GB2519859A

GB2519859A - A method of constructing a building

Info

Publication number: GB2519859A
Application number: GB1417739.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Andrew Roberts
Original assignee: SINGLELEAF Ltd
Current assignee: SINGLELEAF Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-21
Filing date: 2014-10-07
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-07
Also published as: GB2519859B; GB201318569D0; GB201417739D0

Abstract

A method of constructing a building, the method comprises: a support frame 10 is erected for use in constructing a wall section of the building, the wall to comprise an inner wall section 14 and an outer wall section 12, wherein the support frame is located external to a footprint of the building. At least a part of the inner wall section 14 is erected, whereupon the part of the inner wall section is fixed to the support frame. Preferably the inner wall section is fixed to the support frame at a plurality of offset points. Preferably a substantial part of the outer wall section is erected only when the inner wall has been erected to its full height. The support frame may comprise, be provided with, or be in connection with, a buttress arrangement. A fixing member 18 may be used to fix the inner wall section to the support frame; having a clamping arrangement; which has a portion which in use extends through the wall, an aperture, and a wedge member insertable into the aperture.

Description

A Method of Constructing A Building The present invention relates generally to a method of constructing a building, and to a building constructed according to that method.

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Various different construction techniques are known for constructing a building. The techniques might be dependent on the function or aesthetic style of the building, or due to a particular working practice of a builder or the like.

For many buildings, the external walls typically comprise an inner and outer wall (sometimes referred to as an inner and outer leaf), for example to allow for insulation material to be located between the inner and outer walls. Even though building techniques vary as previously described, the approach taken to the construction of such inner and outer walls is typically quite common. The typical approach is to build the internal wall from elements (such as bricks or blocks) of a lower density to elements (e.g. bricks or blocks) of the external wall. A few courses of elements of the internal wall are erected, followed by a few courses of elements of the external wall, in a step-by-step manner, allowing insulation material to be pushed and manipulated into place in-between the erected parts of the internal and external walls. The internal walls and external walls are typically tied together in some way to give the resultant composite wall structural stability as the wall is constructed, and after construction has been completed.

In a typical construction method, it is therefore likely that construction of the roof or internal elements of the building cannot reach any sort of advanced stage until the internal and external walls have largely been completed, and so that the building can be made watertight.

Therefore, the construction of the building as a whole is severely limited by the time taken to erect the inner and outer walls in step-by-step manner described previously.

One way of overcoming the limitation of the step-by-step construction of the inner and outer wall of the composite wall (sometime referred to as cavity wall) would be to initially build the inner wall to its full intended height, without matching the building of the internal wall with the external wall. A roof could then be rapidly applied to the building using the internal wall, and then the building could be made watertight, allowing construction within the building to begin or reach more advanced stages. However, using conventional building techniques, this approach is simply not possible. This is because it is simply not possible to construct the inner wall to its full height without the support provided by the outer wall. The innerwall would simply fail, for example falling over under its own weight or under the influence of wind. This problem is one of the reasons why the internal and external walls are typically built in the step-by-step manner.

It is an aim of example embodiments of the present invention to at least partially obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative to existing building methods and buildings made according to those methods.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a building, the method comprising: erecting a support frame for use in constructing a wall section of the building, the wall to comprise an inner wall section and an outer wall section, and the support frame being located extemal to a footprint of the building; erecting at least a part of the inner wall section, and fixing the part of the inner wall section to the support frame to support (e.g. in a structural sense) the inner wall section with the support frame.

The inner wall section may be fixed to the support frame at a plurality of vertically offset points, as the inner wall section is erected to its full height. The inner wall section may be fixed to the support frame at a plurality of horizontally offset points. The fixing(s) and/or points may overlap.

The method may further comprise erecting at least a substantial portion of the outer wall section (e.g. beyond 25% or 50% of a full intended height above ground level, or above a damp proof course level/height) only when the inner wall has been erected to its full (i.e. intended) height.

