GB2549305A

GB2549305A - Building

Info

Publication number: GB2549305A
Application number: GB1606318.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Mckenzie Colin
Original assignee: Mib Facades Ltd
Current assignee: Mib Facades Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-13
Filing date: 2016-04-13
Publication date: 2017-10-18

Abstract

The building comprises walls 102, a floor 104, and a roof 106, the walls and at least one of the roof and floor each comprising composite building panels 1 having thermally insulating material 4 between first and second face sheets 2, 3. Each panel may have a locking mechanism 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 for securing it to adjacent panels. The locking mechanism may comprise a hook which hooks onto a formation on an adjacent panel. A floor ring beam 122 may support floor joists and have channels for receiving the wall panels. The roof may be pitched or flat. A gable panel may be positioned between the lower surface of a pitched roof and the walls. The building may comprise a plurality of attached modules. Also claimed is a kit of parts for the building, a method of transporting the kit of parts, a method of constructing the building, and use of the building as relief accommodation.

Description

Building

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns buildings. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns buildings for use as relief accommodation. The invention also concerns a kit for construction of a building and methods of construction.

Background of the Invention

During instances of emergency or natural disaster there is often a need to provide relief accommodation for those displaced from their homes. Such shelter is typically provided by tents or semi-permanent buildings. Such buildings may be made from cheap or readily available building materials such as corrugated iron sheeting or wooden boards. There are many reasons why such temporary shelters are often not satisfactory. For example, the materials used may provide insufficient levels of insulation and/or weatherproofing, the structure of the shelter may be inadequately held together, and the materials used may be hazardous.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved building for use as relief accommodation.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a building for use as relief accommodation, the building comprising: a wall structure, a floor, and a roof; the wall structure and at least one of the floor and the roof each comprising a plurality of composite building panels, each composite building panel comprising thermally-insulating material disposed between first and second face sheets.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the term "relief accommodation" may refer to buildings or other such structures which may typically be at least partly prefabricated and are relatively quick to deploy (i.e. transport and construct) at places of need. The building according to the first aspect may be an emergency shelter. Such relief accommodation may provide emergency shelter (for example, in areas of natural or manmade disaster), transitional accommodation (for example, for displaced persons) or permanent accommodation. The building of the first aspect of the present invention may typically provide living accommodation, but may be used for alternative or additional purposes, such as medical accommodation, educational accommodation or office accommodation.

The building of the first aspect of the invention, when deconstructed, may be transported in a low volume configuration, for example by stacking the panels on top of each other.

It is preferred that each of the wall structure, the floor and the roof comprises a plurality of composite building panels.

It is preferred that each panel of the wall structure interlocks with at least one adjacent panel. This removes the need to provide a frame structure to hold panels together. Likewise, it is preferred that each panel of the roof interlocks with at least one adjacent panel. It is preferred that each panel of the floor interlocks with at least one adjacent panel.

At least one, more than one and optionally each of the composite building panels may comprise a means for securing a panel to an adjacent panel. A panel may comprise, for example, a configuration which engages with a corresponding configuration on an adjacent panel. For example, the configuration and corresponding configuration may co-operate together to connect adjacent panels and to secure the two panels together. Typically, at least one and optionally more than one of the composite building panels comprises means for securing a panel to more than one adjacent panel. For example, if a roof or floor comprises a plurality of composite building panels, then (assuming that there are three or more panels), each of the outermost panels would typically comprise means for securing the panel to one adjacent panel (there being no need to provide means for securing the outermost panel to more than one other panel). The one or more inner panels of the roof or floor would typically comprise means for securing said panel to two adjacent panels.

For example, at least one composite building panel and optionally more than one composite building panel may comprise a securing portion arranged to co-operate with a corresponding portion provided by an adjacent panel to secure said panel to the adjacent panel. The securing portion may, for example, comprise a locking member, optionally movable to co-operate with the corresponding portion provided by an adjacent panel, the corresponding portion optionally comprising a bar. At least one composite building panel and optionally more than one composite building panel may comprise a first securing portion arranged to co-operate with a corresponding portion provided by an adjacent panel to secure said panel to the adjacent panel, the first securing portion being associated with a first edge of the panel, and a second securing portion arranged to co-operate with a corresponding portion provided by an adjacent panel to secure said panel to the adjacent panel, the second securing portion being associated with a second edge of the panel. In this case, the first and second securing portions will typically be different. For example, the first securing portion may comprise a movable locking member which, in use, co-operates with a bar provided on an adjacent panel to secure the panels together, and the second securing portion may comprise a bar which, in use, co-operates with a movable locking member on a different adjacent panel to secure the panels together.

Secondly, if the panels have means for securing adjacent panels together, the panels may be secured together without the need for additional components, or without a frame to hold the panels. This may reduce the tooling and/or number of additional materials required to construct the building.

