GB2547050A - Modular building - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular building comprising at least one storey, each storey comprising a plurality of modules 20, 30, (40, 50, Fig. 6a), each module comprising first and second submodules (24, 26, Fig. 1), each submodule forming part of a separate modular unit 102a,b,c,d, e.g. a residential apartment. Each submodule may be separated by a corridor section (28, Fig. 1) having open sides to form a continuous corridor along the centre of a storey. Two identical hub modules 20 may be placed side-by-side, one rotated though 180 degrees, to create double rooms 232a,b in two separate modular units 102a,b. Modular units 102a,b may have identical rotated end modules 30. There may be various types of module designs having varying numbers of walls, wall openings, cavity walls, pre-installed kitchen sections 238 or bathrooms 234 etc., allowing various building designs to be created from a limited set of modular designs (see Figures 6, 6a and 6b). Module size may allow transportation by public roads and additional features e.g. balconies, may be added after construction. Also claimed are various types of module design as well as a modular unit alone.

Description

MODULAR BUILDING

The present invention relates to modular buildings, and particularly but not exclusively to semi-permanent or permanent modular accommodation, particularly residential dwellings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular buildings are known in the art and have been used for a number of years to create low cost and quickly-fabricated buildings, for example on building sites and temporary accommodation.

Modular buildings are typically either complex, having a high number or module options to achieve a range of desired building structures, or very simple ‘container’ style boxes which can be easily stacked and secured together to create very basic buildings which are not suited to long-term accommodation. A challenge with modular building is that in providing a large range of module options to accommodate the different requirements or preferences of the constructor, the cost and time savings that it is possible to achieve using modular parts are quickly lost as more different module types must be designed and installed. The transport by road of large modules from the production site to the construction site may, in some countries, require special permissions or precautions which can increase costs.

In particular, the fewer module types which are available, the lower the cost and time to create each module, as rapid mass production can be utilised more effectively.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building system which addresses some of the issues with known modular systems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular building comprising one or more storeys, each storey comprising a plurality of modules, wherein each module comprises first and second submodules, and wherein the first and second submodules each form part of a separate modular unit. A submodule may be configured to serve a specific purpose in the modular unit of which it will form a part. The submodule may include one or more defined rooms, or dwelling spaces, for example a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, lounge, corridor, cupboard or a combination thereof. Within a submodule rooms may be substantially surrounded by walls and accessible by a door from within the submodule, or from outside the submodule, for example from a neighbouring submodule, which may be on a different module, or from outside the submodule, but on the same module. Particular room/dwelling space combinations are particularly preferred for use with this invention and these include, a submodule comprising a bedroom and a bathroom, a submodule comprising at least a portion of a living area, which may include a dining and or living room, and a portion of a kitchen, a submodule comprising a bedroom and a corridor. The utilities, for example plumbing and / or electrical fittings and / or gas fittings, for particular submodules may be pre-installed and this helps to define the use of particular areas of the submodule. A modular unit comprises a plurality of such submodules which make up the desired modular unit. For example submodules can be combined to provide a one, two or three bedroom flat.

The submodules may be combined into modules in any combinations desired. Particularly preferred combinations are described in more detail below, but should not be regarded as limiting. Particularly preferred pairs of submodules for modules include: submodules each containing a bedroom and a bathroom; submodules each containing at least a part of a kitchen and a living area; submodules each containing a bedroom and a corridor; and one submodule containing a corridor and a bedroom and the other containing a bedroom and a bathroom.

With these modules it is possible to construct a wide variety of buildings. It should be understood that the submodules of a module need not be identical. If the submodules are essentially identical in function the module may be rotationally symmetrical (identical submodules), symmetrical by reflection about a centreline (reversed, or left and right ‘handed’ submodules).

Preferably, each module comprises a corridor section between the first and second submodules, such that a plurality of adjacent module form a continuous corridor between two sets of modular units. The corridor section may comprise an opening on first and second sides of the module for connection to openings of adjacent modules. It should be understood that the corridor section of each module may be of different width or the same width, but that when two or more modules are arranged in a storey in an adjacent fashion, the corridor sections form a continuous corridor along the width of the storey.

The first and second submodules of each module may be reflectively symmetrical about a centre line of the module. Thus, units created by opposite submodules are substantially identical and design work is reduced accordingly.

Preferably, a centre line of each module is coaxial with a centre line of the module’s corridor section. Thus, reflectionally identical units can be created on opposing sides of the central corridor and therefore twice the number of units can be created from the same number of modules compared to existing systems, all units sharing a single central access corridor.

Preferably, each storey comprises two or more modular units, each modular unit comprises a single access point, said access point connecting the modular unit to the central corridor formed by the corridor sections of the plurality of modules forming said modular units.