The method may further comprise erecting a roof section of the building once the inner wall section has been erected to its full (i.e. intended) height. The roof section may bear on the inner wall section.

The method may comprise making the building substantially watertight, before erecting a substantial portion of the outer wall section (e.g. before erection beyond 25% or 50% of a full intended height above ground level).

Erecting the support frame may comprise erecting the support frame to an extent required to allow erection of the inner wall section to its full height, before the inner wall section is substantially erected (e.g. before erection beyond 25% or 50% of a full intended height above ground level, and/or above a height which is unstable without support). This might comprise erecting the support frame to its full (i.e. intended) height.

The method may comprise fixing insulation material to a part of the inner wall section, before erecting a corresponding part of the outer wall section to locate the insulation material between the part of the inner wall section and the part of the outer wall section.

Fixing the inner wall section to the support frame may comprise attaching a fixing member between the support frame and the inner wall section. The fixing member is not necessarily permanent, and may be detached from one or both of the support frame and/or the inner wall section.

Attaching the fixing member to the inner wall section may comprise locating a part of the fixing member between elements of the inner wall section (e.g. between courses of such elements). The locating may be such that the part of the fixing member extends out and away from opposite sides of the inner wall section. This means that the part of the fixing member is accessible from both sides of the inner wall section.

The method may comprise fixing the fixing member in position relative to the inner wall section using one or more clamping arrangements. The fixing member might comprise, or be connectable to or engageable with, the one or more clamping arrangements.

The clamping arrangement might comprise a wedge and an aperture in the fixing member, the clamping being achieved by locating the wedge in the aperture.

The fixing member might comprise a substantially resilient member located (structurally, not necessarily just positionally) in series in-between the inner wall section and the support frame.

The method may comprise providing one or more footing pads and/or lintels to support external and/or internal walls, before providing a slab on which at least a part of the building is to be constructed. The slab might be initially solid in form, or laid in a flowable manner, and allowed to set in to a more solid form.

The inner wall section might comprise elements, and the outer wall section might comprise elements. The inner wall section elements (e.g. bricks) might each be lighter and/or less dense than the outer wall section elements (e.g. breeze blocks or cinder blocks). The inner wall section elements (e.g. bricks) might each be heavier or substantially the same weight as, and/or less dense than or substantially the same density as the outer wall section elements (e.g. breeze blocks or cinder blocks).

The support frame may comprises, be provided with, or be in connection with, a buttress arrangement.

The method may comprise adding weight to the support frame, for example during or after erection of the support frame.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building at least partially constructed using the method of the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing arrangement suitable for use in the method according to the first aspect (i.e. suitable for fixing the support frame to the inner wall section), the fixing member comprising: a clamping arrangement, a part of which is configured, in use, to extend through the wall section, the extension being out and away from opposite sides of the inner wall section, allowing access to the clamping arrangement from opposite sides of the inner wall section; the clamping arrangement comprising the portion of the part that extends through the wall section, an aperture, and a wedge member for insertion into that aperture; and the clamping arrangement being configured for attachment to the support frame. The attachment may be direct, or via a separate part (e.g. a separate connector orthe like).

The clamping arrangement may comprise two apertures, each configured, in use, to be located either side of the inner wall section.

The clamping arrangement may be configured for attachment to the support frame via a resilient member.

The fixing arrangement may further comprise: one or more bars for clamping in position relative to and using the clamping arrangement; and a further clamping arrangement, wherein the one or more bars are configured, in use, to extend to the further clamping arrangement that is located or locatable at an offset wall section, for use in clamping the further clamping arrangement to that offset wall section using the one or more bars. If more than one bar is used, one bar can be locatable/located on one side of the inner wall section (e.g. an outer face), and one on an opposite side of the same inner wall section (e.g. an inner face).

The one or more bars may be configured, in use, to extend perpendicularly to the extension of the part of the clamping arrangement that is configured, in use, to extend through the inner wall section, so that the offset clamping arrangement is clamped or clampable at a perpendicular offset.

