NZ543030A

NZ543030A - Cavity wall system

Info

Publication number: NZ543030A
Application number: NZ543030A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: James Gleeson; Jesper G Jensen; Joseph Emmanuel Zarb
Original assignee: James Hardie Int Finance Bv
Priority date: 2004-10-14
Filing date: 2005-10-14
Publication date: 2006-04-28
Also published as: MX2007004604A; WO2006039762A1; EP1809826A1; CA2584203A1; US20080104918A1

Abstract

A cavity wall system and a method of forming a cavity wall including: a wall structure; a plurality of outer wall cladding panels; and a plurality of discrete mounting elements for mounting the cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall structure so as to form a substantially flat exterior wail surface and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure; the mounting elements being sized and arranged so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow throughout the cavity; and the system further including moisture control means defining a moisture control plane to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure. The invention also provides a mounting member and a termination member for use as mounting elements in the cavity wall system and method.

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> 14. Oct. 2005 15:42 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 5 •§^303 0 *10049844899* Patent No. 5 Our Ref: 43256NZP00 Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION CAVITY WALL SYSTEM I/We, James Hardie intemationai Finance B.V., a body corporate organised under the laws of The Netherlands of Atrium, 8th Floor, Strawinskylaan 3077,1077 ZX Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS hereby declare the invention, for which l/we pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement- Total Fee Paid; NZ$250.DO - by Direct Debit (as per covering letter) IPONZ H OCT 2005 600710177_1 .DOC/BB58 14. Oct. 2005 15:42 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 6 -1- title: "Cavity Wall System" field of the invention The present invention relates to a building system and method of construction of the type providing a wall cavity and a monolithic surface finish. 5 The invention has been developed primarily for use in the construction of domestic dwellings.. However, it will be appreciated the that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, being readily adaptable to commercial, industrial and other forms of building construction. background to the invention l o The following discussion of the prior art is intended to place the invention in an appropriate technical context and enable the advantages of it to be fully understood. However, these references should not be construed as an admission that any such art is well known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. Modern residential housing construction is typically in the form of full 15 masonry, timber framing with attached cladding, or a combination of masonry and timber framing such as brick veneer. Masonry construction in exterior walls may take the form of solid single skin masonry such as concrete, stone or brickwork, or multi-skin masonry such as double brick or cavity brick construction. Multi-skin masonry has the advantage of providing a gap to separate the capillary moisture 20 transfer from one skin to the other. It also allows for water drainage through the provision of weepholes and flashing at horizontal junctions, at openings and at the base of the wall to divert the water to the outside of the building. Multi-skin masonry also provides superior thermal installation characteristics. Timber frame construction with attached cladding has been used extensively, 25 particularly in areas of extensive natural and plantation timber. In such situations, wood products are often also used for cladding, in the form of weatherboards or 14.Oct. 2005 15:43 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 1 -2- timber siding. More recently, alternative materials to wood have been used for cladding such as profiled metal, plastic and fibre cement. Foamed plastics such as EPS (expanded polystyrene) have been used as cladding substrates over which texture coatings and reinforcing mesh are incorporated to produce the desired 5 monolithic finish. Cladding systems incorporating EPS as a texture substrate are commonly known as EIFS (exterior insulated finish system). More recently EIFS systems have incorporated improved methods for managing moisture that may penetrate the exterior finish, for example around window openings and wall connections. One such method involved the inclusion of a drainage plane material 10 such as building wrap between the frame or sheathing and the EPS substrate panel, which provides an improvement on bonding the EPS directly to the sheathing. A further improvement was to profile the back of the foam substrate panel or install battens prior to panel installation, so as to provide a space for water drainage and potentially ventilation. 