Preferably, there is provided an end module for use in the modular building. The first and second submodules of the end module may be reflectively symmetrical about a centre line of the end module, and each of the end module’s first and second submodules may comprise a single entrance, said entrances being located on the same side of the module.

The may also be provided a pass-through module suitable for use in the modular building, wherein first submodule of the pass-through module comprises first and second entrances, the first entrance located on a first side of the module and the second entrance located on a second side of the module opposite the first side, such that a pass-through passage is formed in said submodule, and preferably wherein the second submodule of the passthrough module comprises first and second entrances, the first entrance located on a first side of the module and the second entrance located on a second side of the module opposite the first side, such that a pass-through passage is formed in said submodule.

There may be provided a modular unit comprising: a) a first submodule of a first end module; b) a first submodule of a first hub module; c) a second submodule of a second hub module rotated 180° with respect to the first hub module; and d) a second submodule of a second end module rotated 180° with respect to the first end module.

Preferably, the modular building comprising one or more storeys, wherein each storey comprises at least substantially identical first and second adjacent hub modules, the second hub module rotated about 180° in plan view with respect to the first hub module and substantially identical first and second end modules arranged at opposing ends of the storey, the second end module rotated about 180° in plan view with respect to the first end module. A modular building of this type provides that only two module types are required to create a relatively complex building. Creating modules which can be rotated to thereby permit their use in multiple locations in the same storey reduces the total number of different types of module which must be manufactured. A modular building will be well understood by the skilled person, but for the avoidance of doubt refers to a structure which is created from one or more modules of one or more types. The modular building of the present invention requires at least two types of module, hub modules and end modules, which will be described in more detail below. A module should be understood as a building unit which is manufactured away from the eventual building location, and which can be connected to other modules of the same or different types to create a building on site in rapid fashion compared to traditional on site building manufacture. Modules may be temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently connected using any type of connection means known in the art. All modules may be substantially rectangular in floor plan having a length longer than a width. Thus, a module may preferably have two sides and two ends, said sides having a length longer than said ends. Modules in the context of the present invention may comprise two submodules, which will be discussed further below. A storey should be understood to mean one horizontal layer of a modular building comprising one or more rooms and having one continuous or practically continuous floor. It is within the scope of the present invention that multiple storeys may be layered on top of one another to create a multi-storeyed modular building. The one or more storeys of the modular building may be constructed from identical types and numbers of modules in the same arrangement, or different storeys may be constructed from different numbers or types of modules having different arrangements. It should be understood that, for some sites, storeys may be arranged adjacent one another, but offset by less than a full storey, for example a half storey offset.

It should be understood that the first and second hub modules may be of substantially identical construction. The fixtures and fittings in the hub module may be different, but the walls and structural floor plan of the hub modules should be substantially identical. Advantageously, a first hub module can be placed adjacent a second hub module which has been rotated 180° in plan view and form part of a continuous storey or a hub for a modular unit. The hub may be an internal area of the modular unit to which other submodules forming the modular unit are connected to thereby form a larger modular unit. Preferably, the only access to the modular unit may be provided via the hub, said access being the route by which persons may enter or exit the modular unit.

End modules should be understood as being units which are able to form an end of a storey of the modular building. End modules may comprise one side having no connecting portals for connecting to a further submodule. In some instances, end modules may be used within a storey, for example two end units may be arranged with their non-connecting walls arranged back-to-back to continue a storey. In this instance, it will be understood that the storey could be seen to comprise two or more smaller storeys arranged adjacent one another.

Each module may comprise two submodules. A submodule should be understood as a smaller discreet part of the module. A submodule may have a specific purpose, such as to contain a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, lounge, or a combination thereof. A hub unit may comprise two kitchen/lounge submodules. An end unit may comprise a two bedroom/bathroom submodules. A module may be substantially rectangular in shape, and a submodule may have substantially the same width as the module. Thus, a module may be formed of two submodules arranged adjacently or spaced apart along the length of the module having at least a partition wall therebetween.

Each of the two submodules of a module may form part of a separate modular unit. A modular unit should be understood as a discreet building unit which is isolated from other modular units in the modular building. A modular unit may have one or more access points by which the modular unit can be entered, preferably having only one access point. A modular unit may comprise a predetermined number of rooms. Multiple modular units in the modular building may have substantially the same arrangement, or may have different arrangements dependent upon the number of occupants the modular unit is designed to house. The modular building of the invention is intended to provide residential dwellings and so the modules and submodules may be particularly configured for use in a residential dwelling. Such use differs from, for example, office use or hotel use in that each modular unit should include areas in which an occupant can cook, relax and sleep and should also include a bathroom.