The or each bar may be arranged to extend through the or each aperture of the clamping arrangement, and to be clamped in position by the wedge.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that one or more features of any one or more aspect of the invention described herein may be used in combination with, and/or in place of, any one or more features of another aspect of the invention as described herein, unless clearly mutually exclusive.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which: Figure 1 schematically depicts a method of constructing a building according to an example embodiment, and at a first time; Figure 2 schematically depicts a fixing member of Figure 1 in more detail, in accordance with an example embodiment; Figure 3 schematically depicts continuation of the method of Figure 1, at a second, later time; Figure 4 schematically depicts a view of an erected internal wall with fixing members in place, according to an example embodiment; and Figure 5 schematically depicts continuation of the method of Figure 1, at a third, later time.

According to an example embodiment, one or more disadvantages of prior art building construction techniques can be obviated or mitigated. Typically, buildings having a wall structure comprising an inner and outer wall are built in a step-by-step manner, such that the inner wall is constructed to a certain height, and then the outer wall is constructed to a certain height, neither of these heights being the full finished intended height of the walls. The external wall provides support for the (often lighter) internal wall. It has been realised that the support provided by the external wall is the time-limiting factor, and this support does not in fact need to be provided during at least the early stages of construction of the building.

Instead, the support of the internal wall can be provided by an external temporary support frame, for example a scaffold or similar.

In more detail, an example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of constructing a building. The method comprises erecting a support frame for use in constructing a wall section of the building. The finished wall is to comphse an inner wall section and an outer wall section. A support frame is located external to the footprint of the (to be finished) building, and for instance does not necessarily include internal joists, or trusses, or floors of the building, all of which are internal to the footprint. The method comprises erecting at least a part of the inner wall section, and fixing a part of the inner wall section to the support frame to support the inner wall section of the support frame. That is, during implementation of the method, the inner wall section is not supported (or at least solely supported) by the external wall. The support frame provides the structural support.

Generally speaking, and in summary, this approach allows the internal wall to be constructed very quickly. This allows a roof of the building to be installed very quickly, andlor for the building to be made watertight very quickly. This, in turn, allows for internal work within the building to be undertaken much more quickly than with conventional building techniques.

Internal work can be undertaken in parallel with external work. The external wall of the building can be constructed as and when necessary, replacing the support provided by the external support frame as the external wall increases in height to its full intended height. The overall result is that a building can be constructed far more quickly that with a conventional approach.

This might reduce costs, and/or site visits, and/or the carbon footprint of the build. Build quality might also be improved.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In these Figures, the same features appearing in different Figures have been given the same reference numerals for consistency and clarity. The Figures provided are not drawn to any particularly accurate scale, and have only been given as a way of understanding the general principles underlying the invention.

Figure 1 schematically depicts the early stages in a method of constructing a building 1 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. One or more footing pads 2 and/or lintels are provided at or below ground level 6. The footing pads 2 and/or lintels are provided to provide support for external and/or internal walls, and are typically provided before a slab 8 is laid, on which slab Bat least a part of the building 1 is to be constructed. Providing lintels may be advantageous, in that the lintels may provide a quick and effective way of supporting subsequently provided internal walls, which may be concrete in form as a result of this improved support. The slab 8 may be laid in solid or fluid form.

A support frame 10 is erected, and erected externally to a footprint of a building 1.

Typically, the support frame 10 is scaffolding or the like. The support frame 10 is erected to an extent required to allow erection of inner and/or outer wall sections to their full height, and before any of such wall sections are substantially erected. For instance, the support frame 10 may, itself, be erected to its full height at this stage. This means that the support frame 10 is not built in phase with the walls of the building 1, but it is instead erected before the walls have been substantially erected. A result is that there is no need to repeatedly visit the site to continuously erect the support frame 10 in phase with the walls, reducing site visits. This also allows the support frame 10 to be covered to allow workers or the like to work under such cover, which may improve building construction speed or quality during adverse weather conditions. The cover could be plastic sheeting, or similar.