15 The increasing trend in developed countries around the world is to provide greater control over the interior environments of buildings to enhance comfort levels for human habitation. Further to this trend, the global impetus to control greenhouse gas emissions has led to increasing levels of energy efficiency being adopted or mandated by building and town planning regulators. Increased energy efficiency 20 generally involves increased levels of insulation and sealing of walls, so as to isolate more effectively the interior dwelling space of buildings from the external environment. This trend toward improved insulation has tended to dictate more extensive use of construction techniques involving wall cavities, in conjunction with improved 25 insulation materials such as flexible cavity lining membranes or building wraps. While providing greater energy efficiency, however, these techniques have given rise to new difficulties, particularly in terms of water management, moisture control and drainage in wall cavities because historically, the complicating factors associated with insulation membranes and building wraps did not arise. More particularly, it 30 will be appreciated that if moisture is able to penetrate the external envelope of the building and then permeate the internal timber framing, either as a result of 14. Oct. 2005 15:43 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 8 -3- inadequate design or faulty construction, and the framing is unable to dry relatively quickly, it can require costly corrective maintenance. If left unchecked, this can lead to wood rot and accelerated structural deterioration. This problem is particularly significant in areas of high rainfall or high humidity, especially if in conjunction with 5 strong winds. In parallel with the tendency toward improved energy efficiency, and the concomitant need for more effective water management in new construction techniques, there has been an architectural trend toward a monolithic masonry style of external appearance in domestic dwellings, while retaining the design flexibility 10 and cost effectiveness of timber frame and cladding construction. To this end, one known construction technique involves attaching a cement or fibre cement sheet material to a timber frame, over a pliable building membrane or building wrap. Intermediate layers of saxking or building paper, as well as bracing panels, insulating panels, fire rating panels, and the like may additionally or 15 alternatively be included. A textured or rendered finish is then applied to the fibre cement sheet substrate, so as to create an effectively continuous monolithic appearance similar to that of rendered brickwork. The render may optionally be paint finished to a desired colour or surface texture. Such techniques have been relatively successful in providing the desired aesthetics and architectural flexibility in 20 a cost-effective manner. Hitherto, however, they have either not provided a significant wall cavity and have therefore afforded sub-optimal insulation characteristics, or have not provided significant water management functionality within the wall cavities. These techniques have therefore been compromised either in terms of energy efficiency, durability under adverse environmental conditions, or 25 both, particularly in the event of substandard workmanship which is widely prevalent in the building industry. In many cases, previously known techniques are also compromised aesthetically because the joints between cladding panels are highly visible and are therefore unable to convey a convincing visual impression of monolithic masonry construction. 14. Oct. 2005 15:44 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. 9 -4 - It is an object of the present invention to provide a building system and method of construction that overcomes one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative. disclosure of the invention 5 Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a cavity wall system including: a wall structure; a plurality of outer wall cladding panels;, a plurality of discrete mounting elements for mounting the cladding panels a 10 predetermined distance away from the wall Structure so as to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially interrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall stritt! the mounting elements being si^ed and arranged so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow throughput the cavity; and 15 the system further including moisture control. means defining a moisture control plane to minimise mjtgr^uon of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure. According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a cavity wall, said methpd including the steps of: 20 forming a wal/strjacture; providing atflurdlity of outer wall cladding panels; and mounting Hie/cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall structure with k plurality of discrete mounting elements to form a substantially flat exterior wal]/sujiace and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between 25 the cladding panels and the wall structure; sizmg /and arranging the mounting elements so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow throughout the cavity; and /providing moisture control means to define a moisture control plane adapted to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 It is an object of the present invention to provide a building system and method of construction that overcomes one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 5 Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a cavity wall system including: a wall structure; a plurality of outer wall cladding panels; and a plurality of discrete mounting members for mounting the cladding panels a 10 predetermined distance away from the wall structure so as to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure; the mounting members being sized and arranged, such that, when installed, each mounting member is in spaced apart relationship both vertically and 15 horizontally with respect to the other mounting members, so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow in any direction throughout the cavity around the mounting members; and the system further including moisture control means defining a moisture control plane to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall 20 structure. According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a cavity wall, said method including the steps of: forming a wall structure; providing a plurality of outer wall cladding panels; and 25 mounting the cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall structure with a plurality of discrete mounting members to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure; 14. Oct. 2005 15:44 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. 