Preferably, a modular unit may be formed of at least two, three, at least four, or at least five submodules. Each of the submodules forming a modular unit may be from a separate module. Preferably, a modular unit comprises at least two submodules from first and second hub modules, and one submodule from a first end module. Alternatively, a modular unit comprises at least two submodules from first and second hub modules, and two submodules from first and second end modules. Further alternatively, a modular unit comprises at least two submodules from first and second hub modules, two submodules from first and second end modules, and a submodule from a pass-through module. An end module may comprise submodules each containing a bedroom and a bathroom. A storey may comprise a minimum of two modular units and four modules. Preferably, a storey comprises four modular units and eight modules. Alternatively, a storey may comprise eight, twelve, sixteen or, more modular units and sixteen, twenty four, or thirty six modules. More generally, a storey may comprise 2n modular units and 4n modules with n being an integer of one or more. A hub module may comprise submodules each containing at least a part of a kitchen and a living area. A hub module may be configured such that in use first and second hub modules arranged adjacent and rotated 180° with respect to one another may form two substantially identical first and second hubs, the first hub comprising a first submodule of the first hub module and a second submodule of the second hub module, and the second hub comprising a first submodule room portion of the second hub module and the second submodule of the first hub module. In this way, two hub modules can be used to create two rooms, or hubs, having double the effective floor area of a single sub module. The internal floor area of a hub may be substantially uninterrupted by walls to provide an open plan area. Walls, or other building features, may be used to define particular areas of the open plan space, for example to separate a cooking area from a living area. Each modular unit may comprise a hub, or preferably, each modular unit comprises one hub. A submodule on a hub module may comprise an external access point. Both submodules may include an external access point, but in a preferred embodiment only one of the two comprises an external access point or main entrance. The external access point permits entry to a modular unit partially formed by the hub module. The external access point may be provided between an access corridor section arranged between the submodules of the hub module. Thus, when two hub modules are arranged as described herein to form a hub, each of the two hubs formed by the two hubs comprises an external access point to a common access corridor section. Preferably, the external access points for two hubs formed by two hub modules are longitudinally offset along the access corridor formed by the two access corridor sections of the two modules. The external access point may be an entrance/exit by which persons may enter or exit a modular unit. Each modular unit may comprise one external access point intended for ‘normal’ use. There may be no other ‘normal’ main entrance or exit from a modular unit other than by the external access point, although emergency exits may be provided via windows, additional emergency doors or the like.

Preferably, a hub submodule is rectangular in plan and has three sides having outer walls along substantial portion thereof and one wall-less side having substantially no wall. Thus, two hub submodules may arranged with their wall-less sides adjacent to thereby provide spaces with uninterrupted open plan floor area which having widths greater than that of a single module. Preferably, the hub modules may include one or more internal walls substantially perpendicular with the end walls thereof to define the sub modules of the hub module and preferably also an access corridor portion therebetween. However, it should be understood that each of the submodules of a hub module may have one wall-less side, such that a hub formed by two hub submodules has an uninterrupted floor area of twice the area of a single submodule.

Thus, preferably the wall-less side of the hub module is arranged adjacent the wall-less side of another hub module to create said first and second hubs, said hubs preferably having a substantially uninterrupted. It should be understood that a side of a module comprising an outer wall may have points for connection with another submodule such the outer wall is not continuous. Thus, an outer wall should not be understood as requiring a continuous wall having no apertures therethrough.

An outer wall may be placed adjacent another outer wall inside a storey. One or more outer walls of one or more modules may also be external walls which form a perimeter of a storey. External walls may comprise a fascia or external surface to thereby form a substantially continuous complete exterior upright surface of the module building. A choice of different fascias or external surfaces may be provided to permit different external appearances.

Preferably, the ends of each module comprise an external wall, and one side of each end module comprises an external wall. Preferably, a storey comprises an end module on each end thereof, said external wall facing outwardly.

Preferably, the first and second submodules of an end module are reflectively symmetrical about a centre line of the end module.

More preferably, each of the submodules of an end module comprises a connection for connecting the submodule to a hub or hub submodule. Preferably, the connections of two end submodules are located on the same side of the end module. The external walled side of an end module may be opposite the side comprising the connections. Thus, an end module placed adjacent the side of a hub module will have connections for each end submodule to connect to its adjacent hub submodule. A connection is an access point by which movement can be made between one submodule and another submodule, or between a submodule and a hub.

The modular building may also comprise one or more completion modules. A completion module may comprise two submodules in a similar arrangement to that of other modules, wherein a connection to the first submodule is located on a first side of the module, and wherein a connection to the second submodule is located on the second side of the module opposite the first side. Thus, one submodule has a connection for connecting to a submodule to one side thereof, and the other submodule has a connection for connecting to a submodule to the other side thereof. In this way, a completion submodule may provide submodules for modular units that are diagonally located relative to the completion submodule. A completion module may comprise submodules each containing a bedroom and a bathroom.