The means for securing a panel to an adjacent panel may prevent or substantially reduce relative movement of adjacent panels which have been locked together. Preferably said means may be arranged to draw adjacent panels together. Said means may be integral with the panels .

Said means may comprise a hook arranged to hook onto a formation on an adjacent panel. Said means may be operable using a screwdriver or the like, a specially shaped key need not be provided. Said means may comprise a hook which is operable to draw adjacent panels together.

Providing panels with such locking mechanisms may reduce the tooling and other components required when constructing the building. This may be particularly advantageous when the buildings are constructed in areas of natural disaster where specialist tooling and basic building components such as nails and screws may not be readily available. It may also reduce the time required to construct the building.

The wall structure may comprise one, two, three or four walls. The building may have more than four walls.

Composite building panels may also be referred to as composite insulated panels or structural insulated panels. Composite building panels comprise a thermally insulating material disposed between a first face sheet and a second face sheet. The first face sheet and second face sheet may each substantially span a side of the panel. The thermally insulating material may be considered to be a thermally insulating layer or core of the panel. At least one of the first face sheet and the second face sheet may provide weatherproofing for the panel. At least one of the first face sheet and the second face sheet may be load bearing.

The thermally insulating material may comprise polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate (often called "PIR"). The first face sheet and/or second face sheet may comprise metal, metal oxide (such as magnesium oxide), cement particle board, cement board or plywood.

The panel may comprise a stud which extends through the panel, for example through the insulating material. The stud may increase the structural strength of the panel. That is to say, the stud may increase the amount of stress and strain a panel can withstand before failure of the panel. The panel may comprise a thermally-insulating spacer between a stud and the first or second face sheet. Such a thermally-insulating spacer may provide a thermal "break" between the two face sheets.

Composite building panels are described and claimed in UK patent application publication number GB2482042 entitled "Building panel". The contents of that application are fully incorporated herein by reference.

It is envisaged that the composite building panels according to the first aspect of the present invention may be building panels of the type described in that patent application. The composite building panel used in the building of the first aspect of the present application may comprise any of the features of the building panels described in GB2482042. In particular, the claims of the present application may be amended to include features relating to the connecting means which connect the face sheets together.

Providing relief accommodation in which each of the walls, floor and roof comprises composite building panels may provide significantly improved protection from the environment than prior art emergency shelters. In particular, providing composite building panels as the floor may significantly reduce heat loss via the ground, which is typically of particular importance at night. The building may furthermore comprise a spacer structure for supporting the floor in spaced relationship to the ground. The spacer structure may comprise one or more pallets. Such a spacer structure may further inhibit heat loss from the building, and may reduce thermal bridging from the ground. Providing composite building panels as the floor may also provide more robust flooring than the prior art. In particular the floor may safely be able to accommodate stoves or other cooking equipment being placed thereon. The spacer structure may comprise one or more pallets. Such pallets may have been used to transport some or all of the components used to make the building.

The plurality of panels which form the wall structure (hereinafter "the wall panels") and the plurality of panels which form the floor (hereinafter "the floor panels") may be of substantially identical construction and/or dimensions. The wall panels and the plurality of panels which form the roof (hereinafter "the floor panels") may be of substantially identical construction and/or dimensions. The floor panels and the roof panels may be of substantially identical construction and/or dimensions. Preferably, the wall panels, the floor panels, and the roof panels may be of substantially identical construction and/or dimensions.

At least one of the wall panels may be provided with one or more vent apertures. Such vent apertures permit the egress of gases generated by cooking, for example.

An advantage of having the wall, the roof, and the floor made from panels having a substantially identical construction is that the cost of manufacturing the building may be reduced and/or the ease of constructing the building may be improved. Having the wall, the roof and the floor having substantially identical dimensions may further reduce the cost of manufacturing the building and/or further improve the ease of constructing the building. Further, if the wall panels, the roof panels, and/or the floor panels are interchangeable, then reusing, repairing and/or replacing the panels may be made more convenient.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the panels may take any suitable shape or dimension depending on the particular design of the building. For example the panels could be any regular or irregular polygon, or include curved sides where appropriate. Preferably, the panels are rectangular in shape.

The panels may have a length from lm to 5m, or from 1.5m to 4m, or from 2m to 3m. For example the length may be 2.4m. The panels may have a width from 0.5m to 3m, or from 0.75m to 2m, or from lm to 1.5m. For example the width may be 1.2m. The panels may have a thickness from 50mm to 400mm, or from 100mm to 300mm, or from 150mm to 200mm. For example the thickness may be 120mm. It may be advantageous for panels to have a length of about 2.4m and width of about 1.2m, as these dimensions may be large enough to construct the building quickly, but small enough to be movable by one or two people.