10 -5- According to third aspect, the invention provides/a cavity wall formed in accordance with the method of the second aspect of the invention as described above. In one preferred embodiment of the invention^ th6 wall structure is formed from concrete or masonry, and the moisture control/plane is formed by a coating of 5 sealant or moisture resistant paint on the cavity sid6 of the structure. In a variation of this embodiment, a relatively dense or moistures-impervious concrete or other formulation is used for the wall structure itself, such that an additional coating of sealant or paint is not required. In a further preferred variation, a pliable building membrane is used to cover and seal the wall structure, and in this case, the membrane 10 itself forms the moisture control plane. In an alternative and particular# preferred embodiment, the wall structure is formed from a timber frame, ana the moisture control plane is formed by a substantially waterproof pliable building membrane that is preferably permeable to moisture vapour, or a plurality/of/overlapping membranes, covering the outer or 15 cavity side of the frame. The/membrane or membranes are preferably breathable or permeable to water vapour, to enable the underlying frame to dry in the event that it does become damp or wet^s ^/result of water or moisture ingress. It will be appreciate^that in each of these embodiments, the moisture control means defining the moisture control plane may take the form of a separate coating, 20 covering, layering ot membrane, whether individual or composite in nature, or may be inherent in the/composition of the wall structure itself. In any case, the moisture control plane serve/ to redirect liquid water within the cavity downwardly for easy escape to the outside of the structure individually or in combination with flashings, while permitting migration of water in vapour form through the moisture control 25 plane so asto facilitate drying of the underlying wall structure. p/eferably also, the membrane includes an outer reflective surface, or a suppJ^m^iitaiy sacking membrane having a reflective outer surface is provided, to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the wall. In situations where rimum thermal insulation is required, outwardly directed reflective surfaces are AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -5- sizing and arranging the mounting members, such that, when installed, each mounting member is in spaced apart relationship both vertically and horizontally with respect to the other mounting members, so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow in any direction throughout the cavity around the mounting 5 members; and providing moisture control means to define a moisture control plane adapted to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure. According to third aspect, the invention provides a cavity wall formed in accordance with the method of the second aspect of the invention as described above. 10 In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the wall structure is formed from concrete or masonry, and the moisture control plane is formed by a coating of sealant or moisture resistant paint on the cavity side of the structure. In a variation of this embodiment, a relatively dense or moisture-impervious concrete or other formulation is used for the wall structure itself, such that an additional coating of 15 sealant or paint is not required. In a further preferred variation, a pliable building membrane is used to cover and seal the wall structure, and in this case, the membrane itself forms the moisture control plane. In an alternative and particularly preferred embodiment, the wall structure is formed from a timber frame, and the moisture control plane is formed by a 20 substantially waterproof pliable building membrane that is preferably permeable to moisture vapour, or a plurality of overlapping membranes, covering the outer or cavity side of the frame. The membrane or membranes are preferably breathable or permeable to water vapour, to enable the underlying frame to dry in the event that it does become damp or wet as a result of water or moisture ingress. 25 It will be appreciated that in each of these embodiments, the moisture control means defining the moisture control plane may take the form of a separate coating, covering, layering or membrane, whether individual or composite in nature, or may be inherent in the composition of the wall structure itself. In any case, the moisture control plane serves to redirect liquid water within the cavity downwardly for easy 30 escape to the outside of the structure individually or in combination with flashings, AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 - 5a - while permitting migration of water in vapour form through the moisture control plane so as to facilitate drying of the underlying wall structure. Preferably also, the membrane includes an outer reflective surface, or a supplementary sarking membrane having a reflective outer surface is provided, to 5 enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the wall. In situations where maximum thermal insulation