangle, the spacing member coupling the foundation members arranged at opposite corners of the square or rectangle may have a different length to the spacing members coupling the foundation members arranged at adjacent corners of the square or rectangle. Similarly, if the foundation members are arranged at the corners of.

a rectangle the spacing member between the foundation members forming one side of the rectangle will have a different length to the spacing member coupling the foundation members arranged at an adjacent side of the rectangle. The spacing members are preferably supplied to the foundation construction site already having their predetermined lengths, i.e. the spacing members are not cut to their desirable lengths on site.

The method preferably comprises providing a coding system for indicating which foundation members are to be coupled together by which spacing members. For example, each spacing member may indicate which foundation members its ends are to be attached to. This could be achieved by providing corresponding numbering, lettering or colour coded systems on the foundation members and -13 -the spacing members. Alternatively, the ends of the spacing members could be configured so as to only couple the correct foundation members together.

Preferably, the spacing members are wires or straps that connect to the foundation members. The wires or straps are preferably made of metal, but may be made from any other material. The wires or straps are preferably flexible and the method comprises pulling the foundation members away from each other until the wires or straps are taut, at which point the foundation members are separated by their correct spacing. In less preferred embodiments the spacing members may be rigid members, such as rods.

The method preferably comprises anchoring at least some of the foundation members to the ground with anchor members. A first end of each anchor member is coupled to a foundation member and the second end of the anchor member is secured to the ground. The anchor members are preferably arranged so as to maintain the foundation members spaced apart from each other by the predetermined distances defined by the spacing members.

In other words the anchor members prevent the foundation members from collapsing towards each other. Each anchor member preferably exerts a force on the foundation member that it is attached to, pulling it away from the other foundation members.

Preferably, the anchor members are wires or straps that connect to the foundation members. The wires or straps are preferably made of metal, but may be made from any other material. The wires or straps are preferably flexible and the method comprises using the anchor members to pull the foundation members away from -14-each other until the spacing members and anchor members are taut, at which point the anchor members are secured to the ground. In less preferred embodiments the anchor members may be rigid members, such as rods.

The spacing members and anchor members may connect to the foundation members by any means. However, in a preferred embodiment the spacing members and/or anchor members have loops or hooks that pass over a projection on each foundation member they connect to. In a preferred embodiment each foundation member has an upwardly standing pin over which the hook or loop is attached.

Each foundation pad preferably has a post extending upwardly from a first foundation reinforcement member.

The upper end of the post has a landing pad onto which the building is placed or erected after the foundation has been created. The above-mentioned pin may extend upwards from the landing pad for attaching the spacing and anchor members. The foundation member preferably further comprises a length adjusting member for changing the length of the post. The foundation member preferably further comprises a second foundation reinforcement member arranged between the first foundation reinforcement member and the landing pad.

Once the foundation members have been placed in the holes in the ground and the spacing and anchor members connected and secured, cement is poured into the holes so as to cover at least the first foundation reinforcement members. This cement is preferably allowed to at least partially set before ensuring that the landing pads of the foundation members are set to the correct heights relative to each other. This may be achieved with a laser level, although other conventional levelling means may be used. The method then preferably further comprises pouring more concrete into the foundation holes so as to cover at least the second foundation reinforcement members, and preferably so as to entirely fill the holes.

The present invention also provides a foundation system comprising a plurality of foundation members onto which a building is to be placed, and a plurality of elongated spacing members, wherein each spacing member is configured to be coupled to a foundation member at either end thereof f or indicating the correct spacing between the foundation members.

The foundation system is preferably configured to perform the methods of constructing a foundation as described above.

The foundation system and method of the present invention provide significant advantages in terms of aligning the foundation members of a building quickly and easily. This is of significant benefit for conventional buildings, but particularly for the construction of a modular building as discussed above according to a first aspect of the invention. In particular, the above-described foundation system is preferably provided under each module of the modular building. The present invention enables one to quickly and accurately align the foundation members under each module with each other and also with the foundation members under the other modules. This is preferably achieved by coupling at least some of the foundation members under one module to at least some of the -16-foundation members under the other modules using spacing members.