The walls, the floor and/or the roof may each comprise from 1 panel to 10 panels, or from 2 panels to 8 panels, or from 3 panels to 6 panels.

The edges of the panels may be shaped to mate with a correspondingly shaped edge of an adjacent panel. For example, one edge may be provided with a male configuration (such as a ridge or protrusion) and one edge may be provided with a female configuration (such as a recess). At any corners of the building, where two walls meet, the wall panels may have an angular (bevelled) edge section so that the wall panels may mate the corners .

The building may comprise a ring beam. The ring beam may be a floor ring beam. The wall panels may be provided on the ring beam. The floor ring beam may provide a channel for receiving the wall panels. The floor panels may at least in part be provided on the ring beam. The ring beam may therefore support the wall panels and floor panels. The floor panels may extend substantially from one side of the ring beam to another side of the ring beam.

The building may comprise joists which span the length and/or width of the building. The joists may extend from a first point on the ring beam to a second point on the ring beam. The joists may support the floor panels. The floor panels and the joists may extend substantially perpendicularly to each other.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the floor ring beam may have any suitable shape or dimension depending on the particular design of the building. For example the ring beam could be any regular or irregular polygon, or include curved sides where appropriate. Preferably, the floor ring beam is rectangular in shape.

The building may comprise an upper ring beam for receiving an upper portion of the wall structure. Such an upper ring beam may help secure the wall panels together and may facilitate attachment of the roof.

The floor panels may, in use, lay in a substantially horizontal plane; that is to say the face sheets may be substantially parallel to the round. The wall panels may be arranged in a substantially vertical plane; that is to say the face sheets may be substantially perpendicular to the ground.

The wall structure may further comprise an opening for a window. The wall structure may further comprise an opening for a door. The opening for the window and/or the opening for the door may be provided in place of a wall panel. The opening for the window and/or the opening for the door may be formed by providing one or more wall panels of reduced height and/or width. The wall may further comprise a window and/or a door, the window and/or door being received by an opening for a window and/or a door. The door may be provided by a panel or part thereof.

The roof may be a flat roof. The roof may be a pitched roof, for example a single pitch roof or a double pitch roof. The building may comprise a gable comprising one or more panels (hereinafter gable panels). The gable panels may be triangular or trapezoidal in shape. The gable panels may be of substantially identical construction to the wall panels, roof panels and/or floor panels. Alternatively the wall panels may have an upper end which extends upward to provide the gable. Preferably the roof overhangs the wall structure. A single pitched roof may be formed by providing a first wall having a height, for example 2.5m, which is greater than the height of a second wall, which is for example 2.4m. The first and second wall may be positioned substantially opposite each other. Flat roof panels may then be provided which extend between the tops edges of the first and second walls.

The building may comprise brackets. The brackets may join adjacent panels which are not secured together by a locking mechanism. In particular, brackets may be used to join adjacent panels which meet at an angle; for example, a bracket may be used to join the wall panels to the roof panels, the roof panels to other roof panels, and/or the wall panels to the floor panels.

One or more of the panels forming the wall structure may comprise means for securing the wall structure to one or both of the roof and the floor. Such a means may be essentially the same as that used to secure adjacent panels which make-up the wall structure, for example. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the panels forming the roof may comprise means for securing the roof to the wall structure. Such a means may be essentially the same as that used to secure adjacent panels which make-up the roof, for example. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the panels forming the floor may comprise means for securing the floor to the wall structure. Such a means may be essentially the same as that used to secure adjacent panels which make-up the floor, for example. Such arrangements may remove the need to supply additional components, such as brackets.

Preferably, the building may not require a frame to which the panels are attached i.e. the building may be a frameless building. The panels may provide the primary structure of the building. Not having a frame may provide several advantages, including reduced manufacturing cost and improved ease of construction of the building. Particularly in the case of relief accommodation, omitting a frame may reduce the tooling and components which need to be transported to an area of need.

Preferably, the building is of single story construction. However, the building may be two stories high, or more than two stories high.

The skilled person will understand that the building may be of any suitable size and/or shape. The size and/or shape may however depend on the types of composite building panels used and the location at which it is intended to deploy the building. For ease of manufacture and construction, the building may preferably be of a substantially cuboidal shape. For the practicalities of transportation and deployment, the building may be sized to accommodate between up to four adults.

As indicated above, buildings according to the first aspect need not be used as living accommodation. It is also envisaged that such buildings could also be used, for example, to house temporary medical facilities, washroom facilities or office space. The building may be sized and/or shaped accordingly.

The building may have a length and/or width no more than 10m, no more than 8m, no more than 6m, or no more than 5m. The building may have a length and/or width of at least lm, of at least 2m, of at least 3m, or of at least 4m. The building may have a floor area from 80m2 to 4m2, from 60m2 to 8m2, or from 40m2 to 12m2. The building may have a height of from 2m to 5m, optionally from 3m to 4m, and optionally from 3m to 4m, depending on the roof structure. The wall structure may have a height of from 2m to 3m, and optionally of from 2m to 2.5m.

