GB2578659A

GB2578659A - Pivotable building-facade panel

Info

Publication number: GB2578659A
Application number: GB1905664.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Braybrook Peter; Mcgrath Sean; Hutchins Kirk
Original assignee: Maple Sunscreening Ltd
Current assignee: Maple Sunscreening Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-01
Filing date: 2019-04-23
Publication date: 2020-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-23
Also published as: GB2577691B; GB2577691A; GB201905664D0; GB2578659B

Abstract

With a panel body 10 and one part of a two part releasable pivot 14 at one end of the panel. This part connects with a second part of the pivot 42 in a lateral direction when the body is in one position 10b’. The second part 42 can be attached to the opposing end of the panel body. When the body is in a second position 10b’’’ the first part of the pivot is retained to the second part. The system may have a building support structure or mullion 32 that the panels attach to. The panel may have a fastening 22 for attaching it to the support structure, which can be barb shaped and lock by interference or press fitting. A system and installation method is also described. Also included is a façade panel, for locking to adjacent panels, with an interlock at each end and a method of constructing the façade off site whereby the receiving elements on the building support are positioned according to a desired pitch or spacing.

Description

Pivotable Building-Facade Panel The present invention relates to a pivotable building-facade panel. The invention further relates to a method of installing a pivotable building-facade panel and a building facade system.

Buildings, in particular high-rise buildings, may have a layered construction which can comprise, for example, a support structure with an exterior facing facade attached thereto. The facade typically provides a rain screen for the underlying support structure and an aesthetic frontage. The facade may conventionally be formed from individual large panel trays, which may, for example, extend along the length of the building or a significant proportion thereof Panel trays may be required to be bespokely designed for a given building elevation. Bespoke or individual formation of panel trays or panel elements can increase costs and/or require the use of expensive manufacturing techniques.

Alternatively, facades may be formed from smaller panels. Forming the facade from a number of smaller panels may assist with manufacturing, given that a single facade element which extends along the height or width of the building can be costly to manufacture. However, forming the facade from panels typically results in a joint line or gap between panels, as a small spacing between panels allows for the panels to be more easily installed or assists with manufacturing tolerances.

It may be aesthetically desirable to have the appearance of a single, smooth, continuous 20 and uniform facade. As such it may be desirable to hide or remove joint lines.

Additionally, gaps between panels may provide a route for water entry or for a thermal transfer path.

In addition, panels are typically required to be installed using fasteners such as screws or bolts. Using screws or bolts may increase installation time, especially if a large number of panels is to be installed.

Panels can be required to be strong and firmly attached to the building to prevent unintentional detachment therefrom. However, it can also be desirable for panels to be light, be produced at relatively low cost, and be conveniently attachable to the building.

Panels may be interlocked with each other; however, it can be desirable to replace one or more panels in the middle of a sequence of interlocked panels without detaching all of the panels from one end of the sequence.

It can be time consuming to attach each panel to the building individually, and this 5 increases a requirement to support workers to attach the panels at a height above ground.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pivotable building-facade panel comprising: a panel body; and at least one part of a two-part releasable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the panel body, whereby with the panel body in a first pivot condition, the said one part is connectable in a lateral direction of a pivot axis with a second part of the said two-part releasable panel pivot, and with the panel body in a second pivot condition which is different to the first pivot condition, the said one part is laterally retained to the second part to prevent or inhibit separation.

A building-facade panel may be defined as an element which forms the outer surface of the building. Preferably, the building facade panels form a continuous, near-continuous, contiguous or near-contiguous outer surface of the building and may otherwise be considered to be cladding. The building-facade panels together form a skin of the building.

A pivotable panel allows for adjacent panels to be laterally retained or interlocked with each other. Laterally retaining the panels to each other prevents or inhibits the panels from being unintentionally removed. Interlocking panels require lateral overlap between adjacent panels. However, such a requirement for overlap causes difficulty during installation as the lateral overlap can prevent or limit the panel from being installed from a lateral direction. Instead, panels may ordinarily be required to be slid into position from a vertical direction. Such sliding and/or a vertical direction of installation may not be possible if the panel has integral fasteners which project from a back face of the panel.

Pivoting the panel which is being installed allows for the first pivot part to initially connect with a second pivot part of the installed panel. Having achieved the connection between the pivot parts, the first pivot part can be pivoted about the second pivot part to achieve an interlock between the panels. Thus, interlocking panels is possible even in the instance of integral projecting fasteners.

Preferably, the pivotable building-facade panel may further comprise a further part of the or another two-part releasable panel pivot at an opposing end portion of the panel body to the initial said end portion. A pivot part at each end allows for the facade-panel to be laterally retained with respect to panels above and below so as to create an interlocking sequence of panels.

Advantageously, said two-part releasable panel pivot may consist of two parts. Only two parts provides a simpler construction than three or more parts of a pivot.

Beneficially, said at least one part may comprise a projecting element for receipt within said second part, said projecting element projecting beyond the end of the panel body.

In preferable embodiment, the projecting element may have a plurality of pivoting surfaces which are spaced apart from each other. Discontinuous and spaced apart pivoting surfaces require less material to manufacture than a continuous pivoting surface and thus 15 saves material cost and weight.

Optionally, the projecting element may not be curvate.

Additionally the projecting element may have a cross-shaped cross-section, an end of at least one arm of the cross forming a pivoting surface.

Preferably, the pivotable building-facade panel may further comprise an undercut at or adjacent to said at least one part for receiving a projecting edge of a panel body of an adjacent pivotable building-facade panel. The undercut accommodates the end of an upper panel and prevents or limits the end of the upper panel from crashing into the panel body of a lower panel whilst pivoting. Thus, the undercut allows for a longer projecting edge of the panel which assists with achieving interengaging panel bodies and/or outer surfaces.