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a modular house according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows the main components used to form the modular house of Fig. 1; Fig. 3A shows a floor plan of the modular house of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3B shows the same floor plan but also showing the location of the modules within the house; and Fig. 4A shows a preferred embodiment of a foundation member, and Fig. 4B shows a preferred embodiment of a foundation system comprising six foundation members for supporting a module.

Fig. 1 is an illustration of a house 1 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A preferred structure of the house 1 and a method of constructing it will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

The house 1 comprises three modules 2,3,4, floor panel members 6, external wall panel members 8, ceiling panel members 10 and a root structure 12. These main components are delivered to the building assembly site in a disassembled fashion. Once the foundations have been created, which will be described further below, the modules 2,3,4 are placed on the foundations and in spaced apart relationship from each other.

Once the modules 2,3,4 have been located in place on their foundations the floor panels 6 are arranged between the modules 2,3,4 so as to fill the ground space between the modules 2,3,4. The floor panels 6 interconnect with each other and to the edges 14 of the modules 2,3,4. The floor panels 6 may comprise folded metal trays which are arranged in place between the modules 2,3,4 and are then filled with cement to form a precast concrete floor extending between the modules 2,3,4. The modules 2,3,4 themselves are delivered to the building assembly site pre-provided with a floating non-stressed cement floor 16.

The external wall panels 8 are then arranged to form external wall sections of the house 1 spanning the gaps between the modules 2,3,4. The external wall panels 8 may be provided with windows 18 or doors 20. The external wall panels 8 and outer walls 22 of the modules 2,3,4 thus form a substantially continuous external wall for the house 1.

The ceiling panels 10 are then arranged to span the space between the modules 2, 3, 4 which is above the floor panels 6. The ceiling panels 10 are elongated members which extend between the modules 2,3,4. The ends of the ceiling panels 10 are supported by the tops 24 of the modules 2,3,4. The sides edges of the ceiling panels 10 interconnect so as to form a Continuous ceiling.

The modules 2,3,4 have openings through their top sides 24. This allows the modules 2,3,4 to be serviced more easily during installation. For example, lighting and other electrical circuitry and fittings can be installed more easily in the modules 2,3,4.

The roof structure 12 is delivered to the assembly site as a one-piece structure and is placed over the assembly so as to cover it. The roof structure 12 has -18-angled upper surfaces 26 so as to induce drainage off the top of the roof 12. The roof structure 12 also has roof gable end parts 28 and a substructure 30 for attachment of the roof 12 to the tops 24 of the modules 2,3,4. The weight of most of the roof 12 is supported by the tops 24 of the modules 2,3,4. The roof structure 12 further comprises support posts 32 for supporting a portion of the roof 12a that extends outwardly beyond the side walls 22 defined by the modules 2,3,4 and the external wall panels 8. This portion of the roof 12a is used to provide shelter for an area outside of the house 1, such as a balcony.

Fig. 3A shows an exemplary floor plan of a house 1 constructed according to Figs. 1 and 2. As can be seen, the house has a kitchen 40, a WC 42, a bathroom 44, two bedrooms 46,48, a living room 50, a hal1wy 52 and an outside balcony area 54. The house 1 has an external door 56 into the kitchen and an external door 58 between the balcony 54 and the living room 50. Steps 60 are provided up to the kitchen external door 56 and up to the balcony 54. External windows 18 are provided in the kitchen 40, WC 42, bedrooms 46,48 and living room 50.

Fig. 3B shows the same floor plan as Fig. 3A, but further indicates the locations of the modules 2,3,4 with thick broken lines. As can be seen from this diagram, the modules 2,3,4 are provided at the extremities of the house 1 and form the corners of the house 1. The flooring and ceiling between the modules 2,3,4 is formed using the flooring and ceiling panels 6,10, and the external wall portions between the modules 2,3,4 are formed using the external wall panels 8.