is required, outwardly directed reflective surfaces are 14. Oct. 2005 15:45 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. -6- applied to both the cavity side of the cladding panels and the cavity side of the wall structure, using suitable paints, coatings, sarkings and/or membrane materials. Preferably, supplementary spacers are included to maintain the internal wall cavity between the pliable building membrane and the cladding panels, and to reduce 5 wind-induced movement of the membrane, particularly between the framing members. Advantageously, these supplementary spacers minimise any "flapping" of the membrane under high or variable wind conditions. Preferably, a lower periphery of the cavity includes an opening to permit drainage of liquid from the cavity and venting of the cavity. Preferably, an upper 10 periphery of the cavity includes a vent that permits venting of the cavity. Preferably, the exterior wall surface defined by the cladding panels constitutes a substrate supporting at least one outer finishing layer. Preferably, the outer finishing layer conceals the edges between adjacent cladding panels and any exposed portions of the mounting elements to provide a monolithic finish over the exterior 15 wall surface. More preferably, the outer finishing layer is applied by rendering or textured coating, and is optionally sealed, primed, painted or a combination thereof to produce an outer surface finish resembling that of monolithic masonry construction. In the preferred embodiment, the cladding panels are formed substantially from 20 fibre cement sheet. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of each cladding panel is preferably coated with an outer finishing layer such as render or paint, and the interior surface of each cladding panel is preferably covered with a carbonation reducing coating, so as to reduce differential carbonation within the fibre cement panel. Alternatively, the substrate panels can be formed from other materials such as 25 EPS, of sufficient strength and thickness to span between the respective mounting elements. Preferably, the exterior wall surface is coated with a sub-layer of render, a reinforcing mesh layer over the sub-layer, and an external finishing layer over the reinforcing layer. 14. Oct. 2005 15:45 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED Jo. 1 086 P. 12 -7 Preferably, the mounting elements include both /hioiSnting members and termination members. These members can be formed from materials of sufficient strength to support the intended dead and imposed fivtf loads, including shaped metals, extruded or processed plastics, and the like. 5 In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a/mounting member for use in the cavity wall system and method as described above, me mounting member including: a mounting portion adapted for attachment taa wall structure; a spacing portion adapted to space alt Mast one associated cladding panel outwardly from the mounting portion by ^predetermined distance corresponding to 10 the intended depth of an internal wall ca\ and at least one positioning porfion/adapted for connection to the associated cladding panel; the mounting member being/adapted, in conjunction with a plurality of like members, to support and position d plurality of cladding panels in substantially 15 contiguous each to edge relationship at the predetermined distance away from the wall structure, thereby to form/a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially uninterrupted jntepal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure. Preferably, the mounting portion is adapted for attachment to the wall structure 20 over the moisture coijcrol/plane. In one preferred embodiment, the mounting member takes the form of a mounting block/wherein the mounting portion is defined by an inner face of the block, the spaing/portion is defined by a main body of the block, and the positioning portion is deftmad by an outer face of the block. Preferably, a plurality of these 25 mounting blocks in spaced apart relationship support and position the plurality of cladding/panels by fasteners driven into the cladding panels, through the respective blocks/an<a into the underlying wall structure. It is also preferred that the mounting members' are profiled to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow around or tug#, the respective bodies. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -7- Preferably, the mounting members and termination members can be formed from materials of sufficient strength to support the intended dead and imposed live loads, including shaped metals, extruded or processed plastics, and the like. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a mounting member for use in the 5 cavity wall system and method as described above, the mounting member including: a mounting portion adapted for attachment to a wall structure; a spacing portion adapted to space at least one associated cladding panel outwardly from the mounting portion by a predetermined distance corresponding to the intended depth of an internal wall cavity; 10 and at least one positioning portion adapted for connection to the associated cladding panel; the mounting member being adapted, in conjunction with a plurality of like members, to support and position a plurality of cladding panels in substantially contiguous each to edge relationship at the predetermined distance away from the 15 wall structure, thereby to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure. Preferably, the mounting portion is adapted for attachment to the wall structure over the moisture control plane. 