IE20210198A2 - "A building" - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular building comprising a base frame (3) and a carcass (4) mounted on and secured to the base frame (3) with the base frame (3) forming an integral part of the building (1) with the carcass (4). The carcass (4) comprises a floor (6), a roof (8) and side and end walls (12,14) extending between the floor (6) and the roof (8). The base frame (3) comprises side members (35) joined by end members (37) and main cross-members (39) extending parallel to the end members (37) between the side members (35). Bores (49) extending through the cross-members (39) define at the respective opposite ends thereof sockets (48) which form receiving ports (47) for slideably engaging spigots (54) of carrier arms (45). Receiving openings (51) in the side members (35) accommodate the spigots (54) into the bores (49) of the main cross-members (39). Eye-brackets (58) at the proximal ends of the carrier arms (45) are provided for engaging connecting straps (67) from a lifting frame (60) for hoisting the building (1) by the base frame (3).

Description

“A building” The present invention relates to a building, and in particular, a transportable building which is suitable for transporting to and locating on a site. The invention also relates to a method for producing a building, and to a method for transporting a building.

Factory built buildings are becoming popular forms of buildings, both for providing living and office space. Such buildings are also used as buildings for plant, pumping stations, laundry and other such uses. Such buildings are required to be highly to weather resistant, and also to be weather sealed and heat insulated to a relatively high standard. Due to the fact that such buildings are constructed within a factory, the buildings are constructed within tolerance to a relatively high degree. However, a problem with such factory built buildings commonly arises in the transportation of such buildings where the buildings are being transferred from the factory to the site on which they are to finally stand. In general, such buildings are hoisted by a suitable hoist, for example, a crane or the like, from the floor of the factory onto a suitable transporting vehicle, and are then driven by road to the site in which they are to stand. The building is then transferred from the transporting vehicle onto the site on which it is to stand, by a suitable hoist, for example, a crane. In general, such factory built buildings are hoisted by attaching chains, ropes or belts of the hoisting apparatus to pre-formed anchor points on the roof of the building. This, results in a particular disadvantage, in that the roof and walls of the building must be constructed to an unnecessary high degree of strength, in order that the roof and walls of the building are capable of carrying the entire weight of the building. This, thus, results in unnecessary high costs being incurred in the construction of such 24/11/2021 buildings.

There is therefore a need for a building, a method for producing a building, and a method fortransporting a building which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a building, a method for constructing a building and a method fortransporting a building.

According to the invention there is provided a building comprising a base frame, and to a carcass mounted on and secured to the base frame, the carcass comprising a floor, a roof spaced apart above the floor, and a wall extending around the periphery of the floor and extending upwardly from the floor to the roof, the wall defining with the floor and the roof a hollow interior region adaptable for living therein, the base frame comprising an integral part of the building and being of construction and strength to support the building when located on the ground and during hoisting off the ground and transporting to a site, and the base frame comprising at least two receiving means for releasably receiving and engaging respective carrier arms configured for engaging hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building.

In one embodiment of the invention at least two carrier arms are provided, releasably engageable with respective ones of the receiving means.

Preferably, the base frame comprises at least three spaced apart receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, and advantageously, three corresponding carrier arms are provided for releasably engaging the respective receiving means. 24/11/2021 In another embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises at least four receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, and preferably, at least four carrier arms are provided for releasably engaging the respective receiving means.

Advantageously, the base frame comprises at least six receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, and preferably, at least six carrier arms are provided releasably engageable with the respective receiving means.

Preferably, one half of the receiving means are located spaced apart on one side of the base frame and the other half of the receiving means are located spaced apart on the other side of the base frame.

Preferably, one carrier arm is provided for each one of the receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention each receiving means comprises a receiving port, and preferably, each receiving port extends inwardly into the base frame.

In one embodiment of the invention each receiving means comprises a socket extending inwardly from the base frame.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm comprises an elongated spigot extending from the carrier arm configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means. Preferably, the spigot of each carrier arm extends longitudinally from the carrier arm. 24/11/2021 In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm comprises an abutment flange extending transversely therefrom adjacent a proximal end of the corresponding spigot, and preferably, the abutment flange is configured for determining the depth of insertion of the corresponding spigot into the corresponding receiving means. Advantageously, the abutment flange is configured for engaging the base frame adjacent the corresponding receiving means, and preferably, the abutment flange is engageable with the base frame around at least a portion of the periphery of the corresponding receiving means. io In one embodiment of the invention the spigot of each carrier arm is of one of square and rectangular cross-section, and the abutment flange extends upwardly from a top surface of the spigot, and outwardly from respective side surfaces of the spigot.

Preferably, the spigot of each carrier arm is slideable in the corresponding receiving means.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm terminates in a coupling bracket spaced apart from the corresponding abutment flange, the coupling bracket 20 being configured for connecting to a corresponding connecting means of hoisting apparatus. Preferably, each coupling bracket comprises an eye bracket.

In another embodiment of the invention a lifting frame is provided for carrying respective connecting means, the number of connecting means corresponding to the 25 number of carrier arms and/or coupling brackets, and being configured for 24/11/2021 connecting to the respective carrier arms and/or coupling brackets, the lifting frame being configured for coupling to a hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building off the ground.

In one embodiment of the invention each connecting means comprises one of a connecting chain, a connecting strap and a connecting rope, and advantageously, the lifting frame comprises a plurality of spaced apart anchor points for anchoring the respective connecting means to the lifting frame. Preferably, the number of anchor points corresponds to the number of receiving means. Preferably, the anchor points to define an area when viewed in plan, the area of which is substantially similar to an area in plan defined by the coupling brackets of the carrier arms when the carrier arms are fully engaged in the receiving means, or when the spigots of the carrier arms are fully engaged in the receiving means, so that when the lifting frame is above the building and vertically aligned therewith, the connecting means depend substantially downwardly from the anchor points of the lifting frame when connected to the coupling brackets of the respective carrier arms, and preferably, the connecting means extend substantially vertically downwardly from the anchor points of the lifting frame when connected to the coupling brackets of the carrier arms.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one fixing element is provided for fixing the base frame to the ground, and preferably, to a concreted area of the ground. Preferably, at least two fixing elements are provided, and advantageously, at least four fixing elements are provided.

In one embodiment of the invention each fixing element is configured for engaging a 24/11/2021 corresponding one of the receiving means, and preferably, each fixing element is configured for fixing to the ground by a corresponding suitable fixing means, for example, one or more masonry bolts.

In one embodiment of the invention each fixing element comprises a spigot for engaging the corresponding receiving means of the base frame.

In another embodiment of the invention a securing means is provided for securing the building on a transporting vehicle during transportation thereof, and preferably, 10 the securing means is engageable with a corresponding one of the receiving means in the base frame. Advantageously, a plurality of securing means are provided for engaging respective ones of the receiving means.

In another embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises a steel frame, and 15 preferably, the base frame comprises a structural steel frame, which advantageously, comprises structural steel members.