Advantageously, said undercut may be defined beneath one arm of the cross.

Beneficially, said at least one part may comprise a receiver element for receiving said second part, said receiver element being recessed relative to the end of the panel body. A recessed receiver prevents or limits the receiver from being visible and thus assists with creating an impression of a continuous facade.

In a preferable embodiment, said receiver element may comprise a U-shaped channel Optionally, the panel body further comprises a projecting edge at or adjacent to said at 5 least one part. A projecting edge assists with having adjacent panels interengaged.

Additionally, one arm of said U-shaped channel may define the projecting edge.

Preferably, the building-facade panel may further comprise a panel-fastening element for fastening the panel to a building support, the panel-fastening element projecting away from the panel body. A panel-fastening element, such as a push-fit fastening element prevents or limits the requirement for a separate fastener and allows for quicker construction. A high strength fastening element is required to meet the strength requirements with regards to suction and impact loads on the facade of the building.

Advantageously, the panel-fastening element may be at or adjacent to the or another end portion of the panel body. A fastening element at an end of the panel body can assist with 15 stiffening or strengthening the panel body, as well as being more convenient to manufacture.

Beneficially, said at least one part of the panel pivot is at a projecting extent of the panel-fastening element. Having the panel pivot on the panel-fastening element may be more convenient to manufacture and allows for the panel pivot to be recessed relative to the 20 outward facing surface of the panel body.

In a preferable embodiment, the pivotable building facade panel may further comprise a further panel-fastening element for fastening the panel to a building support, the further panel-fastening element projecting away from the panel body. A further panel-fastening element increases a strength of attachment of the panel to the building support.

Optionally, the or each panel-fastening element may comprise a barb at an end thereof to lock the panel to a building support via an interference fit. An interference fit allows for a quick installation method whilst securely attaching the panel to the building. Whilst a barb is described, it will be appreciated that the barb may otherwise be termed as a barbed fastener, push-fit fastener or snap-fit fastener.

Additionally, the panel-fastening element and the further panel-fastening element may be at or adjacent to opposing end portions of the panel body to each other. Having projecting fastening elements at each end of the panel body improves strength; however, projections at each end do not allow for the panel to be slid upwards or downwards into interlocking engagement with other panels. Thus, pivoting the panel enables an interlocking arrangement with adjacent panels whilst having projecting elements at the top and bottom of the panel.

Preferably, the panel may be formed via extrusion. Extrusion is a quick and cost-effective method of constructing the panels or slats. For example, it allows for relatively complex profiles without high tooling or machining costs. Additionally, extrusion can be beneficial as extrudable materials and/or extruded components can be more easily anodised or powder coated than components manufactured via other manufacturing techniques or from other materials. Additionally, replacement parts can be easily cut from the extrusion, for example on site. To enable the panel to be formed via extrusion, the panel has a consistent or uniform lateral cross-section.

Additionally, the panel may be formed from aluminium. Aluminium, in particular Aluminium alloy 6063 T6, is easily extrudable and can be anodised or powder coated. Additionally, aluminium is lightweight, relatively strong and is fire resistant. As such, aluminium is a suitable building-facade panel material.

In a preferable embodiment, the building-facade panel may have at least two separable elements, a first element comprising of at least part of the panel body and a second element comprising of said at least one part of the two-part releasable panel pivot, the first and second elements being detachably attachable to each other. The option to remove the panel pivot allows for the building-facade panel to be removed without detaching adjacent facade panels. This is because removing the panel pivot may remove the lateral retaining means and/or remove any interlocking. The second element may have a different colour to more easily locate the independently removable feature.

Additionally the first element may include a step at the panel body, the second element being receivable at the step. A step may allow for any fasteners used to be hidden from 30 view. Additionally, the step may allow for the insertion for a snap-fit cover or bridge to be installed across any fastener.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a building-facade panel to pivotally and releasably lock to an adjacent building-facade panel, the method comprising the steps: providing first building-facade panel having a first part of a two-part panel pivot; providing a second building-facade panel having a second part of a two-part panel pivot; positioning the second building-facade panel in a first condition so that said second part is connected with said first part in a lateral direction of a pivot axis; pivoting the second building-facade panel about the pivot axis into a second condition so that said second part is laterally retained to the first part to prevent or inhibit separation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a building facade system comprising: a building facade panel having a first panel body and a first part of a two-part releasable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the first panel body; a further building facade panel having a second panel body and a second part of the two-part releasable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the second panel body; wherein with the second panel body in a first pivot condition, the said second part is connectable in a lateral direction of a pivot axis with the first part, and with the first panel body in a second pivot condition which is different to the first pivot condition, the first part is laterally retained to the second part to prevent or inhibit separation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pivotable building-facade panel comprising: a panel body; at least one part of a two-part laterally-connectable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the panel body; and a panel-fastening element at or adjacent to the panel pivot by which the panel pivot is lockable to prevent or inhibit rotation of the panel body; wherein, with the panel body in a first unfastened pivot condition, the said one part is connectable in a lateral direction of a pivot axis with a second part of the said two-part releasable panel pivot, and with the panel body in a second fastened pivot condition, the panel-fastening element prevents or inhibits lateral separation of the said one part of the panel pivot from the said second part.

A panel-fastening element and a panel pivot allows for the lateral retainment provided by the panel pivot to be locked and/or retained. As such, this may prevent or limit 30 unintentional removal of the building-facade panels.

Preferably the panel-fastening element may project from the panel body, the at least one part of the two-part panel pivot being at or adjacent to a projecting extent of the panel-fastening element.