The building may be provided with one or more solar panels. Preferably the solar panels are provided on the roof of the building. The solar panel may be an array of photovoltaic solar cells providing electrical energy and/or the solar panel may be a solar panel arranged to provide solar heated water. The electrical energy may, for example, be used to power electrical lighting and to power electrical sockets. The building may be provided with a rain water collection apparatus for collecting rainwater which has fallen on the roof.

The building may comprise a plurality of building modules, each module comprising a wall portion, a floor portion and a roof portion, the wall portion and at least one of the floor portion and the roof portion each comprising a plurality of said composite building panels.

In such a case, a floor portion of one module may be attached to a floor portion of an adjacent module, a wall portion of one module may be attached to a wall portion of an adjacent module and a roof portion of one module is attached to a roof portion of an adjacent module.

By way of example, a building may be provided in an L-shape, in a C-shape, in an O-shape, in a Z-shape, or in a straight line, the building comprising a plurality of building modules If a building is arranged in an O-shape, the central area may be provided with a covering, for example a canvas sheet, to provide protection from the sun and other weather.

The wall portions of adjacent building modules may each comprise an opening, and the openings may be aligned, in order to provide direct access between the adjacent building modules.

The building may comprise sheeting, optionally defining a covered area external to the wall structure of the building, and optionally adjacent to the wall structure of the building. The sheeting may be attached to the wall structure, for example. The sheeting may extend outwardly from its attachment to the wall structure. The sheeting may be provided by sheeting material used to wrap one or more building components.

The sheeting is optionally water-proof and/or wind-proof.

The present invention provides, according to a second aspect, a kit of parts for construction of a building or a part thereof, the kit comprising: a plurality of panels for construction of a wall structure or a wall portion, and further comprising (i) a plurality of panels for construction of a floor or a floor portion and/or (ii) a plurality of panels for construction of a roof or a roof portion, wherein the panels are composite building panels, each composite building panel comprising thermally-insulating material disposed between first and second face sheets.

The kit may be a kit for construction of a building according to the first aspect of the invention, or may be a kit for the construction of a building module, a plurality of which may be used to construct a building according to a first aspect of the present invention. The kit, and any parts thereof, in particular the composite building panels, may comprise any of the features described above in relation to the building according to the first aspect of the invention.

If the kit comprises an upper ring beam, floor ring beam and/or joists, then said ring beam(s) and joists may be deconstructed in the kit such that they are provided as lengths of material, for example, lengths of wood or lengths of channel. The kit may comprise means by which the ring beam(s) and joists may be constructed. Said means may, for example, comprise nails and/or screws.

The kit may be provided on, or may comprise, a pallet. The pallet may be a standardised pallet size, for example the pallet may be an ISO standard pallet size. Providing the kit on a pallet may enable the kit to be easily moved and transported, for example by a forklift and/or in a container and/or on a lorry and/or on a flatbed truck. Such a kit may therefore be relatively easily transported to a place of need. Such a kit may also be relatively easily stored when not needed. The pallet may be used as part of a support on which to place the floor, thereby providing a spacer between the building and the ground.

The kit may be at least partially covered, optionally with sheeting, such as plastic sheeting. The sheeting is optionally sealed onto itself. The sheeting may comprise weakening points to permit controlled removal of the sheeting. For example, the sheeting may comprise a series of perforations, optionally a line of perforations. The sheeting, or part thereof, may be used to provide a covering adjacent to the building, thereby providing a covered area external to the building. The sheeting is optionally water-proof and/or wind-proof.

The length of the kit arranged for transportation may be from 2m to 4m, optionally from 2.5m to 3.8m and optionally from 3.0 to 3.5m, typically about 3.4m. The width of the kit arranged for transportation may be from 0.6 to 1.8m, optionally from 0.9 to 1.5m, optionally from 1.0 to 1.3m and optionally about 1.2m. The length and width of the kit arranged for transportation may correspond to the length and width of a pallet which supports the kit for transportation. The height of the kit arranged for transportation may be from 0.4 to 2.0m, optionally from 0.8 to 1.8m and optionally from 1.0 to 1.6m.

The second aspect of the invention therefore provides a kit for a building or a building module of a form which is readily transportable and may be assembled with relatively little tooling and relatively little man power, yet provides robust and insulated shelter to those who need it.

The present invention provides, according to a third aspect, a method of transporting a deconstructed building according to the first aspect of the invention or a building module, a plurality of which form a building according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the following steps: providing a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the invention on a pallet; and transporting the kit of parts by at least one of road, rail, air or sea.