Although not shown in the Figures, the support frame may comprise a buttress arrangement for assisting in the support of the internal wall section and/or the support frame itself Alternatively and/or additionally, a buttress support frame may be separate to, but supporting, the support frame. For example, the support frame and buttress support frame may not be erected at the same time. The buttress arrangement may be located on or more sides of the building, for example on opposing sides, or entirely around the building.

Although not shown in the Figures, additional weight may be added to the support frame, to enhcnace the support it provides. The weights could be in the form of sandbags or water tanks. A fillable and emptiable container may be preferable, so that weight, and its magnitude amount, can be used selectively. A water tank may be a convenient and practical solution. The weight can be added during erection of the support frame, or at the completion of the erection of the support frame.

Prior to or after the erection of the support frame 10, a small, initial portion of an outer wall section 12 may be erected, extending from the footing pad 2 and up to a damp proof course height/level. Similarly, a small, initial section of an internal wall section 14 may be erected, again extending from and supported by the footing pad 2. This erection may be undertaken after the slab 8 has been laid, or before the slab 8 has been laid, for example defining boundaries for the slabS.

The inner wall section 14 may be erected upto and including a damp proof course level, at which level a ring beam 16 may be provided. The ring beam 16 serves to strengthen the resultant building 1, and also ties down the damp proof course level. The ring beam 16 also

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provides a level surface from which further erection of the inner wall section 14 may be undertaken.

As is typical in the field, the inner wall section 14 typically comprises elements such as blocks or bricks. Also, the outer wall section 12 typically comprises elements such as bricks or blocks. As is often the case, the internal wall section 14 will typically comprise elements that are each lighter and/or less dense than the outer wall section elements. For instance, the inner wall section 14 might typically comprise what is known in the art as breeze blocks or cinder blocks, whereas the outer wall section 12 might typically comprise bricks or other form of masonry. In other embodiments, the elements of the inner and outer wall sections may be substantially the same weight and/or density, or the outer elements may be heavier and/or more dense than the inner elements. In short, the elements may be of any configuration suitable for the construction of the wall section of the building..

Referring back to Figure 1, erection of the inner wall section 14 continues above and beyond the ring beam 16. At this stage in conventional building techniques, the outer wall section 12 would also be erected to substantially same height as the newly erected height of the inner wall section 14 -i.e. the wall sections 12, 14 are built in phase and in a step-by-step manner. However, and in contrast, in accordance with an example embodiment, erection of the outer wall section 12 does not continue at this time. Instead, the newly erected section of the inner wall section 14 is fixed to, and therefore supported by, the support frame 10. Such support of the innerwall section 14 by the support frame 10 allowsthe innerwall section 14 to be erected to a height that is above and beyond a height that might otherwise be considered safe without such support. This allows the inner wall section 14, and, ultimately the building 1 as a whole, to be constructed far more rapidly than using conventional techniques.

The fixing of the inner wall section 14 to the support frame 10 comprises attaching a fixing member 18 between a support frame 10 and the inner wall section 14. Figure 1 depicts the fixing member 18 in something of a general form, whereas Figure 2 depicts the fixing member 18 in more detail. Figures and 1 and 2 are now referred to in combination.

The fixing member 18 is attached to the support frame 10 via a bracket, or sleeve or similar 20. The fixing member 18 comprises two parts; a first part 22 and a second part 24, typically formed from a metal. Other materials could be used, for example plastic, or a composite, and so on, so long as the fixing member can perform its fixing function. The two parts 22, 24 are connected to one another via an appropriate retaining element 26, such as a bolt, bracket or similar. The connection is achieved via a substantially resilient member 28.