The modular building may also comprise one or more pass-through modules. A passthrough module may comprise two submodules arranges in a manner similar to the other modules described herein. A pass-through module may comprise a first submodule having a connection on a first side thereof, and a second submodule having a connection on the first side thereof, and on a second side thereof. Thus, the second submodule of a pass-through module permits may be connected to two submodules either side thereof and thereby provide a linking connection between the two other submodules. Alternatively, both submodules of a pass-through module may comprise connections on both sides thereof. A pass through module may comprise submodules each containing a bedroom and a corridor, or may comprise one submodule containing a corridor and a bedroom and the other containing a bedroom and a bathroom.

In the modular building, a first one of the connections of the second submodule of a passthrough module may be connected to a hub submodule, and the second connection may be connected to a completion submodule. Thus, a completion module and a pass-through module can be utilised to vary the number of submodules forming each of the modular units in a storey.

Preferably, all the modules hereinbefore described comprise an access corridor section arranged between and separating the two submodules of each module. In use, the access corridor sections of adjacent modules are connected such that multiple adjacent module form a central access corridor.

Preferably, a wall between one or both of the submodules of any module may be an internal cavity wall or service riser or comprise a section of internal cavity wall or a surface riser. The internal cavity or service riser may be suitable for locating utility supplies to the adjacent submodule, such as gas, water, and/or electricity. The internal cavity or riser may be accessible from the access corridor section, preferably without requiring entry to the submodule adjacent the internal cavity wall. Thus, maintenance can be performed upon the utilities provided to the submodule or modular unit without requiring internal access to the submodule or modular unit. In particular a submodule including a bathroom or a kitchen may include such an internal cavity wall or riser.

The modular building may also comprise one or more ascent modules. An ascent module may provide means for moving between storeys in the modular building, such as stairs, escalators, or elevators. The ascent module may comprise an access corridor portion such that a continuous access route is provided from the ascent module to the external access point of any modular unit on the storey. Ascent modules on consecutive storeys may be located in the same location on the storey and thereby provide a continuous ascent route from the ground to any storey in the modular building.

Preferably, each module is less than 18.65m in length and less than 3.5m in width. Most preferably, each module is 15.5m in length and 3.0m in width. The length or width of a module as stated does not include any bolt-on balcony elements that may be fitted to the module. Thus, a module can be transported on UK roads and under UK law without any form of official escort, which reduces the cost and time of constructing a modular building according to the present invention.

Further advantageous features may be described in the further associated dependent claims.

In further aspects, the invention provides: a hub module for use in the modular building; - an end module for use in the modular building; - a completion module for use in the modular building; a pass-through module for use in the modular building; and - an ascent module for use in the modular building.

It will be understood by the skilled person that these preferable and advantageous features may be combined with one another and that any resulting embodiments will also be embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT A better understanding of the present invention will be obtained from the following detailed description. The description is given by way of example only and makes reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a hub module according to the present invention;

Figure 1a is a plan view of an alternative hub module according to the present invention;

Figure 1b is a plan view of a further alternative hub module according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of an end module according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a pass-through module according to the present invention;

Figure 3a is a plan view of an alternative pass-through module according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a completion module according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view of an ascent module according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a storey of a modular building comprising four modular units according to the present invention;

Figure 6a is a plan view of an alternative storey of a modular building comprising four modular units according to the present invention;

Figure 6b is a plan view of further alternative storey of a modular building comprising four modular units according to the present invention; and

Figure 7 illustrates the rotation of a module in use.

The present invention as described herein provides a modular building 10 comprising one or more storeys 100, each storey comprising a number of modules 14 of varying types which will be described in detail below.

Figure 1 shows a module 14 in plan view. The module 14 has a rectangular base 22 of length L and width W. The length L of the module 14 is up to 18.65m and the width W is up to 3.5m, and in this case the hub module is 15.5m in length and 3.0m in width. This permits the module to be transported on UK roads without any form of official escort, thereby permitting easy transport of modules to the location of the modular building 10 to be constructed. All types of module 14 for use in constructing the modular building 10 are of the same length, width, and height.

Module 14 comprises first and second submodules 24,26. Each submodule has an external end 214,216, a corridor end 215,217 and first and second sides. The external end of a submodule is exposed to an exterior environment, but may be covered by an external facade system. The internal wall of a submodule abuts the corridor section 28 of the module 14. Each submodule has a width W identical to that of the base 22. The first and second submodules 24,26 have identical length Ls and corridor section 28 has a length Lc. The module 14 has a first side 210 and a second side 212, and a first end 214 and a second end 216. The submodules of a module 14 can be of any type described herein, but modules with specific and preferable submodule types may be defined more thoroughly below.

As the corridor section 28 is arranged centrally across the width of the module 14, the corridor sections 28a,b of two or more adjacent modules 14 form a continuous corridor when their sides are abutted regardless of their angular orientation. As will be seen in Figs. 6, 6a, and 6b any type of module installed adjacent another module will extend the corridor in a similar manner.