In one embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises a pair of elongated spaced apart side members joined at their respective opposite ends by elongated 20 spaced apart end members. Advantageously, the side and end members of the base frame comprise channel section steel.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one main cross-member extends between the respective side members substantially parallel to and spaced apart from 25 the end members, and advantageously, at least two parallel spaced apart main 24/11/2021 cross-members extend between the side members spaced apart from and parallel to the end members. Advantageously, at least three parallel spaced apart main crossmembers extend between the side members spaced apart from and parallel to the end members.

Preferably, each main cross-member is of hollow box section steel, and advantageously, each main cross member defines a corresponding one of the receiving means of the base frame, and preferably, each main cross-member defines a pair of the receiving means adjacent the opposite ends thereof.

Advantageously, the bore of each main cross-member adjacent the ends thereof define respective receiving ports of the receiving means.

In another embodiment of the invention the bore of each main cross-member adjacent the ends thereof defines respective sockets of the receiving means. 15 In another embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises a pair of elongated spaced apart side members joined at their respective opposite ends by elongated spaced apart end members, at least two parallel spaced apart elongated main cross-members extending between the side members spaced apart from and 20 parallel to the end members, each main cross-member comprising an elongated member of hollow box section steel and defining a pair of the receiving means adjacent the respective opposite ends thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention each receiving means comprises a corresponding receiving opening formed in the corresponding side member of the 24/11/2021 base frame communicating with the receiving port formed in the corresponding main cross-member.

In another embodiment of the invention a plurality of spaced apart parallel secondary 5 cross-members extend between the side members spaced apart from and parallel to the end members, preferably, the main cross-members are configured for supporting the floor of the carcass of the building thereon, and advantageously, the secondary cross-members are configured for supporting the floor of the carcass of the building thereon. io In another embodiment of the invention each secondary cross-member comprises steel material, and advantageously, steel material of Z transverse cross-section.

Advantageously, the base frame comprises a rectangular frame.

In another embodiment of the invention the wall of the carcass of the building comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls joined at their respective ends by spaced apart end walls. Preferably, the side walls extend parallel to each other, and the end walls extend parallel to each other, and advantageously, the end walls extend perpendicularly from the side walls.

In another embodiment of the invention the side and end walls comprise outer side and end walls of the building, and preferably, are clad with a waterproof and weatherproof cladding. Advantageously, the side and end walls comprise heat insulating material for insulating the hollow interior region defined by the carcass. 24/11/2021 In another embodiment of the invention the floor of the building comprises heat insulating material for heat insulating the hollow interior region of the carcass of the building.

In another embodiment of the invention the roof of the building comprises an external roof, and is of flat roof construction. Advantageously, the roof of the building comprises heat insulating material for heat insulating the hollow interior region of the carcass.

In one embodiment of the invention at least one access opening is provided in one of the side and end walls for providing access to the hollow interior region of the carcass of the building, and preferably, the at least one access opening is closed by a door.

In another embodiment of the invention at least two access openings are provided, one of the access openings being provided in one of the side walls of the building, and the other access opening being provided in the other side wall of the building or one of the end walls of the building.

Preferably, a plurality of windows are provided, and advantageously, at least one window is provided in the respective side walls, and advantageously, at least one window is provided in one of the end walls of the building, and advantageously, in both end walls of the building. 24/11/2021 In a further embodiment of the invention one or more partition walls extending between the floor and the roof within the hollow interior region of the carcass are provided for dividing the hollow interior region thereof into separated living spaces. Advantageously, an access opening is provided in each partition wall for communicating between two spaces on either side of the partition wall, and preferably, a door is provided for closing the corresponding access opening.

The invention also provides a method for producing a building, the method comprising forming a base frame, and constructing a carcass, and mounting and securing the carcass on the base frame, the carcass comprising a floor, a roof spaced apart above the floor and a wall extending around the periphery of the floor and extending upwardly from the floor to the roof, the wall defining with the floor and the roof a hollow interior region, the base frame being constructed to form an integral part of the building with the carcass, and being formed of construction and strength to support the building when located on the ground and during hoisting off the ground and transportation to a site, and the base frame comprises at least two receiving means for releasably receiving and engaging respective carrier arms configured for engaging hoisting apparatus.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier arms are provided, the number of carrier arms being provided corresponding to the number of receiving means, and preferably, the carrier arms are engaged in the respective receiving means and are coupled to a hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building.

In one embodiment of the invention at least two carrier arms are provided, releasably 24/11/2021 engageable with respective ones of the receiving means. Preferably, the base frame comprises at least three receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, and advantageously, three corresponding carrier arms are provided releasably engaged in the respective receiving means.

In another embodiment of the invention at least four receiving means are provided spaced apart around the base frame, and preferably, at least four carrier arms are releasably engaged in the respective receiving means. Advantageously, the base frame comprises at least six receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, 10 and preferably, at least six carrier arms are releasably engaged in the respective receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention each receiving means comprises a receiving port, and preferably, each receiving port extends inwardly into the base frame.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm comprises an elongated spigot extending from the carrier arm configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means. Preferably, the spigot of each carrier arm extends longitudinally from the carrier arm.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm comprises an abutment flange extending transversely therefrom adjacent a proximal end of the corresponding spigot, and preferably, the abutment flange is configured for engaging the base frame adjacent the corresponding receiving means, and advantageously, 25 the abutment flange is engageable with the base frame around at least a portion of 24/11/2021 the periphery of the corresponding receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention the spigot of each carrier arm is of one of square and rectangular cross-section, and the abutment flange extends upwardly from a top 5 surface of the spigot, and outwardly from respective side surfaces of the spigot.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm terminates in a coupling bracket spaced apart from the corresponding abutment flange, the coupling bracket being configured for connecting to a corresponding connecting means of hoisting 10 apparatus. Preferably, each coupling bracket comprises an eye bracket.

In another embodiment of the invention a lifting frame is provided for carrying respective connecting means, the number of connecting means corresponding to the number of the carrier arms or the number of the coupling brackets, and preferably, 15 the lifting frame is coupled to a hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building off the ground.

In one embodiment of the invention each connecting means comprises one of a connecting chain, a connecting belt and a connecting rope, and advantageously, the 20 lifting frame comprises a plurality of spaced apart anchor points, the connecting means being anchored to the respective anchor points of the lifting frame, and preferably, the connecting means are connected to the coupling brackets of the respective carrier arms. Preferably, the anchor points define an area when viewed in plan, the area of which is substantially similar to an area in plan defined by the 25 receiving means of the base frame so that the connecting means depend 24/11/2021 substantially downwardly from the anchor points when connected to the coupling brackets of the respective carrier arms, and preferably, the connecting means extend substantially vertically downwardly from the anchor points of the lifting frame when connected to the coupling brackets of the base frame.

In another embodiment of the invention the base frame is secured to the ground by at least one fixing element. Preferably, at least two fixing elements are provided, and advantageously, at least four fixing elements are provided.

In one embodiment of the invention each fixing element is engaged in a corresponding one of the receiving means, and preferably, each fixing element is fixed to the ground by a corresponding suitable fixing means, and preferably, for example, masonry bolts.