Additionally a further part of the or another two-part laterally-connectable panel pivot 5 may be provided at an opposite end portion of the panel body to the said at least one-end portion.

Advantageously, a further panel-fastening element may project from the panel body, said further part of the or another two-part laterally connectable panel pivot being at or adjacent to a projecting extent of the further panel-fastening element.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a building-facade system comprising: a pivotable building-facade panel according to a fourth aspect of the invention, and a building support including a receiving element for lockingly receiving the panel-fastening element of the pivotable building-facade panel when the panel body is in a second fastened pivot condition.

Preferably, the receiving element may include two receivers, each receiver for receiving a different pivotable building-facade panel. Advantageously, each receiver may comprise a barb. Having two receivers allows for the same receiver element to be used to fasten two adjacent building facade panels. This assists with ensuring minimal separation between adjacent building-facade panels as well as reducing material and manufacturing costs. Whilst a barb is described, it will be appreciated that the barb may otherwise be termed as a barbed fastener, push-fit fastener or snap-fit fastener.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a building-facade panel for interlocking with an adjacent building-facade panel to form at least part of an outer surface of a building, the panel comprising: an outward facing element for forming part of said outer surface; a first attachment element for attaching the panel to a building support, the first attachment element projecting away from said outer surface and being located at or adjacent to a first end of said outer surface; a second attachment element for attaching the panel to the or another building support, the second attachment element projecting away from said outer surface and being located at or adjacent to a second end of said outer surface, the first and second ends being opposite ends to each other; an interlocking element which protrudes beyond the first end of the outward facing element, the interlocking element including a panel pivot spaced from said first end and having an undercut between the pivot and the facing element for receiving a projecting edge of a further outer surface of an adjacent building-facade panel, so that the panel pivot can receive said adjacent building-facade panel seatable and pivotable thereon with the projecting edge accommodatable within the undercut, whilst pivoting, to allow an installed close fit between said projecting edge of the further outer surface and the first end of the outer surface.

Preferably, the building-facade panel may further comprise a further interlocking element 10 which is recessed relative to the second end of the outer surface.

Advantageously, the further interlocking element may be a receiver which is pivotable on a panel pivot of the adj acent building-facade panel.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a building-facade panel for interlocking with an adjacent building-facade panel to form at least part of an outer surface of a building, the panel comprising: an outward facing clement for forming part of said outer surface; an attachment element for attaching the panel to a building support, the first attachment element projecting away from said outer surface; an interlocking element which protrudes beyond an end of the outward facing element, the interlocking element including a panel pivot spaced from said end and having an undercut between the pivot and the facing element for receiving a projecting edge of a further outer surface of an adjacent building-facade panel, so that the panel pivot can receive said adjacent building-facade panel seatable and pivotable thereon with the projecting edge accommodatable within the undercut, whilst pivoting, to allow an installed close fit between said projecting edge of the further outer surface and said end of the outer surface.

Preferably, the building-facade panel may further comprise a further interlocking element which is recessed relative to an opposite end of the outer surface to said end of the outward facing element.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a building-facade panel for interlocking with an adjacent building-facade panel to form at least part of an outer surface of a building, the panel comprising: an outward facing element for forming part of said outer surface; a first attachment element for attaching the panel to a building 5 support, the first attachment element integrally formed with the outward facing element, projecting away therefrom, and being located at or adjacent to a first end of said outer surface; and a second attachment element for attaching the panel to the or another building support, the second attachment element integrally formed with the outward facing element, projecting away therefrom, and being located at or adjacent to a second end of 10 said outer surface, the first and second ends of the outer surface opposing each other.

Preferably, the or each panel-fastening element comprises a barb at an end thereof to lock the panel to a building support via an interference fit.

Beneficially, the building-facade panel may further comprise an interlocking element at each end of the first and second attachment elements.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention thcrc is provided a mcthod of constructing a building facade for a building, the method comprising the steps: providing a plurality of building-facade panels at an off-site location away from a site of the building, each building-facade panel having a panel body and a panel-fastening element which projects from the panel body; providing a building support at said off-site location; determining a desired pitch of the building panels on the building support according to a height of the panel body and a desired clearance between adjacent panel bodies; providing a plurality of receiving elements at the building support according to said desired pitch, each receiving element adapted to lockingly receive at least one panel-fastening element; attaching the building-facade panels to the building support via the panel-fastening elements received by the receiving elements; transporting said building support and attached building-facade panels to the building; and installing the building support and attached building-facade panels to the building.

This manufacturing method allows for panels to be attached together off site before being transported to the building site. Thus, it combines the advantage of manufacturing smaller 30 individual components, such as less arduous or costly construction, with the ease of installing a single component. It may also allow for the panels to be more installed attached as compared to on-site installation.

Preferably, each building facade panel may be laterally interlocked with an adjacent building facade panel.

Optionally, each building facade panel may have one part of a two-part releasable panel pivot at each end portion of building facade panel.

Advantageously, each building facade panel may be pivoted during attachment to the building support to enable lateral interlocking whilst ensuring a small clearance.

Beneficially, each building facade panel may have one panel-fastening element at each 10 end portion of the building facade panel.

Preferably, each receiving element may be integrally formed with the building support. Optionally, each receiving element is cut, stamped or punched into the building support.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a building-facade panel in accordance with first, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the building-facade panel of Figure 1 attached to a building support and interlocked with a lower building-facade panel, along with two stages of installation of the building facade panel; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a receiver element for attaching the building-facade panel of Figure 1 to a building support; Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of the receiver element of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a plurality of building-facade panels of Figure 1 interlocked and attached to a building support; Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a building-facade panel, in accordance with first, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention; Figure 7 shows the building-facade panel of Figure 6 interlocked with a building-facade panel of Figure 1 and a further building support panel; Figure 8 shows a cross-section of a building wall including the building facade panels of Figure 1 and Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a building-facade panel in accordance with first, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention; and Figure 10 shows a cross-section of a third embodiment of a building-facade panel in accordance with first, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a building-facade panel 10 10, a building-fascia panel or a cladding panel. The panel 10 comprises a panel body 12 and at least one part 14 of a two-part releasable panel pivot at either end portion 16, 18 of the panel body 12.