Any module 14 may have a balcony or similar extension attached thereto following its installation into the modular building. As any such balcony or similar may increase the total length or width of the module 14 above a transport limit, it will be understood that such extensions may not be attached until after the module is transported to the building site.

As the module 14 (and all other modules) are shown in plan view, it should be understood that the walls 230 (shown in diagonal hatching) extend in the third dimension not illustrated. It will also be understood that all modules 14 comprise a roof or ceiling but this is not shown in the figures to permit visibility of the internal structure and arrangements of the various modules 14.

The module shown in Figure 1 is, more specifically, a hub module 20. Arranged along the length of the base 22 of the hub module 20 are a first hub submodule 24, a second hub submodule 26, with a corridor section 28 therebetween.

The first side 210 of the hub module 20 forms the first sides of the first hub submodule 24, the second submodule 26 and the corridor section 28. The first end of the hub module 20 forms the first end of the first hub submodule 24, and the second end of the hub module 20 forms the second end of the second hub submodule 26. The second end of the first submodule 24 and the first end of the second hub submodule 26 are formed by corridor walls 215 and 217 respectively. Thus, corridor section 28 is delimited by the same corridor walls 215,217.

The hub module 20 comprises vertical walls 230 substantially along the first side 210 and both ends 214,216 thereof. The second side 212 of the hub module is substantially uninterrupted by walls 230. Thus, both submodules 24, 26 comprises walls 230 substantially along a first side and both ends, with no wall along the second side thereof. The corridor section 28 has walls 230 substantially along both ends, but not along its sides. Where it is described in this application that wall 230 is along a side or end of a module or submodule, or substantially continuous, it should be understood that such a wall 230 may comprise apertures therethrough, such as for windows, doors, ventilation and the like and still remain within the scope of the present invention.

The first side of each of the submodules 24,26 comprises a respective connection 218,220. These connections 218,220 may be a base to ceiling break in the walls 230, a doorway or any other suitable opening, but it will be understood that the connections 218,220 permit access therethrough such that a person can move from the submodule through the connection 218,220 to an adjacent submodule. Also provided in the second submodule 26 of the hub module 20 is an external access point 222 located in the end 217. The access point 222 provides a connection between the second submodule 26 and the corridor section 28. It should be understood that as an alternative the access point 222 could be provided in the end 215 of the first submodule 24 and perform the same function.

By virtue of the arrangement of the walls 230 on the hub module, and the absence of walls along a second side thereof, first and second submodules 20 may be arranged and connected with their second sides 212 adjacent such that the first submodule 24 of the first hub module 20 and the second submodule 26 of the second hub module 20 form a first hub 232a, Meanwhile, the second submodule 26 of the first hub module 20 and the first submodule 24of the second hub module 20 form a second hub 232b (see Fig. 6).

Each hub 232 thus comprises a submodule from each of two hub modules to form a room having twice the effective floor area of a single submodule. As the adjacent sides of the hub modules 20 have no walls, the floor area of a hub 232 is substantially uninterrupted by walls 230. It will be understood that furniture and walls may be included in each hub, such features being pre-installed in construction of the module or after the construction of the hub 232. However, there are preferably no floor-to-ceiling walls 230 present along the adjacent sides of the two submodules forming the hub 232 which would otherwise interrupt the floor area of the hub 232 across its width.

To clarify the rotational aspect of the hub module 20, Figure 7 shows how two hubs 232 are constructed. A first hub module 20 is arranged in a first orientation. A second identical hub module is then rotated 180° in plan view to the orientation of the hub module 20r, which is otherwise identical to hub module 20. The two hub modules 20, 20r are then connected with their second sides 212 adjacent as shown in the third step of Figure 7 to thereby form the two hub modules 232 and the corridor 104. The same rotation can be utilised for other modules to allow their use at opposing ends of a storey 100.

Referring additionally to Figs. 6 and 7, each modular unit 102 of a storey 100,200 comprises a single hub 232. Thus, two hub modules 20 arranged with their second sides 212 adjacent form the hubs 232a,b of two modular units 102a,b which are located on opposite sides of the corridor 104. As both hub modules 20 are identical in construction, the two hubs 232a,b, and the corridor 104 have two degrees of rotational symmetry about a centre point thereof and the hubs 232a,b formed are identical in shape, size, and form. Due to their rotational symmetry, the access points 222 of each hub 232a,b are longitudinally offset along the corridor 104, providing a level of privacy to the occupants of each modular unit 102a,b. A further module 14 is disclosed in figure 1a. In this case, the module 14 is a closed hub module 20a. The closed hub module is of similar construction to the hub module 20 of Figure 1, but it does not feature connections 218,220. In the place of connections 218,220 there may be windows. The second side 212a of the closed hub module 20a is absent any wall in a similar manner to the hub module 20. The closed hub module 20a comprises first and second submodules 24a,26a having reflectional symmetry across the centre line of the corridor section 28. The closed hub module 20a may have a pre-fitted kitchen installed in each of the first and second submodules along the first wall (not shown).