In another embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises a steel frame, and preferably, the base frame comprises a structural steel frame, which advantageously, comprises structural steel members.

In one embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises a pair of elongated spaced apart side members joined at their respective opposite ends by elongated spaced apart end members. Advantageously, the side and end members of the base frame comprise channel section steel.

Advantageously, the base frame comprises a rectangular frame. 24/11/2021 Further the invention provides a method for hoisting a building, the building comprising a base frame, and a carcass mounted on and secured to the base frame, the carcass comprising a floor, a roof spaced apart above the floor, and a wall extending around the periphery of the floor and extending upwardly from the floor to the roof, the wall defining with the floor and the roof a hollow interior region adaptable for living therein, the base frame comprising an integral part of the building and being of construction and strength to support the building when located on the ground and during hoisting off the ground and transporting to a site, and the base frame comprising at least two receiving means, the method comprising releasably engaging respective carrier arms in the receiving means, connecting the carrier arms to hoisting apparatus, and hoisting the building with the hoisting apparatus.

In one embodiment of the invention the building is hoisted from the ground, and preferably, is transferred onto a transporting vehicle. Preferably, when the building is lowered onto the transporting vehicle, the building is disconnected from the hoisting apparatus, and in one embodiment of the invention the carrier arms are disengaged from the receiving means of the base frame.

In a further embodiment of the invention the building is transported on the transporting vehicle to a site on which the building is to be located, and in another embodiment of the invention the building is connected to hoisting apparatus adjacent the site, and is hoisted from the transporting vehicle and transferred to the site at which the building is to be located by the hoisting apparatus. Preferably, the carrier arms are engaged in the receiving means while the building is located on the transporting vehicle, and prior to connecting to the hoisting apparatus for hoisting the 24/11/2021 building from the transporting vehicle.

In another embodiment of the invention the carrier arms are disengaged from the receiving means of the base frame when the building has been lowered onto the site 5 at which the building is to be located.

In one embodiment of the invention the hoist for hoisting the building from the transporting vehicle to the site is the same hoist which hoisted the building onto the transporting vehicle. io In another embodiment of the invention the hoist is located on the transporting vehicle.

In another embodiment of the invention the building is secured on the site by engaging fixing elements in at least one of the receiving means, and preferably, in at least two of the receiving means, and ideally, in all of the receiving means, and advantageously, the fixing elements are secured to the ground by a suitable fixing means, for example, masonry bolts.

In one embodiment of the invention at least two carrier arms are releasably engaged in respective ones of the receiving means. Preferably, the base frame comprises at least three receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, and advantageously, three corresponding carrier arms are releasably engaged in the respective receiving means. 24/11/2021 In another embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises at least four receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, and preferably, at least four carrier arms are releasably engaged in the respective receiving means.

Advantageously, the base frame comprises at least six receiving means spaced apart around the base frame, and preferably, at least six carrier arms are releasably engaged in the respective receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention each receiving means comprises a receiving port, and preferably, each receiving port extends inwardly into the base frame. io In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm comprises an elongated spigot extending from the carrier arm configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means. Preferably, the spigot of each carrier arm extends longitudinally from the carrier arm.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm comprises an abutment flange extending transversely therefrom adjacent a proximal end of the corresponding spigot, and preferably, the abutment flange is configured for engaging the base frame adjacent the corresponding receiving means, and advantageously, 20 for engaging the base frame around at least a portion of the periphery of the corresponding receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention the spigot of each carrier arm is of one of square and rectangular cross-section, and preferably, the spigot of each carrier arm is engaged in a corresponding one of the receiving means, and preferably, is urged 24/11/2021 into the corresponding receiving means until the abutment flange engages the base frame adjacent the receiving means.

Preferably, the abutment flange extends upwardly from a top surface of the spigot, 5 and outwardly from respective side surfaces of the spigot.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier arm terminates in a coupling bracket spaced apart from the corresponding abutment flange, the coupling bracket being configured for connecting to a corresponding connecting means of the hoisting 10 apparatus. Preferably, each coupling bracket comprises an eye bracket.

In another embodiment of the invention a lifting frame is provided for carrying respective connecting means, the number of connecting means corresponding to the number of coupling brackets, the lifting frame being configured for coupling to a hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building off the ground.

Preferably, each carrier arm comprises an elongated spigot extending from the carrier arm configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means, and an abutment flange extending transversely therefrom adjacent a proximal end of 20 the corresponding spigot, and each carrier arm terminates in a coupling bracket spaced apart from the corresponding abutment flange, and the spigot of each carrier arm is urged into the corresponding receiving means until the abutment flange engages the base frame adjacent the receiving means.

Advantageously, a lifting frame is provided carrying respective connecting means, 24/11/2021 the number of connecting means corresponding to the number of coupling brackets, the lifting frame being connected to the coupling brackets by the respective connecting means, and being coupled to the hoisting apparatus.

In one embodiment of the invention each connecting means comprises a connecting chain, and advantageously, the lifting frame comprises a plurality of spaced apart anchor points for anchoring the respective connecting means to the lifting frame. Preferably, the anchor points define an area when viewed in plan, the area of which is substantially similar to an area in plan defined by the coupling brackets of the carrier arms when the carrier arms are fully engaged in the receiving means of the base frame, so that when the lifting frame is above the building and vertically aligned therewith, and the connecting means depend substantially downwardly from the anchor points when connected to the coupling brackets of the respective carrier arms, and preferably, the connecting means extend substantially vertically downwardly from the anchor points of the lifting frame when connected to the coupling brackets of the base frame.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one fixing element for fixing the base frame to the ground is engaged in a corresponding one of the receiving means, and preferably, to a concreted area of the ground. Preferably, at least two fixing elements are provided, and advantageously, at least four fixing elements are provided.

The advantages of the invention are many. The building according to the invention 25 can be constructed and transported to the site on which it is to stand, and when 24/11/2021 lowered onto the site on which it is to stand, the only additional work which is required is to secure the building to the ground by the fixing elements. Once the building has been secured to the site by the fixing elements, the building is ready to be occupied.

A particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the carcass of the building is constructed on the base frame, which in turn forms an integral part of the building with the carcass. This achieves two important advantages. Firstly, once the building arrives at the site on which it is to stand, all that is required is to hoist the building from the transporting vehicle and lower it onto the site onto which it is to stand. No other work is required with respect to providing further frameworks or supports for the building when it arrives on site, nor is there any requirement to remove a base frame from the building. A second and particularly important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the base frame is configured for supporting the building on site during transportation thereof to the site and during hoisting of the building, and particularly, by virtue of the fact that the base frame is constructed for connecting to the hoisting apparatus by carrier arms engaged in receiving means of the framework, the load carrying capacity of the wall or walls of the building and the roof of the building can be significantly lower than in conventional factory built buildings, where the buildings are hoisted by attaching the hoist chains, ropes or belts to the roof frame of the building. In such conventional factory built buildings, the load carrying capacity of both the roof and the wall or walls of the building must be such as to support the entire building, including the base thereof. Additionally, once the building according to the invention is hoisted by the base framework, rather than the roof framework, once the 24/11/2021 building has been lowered onto the site on which it is to stand, no additional work is required apart from securing the building to the site by the fixing elements.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a building according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a plan view of a base frame of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of a detail of a wall of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a carrier arm and a portion of a base frame of the building of Fig. 1, 24/11/2021 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the carrier arm of Fig. 8 inserted into the portion of the base frame of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fixing element and a portion of the base frame of the building of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the fixing element engaged in the portion of the base frame of the building of Fig. 1, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the building of Fig. 1 being hoisted.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a building according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The building 1 is particularly suitable for use as, for example, a holiday home, a temporary office, or the like. Buildings according to the invention are also suitable for use as plant rooms, pumping stations, laundry rooms and other such uses. The building 1 and other buildings according to the invention are suitable for factory manufacture and subsequent transportation by road and/or by sea to a site on which the building is to stand. The interior and exterior of the building 1 can be completed in the factory, and then transported to the site ready for occupation.