The kit of parts may be transported in at least one transportation means; for example, a lorry, a truck, a train, a plane or a ship. There may be multiple steps of loading and/or unloading the kit of parts from a transportation means. The method of transporting may comprise a step of putting the kit of parts into a transportation container, for example a shipping container and/or a freight container. The method of transporting may comprise a step of removing the kit of parts from the transportation container.

The kit may comprise one or more tools or pieces of equipment for constructing a building, such as one or more of: a hammer, a saw, a spirit level, a stepladder, a screwdriver, a wrench and a chisel. The kit may comprise instructions for constructing a building. The kit may therefore comprise some or all of the equipment needed to erect a building.

The present invention provides, according to a fourth aspect, a method of constructing a building; wherein the building is a building according to the first aspect of the invention, and the method comprising the following steps: providing at least one kit of parts according to the second aspect of the invention; constructing the floor; constructing the wall structure and constructing the roof, wherein constructing the wall structure comprises securing together a plurality of said panels, and construction of at least one of the floor and roof comprises securing together a plurality of said panels. Each panel typically interlocks with at least one adjacent panel.

The method of constructing a building may further comprise the step of providing a lower ring beam. The method may comprise providing a spacer structure for supporting the floor in spaced relationship to the ground. Such a spacer structure may, for example, comprise one or more pallets.

Construction of the floor may comprise placing a plurality of panels at least partly on top of the ring beam. Those skilled in the art will realise that construction of the floor, wall structure and roof are not discrete, consecutive steps. For example, the wall structure may be constructed at the same time as the floor is being constructed; there may be no requirement for the floor to be completed before the wall structure is built. Likewise, the roof may be constructed at the same time as the wall structure; there may be no requirement for the wall structure to be completed before the roof is built. A lower ring beam may be provided. The ring beam may at least partially support the wall panels and/or the floor panels. The ring beam may therefore provide a level and rigid base onto which the rest of the building is constructed. The method may comprise providing one or more joists. The method may comprise placing a plurality of panels at least partly on top of the joists. The joists may further provide support to the floor and may help provide a level floor.

The method may further comprise the step of providing brackets. The brackets may be used to secure together adjacent and/or adjoining panels where doing so with the means for securing panels as provided in the panels is not possible or practical. For example, it may be desirable to use one or more brackets to secure the roof to the wall structure, and/or to secure the wall structure to the floor.

The method of constructing a building may further comprise providing a gable panel. This may comprise attaching a gable panel on top of a wall panel. The gable panel may be attached via a bracket and/or via a locking mechanism, such as that used to secure adjacent wall, floor or roof panels.

The present invention provides, according to a fifth aspect, the use of a building as relief accommodation, wherein the building is a building according to the first aspect of the invention. For the reasons discussed above, a building according to the first aspect is well suited to use as relief accommodation. The building may in particular be used as relief accommodation to accommodate those displaced from their homes. Examples of when relief accommodation may be required, and therefore when the building may be used as an emergency shelter, include: during and/or after natural disasters such as earthquakes, flooding, tsunamis, severe weather events, droughts, disease epidemics, during and/or after manmade disasters such as conflict, or during times of mass migration.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa .

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a building according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2a to 2d show side views of a building according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a "flattened" plan view of the roof of the building according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a ring beam for a building according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a floor of a building according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a plan view of a roof of a building according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a panel used in the building of the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of two panels used in the building of the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a building in accordance with the invention;

Figures 10a to lOd show side views of the second embodiment of a building in accordance with the invention;

Figure 11 is a plan view of the roof of the building of Fig. 9 and Figs. lOa-lOd;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the floor of the building of Fig. 9 and Figs. lOa-lOd;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of the building of Fig. 9 and Figs. lOa-lOd;

Figure 14 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 15 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 16 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 17 is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 18 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 6 show a building 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The building 100 comprises: a wall structure 102; a floor 104; and a roof 106. The wall structure comprises four walls 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. Each wall 102a-d is shown in side elevation in figures 2a to 2d respectively. In Figs. 2a and 2b, the roof has been omitted for clarity.

Walls 102b and 102d each comprise three substantially rectangular panels 108 and two gable panels 110. The three substantially rectangular panels 108 and two gable panels 110 are arranged in a substantially vertical plane. The three rectangular panels 108 are arranged in a substantially portrait orientation and are positioned side by side. The lengthwise edges of adjacent rectangular panels 108 interlock and a secured together by a locking mechanism as described below in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. The gable panels 110 are substantially triangular and are arranged above the panels 108 to form a gable. The rectangular panels 108 each have a length of 2.4m and a width of 1.2m. The walls 102b and 102d therefore have a length (height) of 2.4m and a width of 3.6m, not including the gable.