The panel body 12 is preferably planar or substantially planar and a major surface of the panel body 12 forms an outward-facing surface 20 of the panel body 12. The outward-facing surface 20, in combination with other outward-facing surfaces of other panel bodies of other facade panels, forms the outer surface of the building. Figure 1 shows a cross section of the panel 10, and the outward-facing surface 20 of the panel 10 may have a longitudinal direction extending into the page from the viewpoint of Figure 1. In this way, the panel 10 may be considered to be a slat.

The building-facade panel 10 further comprises at least one panel-fastening element 22. Here there is a first panel-fastening element 22 and a second panel-fastening element 24. The first panel-fastening element 22 is preferably at or adjacent to a first end portion 16 of the panel body 12, and the second panel-fastening element 24 is at or adjacent to a second end portion 18 of the panel body 12. Preferably, the first and second end portions 16, 18 of the panel body 12 are at opposite ends of the panel body 12 to each other. For example, the first end portion 16 is at an in use upper end 16a of the panel body 12 and the second end portion 18 is at an in use lower end 18b of the panel body 12. Here the first and second panel-fastening elements 22, 24 are at their respective ends of the panel body 12, although it will be appreciated that one or each fastening element may be positioned away from the respective ends. Furthermore, it could be envisioned that there is a panel-fastening element at a central portion of the panel body, or multiple panel-fastening elements are at a central portion of the panel body.

Each of the panel-fastening elements 22, 24 has a fastener body 26 which projects away 5 from the panel body 12. Preferably, each panel-fastening element 22, 24 projects away from an interior-facing surface 28 of the panel body 12, the interior-facing surface 28 being at an opposite side of the panel body 12 to the outward-facing surface 20 of the panel body 12. Preferably, the panel-fastening elements 22, 24 project transversely or perpendicularly to the interior-facing surface 28, although it will be appreciated that non-10 perpendicular angles may be considered, such as in a range of 70 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the interior facing surface.

Each panel-fastening element 22, 24 preferably has a fastener barb 30 at an end of the fastener body 26 of the panel-fastening element 22, 24 to lock the panel 10 to a building support 32, as shown in Figure 2, via an interference fit. The fastener barb 30 may be otherwise described as a tang or an arrowhead. The fastener barb 30 has a triangular cross-section with a base of the fastener barb 30 proximal to the panel body 12 as compared to a point of the fastener barb 30.

The panel-fastening element 22, 24 may extend longitudinally with the panel body 12, that is into the page from the viewpoint of Figure 1. The panel-fastening elements 22, 24 20 may be considered to be legs of the panel 10 and may assist with strengthening, stiffening or reinforcing the panel overall as compared to a planar sheet.

The panel-fastening element 22, 24, including the fastener barb 30, are preferably unitarily formed with the panel body 12 as a one piece. As such, the panel-fastening element 22, 24 may be distinct from conventional fasteners such as screws or bolts.

Said at least one part 14 of a two-part releasable panel pivot is preferably a first pivot part 14 or first interlocking element. The first pivot part 14 is at or adjacent to the first end portion 16 and preferably projects from the first end 16a of the panel body 12. The first pivot part 14 has at least one pivoting surface 34, and here has a plurality of pivoting surfaces 34. Given that the first pivot part 14 projects from the first end 16a of the panel body 12, the pivoting surfaces 34 are spaced apart from the panel body 12. Preferably, the first pivot part 14 has a non-circular cross section and/or is non-curvate. Whilst the first pivot part 14 is shown as having a cross-shaped cross-section, any other non-curvate, non-rounded or faceted shape may be considered. Additionally, the first pivot part may in fact be curvate, for example having a semi-circular profile, or a profile according to any other sector or segment of a circle or ellipse.

The first pivot part 14 is preferably at, adjacent to or attached to the fastener body 26 of the first panel-fastening element 22 or leg of the panel 10. In this way, the first pivot part 14 may be recessed relative to, or set back from, the outward-facing surface 20 of the panel body 12. However, it will be appreciated that the first pivot part 14 may be at the outward-facing surface 20 of the panel body 12. The cross-shaped cross-section defines four arms, a first and proximal-most arm 36a attaches the first pivot part 14 to the fastener body 26. The end surface of the two lateral arms 36b, 36c and distal arm 36d each define a pivoting surface 34 around a pivoting axis 38, which may extend through a centre of the cross 14.

The panel 10 preferably further has an undercut 40, hole, recess or receiver. This is defined between the pivoting surface 34 or outward part of the pivoting surface 34 and the proximal end 16a of the panel body 12. For example, the undercut 40 may be defined between the end of the outward arm 36b of the cross 14 and the first end 16a of panel body 12. The undercut 40 is open to an in-use outward direction.

The panel 10 preferably further has a further part 42 of another two-part releasable panel pivot. Said further part 42 is a second pivot part 42 or second interlocking element. A first pivot part 14 of one panel 10 and a second pivot part 42 of a further panel together form the two-part releasable panel pivot 44 as shown in Figure 2. The second pivot part 42 is here at or adjacent to the second end portion 18 of the panel body 12 and is preferably recessed relative to the second end 18a of the panel body 12. The second pivot part 42 is a receiver for receiving the first pivot part 14, and is here a U-shaped channel or semicircular channel, although any other channels may be considered such as V-shaped channels. An opening of the receiver faces downwards and/or in a direction from the first to the second panel end of the panel body 12. Similar as the first pivot part 14, the second pivot part 42 is at, adjacent or attached to the second panel-fastening element 24.