The building 1 comprises a base frame 3 and a carcass 4 mounted on and secured to the base frame 3. The base frame 3 forms an integral part of the building 1 and is of construction and strength, as will be described below, to support the building when located on the ground, during hoisting off the ground, and during transportation 24/11/2021 to the site on which it is to ultimately stand. Before describing the base frame 3 in more detail, the carcass 4 will first be described.

The carcass 4 comprises a floor 6, a roof 8 spaced apart above the floor 6, and a 5 wall 10 extending around the periphery of the floor 6 and upwardly from the floor 6 to the roof 8. The wall 10 comprises a pair of spaced apart parallel side walls 12 joined at their respective opposite ends by a pair of parallel spaced apart end walls 14.

The end walls 14 extend perpendicularly from the side walls 12, and in this embodiment of the invention the floor 6 and the roof 8 are of rectangular shape when to viewed in plan. The side walls 12 and the end walls 14 define with the floor 6 and the roof 8 a hollow interior region which forms a living space 15 within the building 1. The side and end walls 12 and 14 support the roof 8 and comprise steel frameworks (not shown) of light gauge steel members (also not shown). Such steel frameworks of light gauge steel members will be known to those skilled in the art, and further 15 description of the steel frameworks of the side and end walls 12 and 14 should not be required.

Depending on the size of the building 1, one or more access openings are provided to the living space 15 through either one or both of the side walls 12, and/or one or 20 both of the end walls 14, or through one of the side walls 12 and one of the end walls 14. The one or more access openings are closed by corresponding suitable doors as will be well known to those skilled in the art. Windows are provided in some or both of the side walls 12 and some or both of the end walls 14 as in any conventional building. In the drawings an opening 17 is illustrated formed in one of 25 the side walls 12, into which a glazed frame (not shown) is fitted. The glazed frame 24/11/2021 in this case includes an entrance opening closed by a door (not shown) to one side of the opening 17, and the remainder of the glazed frame is closed by a doubleglazed glass panel (also not shown). The living space 15 may be divided into one or more rooms, and when so divided will be divided in conventional manner, typically with studded wall partitions. Access openings and doors will also be provided in the studded wall partitions as required.

Turning now to the construction of the side and end walls 12 and 14, and referring in particular to Fig. 7 which illustrates a cross-sectional view of a part of one of either to the side walls 12 or the end walls 14. The steel framework (not shown) forming each of the side walls 12 and the end walls 14 is internally lined with two layers of plaster wallboard 20 each of 12.5mm thick, and is externally lined with a 9mm wind stopper board 23. External cladding 25 is secured to the wind stopper board 23 by studs 28, which define with the cladding 25 and the wind stopper board 23, a drained and 15 ventilated cavity 30 of approximately 34mm width between the wind stopper board and the cladding 25. The cladding 25 comprises cement boards of fibre reinforced cement, which may be provided in the form of cladding panels or cladding planks. In the building 1 illustrated in the drawings, the cement boards are provided in the form of cladding planks 26. Such external cladding will be well known to those 20 skilled in the art. Cavities 31 formed between the wind stopper board 23 and the inner one of the two plaster wallboards 20 within the steel framework (not shown) of the side and end walls 12 and 14 are filled with heat insulating material 32. The construction of such exterior walls as those of the side and end walls 12 and 14 will also be known to those skilled in the art. 24/11/2021 The roof 8, in this embodiment of the invention comprises a flat roof with a pitch angle of approximately 1°. A suitable steel framework (not shown) also comprising light gauge steel members, is provided for supporting a roof platform, which in turn is weather sealed with a suitable weathering material, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises heat insulated metal decking 33. The roof 8 is fully sealed to the side and end walls 12 and 14 prior to leaving the factory, as are the side and end walls 12 and 14 likewise fully sealed to the floor 6. The floor 6 comprises two layers of plywood 34 with underneath heat insulating material. to Returning now to the base frame 3 and referring to Fig. 6, the base frame 3 comprises a pair of spaced apart parallel side members 35 joined at their respective ends 36 by a pair of parallel spaced apart end members 37 extending perpendicularly from the side members 35. The side and end members 35 and 37 are of channel section structural steel. In this embodiment of the invention two parallel spaced apart main cross members 39 which extend parallel to and are spaced apart from the end members 37, extend between and join the side members 35. The main cross-members 39 are of square cross-section hollow box section structural steel. A plurality of spaced apart parallel secondary cross-members 40, which are spaced apart from and are parallel to the end members 37 and the main cross-members 39, extend between and join the side members 35. The secondary cross-members 40 are of Z cross-section steel. Corner struts 42 extend between and join the side and end members 35 and 37 adjacent but spaced apart from respective corners 43 of the base frame 3 to rigidly reinforce the base frame 3.

The floor 6 of the carcass 4 is supported on and secured to the base frame 3 by 24/11/2021 securing the floor 6 to the main and secondary cross-members 39 and 40. The steel framework (not shown) of the side and end walls 12 and 14 of the carcass 4 is mounted on and secured to the side and end members 35 and 37 by suitable fixings (not shown).

Four receiving means, namely, four receiving ports 47 are provided in the base frame 3 for releasably receiving respective carrier arms 45, for in turn connecting to hoisting apparatus 46, as will be described below with reference to Fig. 12, for hoisting the building from the ground are provided in the base frame 3. One of the 10 receiving ports 47 and one of the carrier arms 45 is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. In this embodiment of the invention two of the receiving ports 47 are provided on one side of the base frame 3 and the other two are provided on the other side of the base frame 3. Each receiving port 47 is formed by a corresponding end of a corresponding one of the main cross members 39. Each receiving port 47 is formed 15 by a socket 48 which is defined by the square bore 49 of the corresponding main cross-member 39 adjacent the corresponding end 50 thereof. Receiving openings 51 corresponding to the receiving ports 47 are formed in the respective side members 35 of the base frame 3, and are aligned with the respective receiving ports 47 defined by the bores 49 adjacent the ends 50 of the main cross-members 39 for 20 accommodating the carrier arms 45 into the receiving ports 47.