As the closed hub module 20a does not feature connections on the first side 210 thereof, it can be arranged on an end of a storey to thereby provide two hubs arranged on the corners of the storey having two external walls, which will be known known as a dual aspect hub 332. Figure 6b shows a storey comprising two closed hub modules 20a and having four dual aspect hubs 332.

To form a dual aspect hub 332, the closed hub module 20a must be arranged adjacent a further module, an entrance module 20b as depicted in Figure 1b. The entrance module 20b is of similar construction to hub module 20, but having the wall-less side being the first side 210b, and the second side 212b comprising a wall. Both first and second submodules 24b,26b of the entrance module comprise a corridor access 222. The first and second submodules 24b,26b are reflectionally symmetrical across a centreline of the corridor section 28. Both first and second submodules 24b,26b have connections on a second side 212b thereof to permit connection to adjacent modules arranged on this side.

When the side 210b of an entrance module 20b is arranged adjacent the side 212a of a closed hub module, two dual aspect hubs 332 are formed, as shown in Figure 6b. Each dual aspect hub may be connected to further modules and submodules on the entrance module side thereof. A connected pair comprising a closed hub module 20a and an entrance module 20b can be arranged at either side of a storey, each pair having been rotated 180° with respect to the other. Thus, the same modules can be used at either location in the storey by way of their symmetry and rotation.

Hub modules 20, closed hub modules 20a, and entrance modules 20b may all be used in the same storey to create a number of modular units 102 having either hubs 232 or dual aspect hubs 332. It will be understood that modules 20a,b may only be used to create dual aspect hubs 332 on a corner of a storey, so a storey may contain only 4 dual aspect hubs 332 for modular units 102 at the extremities of the storey, and then and several hubs 232 in modular units 102 arranged therebetween. A further module 14 is described in Figure 2, in this case an end module 30. The end module 30 comprises first and second submodules 34,36 and a corridor section 28 arranged in the same manners as for previously described modules. Each submodule 34,36 comprises walls on both the exterior ends 314, the corridor ends 316, and first and second sides 310,312 thereof. The second sides 312 of each end submodule 34,36 feature a single connection 318 for connecting to an adjacent module. Thus, each end submodule 34,36 forms a cul-de-sac within a modular unit 102, as there is only one entrance or exit provided. In this way, an end module 30 may be utilised where it is desired to end a modular unit 102 or storey.

When an end module 30 is arranged at the extremity of a storey such that the first sides 310 of the module 30 are exterior-facing, the first side 320 of the corridor section 28 may be closed off to end the corridor. A railing or other safety device may be installed across side 320 to prevent a safety hazard of a large drop from the end of the corridor. Alternatively, a window may be provided across side 320 or the module may be connected with an ascent module 60.

It should be understood that end modules 30 can also be arranged away from the extremities of a storey, as shown in Figure 6, with their first sides 310 abutting to thereby complete two adjacent modular units 102. One or both of the first and second submodules 34,36 of an end module 30 may comprise a pre-fitted bathroom 340 arranged in a room or compartment thereof adjacent the corridor ends 316. Thus, access to the plumbing and utility feeds for the bathroom may be accessible from the corridor section 28, for example by a cavity wall or riser 322 as shown in Figure 2. Thus, maintenance may be performed on the bathroom or utilities without access to the modular unit 102 in which the relevant submodule resides. External walls 214 or side walls 310 of the submodules 34,36 may comprise windows or other apertures (not shown). A further module 14, in particular a pass-through module 40, which may be used to form the modular building 10 is shown in Figure 3. The pass through module is of similar construction to previously described modules 14.

The pass-through module 40 comprises at least one submodule (in the illustrated example second submodule 46) comprising a connection 418,420 on both sides thereof. Therefore, the submodule can be arranged between and connected to two adjacent submodules, thus forming a pass-through by which passage across the module 40 can be achieved. The passthrough module 40 can be arranged between a hub module 20 and an end module 30 to provide an additional submodule in one of the two modular units 102 formed partially by the pass-through module 40as shown in Figure 6a.

In an alternative arrangement shown in Figure 3a, a double pass-through module 40a comprises first and second submodules 44a,46a both having connections on both sides thereof. Thus, the double pass-through module 44a can be arranged between other modules 14 to provide an additional submodule in both of the opposing modular units 102 formed by the module 40a.

As shown in Figure 6b, the double pass-through module 40a provides a convenient way to increase the total floor area of two opposing modular units 102 without altering the arrangement of the other modules forming the modular units 102. A pass-though submodule 44a,46a may be formed into a pass-through section 240 between the two connections 418,420 and a room 242 section segregated by a partition wall or door (as shown in Figure 6b).