20 In one preferred embodiment, the mounting member takes the form of a mounting block wherein the mounting portion is defined by an inner face of the block, the spacing portion is defined by a main body of the block, and the positioning portion is defined by an outer face of the block. Preferably, a plurality of these mounting blocks in spaced apart relationship support and position the plurality of 25 cladding panels by fasteners driven into the cladding panels, through the respective blocks, and into the underlying wall structure. It is also preferred that the mounting members are profiled to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow around or through the respective bodies. 14. Oct. 2005 15:45 Shelston IP No. 1086 P. 13 -8- In another preferred embodiment, the mounting member takes the form of a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the spacing portion includes a spacing web, and the bracket further includes: a first pair of spaced apart substantially parallel positioning surfaces 5 interconnected by an orthogonal web, both first positioning surfaces being substantially parallel to the mounting plate and located at one end of the spacing web opposite the mounting plate; and a second pair of spaced apart substantially parallel positioning surfaces interconnected by an orthogonal web, both second positioning surfaces being 10 substantially parallel to the mounting plate and located at the end of the spacing web opposite the mounting plate; the first pair of positioning surfaces and the second pair of positioning surfaces and their respective interconnecting webs forming oppositely directed substantially U-shaped positioning channels, the positioning channels being adapted to receive and 15 locate adjacent edges of adjoining cladding panels, to retain the panels in substantially contiguous each to edge relationship, outwardly of the wall structure. Preferably, the mounting portion includes a perforation for a fastener. Preferably, the spacing web includes a spacing plate extending substantially normally to the mounting plate by a predetermined distance corresponding to the 20 intended depth of the wall cavity. Preferably also, the positioning surfaces are located on respective positioning plate flanges. According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a termination member for use in the cavity wall system and method as defined, the termination member including: 25 a mounting portion adapted for attachment to a wall structure; a spacing portion extending outwardly from the mounting portion by a predetermined distance corresponding to the intended thickness of the internal wall cavity; H.Oct. 2005 15:46 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 14 -9- a positioning portion connected to the end of the spacing portion opposite the mounting portion, the positioning portion being adapted for connection to at least one associated cladding panel; the termination member being adapted to support and position the associated 5 cladding panel at the predetermined distance away from the wall structure, and to define an edge of the exterior wall surface; the termination member further including a drainage portion adapted to permit drainage of liquid from the wall cavity. Preferably, the mounting portion is adapted for attachment to the wall structure 10 over the moisture control plane. to one preferred embodiment, the termination member takes the form of a starter strip wherein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the drainage portion includes a drainage surface extending outwardly from the mounting plate, and the positioning portion includes: 15 an inner positioning surface extending in one direction from the drainage surface parallel to the mounting plate; a support surface extending outwardly from the inner positioning surface; and an outer positioning surface extending from the support surface parallel to the mounting plate; 20 . whereby the inner positioning surface, support surface and outer positioning surface together form a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to receive and locate a peripheral edge of the associated cladding panel. Preferably, the drainage surface is configured to drain away from the mounting plate. In another preferred embodiment, the drainage surface drains towards the 25 support surface. In yet another preferred embodiment, the drainage surface includes perforations for drainage or ventilation. Preferably, the support surface includes a drainage groove to permit drainage of liquid from the interior surface of cladding panels and away from the wall cavity. U.Oct. 2005 1 5:46 Shelston IP lo. 1 086 P. 15 -10- The outer positioning surface is preferably located on an outer positioning flange having perforations for keying with an over-coating render, Further, the termination member preferably includes an alignment flange extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange for supporting and 5 aligning an applied exterior wall surface coating. The termination member also preferably includes a perforated flange extending away from the U-shaped channel generally orthogonally from the support surface for providing ventilation or drainage along an edge of the exterior wall surface. In another preferred embodiment, the termination member takes the form of a 10 top strip wherein the mounting portion comprises a mounting plate, the spacing and ventilation portion comprises a perforated spacing surface extending outwardly from the mounting plate, and the positioning portion comprises: an inner positioning surface extending in one direction from the perforated spacing surface parallel to the mounting plate; 15 a support surface extending outwardly