Each carrier arm 45 comprises an elongated member 52 of square cross-section hollow box section steel material of outer transverse cross-section just less than the inner transverse cross-section of the bores 49 of the main cross-member 39. A 25 distal portion 53 of the carrier arm 45 defines an elongated spigot 54 of the same 24/11/2021 square transverse cross-section as that of the carrier arm 45, so that the spigot 54 is slideable in the corresponding receiving port 47. An abutment flange 55 extends partly around the carrier arm 45 adjacent a proximal end 56 of the spigot 54. The abutment flange 55 extends upwardly from the surface of the carrier arm 45 and outwardly on respective opposite sides of the carrier arm 45 for abutting the corresponding side member 35 of the base frame 3 when the spigot 54 has been fully engaged in the corresponding receiving port 47, and thereby determines the length of insertion of the spigot 54 into the receiving port 47. Each carrier arm 45 terminates adjacent its proximal end 57 in a coupling bracket, which in this to embodiment of the invention comprises an eye bracket 58. The eye brackets 58 are engageable with the hoisting apparatus 46 for hoisting the building 1 off the ground and for transferring the building 1 onto a low loader or other suitable transporting vehicle for transporting the building 1 to the site on which it is to stand.

The hoisting apparatus 46 comprises a lifting frame 60, see Fig. 12, for attaching to a hoist 62 for example, a mobile crane 62, a portion only of which is illustrated. The lifting frame 60 comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart side members 63 of Isection structural steel and a pair of parallel spaced apart cross-members 64 also of I-section structural steel extending between and joining the side members 63 and extending perpendicularly from the side members 63. Four spaced apart anchor points 65 provided by eye brackets 66 are located on the underside of the lifting frame 60 to which connecting means, in this embodiment of the invention connecting members, namely, connecting straps 67 are connected, and depend downwardly therefrom for connecting to the eye brackets 58 of the respective carrier arms 45.

Two of the eye brackets 66 of the anchor points 65 are located spaced apart on one 24/11/2021 of the side members 63, and the other two of the eye brackets 66 of the anchor points 65 are located correspondingly spaced apart on the other one of the side members 63. The four anchor points 65 are located adjacent corresponding joints of the cross-members 64 with the side members 63.

The anchor points 65 of the lifting frame 60 when viewed in plan define a rectangular area, the area of which is similar to the area defined by the eye brackets 58 of the carrier arms 45, when viewed in plan, when the spigots 54 of the carrier arms 45 are fully engaged in the receiving ports 47 of the base frame 3 with the abutment flanges 10 55 of the carrier arms 45 abutting the side members 35 of the base frame 3. In this embodiment of the invention the spacing between the eye bracket 58 from the abutment flange 55 of each carrier arm 45 is approximately 750mm, which is considerably in excess of the overhang of the roof 8 beyond the side and end walls 12 and 14. Accordingly, as can be seen in Fig. 12, when the connecting straps 67 15 depending downwardly from the lifting frame 60 are connected to the eye brackets of the carrier arms 45, as the building 1 is being hoisted, the connecting straps 67 depend substantially vertically downwardly from the lifting frame 60, and accordingly, there is no danger of the connecting straps 67 engaging any part of the side walls or the roof of the building 1, which would otherwise result in damage to the building 1.

Four fixing elements 70 engageable with the respective receiving ports 47 of the base frame 3 are provided for fixing and securing the building 1 to the ground on the site on which the building 1 is to be located. Each fixing element 70 comprises an engagement spigot 72 for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving ports 47 of 25 the base frame 3. A fixing bracket 73 located adjacent a proximal end 74 of the 24/11/2021 engagement spigot 72 comprises a fixing plate 75 of steel plate material having a bore 76 extending therethrough for accommodating a suitable fixing element, for example, a masonry bolt (not shown) or the like therethrough for securing the fixing element 70, and in turn the building 1 to the ground. Ideally, the building 1 will be 5 located on a concrete base, into which the masonry bolts (not shown) will be secured through the fixing plates 75 of the fixing elements 70.

In use, with the base frame 3 constructed, the carcass 4 is then constructed on the base frame 3, and is fully completed and sealed. Partition walls, if they are required to to divide the living space 15, are located and fixed within the carcass 4, and windows, as well as internal and external doors are also fitted to the carcass 4, so that the building 1 when located on site is ready to be occupied.

On completion of the building 1, the building 1 is hoisted onto a suitable transporting 15 vehicle. Initially, the four carrier arms 45 are inserted in the base frame 3 by engaging the spigots 54 thereof in the respective receiving ports 47 of the base frame 3. The lifting frame 60 with the connecting straps 67 secured to the eye brackets 66 thereof is attached to the hoist 62, and suspended over the building 1 with the eye brackets 66 of the anchor points 65 of the lifting frame 60 substantially 20 vertically aligned above the eye brackets 58 of the carrier arms 45 with the connecting straps 67 depending vertically downwardly from the eye brackets 66.

The connecting straps 67 are then secured to the eye brackets 58 of the carrier arms 45, and the building 1 is hoisted from the ground onto the transporting vehicle (not shown) by the hoist 62. 24/11/2021 With the building 1 located on the transporting vehicle, the connecting straps 67 are disconnected from the eye brackets 58 of the carrier arms 45. With the carrier arms 45 still inserted in the receiving ports 47 of the base frame 3, the building 1 is then secured to the transporting vehicle using the eye brackets 58 to secure the building 1 to suitable anchorages on the transporting vehicle. With the building 1 secured to the transporting vehicle, the building 1 is then transported on the vehicle to the site on which it is to be located. The building 1 is hoisted from the transporting vehicle and deposited onto the site in a similar manner to that in which it was hoisted onto the transporting vehicle by the hoist 62. When the building 1 is correctly positioned to on the site, the carrier arms 45 are disengaged from the receiving ports 47, and the base frame 3 is secured, typically, on a concrete platform by the fixing elements 70. The engagement spigots 72 of the fixing elements 70 are fully engaged in the corresponding receiving ports 47 with the fixing brackets 73 abutting the side members 35 of the base frame 3. Suitable fixings, for example, masonry bolts and the like extending through the bores 76 in the respective fixing plates 75 of the fixing elements 70 secure the fixing elements 70 to the ground, and in turn fix the building 1 to the ground.

The building 1 according to the invention may be constructed to be of any length and 20 width, provided the length and width thereof are within limitations permitted for road transportation of buildings. In longer buildings, it is envisaged that instead of two receiving ports 47 being provided on each side member 35 of the base frame 3, in some cases, three and four or more spaced apart receiving ports 47 may be provided in each side member of the base frame 3 for receiving and engaging a corresponding number of carrier arms 45 for hoisting of the building. In buildings 24/11/2021 where three receiving ports are provided on each side of the base frame, three main cross-members 39 would be provided to form the six receiving ports 47.

It is also envisaged that where a wider or a longer building is required than would be permitted under road transportation limitations, such a wider or longer building would be provided by providing two or more buildings according to the invention, which when lowered onto the site on which they are to be located would be located either or both side by side or end to end, and would be joined and connected with minimal additional work thereafter being required. io The building according to the invention may be used as a dwelling house, an office or may be used for any other purposes, for example, a plant room, a pumphouse of a pumping station, a laundry room, or for any other use.