Wall 102a comprises two substantially rectangular panels 112. The rectangular panels 112 are arranged in a substantially vertical plane and are spaced apart to provide an opening 114 between the rectangular panels 112. Opening 114 may be used to enter and exit the building 100. Optionally a door is provided in the opening 114. Such a door may be provided by a panel similar to that used to make the wall, or may be provided by part of such a panel. The rectangular panels 112 and the opening 114 each have a length of 2.4m and a width of 1.2m. The walls 102a and 102c therefore have a length (height) of 2.4m and a width of 3.6m.

Wall 102c is substantially similar to wall 102a, except that wall 102c further comprises a third rectangular panel 116 adjacent and secured to one of the rectangular panels 112 such that the width of the opening 114 is reduced.

The edges of the panels at the corners of the walls are provided with bevels so that two panels abut one another at the corners. The corner panels are secured together by locking mechanisms as described below in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. The roof 106 comprises four adjacent panels 126a in a first plane and four adjacent panels 126b in a second plane. The four adjacent panels 126a, b in each of the first and second plane are arranged side by side. The lengthwise edges of adjacent panels abut and are secured together by a locking mechanism. The four adjacent panels 126a in the first plane are mounted to the four adjacent panels 126b in the second plane by a bracket 118 to form a double pitched roof (see Fig. 1). The roof is mounted to the wall structure 102 by an upper ring beam 120. Each of the four adjacent panels 126a,b in each of the first and second plane are substantially rectangular and have a length of 2.4m and width of 1.2m. The first plane and second plane are at an angle of 143 degrees to each other.

Referring now to Fig. 4, the wall structure 102 is provided atop a square ring beam 122. Joists 124 extend from a first side of the ring beam to a second side of the ring beam.

The floor 104 comprises three rectangular panels 128 arranged side by side substantially parallel to the ground and substantially perpendicular to the walls. Adjacent panels 128 are secured together by a locking mechanism as described below in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. Two of the panels 128 are 3.42m long and 1.2m wide, and one of the panels is 3.42m long and 1.02m wide. The floor 104 fits within the area surrounded by the wall structure. The floor 104 is therefore square and has a length and width of 3.42m. The floor 104 sits atop joists 124. The ring beam 122 provides channels which receive the lower edges of wall structure 102.

Each of wall panels 108, 112, gable panels 110, roof panels 126 and floor panels 128 are composite building panels. The panels comprise two opposing face sheets and an insulating layer disposed between the face sheets.

Each of wall panels 108, 112, roof panels 126 and floor panels 128 comprise two studs extending lengthways through the panels. The studs are disposed between the two face sheets thereby providing structural strength to the panels. Each of the panels is substantially as described in GB patent application published as GB2482042.

Figure 7 shows a panel 1 used as a panel in the building of the present invention. The panel 1 comprises two rigid face sheets 2, 3. The face sheets 2, 3 are spaced apart by a rigid polymer foam 4. In this example, the two rigid face sheets 2, 3 are made from 8mm thick cement particle board. In this example, the rigid polymer foam 4 is closed cell polyisocyanurate/polyurethane foam having a density of 35kgrtr3. The rigid polymer foam 4 is approximately 120mm thick.

Two connecting means, each comprising a metal stud and several mutually-spaced wooden insulating members, are provided between the face sheets 2, 3 to secure the panel 1 together.

The panel 1 comprises two opposed sides 5, 6. Side 5 is formed with a recess 7, the recess 7 being provided with three mutually-spaced locking members 8, 9, 10. Side 6 is formed with a ridge 11, the ridge 11 being provided with three mutually-spaced locking bars 12, 13, 14.

As shown in Figure 8, the locking members 8, 9, 10 each comprise a hook member 15 movable from a retracted position, in which the hook member 15 is disposed substantially within a casing which is provided in a recess in side 5, to an engagement position, in which the hook member 15 extends outward from the casing and side 5. There is provided one or more locating pins 16 for introduction into a locating aperture provided in a recessed side of an adjacent panel 1'.

In order to connect two adjacent panels 1, 1' together, each of the locking members 8, 9, 10 are arranged with hook member 15 in a retracted position.

Side 5 is then brought into contact with a ridged side of adjacent panel 1'. The locking members 8, 9, 10 are then operated so that hook members 15 engage with and grab locking bars 12, 13, 14 respectively. Operation of the locking members 8, 9, 10 draw the two panels 1, 1' together, providing a weather-tight and air tight seal between the sides of the adjacent panels 1, 1'. The panels have an air tightness of less than about 0.8 Nnr2 at 50 Pascal.