In order to facilitate the use of the pass-through module 40, which only provides a single pass-through submodule 46 and thus only provides an additional submodule in one of an opposing pair of modular units 102, a further module 14 - completion module 50 - must be provided as shown in Figure 4.

The completion module comprises first and second submodules 54,56 of construction similar to that of the end module 30. However, the connection 518 of the first submodule 54 is located on the first side 510 of the module 50, while the connection 520 of the second submodule 56 is arranged on the second side 512 of the module 50. Thus, each of the submodules 54,56 is arranged to be connected to form a modular unit 102 on an opposite side of module 50.

Thus, when the completion module 50 is arranged with a hub module 20 on its first side and a pass-through module 40 on its second side, the first submodule 54 forms part of a four-submodule modular unit 102e and the second submodule 56 forms part of a five-submodule modular unit 102h as shown in Figure 6a.

An ascent module 60 is illustrated in Figure 5. The ascent module comprises a single submodule 62 having a set of stairs 64 which rise from the floor of the module 60 to the ceiling. The ascent module also comprises a corridor section 28 similar to the corridor sections of the other modules 14 hereinbefore described such that the ascent module 60 can be arranged as part of a storey 100 to provide a method of travelling vertically between storeys 100 of a modular building 10. It should be understood that multiple ascent modules arranged in a vertical stack (i.e. in the same location on multiple storeys 100) provide a continuous stairway for ascent and decent a the modular building 10. Alternatively, one or more elevators (not shown) may be provided in place or in addition to the stairs 64.

Referring now to Figures 6, 6a, and 6b, three alternative arrangements of storeys 100 are representatively shown.

Figure 6 shows a storey 100 comprising four hub modules 20, four end modules 30 and an ascent module 60. The hub modules 20 are arranged in adjacent pairs as described above to form four hubs 232a,b,c,d. Each hub module pair is flanked on either side by an end module 30. The connections 218,220 of each hub submodule 24,26 are connected to the respective connections 318 of the end submodules 34,36 to form two continuous modular units 102. The first walls of two of the end modules 20 are arranged in abutment such that their corridor sections 28 form a continuous corridor 104 along the entire width of the storey 100. Thus, four modular units 102a,b,c,d each having four submodules are formed into a single storey, arranged either side of the central corridor 104 formed by the corridor sections 28 of the adjacent modules.

Each modular unit 102 comprises a central hub 232 having an end submodule 34,36 connected to each side thereof. Each end submodule 34,36 can comprise a pre-fitted bathroom section 234 and a room section 236 , the sections being separated by partition walls. This arrangement is shown schematically in one of the end submodules 34 in Figure 6. It should be understood that any or all end submodules 34,36 may have a similar internal arrangement in any of the storeys or buildings described in this application. The bathroom section 234 is arranged adjacent the corridor wall 316 of the submodule 34 such that the necessary plumbing and utilities can be accessed from the corridor 104 without access to the modular unit 102.

By virtue of a pre-installed kitchen section 238, each hub 232 comprises a kitchen section 238, which is similarly arranged adjacent the corridor wall 316 of the submodule 34 such that the necessary plumbing and utilities can be accessed from the corridor 104 without access to the modular unit 102.

In the event that the modular building 10 comprises more than one storey 100, each storey comprises an ascent module 60 installed on one end of the storey 100 with its corridor section 28 adjacent the corridor 104 to thereby provide access to the storeys above and below.

The arrangement of modules 14 in the storey 100 can be repeated in a tessellating pattern to create any even number of modular units 102 each having four submodules as shown in Figure 6. Thus, using only two types of module, a large modular building 10 of substantially modular units 102 can be created by stacking a plurality of storeys 100 on top of one another.

Fig 6a presents an alternative storey arrangement 100a which utilises a pass-through module 40 and a completion module 50. The storey 100a is comprised of four hub modules 20, two end modules 30, a pass-through module 40, and a completion module 50. These modules are arranged in a similar manner to the modules of storey 100, but the end modules 20 which were arranged back-to-back in the middle of the storey 100 are replaced by the pass-through module 40 and the completion module 50. As discussed above, the completion module 50 provides a submodule for the first modular unit 102e of the same type as the end module in storey 100. However, the modular unit 102f opposite does not have an corresponding connection to the second submodule 56 of the completion module 50 and thus, the modular unit 102f comprises only three submodules, with the hub 232f having no further submodules connected to a second side thereof.

The pass-through module 40 is arranged adjacent the completion module 50. The first submodule 44 provides a submodule for the modular unit 102g of the same type as the end module for unit 102c in storey 100, and thus unit 102g is of identical construction to unit 102c. However, the second submodule 46 of the pass-through module 40 provides a connection to both the hub 232h of unit 102h on its first side and to the second submodule 56 of the completion module 50 on its second side. Thus, the modular unit 102h comprises five submodules.