Furthermore, the second pivot part 42 is recessed relative to the outward facing surface of the panel body 12.

The panel 10 preferably further comprises a projecting, depending or dropped edge 46 which extends beyond the second panel-fastening element 24. Here the projecting edge 5 46 takes the form of an outward arm of the U-shaped channel. The outward arm extends beyond the inward arm.

The building-facade panel 10 is preferably formed via extrusion, although other forming methods such as fabrication, rolling, machining and/or casting may be considered. Preferably, the building-facade panel 10 comprises or consists of a resiliently deformable material, such as aluminium or an alloy of aluminium. In particular, aluminium alloys of the 6000 series such as 6063 T6 may be used, although any aluminium alloy suitable for extruding may be considered. Other materials may be considered such as other metals, plastics or carbon-fibre reinforced plastics.

Referring to Figure 2 there is shown a mullion, rail or the building support 32. The building support 32 includes a plurality of receiver elements 48 for receiving the panel-fastening elements 22, 24 of the panel 10. Here the receiver element 48 includes a receiver barb 50 for cooperatively engaging with the fastener barb 30 of the panel fastening element 22, 24. Preferably each receiver element 48 includes two receiver barbs 50, each for receiving one panel-fastening element 22, 24 therebehind. In this way the receiver element 48 may have an arrow-head or mushroom shape. Two barbs 50 on each receiver element 48 allows for the same receiver element 48 to be used to fasten two adjacent building-facade panels 10. This assists with ensuring minimal separation between adjacent building-facade panels 10 as well as reducing material and manufacturing costs.

The receiver element 48 is preferably recessed relative to the main body of the building 25 support 32. The receiver element 48 may, for example, be formed via stamping or cutting, for example water or laser cutting. Whilst described as being recessed relative to the main body of the building element, the receiver element may instead project therefrom.

The first embodiment of the building-facade panel 10 may be installed to interlock with adjacent building-facade panels 10. An initial building facade panel 10a, for example at the start of a sequence of building-facade panels 10, may be installed first. This is done via aligning each panel fastening elements 22, 24 with a receiver element 48 and then pushing the panel 10a towards the building support 32 so that the panel-fastening elements 22, 24 elastically deflect towards each other before reverting to their initial position to lock behind the receiver barbs 50.

A further building-facade panel 10b may then be installed via attachment to the building support 32 and interlocking with the initial building-facade panel 10a. This may be done via positioning the further building-facade panel 10b at an angle to the initial building-facade panel 10a and above the initial building-facade panel 10a. The second pivot part 42 of the further building-facade panel 10b engages the first pivot part 14 of the initial building-facade panel 10a in a first pivot condition. An overlay of a building panel in the first pivot condition is shown 10W. This forms the two-part releasable panel pivot 44. In the first pivot condition the projecting edge 46 of the panel body 12 of the further building-facade panel 10b is at least in part received within the undercut 40 of the initial building-facade panel 10a. In this way the projecting edge 46 of the panel body 12 of the further building-facade panel 10b is at least in part between the outward arm 36b of the first pivot part 14 and the first end 16a of the panel body 12 of the initial building-facade panel 10a. At least part of the channel 42 engages the end of the outward arm 36b of the cross 14. The second pivot part 42 is thereby connected or engaged with the first pivot part 14 in a lateral direction of the pivot axis 38. The second panel-fastening element 24 of the further building-facade panel 10b is above and outward of the receiver element 48. The angle of the further building-facade panel 10b to the initial building-facade panel 10a may be non-zero and may, for example, be up to 30 degrees and/or more than 10 degrees.

The further building-facade panel 10b is then moved into a second pivot condition. An overlay of a building panel moving from the first pivot condition into the second pivot condition is shown 10b". This is done via pivoting the further building-facade panel 10b relative to the initial building-facade panel 10a and about the pivot axis 38. The second pivot part 42 is initially pivoted on an outward end of the first pivot part 14, for example on an edge of the outward arm 36b of the cross 14. The pivoting is an anticlockwise direction from the reference frame of Figure 2.

In the second pivot condition, a building panel in such a condition is shown 10b-, a pivoting surface 34 of the second pivot part 42 is fully engaged with the pivoting surface 34 or surfaces of the first pivot part 14. Here the channel engages with the ends of the upper and inward arms 36d, 36c of the cross 14. In this way, the second pivot part 42 of the further building-facade panel 10b is laterally retained to the second pivot part 42 to prevent or inhibit separation. In other words, the initial and further building-facade panels 10a, 10b are interlocked.

Also in the second pivot condition, the fastener barb 30 of the second panel-fastening element 24 of the further building-facade panel 10b is received behind the receiver barb 50 of a lower receiver element 48. The barb 30 of the first panel-fastening element 22 of the further building-facade panel 10b is received behind the barb 50 of an upper receiver element 48. The fastening elements may be required to deflect inwardly in order to be received by the receiver elements 48. In this way, the further building-facade panel 106 is retained to the building support 32 via an interference fit and/or fastenerlessly. As such, the panel-fastening element 22, 24 prevents or inhibits lateral separation of the said one part 14 of the panel pivot from the said second part 42.

A subsequent building-facade panel may then be interlocked with the further building-facade panel 10b and fastened to the building support 32 above the further building-facade panel 10b in the same way as previously described.