The resilient member 28 might, for instance, comprise rubber, plastic, or another resilient material and/or structure. The resilient member 28 is located, structurally, in series in-between the inner wall section 14 and the support frame 10. Such a configuration allows the resilient member 28 to allow for and/or compensate for a degree of relative movement between the supportframe 10 and the innerwall section 14. This gives a degree of flexibility in the fixing of the support frame 10 to the innerwall section 14, and gives the arrangement as a whole more structural robustness.

The second part 24 of the fixing arrangement 18 extends between 29 elements of the inner wall section 14. The extension is such that the second part 24 extends out and away from opposite sides of the inner wall section 14, allowing access to the second part 24 form opposite sides of the wall section 14. In other words, the second part 24 extends away from opposite faces of the inner wall section 14.

The second part 24 of the fixing member 18 is shown as extending between 29 elements of the inner wall section 14. This extension could, in another embodiment, be through an aperture in an element of the inner wall section 14. However, it is more practical to provide the second part 24 of the fixing member 18 in-between 29 the elements of the inner wall section 14 to prevent damage to the elements.

Once in position, the second part 24 of the fixing arrangement 18, and therefore the fixing arrangement 18 in general, is fixed in position relative to the inner wall section 14 using one or more clamping arrangements 30. Each clamping arrangement 30 comprises two wedge members 30 (a wedge of wood or metal or plastic or similar), each wedge 30 extending through an aperture 34 in the second part 24 of the fixing member 18. Each wedge 30 and respective aperture 34 is located on an opposite side of the inner wall section 14 to another wedge 30 and aperture 34. The wedges 30 may be inserted through the apertures 34, and urged into a tapered fit and engagement with the material surrounding the apertures. Clamping results.

In this embodiment, two recesses 34 are shown, each used in combination with a dedicated wedge member 32. However, in another embodiment (not shown), a different clamping arrangement might be used, for example comprising a second part of the fixing member having an abutment surface, which bears on one side of the inner wall section, and which could be understood as replacing one wedges of the depicted embodiments. A recess might be provided on a part of the fixing member that extends through to an opposite side of the inner wall section, through which aperture a wedge member or other locking member may be used. Driving the wedge into the aperture causes the wedge and the abutment surface to clamp the wall section located in-between. In another example, wedge members could be replaced with any sort of element that fixes the wall section relative to the fixing member.

Referring back to the Figures, in this embodiment the wedge members 32 do not bear directly against the elements of the inner wall section 14. Instead, the wedge members 32 each bear against a vertically extending bar 36. Each vertically extending bar 36 extends downwards (in this embodiment) to another clamping arrangement 30 which allows clamping of the fixing member 18 to the inner wall section 14 at different vertically offset points, but with a single fixing member. This might save time in terms of fixing members to the support frame 10, provide redundancy, and/or increased structural support.

Subsequent to the fixing described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2, intemal room walls may be erected (not shown) supported by the previously described lintels. Because lintels have been provided, the internal walls do not need to be provided in the form of plasterboard, partition/stud form, timber or similar, but can be a far more robust and/or heavy structure, for example being or comprising concrete. The internal walls also add structural rigidity to the building I as a whole.

As the internal wall section 14 is constructed, and as the height of the inner wall section 14 increases, the location of window and/or door reveals will be met. At these reveals, reveal blocks may be used. A reveal block might reduce or prevent cold bridging, might secure stability of the structure in and around the reveal, and allows windows and doors to be easily installed.

When the inner wall section 14 is built to window height, a beam (for example an I-beam, such as a rolled steel joist) may be installed. The beam might have steel plates welded to its underside to take and/or accommodate outer facing elements of the inner/outer wall section 14, 12. Any spacing in/around the beam is filled with insulation, for example insulation in the form of foam or fibre or similar. As an overall configuration, the insulated beam strengthens the building 1, and the steel plate gives a bearing surface for, for instance, elements used in the construction of the outer walls. Also, use of insulation in and/or around the beam provides increased insulation in comparison with conventional lintels or the like.