It is also envisaged that the building could be provided in a manner whereby a number of buildings could be located one upon the other to form a multi-story building. In which case, it is envisaged that suitable stanchions, typically of structural steel would extend upwardly from the base frame of each building for engaging a corresponding base frame of the building located immediately above that building, and so on depending on the number of stories to which the building is to be constructed.

While the base frame has been described as comprising side and end members of channel cross-section, side and end members of any other cross-section, including box section, could be used. It will also be appreciated that the main and secondary 24/11/2021 cross-members may be of any other section, besides box section. However, in base frames where the main cross-members are not of box section, it is envisaged that each receiving means would be provided by a separate receiving means, for example, by a suitable elongated receiving socket extending inwardly from the corresponding side member of the base frame. Such a receiving socket could be provided by a piece of box section steel of an appropriate length for engaging the spigot of the corresponding carrier arm, and ideally, would be of length similar to the length of the spigot. Such a piece of box section would be welded directly onto the corresponding side member of the base frame and would extend inwardly therefrom.

An opening would be formed in the side member of the base frame to accommodate the spigot of the corresponding carrier arm therethrough into the box section. The box section forming the socket of the receiving port would be of internal transverse cross-section just greater than the external transverse cross-section of the spigot in order to facilitate sliding of the spigot of the carrier arm into the socket forming the receiving port. Needless to say, it will be appreciated that the spigots of the carrier arms may be of any suitable transverse cross-section, for example, circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, for example, hexagonal or octagonal, and in which case, it is envisaged that the internal transverse cross-section of the box section or other member forming the socket of the receiving port would be of a corresponding transverse cross-section but of slightly greater transverse cross-section than the transverse cross-section of the spigot.

It will also be appreciated that while it is desirable it is not essential that the walls, floor and roof of the building be heat insulated, and whether or not the walls, floor and roof of the building are heat insulated, will be dependent on the use to which the 24/11/2021 building is to be put. It will also be appreciated that the walls and roof of the building may be of any other suitable construction besides that described, and it is envisaged that instead of the walls and roof comprising steel frameworks, the walls and roof of the building may be of timber frame construction.

While the roof of the building according to the invention has been described as having an overhang around the building, while this is desirable, it is not essential. The roof may terminate adjacent the outer surface of the side and end walls.

Needless to say, any other suitable fixing elements besides the fixing elements described may be provided for securing the base frame and in turn the building to the ground. In some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the fixing elements may be of construction and shape to permit burying of a part of the fixing element in the ground, for example, casting in the concrete of the platform. In which case, it is envisaged that a spigot engageable with the corresponding receiving port of the base frame would be configured for securing to such a fixing element cast into the concrete platform on which the building is to stand.

It is also envisaged that in some embodiments of the building, it may not be necessary to secure the building to the ground, and in which cases, the fixing elements may be dispensed with.

Needless to say, the base frame may be of any other suitable construction besides that described. 24/11/2021 While the walls of the building have been described as being clad by cement board in the form of cladding planks, it is envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the walls of the building may be clad by any other suitable cladding, for example, by composite panels, such as metal decking, which may or may not be 5 heat insulated.

It will also be appreciated that the roof may be weatherproofed by other suitable roofing materials besides metal decking, and in cases where heat insulating of the building is not required, the roof may be clad in metal decking without heat 10 insulating.

It will also be appreciated that the floor of the building may be of any other suitable material besides plywood, and where the floor of the building is provided by plywood, it is not essential that two layers of plywood be used. Needless to say, other suitable 15 materials besides plywood or timber may be used in the construction of the floor of the building, and the material of the floor of the building will be determined by the use to which the building is to be put. For example, in the case of the building being used as a pumphouse for a pumping station, it is envisaged that the floor would be of metal, and typically, would be of metal plate material in order to support the pumps. Such a pumphouse may be used for pumping water, sewage, or indeed any liquid or fluid material.

While the connecting means for connecting the eye brackets of the carrier arms to the lifting frame have been described as comprising connecting straps, any other 25 suitable connecting means, for example, connecting chains, ropes or the like may be provided. Needless to say, any suitable hoisting apparatus may be provided.

While the carcass of the building has been described as being completed and in a walk-in state when lowered onto the site at which it is to be located, it is envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the building may be supplied with parts of the interior of the carcass still to be completed when placed on the site, for example, various decorative features may be left to be completed after the building has been located on the site.

Claims (114)

1. A building comprising a base frame, and a carcass mounted on and secured to the base frame, the carcass comprising a floor, a roof spaced apart above the floor, and a wall extending around the periphery of the floor and extending upwardly 5 from the floor to the roof, the wall defining with the floor and the roof a hollow interior region adaptable for living therein, the base frame comprising an integral part of the building and being of construction and strength to support the building when located on the ground and during hoisting off the ground and transporting to a site, and the base frame comprising at least two receiving means for releasably receiving and to engaging respective carrier arms configured for engaging hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building.

2. A building as claimed in Claim 1 in which the base frame comprises at least three spaced apart receiving means spaced apart around the base frame.

3. A building as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the base frame comprises at least four receiving means spaced apart around the base frame.

4. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which one half of the 20 receiving means are located spaced apart on one side of the base frame and the other half of the receiving means are located spaced apart on the other side of the base frame.

5. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which one of the carrier arms 25 is provided for each of the receiving means. 24/11/2021

6. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which each receiving means comprises a receiving port. 5

7. A building as claimed in Claim 6 in which each receiving port extends inwardly into the base frame.

8. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which each receiving means comprises a socket extending inwardly from the base frame. io

9. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which each carrier arm comprises an elongated spigot extending from the carrier arm configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means. 15

10. A building as claimed in Claim 9 in which the spigot of each carrier arm extends longitudinally from the carrier arm.

11. A building as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which each carrier arm comprises an abutment flange extending transversely therefrom adjacent a proximal end of the 20 corresponding spigot for determining the depth of insertion of the spigot into the receiving means.

12. A building as claimed in Claim 11 in which the abutment flange is configured for engaging the base frame adjacent the corresponding receiving means. 24/11/2021

13. A building as claimed in Claim 11 or 12 in which each carrier arm terminates in a coupling bracket spaced apart from the corresponding abutment flange, the coupling bracket being configured for connecting to a corresponding connecting means of hoisting apparatus.

14. A building as claimed in Claim 13 in which each coupling bracket comprises an eye bracket.

15. A building as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 14 in which the spigot of each to carrier arm is slideably engageable in the corresponding receiving means.

16. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which the base frame comprises a steel frame. 15

17. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which the base frame comprises a pair of elongated spaced apart side members joined at their respective opposite ends by elongated spaced apart end members.

18. A building as claimed in Claim 17 in which the side and end members of the 20 base frame comprise channel section steel.