To remove the further building-facade panel 10b, an adjacent building-facade panel should first be removed, for example an adjacent upper building-facade panel should be removed. Next the first panel-fastening element 22 should be detached from the receiver element 48. This may require elastically deforming the first panel-fastening element 22 inwardly to uncouple or disconnect the two barbs 30, 50 from each other. The building-facade panel 10 is then pivoted outwardly about the pivot axis 38 at or adjacent to the second end portion 18 of the building-facade panel 10. This pivots the second panel-fastening element 24 out of the lower receiver element 48 and thus decouples the barbs. The building-facade panel 10 may then be removed.

Whilst the building-facade panel 10 is described as being installed via being interlocked 30 with a lower initial building-facade panel 10a, it will be appreciated that the building-facade panel 10 may instead be installed via being interlocked with an upper initial building-facade panel. In this way, the first pivot part 14 is inserted into the second pivot part 42 with the lower further building-facade panel 10b at an angle to the upper initial building-facade panel 10a. This is the first pivot condition. The end of the outward arm 36b of the cross 14 of the further building-facade panel 10b pivots on the channel into the second pivot condition. Thus, the initial and further building-facade panels 10 are interlocked in the same way as previously described. The panel-fastening elements 22, 24 are retained by the receiver elements 48 in a similar way.

Whilst the first pivot part 14 is described as in-use being at an upper end with the second 10 pivot part 42 at an in-use lower end, it will be appreciated that the reverse may be the case. Additionally each panel may have a first or second pivot part at each end, and thus there may be panels with only first pivot parts or only second pivot parts.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown a second embodiment of a receiver element 148 for receiving two panel-fastening elements 22, 24. Similar or identical reference numerals as the first embodiment arc used for the second embodiment, with 100 added. Here the receiver element 148 is detachably attachable to the building support 32. As such the receiver element 148 has fastening means, for example two fastener receiving apertures 52 are shown here. The receiver element 148 has a building-support engagement member 54 for engagement and/or insertion into a vertical channel of the building support 32 or mullion. The side walls of the building-support engagement member 54 are profiled to prevent or limit separation from the building-support 32. The outward facing profile of the receiver element 148 between the two barbs 150 is rounded in the second embodiment 148, whereas the first embodiment 48 has an angular or faceted profile. As such the second-embodiment of the receiver element 148 may have a mushroom profile. The building-support engagement member 54 may be transposed relative to the longitudinal extent of the barbs.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a plurality of building-facade panels 10 interlocked or laterally retained with respect to each other. The second embodiment of the receiver elements 148 are fastened to the building support 32. Each building-facade panel 10 is fastened to two receiver elements 148 to fasten the building-facade panels 10 to the building support 32. Each receiver element 148 fastens two building-facade panels 10. The spacing between upper and lower panels is preferably between 0 mm and 0.5 mm and may more preferably be between 0 mm and 0.25 mm. A small gap between panels may be preferable to accommodate paint thickness, such as for paint or polyester powder coating thickness.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a second embodiment of the building-facade panel 110. The second embodiment of the building-facade panel 110 is an independently removable panel. In other words, it may be removed from the building support 32 without first removing an adjacent panel. Thus, the second panel 110 is particularly useful for covering access points, such as maintenance access points. Additionally, the second panel 110 may be used to provide a break in a sequence of panels to prevent or limit a requirement for half a sequence of panels being removed should a non-independently removable and centrally positioned panel require repair or replacement. Despite this, the second panel 110 provides an impression of a continuous or contiguous facade.

The second panel 110 is similarly formed to the first panel 10. Similar or identical reference numerals as the first embodiment are used for the second embodiment, with 100 added. The second or lower end portion 18 of the first panel 10 may be identical or substantially identical to a lower end portion 118 of the second panel 110. For example, the second pivot part 42, 142 and the second panel-fastening element 24, 124 of the first and second embodiments of the building-facade panel 10, 110 are or are substantially identical or similar.

A first end portion 116 of the second embodiment of the panel body 112 has a step 156 and/or is stepped, and more specifically stepped inwardly. A first panel-fastening element 122 projects away from the first end 116a and an end of the step 156. An outward facing surface 158 of the step 156 includes fastening means, such as a fastener receiving aperture 160. This allows for attachment of a second part of the building-facade panel 110, which is a detachable element 162. The detachable element 162 includes an engagement surface 164 for engaging with the outward facing surface 158 of the step 156. The engagement surface 164 similarly includes fastening means, such as a fastener receiving aperture 160 for fastening the detachable element 162 to the building-facade panel 110.

The detachable element 162 includes a first pivot part 114. Here the first arm of cross-shaped cross-section of the first panel 10 is replaced by a support 164 at an inward end or arm so that an undercut 140 beneath the outward arm 136b is defined. The support 164 for the first pivot part 14 curves inwardly, although it will be appreciated that the support may in fact be planar.

In use, the independently removable building-facade panel 110 may be interlocked with a lower building facade panel 10 and fastened to the building support 32 in the same way as previously described. The step 156 of the first end portion 116 may be configured to engage an edge of the recess of the building support 32 which accommodates the receiver element 48. This may provide additional vertical support to the building-facade panel 110. The detachable element 162 may be fastened, using a fastener, to the remainder of the independently removable building-facade panel 110 before attachment of the panel to the building support 32 or after attachment of the panel to the building support 32.

Referring in addition to Figure 7, an upper building-facade panel 10c may be interlocked 15 with the first pivot past 114 of the detachable clement 162 in the same way as previously described for previous examples of the first pivot part 14.