The kitchen 40, WC 42 and bathroom 44 are all arranged in a first module 2. Two of the side walls 22 of the first module 2 form parts of adjacent external walls of the house 1. One of these module walls 22 is fitted with the windows 18 and an external door 56. The other two walls 62,63 of the module 2 form internal walls of the house 1 and are provided with openings 64 for internal doors or entrances. The first module 2 also has internal walls 66 arranged inside of it for dividing the module 2 into the three rooms 40,42,44 contained therein. It will be appreciated that the first module 2 provides the significant advantage that the kitchen, bathroom and WC plumbing and electrics can be pre-installed in the first module 2 before the module 2 is assembled into the house 1. The plumbing and electrics can even be installed in the module 2 away from the house 1 building site and even before the module 2 is shipped to the location for assembling the house 1. Similarly, the kitchen, bathroom and WC equipment and fittings can also be pre-installed in the module 2.

The second module 3 provides portions of the two bedrooms 46,48. This module 3 has three walls 22 forming at least parts of external walls of the house 1.

Two of the external walls 22 of the module 3 have windows 18 so as to allow light into the two bedrooms 46,48. The module 3 also houses part of an internal wall 68 for separating the two bedrooms 46,48. This internal wall 68 may be pre-installed in the module 3 or may be erected in the module 3 on site as part of the assembly process. The inner side of the module 3 has no wall such that the sizes of the two bedrooms 46,48 are not defined by the module 3, but are defined by errecting other internal walls 68,70,72 in the house 1.

These other internal walls 70,72 have internal doors from the hallway 52 into the two bedrooms 46,48.

The third module 4 provides part of the living room 50. This module 4 has three walls 22 forming at least portions of the external walls of the house 1. One of the external walls 22 has windows 18 for allowing light into the living room 50. The third module 4 has no wall in its inner side. The size of the living room is defined by an internal wall of the house 72, an internal wall 63 of the first module 2, the external wall panels 8 between the first and third modules 2,4, and by the door 58 to the balcony 54.

As with the first module 2, the second and third modules 3,4 may have pre-installed electrics, plumbing and even windows 18 and/or furniture fittings.

One of the significant advantages of the preferred embodiments is that the external wall panels 8, floor panels 6 and ceiling panels 10 may be delivered to the assembly site inside one or more of the modules 2,3,4.

As such, relatively few modules can be used to transport the main components for assembling a relatively large house.

The present invention also provides a foundation system and a method of constructing the foundations of a building.

Fig. 4A shows a single foundation member 80 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and which is arranged within a hole 82 in the ground 84.

The foundation member 80 comprises a lower foundation reinforcement member 86 contacting the ground 84 and a lower post 88 which is connected to the reinforcement member 86. The lower post 88 includes a threaded adjuster mechanism 90 which allows for the length of the lower post 88 to be increased or decreased. In particular, a threaded adjuster handle 92 is provided whic-h can be rotated in one direction to increase the length of the lower post 88 and rotated in the opposite direction to decrease the length of the lower post 88.

The upper end of the lower post 88 is attached to an upper foundation reinforcement member 94. An upper post 96 is attached on top of the upper foundation reinforcement member 94. A landing plate 98 is provided at the top end of the upper post 96, onto which the body of the house 1 is built or placed once the foundation has set. An upstanding pin member 100 is provided in the centre of the landing plate 98, the purpose of which will be described in more detail later.

In order to form the foundations of a building several foundation members 80 are typically required to be fixed into the ground 84 at accurately located predetermined positions with respect to each other. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4B, six foundation members 80a-f are required for the building. Accordingly, six holes 82 are dug into the ground 84 at approximately the correct locations for the foundation members 80a-f.

Sand is poured into each hole 82 and flattened out to make the base of the hole 82 flat. A foundation member 80a-f is then lower into each hole 82.

The system is provided with a plurality of spacing members lD2a-k in order to quickly and accurately align the foundation members 80a-f relative to each other.

The spacing members 102a-k are in the form of wires.

-22 -Each wire has a loop at each end for placing over the pin 100 at the top of a foundation member 80. A loop at a first end of a first wire 102a is placed over the pin on a first foundation member 80a and the loop at the other end of the wire 102a is placed over the pin 100 on an adjacent second foundation member 80b. The adjacent foundation members 80a,80b can then be moved away from each other until the wire 102a is taut. As the wire lO2a has a predetermined length corresponding to the desired distance between the two foundation members 80a, BOb this causes the two foundation members 80a,80b to be arranged at the correct location relative to each other. A second wire 102b is placed over the pins 100 of the first and third foundation members BOa,80c.