The method of construction of the building 100 will now be described. All of the wall, floor and roof panels are provided on a pallet (not shown). Lower, floor ring beam 122 is constructed from a plurality of lengths of metal channels (not shown). Joists 124 in the form of lengths of wood are inserted into the ring beam as shown in Fig. 4. Floor panels 128 are then put on the joists 124. The floor panels are connected together using the locking mechanisms substantially as described above in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. The wall structure 102 is then built. Wall panels 108, 112 are inserted into the channels formed in the lower, floor ring beam 122. Adjacent panels are connected together using the locking mechanisms as described in Figs. 7 and 8. Once the wall structure 102 is completed, upper ring beam 120 is secured to the upper part of the wall structure 102. The roof 106 is then constructed. As mentioned above, adjacent roof panels are secured to one another as described above in relation to Figs. 7 and 8.

Figures 9 to 13 show building 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Similarly to building 100, building 200 comprises: a wall structure 202; a floor 204; and a roof 206. The wall structure comprises four walls 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d. Each wall 202a-d is shown in side elevation in figures 10a to lOd respectively.

Walls 202b and 202d comprise three panels 208. The three panels 208 are arranged in a substantially vertical plane, in a substantially portrait orientation and are positioned side by side. The lengthwise edges of adjacent panels 208 interlock and are secured together by a locking mechanism as described in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. The upper, widthwise, edge of each panel 208 is inclined relative to the horizontal to form a sloping support for the roof. Each consecutive panel 208 increases in length (height). When side by side the upper edge of walls 202b and 202d therefore form an incline. Each wall 202b and 202d has a height starting at 2.4m at one end and increasing to 2.5m at the opposite end. Two of the three panels 208 have a width of 1.2m and one of the panels 208 has a width of 0.6m.

Wall 202a comprises two substantially rectangular panels 212a. The two rectangular panels 212a are arranged in a substantially vertical plane and are spaced apart to provide an opening 214a between the rectangular panels 212a. A door is provided in the opening 214a in wall 202a. Such a door may be provided by a panel similar to that used to make the wall, or may be provided by part of such a panel. The rectangular panels 212a each have a length of 2.4m and a width of 1.05m. The opening 214a has a width of 0.9m.

Wall 202c is substantially similar to wall 202a, except that wall 202c further comprises a third rectangular panel 216 between the rectangular panels 212c. The third rectangular panel 216 has a width of 0.9m and a length (height) of 1.2m. An opening 214c is therefore provided in wall 202c. A window is provided in the opening 214c. The rectangular panels 212c each have a length of 2.5m and a width of 1.05m.

Building 200 has a single pitch roof 206. The roof 206 comprises three adjacent panels 226 arranged in a plane having a 2 degree angle to the horizontal plane.

The three adjacent panels 226 are arranged side by side. The lengthwise edges of adjacent panels interlock and are secured together by a locking mechanism as described in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. The roof is mounted to the wall structure 202 by roof support brackets 220. Each of the three adjacent panels 226 are substantially rectangular and have a length of 2.4m. Two of the three panels 226 have a width of 1.05m and one of the panels 226 has a width of 1.2m. A solar panel 230 is mounted atop roof 206 to provide the building 200 with electrical energy.

The floor 204 comprises three rectangular panels 228 arranged side by side substantially parallel to the ground and substantially perpendicular to the walls 202a-d. Adjacent panels 228 are secured together by a locking mechanism as described in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. The bottom part of the wall panels is provided with a locking mechanism substantially as described in relation to Figs. 7 and 8 to secure the wall structure to the underlying floor which is provided with part of the locking mechanism as described in relation to Figs. 7 and 8.

Each of wall panels 208, 212, roof panels 226 and floor panels 228 may be composite building panels as described above. A third embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention will now be described. Building 1000 comprises two building modules 300, 300'. As shown in Figure 14, building 1000 comprises a first building module 300 and a second building module 300' arranged adjacent to each other. Wall 302c of the first building module 300 abuts and is aligned with wall 302d' of the second building module 300'. The middle wall panel is absent from each of wall 302c and wall 302d' to provide access 332 between the two buildings. The roof panels of the first building module 300 are secured to the roof panels of the second building module 300' using the locking mechanisms described above in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. The floor panels of the first building module 300 are secured to the floor panels of the second building module 300' using the locking mechanisms described above in relation to Figs. 7 and 8. Wall panels of the first building module 300 are secured to the roof panels of the second building module 300' using the locking mechanisms described above in relation to Figs. 7 and 8.

The materials for the construction of each of building modules 300, 300' are provided on a pallet-mounted kit. In the present case, a first kit is provided for building module 300 and a second kit is provided for building module 300'. Each kit provides the panels used to make the wall structure, floor and roof, as well as other components, such as length of channel used to make ring beams. The pallet facilitates movement of the kits. In the present case, the pallet is not used to construct the building. However, the pallet may be used as a spacer support to support the floor in spaced relationship to the ground.