Alternatively, the independently removable building-facade panel 110 may be installed without the detachable element 162. A subsequent building-facade panel 10 may then be installed above. The detachable element 162 may then be independently positioned so that the first pivot part 114 is received within the second pivot part 42 of the upper building-facade panel 10. The detachable element 162 may then be pivoted to bring the engagement surface 164 of the detachable element 162 into engagement with outward facing surface 158 of the step 156. A fastener can then be used to fasten the detachable element 162 to the independently removable building-facade panel 110.

To remove the independently removable building-facade panel 110 independently of adjacent panels, a fastener securing the detachable element 162 is first removed. The detachable element 162 is then pivoted or rotated so that the first pivot part 114 pivots on the second pivot part 42. This is such that the engagement surface 164 of the detachable element 162 is moved away from the outward facing surface 158 of the step 156. This allows for the detachable element 162 to be removed via a gap between a lower surface of the step 156 and the second end 18a of the upper building-facade panel 10.

After removing the detachable element 162, the independently removable building-facade panel 110 is no longer interlocked with the building panel above. As such, the first panel-fastening element 122 can be detached from the upper receiver element 48, for example via elastic deformation as previously described. The remainder of the independently removable building-facade panel 110 can then be pivoted away from the building support 32 to disengage and/or unlock the second panel-fastening element 124 from the lower receiver element 148 and the first pivot part 114 from the lower building-facade panel 10a.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a building having a plurality of first embodiments of the building-facade panel 10 interlocked, the panels attached by the receiver element 48. An independently removable building-facade panel 110 is also shown interlocked with the other building-facade panels 10. The building-facade panels 10, 110 together form a building facade or cladding of the building, which may have a built-up wall or layered construction. The very top and very bottom panel of the facade may be adapted to interface with flashing for weathering or weather-proofing, as well as making up part of the facade.

The building facade may at least in part be constructed off site. To achieve this a plurality of building-facade panels 10 may be provided at an off-site location away from a site of the building. For example, in the factory where the building-facade panels 10 are extruded. A building support 32, such as a mullion, is also provided at said off-site location. A desired pitch of the building panels 10 on the building support 32 should then be determined. This can be done according to a height of the building-facade panel 10 or the panel body 12 and a desired clearance between adjacent panel bodies 12. For example, the clearance between panels may be 0.1 mm and the panel height may be 1 m, so the pitch of the panels on the building support would be 1.0001 m.

A plurality of receiver elements 48 are then provided at the building support 32 according to said desired pitch. For example, a receiver element 48 may be stamped, cut or attached 30 into the building support 32. In this example, the spacing of each corresponding receiver element 48 may be 1.0001 m. The building-facade panels 10 are then attached to the building supports via the panel-fastening elements 22, 24 received by the receiver elements 48. This completes the building facade or a section of building facade.

The building facade or section thereof is then transported to the building site and installed 5 to the building.

Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a third embodiment of a building-facade panel 210. The third embodiment of the building-facade panel 10 has a rounded, curvate or partially sinusoidal panel body 212. In combination with other such building-facade panels 210, this creates an undulating outward facing surface of the building.

Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a fourth embodiment of a building-facade panel 310. The fourth embodiment of the building-facade panel 310 may have a panel body 312 with a saw-tooth profile. The edge of each tooth of the saw-tooth profile has a depending dropped edge.

The third and fourth embodiments demonstrate that different panel body profiles may be 15 formed to suit different requirements. For example, for different desirable aesthetic, rain screening or wind breaking properties. Such different profiles may be conveniently formed given the ease with which the building-facade panels can be extruded.

Whilst an interference fit and fastenerless attachment is described for attaching the facade panels to the building support, it will be appreciated that fasteners may be used, for 20 example screws or bolts.

It will be appreciated that the term panel is used to describe a distinct portion, section, division, or part of a wall, and particularly a wall surface. The term panel is not intended to include louvres or venetian blinds.