Figure 3 shows a later point in the method of construction. As the height of the inner wall section 14 increases, further fixing members 18 are used to support the inner wall section 14 with the support frame 10 at a number of vertically offset points. Figure 4 shows the vertical off-set nature of the fixing members, against the inner wall section 14. Although not shown in any of the Figures, the fixing members 18 may alternatively and/or additionally be horizontally offset from one another to provide support in different directions/dimensions, and/or overlap with one another in the vertical and/or horizontal directions. This offset and/or overlap might provide some redundancy in the event of a failure of a fixing member 18, and/or improve structural support, and/or allows the support provided to be overlapping in nature which might assist during the installation of the support members 18 and/or the removal of the support members.

Referring back to Figure 3, as the erection of the inner wall section 14 reaches the first floor height, another ring beam 16 is provided in timber or similar, and just below the level of joists 38 used to define and/or support the first floor. Immediately above the joist 38, another ring beam 16 may be provided. The ring beams 16 may be provided in any convenient manner, for example using a course of bricks, or timber, or the like. Temporary boards or similar may be provided on top of the joists 38 to provide a working surface for builders or other tradesmen.

Erection of the inner wall section 14 continues to its full intended height, supported by further fixing members 18. At substantially the full height, another ring beam 16 is provided. A roof 40 of the building 1 is now provided, the roof 40 bearing down on the inner wall section 14. At this point, possibly with some additional minor works, the building is or can be easily made substantially watertight. This is all before substantial erection of the outer wall section 12 has commenced (that is, erection much beyond ground level 6). This means that the building can be made watertight extremely quickly, and far more quickly than in conventional methods where the inner wall section 14 and outer wall section 12 would have been built in phase and in a step-by-step manner.

Figure 5 shows that, as well as the advantages described above, other advantages are also associated with a building method according to example embodiment. For instance, insulation 42 may be fixed to inner wall section 14 in a tidy and efficient manner, before covering the insulation 42 with the erection to an increasing height of the outer wall section 12.

This is far more efficient and effective than would be the case when building the inner and outer wall sections in the more conventional step-by-step manner. In such a conventional approach, the insulation might need to be forced and wedged in and around obstacles located in-between the inner and outer wall sections. Such obstacles might comprise ties extending between the inner and outer wall sections. In contrast, and in accordance with an example embodiment, a cavity in-between the innel and outer wall sections 14, 12 may generally be tidier, and the insulation less likely to move within the cavity. The more effective way in which insulation can be installed in accordance with an example embodiment may be visible from an inspection of the cavity, and/or simply by the resultant building being better insulated.

As the outer wall section 12 is erected to an ever increasing height, the fixing members 18 may be sequentially removed until the outer wall section 12 is built to its full intended height, thus completing the outer wall structure as a whole. The outer wall section 12 may be secured to the inner wall section 14 using ties or similar that extend between the inner wall section 14 and outer wall section 12. The ties might conveniently be provided during erection of the inner wall section 14.

The fixing members 18 may be removed from being fixed with the inner wall section by withdrawing the second part of the member 18 that is located in-between elements of the inner wall section 14 from the inner wall section 14. This can be achieved by pulling on the fixing member 18, and/or by providing a force on the opposite side of the second part, for example by hammering or similar on the member 18 from within the building 1. Any resultant holes between the elements of the inner wall section 14 can be filled with mortar orthe like.

The method described herein may be applied to the building of all external walls of a building, or one or more wall sections.

Example embodiments are applicable to any building having a composite, dual or combined inner and outer wall structure as described above, for example any building having a cavity wall constructions. A good example of such a building is a domestic building, such as a house. A house includes a detached house, a semi-detached house, a terraced house, and a house having one or more floors.