Figures 15 to 19 show a plurality of alternative buildings 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 according to further embodiments of the invention. The buildings 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 are each constructed from a plurality of building modules. For example, building 2000 comprises six building modules 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. Each building module is provided as a pallet-mounted kit. Each module is approximately cuboidal in shape, although the shape of the roof may vary.

In each building 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 building modules abut each other and access ways between building modules provide access therebetween.

Building 3000 comprises six adjoining building modules in a Z-shaped arrangement. Building 4000 comprises four adjoining building modules in an L-shaped arrangement. Building 5000 comprises six adjoining building modules in an O-shaped arrangement which defines a central courtyard 334, across which is provided an awning to create a further area of shelter.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

Sheeting may be provided to create a covered area external to (and adjacent) the main structural part of the building i.e. external to the wall structure. The sheeting is typically waterproof and windproof, and is typically attached to the main structural part of the building, typically to the wall structure or the roof.

The sheeting is typically sheeting material which is used to wrap the pallet and its contents.

Many, if not all of the components, supplied in the pallet-mounted kits are used in the construction of the building. For example, as mentioned above, the sheeting used to wrap the pallet-mounted kit may be used to provide a covered external area. The pallets themselves may be used as building supports/spacers, as described above .

Furthermore, the pallet-mounted kits are provided with all the tools (such as step ladders, saws, spirit levels and hammers) and instructions required to erect the building.

Each building described above uses a panel with one particular locking mechanism. Those skilled in the art will realise that other mechanisms may be used.

The buildings described above show that each of the roof, floor and wall structure is made from composite panels. Those skilled in the art will realise that only the wall structure and one of the floor and roof need be made from said panels.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A building for use as relief accommodation, the building comprising: a wall structure, a floor, and a roof; the wall structure and at least one of the roof and the floor each comprising a plurality of composite building panels, each composite building panel comprising thermally-insulating material disposed between first and second face sheets.

2. A building according to claim 1, wherein each of the roof and floor comprises a plurality of composite building panels, each composite building panel comprising thermally-insulating material disposed between first and second face sheets. .

3. A building according to any preceding claim wherein at least one panel comprises means for securing said panel to an adjacent panel.

4. A building according to claim 3 wherein at least one panel comprises means for securing said panel to two adjacent panels.

5. A building according claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the means for securing the panel comprises a locking mechanism.

6. A building according to claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hook arranged to hook onto a formation provided by an adjacent panel.

7. A building according to any preceding claim, further comprising a floor ring beam arranged to at least partially support the floor and/or the wall structure.

8. A building according to claim 7, wherein joists extend from a first side of the ring beam to the second side of the ring beam.

9. A building according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the floor ring beam provides channels that are arranged to receive the panels of the wall structure.

10. A building according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof is a pitched roof.

11. A building according to claim 10, further comprising a gable panel arranged to be positioned between the lower surface of a pitched roof and the upper edge of the wall structure .

12. A building according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the roof is a flat roof.

13. A building according to any preceding claim in which the wall structure comprises means for securing the wall structure to one or both of the roof and the floor.

14. A building according to any preceding claim in which the floor comprises means for securing the floor to the wall structure.

15. A building according to any preceding claim in which the roof comprises means for securing the roof to the wall structure.

16. A building according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of building modules, each module comprising a wall portion, a floor portion and a roof portion, the wall portion and at least one of the floor portion and the roof portion each comprising a plurality of said composite building panels.

17. A building according to claim 16 wherein a floor portion of one module is attached to a floor portion of an adjacent module, a wall portion of one module is attached to a wall portion of an adjacent module and a roof portion of one module is attached to a roof portion of an adjacent module.

18. A kit of parts for construction of a building for use as relief accommodation, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of panels for construction of a wall structure or a wall portion, and further comprising (i) a plurality of panels for construction of a floor or a floor portion and/or (ii) a plurality of panels for construction of a roof or a roof portion, wherein the panels are composite building panels, each composite building panel comprising thermally-insulating material disposed between first and second face sheets.

19. A kit of parts according to claim 18, wherein the kit is a kit for construction of a building according to any of claims 1 to 18 or a kit for the construction of a building module, a plurality of which may be used to construct a building according to claims 1 to 17.

20. A kit of parts according to claim 20, wherein the kit of parts is provided on a pallet.

21. A method of transporting a deconstructed building according to any of claims 1 to 17, or a building module, a plurality of which form a building according to claims 1 to 17, the method comprising the following steps: providing a kit of parts according to claim 19; and transporting the kit of parts by at least one of road, rail, air or sea.

22. A method of constructing a building according to any of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising: providing at least one kit of parts according to claim 18 or 19; constructing the floor; constructing the wall structure and constructing the roof, wherein constructing the wall structure comprises securing together a plurality of said panels, and construction of at least one of the floor and roof comprises securing together a plurality of said panels .

23. The use of a building according to any of claims 1 to 17 as relief accommodation.