It is therefore possible to provide a pivotable building-facade panel. A two-part pivot 25 allows for adjacent building facade panels to interlock and/or be laterally retained relative to each other whilst maintaining close engagement so that a joint line between adjacent panels is minimised or removed.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims I. A pivotable building-facade panel comprising: a panel body; and at least one part of a two-part releasable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the panel body, whereby with the panel body in a first pivot condition, the said one part is connectable in a lateral direction of a pivot axis with a second part of the said two-part releasable panel pivot, and with the panel body in a second pivot condition which is different to the first pivot condition, the said one part is laterally retained to the second part to prevent or inhibit separation.
2. A pivotable building-facade panel as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a further part of the or another two-part releasable panel pivot at an opposing end portion of the panel body to the initial said end portion.
3 A pivotable building-facade panel as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an undercut at or adjacent to said at least one part for receiving a projecting edge of a panel body of an adjacent pivotable building-facade panel.
4. A pivotable building-facade panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a panel-fastening element for fastening the panel to a building support, the panel-fastening element projecting away from the panel body at or adjacent to the or another end portion of the panel body.
5. A pivotable building-facade panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building-facade panel has at least two separable elements, a first element comprising of at least part of the panel body and a second element comprising of said at least one part of the two-part releasable panel pivot, the first and second elements being detachably attachable to each other.
6. A pivotable building-facade panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first element includes a step at the panel body, the second element being receivable at the step.
7. A method of installing a building-facade panel to pivotally and releasably lock to an adjacent building-facade panel, the method comprising the steps: a) providing first building-facade panel having a first part of a two-part panel pivot; b) providing a second building-facade panel having a second part of a two-part panel pivot; c) positioning the second building-facade panel in a first pivot condition so that said second part is connected with said first part in a lateral direction of a pivot axis; d) pivoting the second building-facade panel about the pivot axis into a second pivot condition so that said second part is laterally retained to the first part to prevent or inhibit separation.
8. A building facade system comprising: a building facade panel having a first panel body and a first part of a two-part releasable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the first panel body; a further building facade panel having a second panel body and a second part of the two-part releasable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the second panel body; wherein with the second panel body in a first pivot condition, the said second part is connectable in a lateral direction of a pivot axis with the first part, and with the first panel body in a second pivot condition which is different to the first pivot condition, the first part is laterally retained to the second part to prevent or inhibit separation.
9 A pivotable building-facade panel comprising: a panel body; at least one part of a two-part laterally-connectable panel pivot at at least one end portion of the panel body; and a panel-fastening element at or adjacent to the panel pivot by which the panel pivot is lockable to prevent or inhibit rotation of the panel body; wherein, with the panel body in a first unfastened pivot condition, the said one part is connectable in a lateral direction of a pivot axis with a second part of the said two-part releasable panel pivot, and with the panel body in a second fastened pivot condition, the panel-fastening element prevents or inhibits lateral separation of the said one part of the panel pivot from the said second part.
10. A pivotable building-facade panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein the panel-fastening element projects from the panel body, the at least one part of the two-part panel pivot being at or adjacent to a projecting extent of the panel-fastening element and further comprising a further panel-fastening element which projects from the panel body at an opposite end portion of the panel body to the said at least one-end portion.
11 A building-facade system comprising: a pivotable building-facade panel as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10; a building support including a receiving element for lockingly receiving the panel-fastening element of the pivotable building-facade panel when the panel body is in a second fastened pivot condition.
12. A building facade system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the receiving element includes two receivers, each receiver for receiving a different pivotable building-facade panel.
13. A building-facade panel for interlocking with an adjacent building-facade panel to form at least part of an outer surface of a building, the panel comprising: an outward facing element for forming part of said outer surface; a first attachment element for attaching the panel to a building support, the first attachment element projecting away from said outer surface and being located at or adjacent to a first end of said outer surface; a second attachment element for attaching the panel to the or another building support, the second attachment element projecting away from said outer surface and being located at or adjacent to a second end of said outer surface, the first and second ends being opposite ends to each other; an interlocking element which protrudes beyond the first end of the outward facing element, the interlocking element including a panel pivot surface spaced from said first end and having an undercut between the pivot and the facing element for receiving a projecting edge of a further outer surface of an adjacent building-facade panel, so that the panel pivot surface can receive said adjacent building-facade panel seatable and pivotable thereon with the projecting edge accommodatable within the undercut, whilst pivoting, to allow an installed close fit between said projecting edge of the further outer surface and the first end of the outer surface.
14. A building-facade panel as claimed in claim 13, wherein the building-facade panel further comprises a further interlocking element which is recessed relative to the second end of the outer surface, the further interlocking element being a receiver which is pivotable on a panel pivot surface of the adjacent building-facade panel.
15. A building-facade panel for interlocking with an adjacent building-facade panel to form at least part of an outer surface of a building, the panel comprising: an outward facing element for forming part of said outer surface; an attachment element for attaching the panel to a building support, the first attachment element projecting away from said outer surface; an interlocking element which protrudes beyond an end of the outward facing element, the interlocking element including a panel pivot surface spaced from said end and having an undercut between the pivot and the facing element for receiving a projecting edge of a further outer surface of an adjacent building-facade panel, so that the panel pivot surface can receive said adjacent building-facade panel seatable and pivotable thereon with the projecting edge accommodatable within the undercut, whilst pivoting, to allow an installed close fit between said projecting edge of the further outer surface and said end of the outer surface.
16. A building-facade panel as claimed in claim 15, wherein the building-facade panel further comprises a further interlocking element which is recessed relative to an opposite end of the outer surface to said end of the outward facing element, the further interlocking element being a receiver which is pivotable on a panel pivot surface of the adjacent building-facade panel.
17. A building-facade panel for interlocking with an adjacent building-facade panel to form at least part of an outer surface of a building, the panel comprising: an outward facing element for forming part of said outer surface; a first attachment element for attaching the panel to a building support, the first attachment element integrally formed with the outward facing element, projecting away therefrom, and being located at or adjacent to a first end of said outer surface; and a second attachment element for attaching the panel to the or another building support, the second attachment element integrally formed with the outward facing element, projecting away therefrom, and being located at or adjacent to a second end of said outer surface, the first and second ends of the outer surface opposing each other.
18. A building-facade panel as claimed in claim 17, wherein the or each panel-fastening element comprises a barb at an end thereof to lock the panel to a building support via an interference fit.
19. A building-facade panel as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising an interlocking element at each end of the first and second attachment elements.
20. A method of constructing a building facade for a building, the method comprising the steps: a) providing a plurality of building-facade panels at an off-site location away from a site of the building, each building-facade panel having a panel body and a panel-fastening element which projects from the panel body; b) providing a building support at said off-site location; c) determining a desired pitch of the building panels on the building support according to a height of the panel body and a desired clearance between adjacent panel bodies; d) providing a plurality of receiving elements at the building support according to said desired pitch, each receiving element adapted to lockingly receive at least one panel-fastening element; e) attaching the building-facade panels to the building support via the panel-fastening elements received by the receiving elements; f) transporting said building support and attached building-facade panels to the building; and g) installing the building support and attached building-facade panels to the building. 10
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein each building facade panel is laterally interlocked with an adjacent building facade panel.
22. A method as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein each building facade panel has one part of a two-part releasable panel pivot at each end portion of building facade panel
23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein each building facade panel has one panel-fastening element at each end portion of the building facade panel.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein each receiving element is integrally formed with the building support.
25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein each receiving element is cut, stamped or punched into the building support.