It may be possible to inspect a completed building and determine, retrospectively, whether the building has been constructed in accordance with the method described herein, for example, by an inspection of the cavity between the inner and outer wall sections of the external wall, or by an inspection for any one or more features that form an example embodiment.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), orto any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of constructing a building, the method comprising: erecting a support frame for use in constructing a wall section of the building, the wall to comprise an inner wall section and an outer wall section, and the support frame being located external to a footprint of the building; erecting at least a part of the inner wall section, and fixing the part of the inner wall section to the support frame to support the inner wall section with the support frame.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner wall section is fixed to the support frame at a plurality of vertically offset points, as the inner wall section is erected to its full height.
3. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising erecting at least a substantial portion of the outer wall section only when the inner wall has been erected to its full height.
4. The method of any preceding claim, comprising erecting a roof section of the building once the inner wall section has been erected to its full height, the roof section bearing on the inner wall section.
5. The method of any preceding claim, comprising making the building substantially watertight, before erecting a substantial portion of the outer wall section.
6. The method of any preceding claim: wherein erecting of the support frame comprises erecting the support frame to an extent required to allow erection of the inner wall section to its full height, before the inner wall section is substantially erected.
7. The method of any preceding claim, comprising fixing insulation material to a part of the inner wall section, before erecting a corresponding part of the outer wall section to locate the insulation material between the part of the inner wall section and the part of the outer wall section.
8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein fixing the inner wall section to the support frame comprises attaching a fixing member between the support frame and the inner wall section.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein attaching the fixing member to the inner wall section comprises locating a part of the fixing member between elements of the inner wall section, such that the part of the fixing member extends out and away from opposite sides of the inner wall section.
10. The method of claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising fixing the fixing member in position relative to the inner wall section using one or more clamping arrangements.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises a wedge extending through an aperture in the fixing member.
12. The method of any of claim 8 to 11, wherein the fixing member comprises a substantially resilient member located in series in-between the inner wall section and the support frame.
13. The method of any preceding claim, comprising providing one or more footing pads and/or lintels to support external and/or internal walls, before providing a slab on which at least a part of the building is to be constructed.
14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the inner wall section comprises elements, and the outer wall section comprises elements, and the inner wall section elements are each lighter or less dense than the outer wall section elements.
15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the support frame comprises, is provided with, or is in connection with, a buttress arrangement.
16. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises adding weight to the support frame.
17. A building constructed using the method of any preceding claim.
18. A fixing arrangement suitable for use in the method of any of claims 1-16, suitable for fixing the support frame to the inner wall section, the fixing member comprising: a clamping arrangement, a part of which is configured, in use, to extend through the wall section, the extension being out and away from opposite sides of the inner wall section, allowing access to the clamping arrangement from opposite sides of the inner wall section; the clamping arrangement comprising the portion of the part that extends through the wall section, an aperture, and a wedge member for insertion into that aperture; and the clamping arrangement being configured for attachment to the support frame.
19. The fixing arrangement of claim 18, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises two apertures, each configured, in use, to be located either side of the inner wall section.
20. The fixing arrangement of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the clamping arrangement is configured for attachment to the support frame via a resilient member.
21. The fixing arrangement of any of claims 18 to 20, further comprising: one or more bars for clamping in position relative to and using the clamping arrangement; and a further clamping arrangement, wherein the one or more bars are configured, in use, to extend to the further clamping arrangement that is located or locatable at an offset wall section, for use in clamping the further clamping arrangement to that offset wall section using the one or more bars.
22. The fixing arrangement of claim 21, wherein the one or more bars are configured, in use, to extend perpendicularly to the extension of the part of the clamping arrangement that is configured, in use, to extend through the inner wall section, so that the offset clamping arrangement is clamped orclampable at a perpendicular offset.
23. The fixing arrangement of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the or each bar is arranged to extend through the or each aperture, and to be clamped in position by the wedge.
24. A method of constructing a building, and/or a building constructed using that method, and/or a fixing arrangement, substantially as described herein, and/or substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures, and/or substantially as shown in the accompanying Figures.