Thus, utilising a pass-through module 40 and a completion module 50 in a storey 100 permits alteration of the relative sizes of two of the modular units (namely 102f and 102h) by connecting the second submodule 56 of the completion module 50 to the modular unit 102h rather than 102f, which would be the case using only hub modules 20 and end modules 30. A yet further storey arrangement 100b is illustrated in Figure 6b. This storey 100b comprises two closed hub modules 20a, two entrance modules 20b, two pass-through modules 40a, and two end modules 30.

The closed hub modules 20a are arranged at the extreme ends of the storey 100b with their first side facing externally. The closed hub modules 20a are orientated at a rotation of 180° with respect to the other, and thus a single design of module 20a can be utilised at both ends of the storey 100b.

Adjacent the open side 212 of each of the closed hub modules 20a are located an open side of an entrance module 20b. Thus, a dual-aspect hub 332 as hereinbefore described is formed on each corner of the storey 100b.

Connected adjacent the entrance modules 20b are two pass-through modules 40a. Each pass-through module 40a has two submodules having connections on both sides thereof, and thus an end module 30 is connected on the opposite side to the entrance module 20b. The two end modules 30 form the central two modules of the storey 100b, and are arranged back to back.

Thus, the storey 100b comprises four dual-aspect modular units 202. Each dual aspect modular unit 202 comprises four submodules, and thus has substantially similar floor area to the modular units 102a,b,c,d of the abovementioned storey 100. However, the alternative modules utilised in the storey 100b provide a substantially different arrangement with more externally facing wall area for the hub 202 as compared to the hubs 102.

It will be understood that one or more additional pass-through units 40a can be arranged between the entrance module 20b and the end module 30 in the storey 100b to provide units 202 having additional submodules and thus more total area.

It will be understood that the modular buildings, storeys, modules, and submodules described herein are for exemplary purposes only, and that there are many types of module compatible with the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Alternative arrangements and suitable materials will be apparent to a reader skilled in the art.

Claims (18)

1. A modular building comprising one or more storeys, each storey comprising a plurality of modules, wherein each module comprises first and second submodules, and wherein the first and second submodules each form part of a separate modular unit.

2. A modular building as claimed in claim 1, wherein each module comprises a corridor section between the first and second submodules, such that a plurality of adjacent module form a continuous corridor between two sets of modular units.

3. A modular building as claimed in claim 2, wherein said corridor section comprises an opening on first and second sides of the module for connection to openings of adjacent modules.

4. A modular building as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second submodules of each module are reflectively symmetrical about a centre line of the module.

5. A modular building as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a centre line of each module is coaxial with a centre line of the module’s corridor section.

6. A modular building as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said plurality of modules of at least one storey comprises at least substantially identical first and second adjacent hub modules, the second hub module rotated about 180° in plan view with respect to the first hub module, preferably wherein first and second hub modules arranged adjacent and rotated 180° with respect to one another form two substantially identical first and second double rooms, the first double room comprising the first submodule of the first hub module and the second submodule of the second hub module, and the second double room comprising the first submodule room portion of the second hub module and the second submodule of the first hub module.

7. A modular building as claimed in claim 6, said at least one storey further comprising substantially identical first and second end modules arranged at opposing ends of the at least one storey, the second end module rotated about rotated about 180° in plan view with respect to the first end module.

8. A modular building as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each storey comprises two or more modular units.

9. A modular building as claimed in claim 8, wherein each modular unit comprises a single access point, said access point connecting the modular unit to the central corridor.

10. A hub module for use in the modular building of any preceding claim, wherein the module is rectangular in plan and has three sides having outer walls along substantial portion thereof and one wall-less side having substantially no wall.

11. A hub module as claimed in claim 10, wherein, in use, the fourth side of the hub module is arranged adjacent the wall-less side of another hub module to create said first and second double rooms.

12. An end module for use in the modular building of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second submodules are reflectively symmetrical about a centre line of the end module, preferably wherein each the first and second submodules comprises a single entrance, said entrances being located on the same side of the module.

13. A pass-through module suitable for use in the modular building of any preceding claim, wherein the first submodule of the pass-through module comprises first and second entrances, the first entrance located on a first side of the module and the second entrance located on a second side of the module opposite the first side, such that a pass-through passage is formed in said submodule, preferably wherein the second submodule of the pass-through module comprises first and second entrances, the first entrance located on a first side of the module and the second entrance located on a second side of the module opposite the first side, such that a pass-through passage is formed in said submodule.

14. A modular unit comprising: e) a first submodule of a first end module; f) a first submodule of a first hub module; g) a second submodule of a second hub module rotated 180° with respect to the first hub module; and h) a second submodule of a second end module rotated 180° with respect to the first end module.

15. A modular building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

16. A hub module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

17. An end module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

18. A pass-through module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.