These foundation members 80a,80c are then moved apart until the second wire 102b is taut. A third wire 102c is then used between the pins 100 on the second and third foundation members 80b, SOc so as to space these foundation members by the correct distance. Fourth 102d, fifth 102e and sixth lO2f wires are then used to space a fourth foundation member 80d at the correct distance from the first 80a, second BOb and third 80c foundation members respectively. The pins 100 on the fifth and sixth foundation members 80e, 80f are connected to each other and to the pins 100 on both the third and fourth foundation member 80c,80d by further wires 102g-k. Again, the wires are pulled taut to ensure that the fifth and sixth foundation members 80e,80f are correctly spaced from each other and from the third and fourth foundation members 80c,80d. The various wires 102a-k have different predetermined lengths corresponding to different distances that are desired to be maintained between the various foundation members BOa-f.

When all of the wires 102a-k are taut each foundation member 80a-f is secured to the ground 84 by an additional anchor wire 104a-f. Each anchor wire 104a-f has a first end secured to the pin 100 of a foundation member 80a-f and a second end that is anchored to the ground 84. The second end is anchored to the ground 84 so that each anchor wire 104a-f is taut and extends away from all of the foundation members 80a-f. This ensures that all of the spacing wires 102a-k between the foundation members 80a-f remain taut and so that the foundation members 80a-f remain at fixed distances from each other.

It will be appreciated that the foundation system is useful for rapidly and accurately aligning the foundation members 80a-80f onto which a module is to be placed. When several modules are used to assemble a building, as described above in relation to Figs. 1 to 3B, foundation members 80a-f for the different modules 2,3,4 may be cross-wired with spacing members so as to ensure that the foundations for each module 2,3,4 are in the correct location relative to each other.

Referring back to Fig. 4A, once the foundation members 80a-f are aligned, cement is poured into each hole 82 so as to cover the lower foundation reinforcement member 86, e.g. up to the level A shown in Fig. 4A. The relative heights of the landing plates 98 are then checked to ensure that the foundation members 80 are level. This can be achieved, for example, with a laser level. If the height of any of the foundation members 80 requires correction then the threaded -24 -adjuster 90 is used to alter the length of the lower post 88. Once all of the landing plates 98 are at the correct height then cement is poured into the hole 82 to fill it past the upper foundation reinforcement member 94. Once the cemenC has set the foundation is complete.

Claims

-25 -Claims: 1. A method of assembling a building comprising: providing at least two modules, each module having side walls; arranging the at least two modules so as to be spaced apart from each other; arranging external wall members so as to extend between and connect the modules; wherein the external wall members and side walls of the modules are arranged so as to form the external walls of the building; and providing a roof over the area enclosed by said external walls of the building.
2. The method of claim 1, comprising arranging the modules at the exterior edges of the building and such that they act as structural support elements of the building.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said step of arranging at least two modules comprises arranging at least three, at least four or at least five modules so as to be spaced apart from each other.
4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the modules are preformed structures that are constructed at a location away from the building construction site and wherein the method comprises delivering the modules to the site for assembling into the building.