19. A building as claimed in Claim 17 or 18 in which at least one main crossmember extends between the respective side members substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the end members. 24/11/2021

20. A building as claimed in Claim 19 in which at least two of the main crossmembers are spaced apart and parallel to each other and extend between the side members spaced apart from and parallel to the end members. 5

21. A building as claimed in Claim 19 or 20 in which each main cross-member is of hollow box section steel.

22. A building as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 21 in which each main cross member defines a corresponding one of the receiving means of the base frame. io

23. A building as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 22 in which each main crossmember defines a pair of the receiving means adjacent the respective opposite ends thereof. 15

24. A building as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 23 in which a bore of each main cross-member adjacent the ends thereof defines the respective receiving means.

25. A building as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 24 in which the bore of each main cross-member adjacent the ends thereof defines respective sockets of the 20 receiving means.

26. A building as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 25 in which a receiving opening is formed in a corresponding one of the side members of the base frame communicating with the receiving means formed in the corresponding main cross- 25 member. 24/11/2021

27. A building as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 26 in which a plurality of spaced apart parallel secondary cross-members extend between the side members spaced apart from and parallel to the end members.

28. A building as claimed in Claim 27 in which the main cross-members or the secondary cross-members, or both, are configured for supporting the floor of the carcass thereon. to

29. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which the base frame comprises a rectangular frame.

30. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least one fixing element is provided for fixing the base frame to the ground.

31. A building as claimed in Claim 30 in which each fixing element is configured for securing the base frame to a concreted area of the ground.

32. A building as claimed in Claim 30 or 31 in which at least four fixing elements 20 are provided.

33. A building as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 32 in which each fixing element is configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means. 25

34. A building as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 33 in which each fixing element 24/11/2021 comprises a spigot for engaging the corresponding receiving means of the base frame.

35. A building as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 34 in which each fixing element 5 is configured for fixing to the ground by a corresponding fixing means.

36. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which a lifting frame is provided for carrying respective connecting means, the number of connecting means corresponding to the number of carrier arms, and being configured for connecting to to the respective carrier arms, the lifting frame being configured for coupling to hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building.

37. A building as claimed in Claim 36 in which each connecting means comprises one of a connecting chain, a connecting belt and a connecting rope.

38. A building as claimed in Claim 36 or 37 in which the lifting frame comprises a plurality of spaced apart anchor points for anchoring the respective connecting means to the lifting frame, the number of anchor points corresponding to the number of receiving means of the base frame.

39. A building as claimed in Claim 38 in which the anchor points define an area when viewed in plan, the area of which is substantially similar to an area in plan defined by the coupling brackets of the carrier arms when the carrier arms are fully engaged in the receiving means, so that when the lifting frame is located above the 25 building and vertically aligned therewith, the connecting means depend substantially 24/11/2021 vertically downwardly from the anchor points of the lifting frame when connected to the coupling brackets of the carrier arms.

40. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which a securing means is 5 provided for securing the building on a transporting vehicle during transportation thereof.

41. A building as claimed in Claim 40 in which the securing means is engageable with a corresponding one of the receiving means in the base frame. io

42. A building as claimed in Claim 40 or 41 in which a plurality of securing means are provided for engaging respective ones of the receiving means.

43. A building as claimed in any preceding in which the wall of the carcass of the 15 building comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls joined at their respective ends by spaced apart end walls.

44. A building as claimed in Claim 43 in which the side walls extend parallel to each other, and the end walls extend parallel to each other.

45. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which the wall of the carcass comprises heat insulating material for insulating the hollow interior region defined by the carcass. 25

46. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which the floor of the building 24/11/2021 comprises heat insulating material for heat insulating the hollow interior region defined by the carcass.

47. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which the roof of the building 5 comprises an external roof of flat roof construction.

48. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which the roof of the building comprises heat insulating material for heat insulating the hollow interior region defined by the carcass. io

49. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least one access opening is provided in the wall of the carcass for providing access to the hollow interior region thereof. 15

50. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which a plurality of windows are provided in the wall of the carcass.

51. A building as claimed in any preceding claim in which one or more partition walls extending between the floor and the roof within the hollow interior region of the 20 carcass are provided for dividing the hollow interior region thereof into separated living spaces.

52. A method for producing a building, the method comprising forming a base frame, and constructing a carcass and mounting and securing the carcass on the 25 base frame, the carcass comprising a floor, a roof spaced apart above the floor and 24/11/2021 a wall extending around the periphery of the floor and extending upwardly from the floor to the roof, the wall defining with the floor and the roof a hollow interior region, the base frame being constructed to form an integral part of the building with the carcass, and being formed of construction and strength to support the building when 5 located on the ground and during hoisting off the ground and transportation to a site, and the base frame comprising at least two receiving means for releasably receiving and engaging respective carrier arms configured for engaging hoisting apparatus.

53. A method as claimed in Claim 52 in which the carrier arms are provided, the to number of carrier arms corresponding to the number of receiving means.

54. A method as claimed in Claim 52 or 53 in which the carrier arms are engaged in the respective receiving means and are coupled to a hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building.

55. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 54 in which at least four receiving means are provided spaced apart around the base frame.

56. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 55 in which one half of the 20 receiving means are located spaced apart on one side of the base frame and the other half of the receiving means are located spaced apart on the other side of the base frame.

57. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 56 in which one of the carrier 25 arms is provided for each of the receiving means. 24/11/2021

58. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 57 in which each receiving means comprises a receiving port. 5

59. A method as claimed in Claim 58 in which each receiving port extends inwardly into the base frame.

60. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 59 in which each receiving means comprises a socket extending inwardly from the base frame, io

61. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 60 in which each carrier arm comprises an elongated spigot extending from the carrier arm configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means. 15

62. A method as claimed in Claim 61 in which the spigot of each carrier arm extends longitudinally from the carrier arm.

63. A method as claimed in Claim 61 or 62 in which each carrier arm comprises an abutment flange extending transversely therefrom adjacent a proximal end of the 20 corresponding spigot for determining the depth of insertion of the spigot into the receiving means.

64. A method as claimed in Claim 63 in which the abutment flange is configured for engaging the base frame adjacent the corresponding receiving means. 24/11/2021

65. A method as claimed in Claim 63 or 64 in which each carrier arm terminates in a coupling bracket spaced apart from the corresponding abutment flange, the coupling bracket being configured for connecting to a corresponding connecting means of hoisting apparatus.

66. A method as claimed in Claim 65 in which each coupling bracket comprises an eye bracket.

67. A method as claimed in any of Claims 61 to 66 in which the spigot of each 10 carrier arm is of one of square and rectangular transverse cross-section.

68. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 67 in which the base frame comprises a steel frame. 15

69. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 68 in which the base frame comprises a pair of elongated spaced apart side members joined at their respective opposite ends by elongated spaced apart end members.

70. A method as claimed in Claim 69 in which the side and end members of the 20 base frame comprise channel section steel.

71. A method as claimed in Claim 69 or 70 in which at least one main crossmember extends between the respective side members substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the end members. 24/11/2021

72. A method as claimed in Claim 71 in which at least two of the main crossmembers spaced apart and parallel to each other extend between the side members spaced apart from and parallel to the end members. 5

73. A method as claimed in Claim 71 or 72 in which each main cross-member is of hollow box section steel.

74. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 73 in which each main cross member defines a corresponding one of the receiving means of the base frame, io

75. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 74 in which each main crossmember defines a pair of receiving means adjacent the respective opposite ends thereof. 15

76. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 75 in which a bore of each main cross-member adjacent the ends thereof define the respective receiving means.

77. A method as claimed in Claim 76 in which the bore of each main crossmember adjacent the respective ends thereof defines respective sockets of the 20 receiving means.

78. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 77 in which each receiving means comprises a corresponding receiving opening formed in the corresponding side member of the base frame communicating with the receiving means formed in 25 the corresponding main cross-member. 24/11/2021

79. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 78 in which a plurality of spaced apart parallel secondary cross-members extend between the side members spaced apart from and parallel to the end members.

80. A method as claimed in Claim 79 in which the main cross-members and/or the secondary cross-members, or both, are configured for supporting the floor of the carcass thereon. to

81. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 80 in which the base frame comprises a rectangular frame.

82. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 81 in which at least one fixing element is provided for fixing the base frame to the ground.

83. A method as claimed in Claim 82 in which the fixing element is configured for securing the base frame to a concreted area of the ground.

84. A method as claimed in Claim 82 or 83 in which at least four fixing elements 20 are provided.

85. A method as claimed in any of Claims 82 to 84 in which each fixing element is configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means. 25

86. A method as claimed in any of Claims 82 to 85 in which each fixing element 24/11/2021 comprises a spigot for engaging the corresponding receiving means of the base frame.

87. A method as claimed in any of Claims 82 to 86 in which each fixing element 5 is configured for fixing to the ground by a corresponding fixing means.

88. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 87 in which a lifting frame is provided for carrying respective connecting means, the number of connecting means corresponding to the number of carrier arms, and being configured for connecting to to the respective carrier arms, the lifting frame being configured for coupling to a hoisting apparatus for hoisting the building.

89. A method as claimed in Claim 88 in which each connecting means comprises one of a connecting chain, a connecting strap and a connecting rope.

90. A method as claimed in Claim 88 or 89 in which the lifting frame comprises a plurality of spaced apart anchor points for anchoring the respective connecting means to the lifting frame, the number of anchor points corresponding to the number of receiving means of the base frame.

91. A method as claimed in Claim 90 in which the anchor points define an area when viewed in plan, the area of which is substantially similar to an area in plan defined by the coupling brackets of the carrier arms when the carrier arms are fully engaged in the receiving means, so that when the lifting frame is located above the 25 building and vertically aligned therewith, the connecting means depend substantially 24/11/2021 vertically downwardly from the anchor points of the lifting frame when connected to the coupling brackets of the carrier arms.

92. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 91 in which a securing means is 5 provided for securing the building on a transporting vehicle during transportation thereof.

93. A method as claimed in Claim 92 in which the securing means is engageable with a corresponding one of the receiving means in the base frame. io

94. A method as claimed in Claim 92 or 93 in which a plurality of securing means are provided for engaging respective ones of the receiving means.

95. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 94 in which the wall of the 15 carcass of the building comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls joined at their respective ends by spaced apart end walls.

96. A method as claimed in Claim 95 in which the side walls extend parallel to each other, and the end walls extend parallel to each other.

97. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 96 in which the wall of the carcass comprises heat insulating material for insulating the hollow interior region defined by the carcass. 25

98. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 97 in which the floor of the 24/11/2021 building comprises heat insulating material for heat insulating the hollow interior region defined by the carcass.

99. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 98 in which the roof of the 5 building comprises an external roof of flat roof construction.

100. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 99 in which the roof of the building comprises heat insulating material for heat insulating the hollow interior region defined by the carcass. io

101. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 100 in which at least one access opening is provided in the wall of the carcass for providing access to the hollow interior region of the carcass. 15

102. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 101 in which a plurality of windows are provided in the wall of the carcass.

103. A method as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 102 in which one or more partition walls extending between the floor and the roof within the hollow interior 20 region of the carcass are provided for dividing the hollow interior region thereof into separated living spaces.

104. A method for hoisting a building, the building comprising a base frame and a carcass mounted on and secured to the base frame, the carcass comprising a floor, 25 a roof spaced apart above the floor, and a wall extending around the periphery of the 24/11/2021 floor and extending upwardly from the floor to the roof, the wall defining with the floor and the roof a hollow interior region adaptable for living therein, the base frame comprising an integral part of the building and being of construction and strength to support the building when located on the ground and during hoisting off the ground 5 and transporting to a site, and the base frame comprising at least two receiving means, the method comprising releasably engaging respective carrier arms in the receiving means, connecting the carrier arms to hoisting apparatus, and hoisting the building with the hoisting apparatus. 10

105. A method as claimed in Claim 104 in which the building is hoisted from the ground, and is lowered onto a transporting vehicle, and is disconnected from the hoisting apparatus.

106. A method as claimed in Claim 104 or 105 in which the carrier arms are 15 disengaged from the receiving means of the base frame.

107. A method as claimed in Claim 105 or 106 in which the building is transported on the transporting vehicle to a site on which the building is to be located. 20

108. A method as claimed in Claim 107 in which the building is hoisted from the transporting vehicle and transferred to the site at which the building is to be located by the hoisting apparatus with the carrier arms engaged in the receiving means and the hoisting apparatus connected to the carrier arms. 25

109. A method as claimed in Claim 108 in which the carrier arms are disengaged 24/11/2021 from the receiving means of the base frame when the building has been lowered onto the site at which the building is to be located, the building is secured on the site by engaging a fixing element in at least one of the receiving means. 5

110. A method as claimed in Claim 109 in which at least two of the fixing elements are engaged in the receiving means.

111. A method as claimed in Claim 109 or 110 in which the fixing elements are secured to the ground by a fixing means. io

112. A method as claimed in any of Claims 104 to 111 in which each carrier arm comprises an elongated spigot extending from the carrier arm configured for engaging a corresponding one of the receiving means, and an abutment flange extending transversely therefrom adjacent a proximal end of the corresponding 15 spigot, and each carrier arm terminates in a coupling bracket spaced apart from the corresponding abutment flange, and the spigot of each carrier arm is urged into the corresponding receiving means until the abutment flange engages the base frame adjacent the receiving means. 20

113. A method as claimed in Claim 112 in which a lifting frame is provided carrying respective connecting means, the number of connecting means corresponding to the number of coupling brackets, the lifting frame being connected to the coupling brackets by corresponding ones of the connecting means and being coupled to the hoisting apparatus. 24/11/2021

114. A method as claimed in Claim 113 in which the lifting frame comprises a plurality of spaced apart anchor points for anchoring the respective connecting means to the lifting frame, the anchor points defining an area when viewed in plan, the area of which is substantially similar to an area in plan defined by the coupling 5 brackets of the carrier arms when the carrier arms are fully engaged in the receiving means of the base frame, so that when the lifting frame is located above the building and vertically aligned therewith, and when the connecting means are connected to the corresponding coupling brackets of the respective carrier arms, the connecting means depend substantially vertically downwardly from the anchor points.