-26 -
5. The method of any preceding claim, comprising arranging the modules so as to form at least a part of one room within the building.
6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the module side walls that form external walls of the building have one or more open ports for windows and/or doors.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising fitting the windows and/or doors into the ports at the building construction site.
8. The method o.f any preceding claim, comprising delivering at least one of the modules to the building assembly site with electrical circuitry for the building already fitted or integrated inside the module.
9. The method of any preceding claim, comprising delivering at least one of the modules to the building assembly site with plumbing for the building already fitted or integrated inside the module.
10. The method of any preceding claim, comprising delivering at least one of the modules to the building assembly site with room fittings and/or appliances already fitted or integrated inside the module.
11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the modules is supplied to. the building assembly site with one or more of the following already contained in or integrated into the module: kitchen electrical -27 -appliances; kitchen cupboards; kitchen worktops; a toilet; a bath; a shower; a sink; or taps.
12. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising laying a floor to cover the ground area enclosed between the modules and the external wall panels.
13. The method of claim 12, comprising laying a plurality of floor panel members down so as to form the floor.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the floor panel members are trays for receiving cement and the method further comprises pouring cement into the trays and allowing it to set to form the floor.
15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of external wall panel members are erected so as to form each external wall that extends between the modules.
16. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising constructing a ceiling using ceiling panel members so as to span the area enclosed by the modules and the external wall panels.
17. The method of any preceding claim, comprising delivering the wall members and/or floor panel members and/or ceiling panel members to the building construction site inside of one or more of the modules used to form part of the building.

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18. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the roof is a preformed structure that is constructed at a location away from the building construction site and wherein the method comprises delivering the roof to the site for assembling into the building.
19. The method of any preceding claim, comprising constructing the building by placing the roof on top of the modules such that it is supported by the modules.
20. A kit of apparatus configured for assembling a modular building according to the method of any preceding claim, said apparatus comprising at least two modules, a plurality of external wall members, and a roof.
21. A building formed according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 19.
22. A method of creating a building foundation comprising; arranging a plurality of foundation members, onto which a building is to be placed, at spaced apart locations in the ground; coupling each foundation member to another foundation member using a spacing member having a predetermined length so as to arrange the foundation members at predetermined distances from each other; and setting the foundation members in the ground at said predetermined distances from each other.

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23. The method of claim 22, comprising arranging the foundation members in the ground by creating a hole in the ground for each foundation member and lowering a foundation member into each hole.
24. The method of claims 23 or 24, comprising arranging four foundation members so as to define the corners of a first square or rectangle and connecting each of the foundation members to two or three of the other foundation members using respective spacing members.
25. The method of claim 24, comprising arranging two further foundation members outside of the first square or rectangle so as to define the corners of a second square or rectangle together with two of the foundation members in the first square or rectangle.
26. The method of claim 25, comprising connecting each of the four foundation members defining the second square or rectangle to two or three of the other foundation members forming the second square or rectangle using respective spacing members.
27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the spacing members are formed from wires having predetermined lengths that correspond to the desired spacing between the foundation members that they are coupled to.
28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27, comprising coupling different pairs of foundation members with -30 -different length spacing members so that they are arranged with different spacings between them.
29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 28, comprising providing the foundation members and spacing members with corresponding coding systems for indicating which foundation members are to be coupled together by which spacing members.
30. The method of any one of claims 22 to 29, comprising pulling the foundation members away from each other until the spacing members are taut.
31. The method of any one of claims 22 to 30, comprising anchoring at least some of the foundation members to the ground using anchor members, and by coupling a first end of each anchor member to a foundation member and securing a second end of each anchor member to the ground.
32. The method of claim 31, comprising pulling the foundation members away from each other until the spacing members between the foundation members are taut and then securing the anchor members to the ground to maintain the tension in the spacing members.
33. The method of any one of claims 22 to 32, comprising filling the foundation holes with cement to cement the foundation members in place.
34. A foundation system formed according to the method of any one of claims 22 to 33. -31 -
35. A kit of apparatus configured for forming a foundation system according to the method of any one of claims 22 to 33, said apparatus comprising a plurality of foundation members onto which a building is to be placed and a plurality of elongated spacing members, wherein each spacing member is configured to be coupled to a foundation member at either end thereof for indicating the correct spacing between the foundation members.
36. The kit of claim 35, wherein at least some of the plurality of spacing members have different lengths, and wherein the plurality of foundation members and the plurality of spacing members comprise corresponding indicators so as to indicate which spacing members are intended to interconnect with which foundation members.
37. A method of constructing a building comprising forming a foundation according to the method of any one of claims 22 to 33, and further comprising arranging a building on top of the foundation.
38. A method of assembling a building according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising creating a building foundation according to the method of any one of claims 22 to 33, and arranging said at least two modules on said foundation.