from the inner positioning surface; and an outer positioning surface extending from the support surface parallel to the mounting plate; whereby the inner positioning surface, support surface and outer positioning surface together form a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to receive and locate 20 a peripheral edge of the associated cladding panel. The outer positioning surface is preferably located on an outer positioning flange having perforations for keying with an over-coating render. Further, the termination member preferably includes an alignment flange extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange for supporting and 25 aligning an applied exterior wall surface coating. The top strip preferably also includes a perforated flange extending upwardly away from the U-shaped channel generally orthogonally from the support surface to provide ventilation along an edge of the exterior wall surface. H.Oct. 2005 1 5:47 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 16 -11 - brief description of the drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cavity wall system according to the 5 invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of an off-stud joiner of the cavity wall system; Figures 3a-3f are perspective views of various embodiments of a mounting member of the cavity wall system; 10 Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of another embodiment of a cavity wall system according to the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a mounting member for a cavity wall system according to the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting member 15 for a cavity wall system according to the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a termination member for a cavity wall system according to the invention; Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of a termination member for a cavity wall system according to the invention, and showing 20 an embodiment of a drainage groove in the support surface; Figure 9 is a fragmentary partially cut-away view of an embodiment of a cavity wall system including the termination member shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 is perspective view of a termination member in the form of a vented top strip according to the invention; and 14. Oct. 2005 15:47 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. 17 -12- Figure 11 is sectional view of a wall assembly incorporating upper ventilation of the cavity through the vented top strip of Figure 10. preferred embodiments of the invet m Referring to the drawings, the invention/provides a cavity wall system 5 including a wall structure 1 and a plurality of outer wall cladding panels 2. In the preferred embodiment, the wall structure is k building frame with its outer side substantially covered by moisture control meap in the form of a pliable building membrane 3 defining a moisture control plane; Also preferably, the cladding panels 2 are formed substantially from fibre cement sheets, or other materials such as EPS, 10 of sufficient strength and thickness./The system further includes a plurality of discrete mounting elements including mounting members 4, termination members or starter strips 5 and off-stud joiners f. These are attached over the building membrane to mount the fibre cement cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the building membrane, forming k substantially flat exterior wall surface 7 and a 15 substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity 8 between the cladding panels and the building membrane. The mounting elements are sized and arranged so as to allow substantially uninterrupted^ airflow and water drainage throughout the cavity. As best shown in Figure 9, a Lower periphery of the cavity includes openings 9 to permit 20 In other embodiments, the wall structure may be a masonry wall or a concrete wall. In these omeyembodiments, the moisture control means may be a coating of sealant or paint/ m further alternative embodiments, the moisture control means may be a reflective membrane or a form of sarking attached to the wall structure in a continuous /configuration or an overlapping configuration. Reflective membranes 25 further enhance the already increased insulation performance of the cavity wall system/over known systems such as direct fix cladding. In embodiments where a pliable building membrane is used, supplementary spacers (not shown) are preferably included to maintain the internal wall cavity 8 between the pliable building membrane 3 and the cladding panels 2 and to reduce wind-induced movement of the 30 pliable building membrane. These spacers are particularly useful where the pliable AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -12- Figure 11 is sectional view of a wall assembly incorporating upper ventilation of the cavity through the vented top strip of Figure 10. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, the invention provides a cavity wall system 5 including a wall structure 1 and a plurality of outer wall cladding panels 2. In the preferred embodiment, the wall structure is a building frame with its outer side substantially covered by moisture control means in the form of a pliable building membrane 3 defining a moisture control plane. Also preferably, the cladding panels 2 are formed substantially from fibre cement sheets, or other materials such as EPS, 10 of sufficient strength and thickness. The system further includes a plurality of discrete mounting elements including mounting members 4, termination members or starter strips 5 and off-stud joiners 6. The mounting members 4 are attached over the building membrane to mount the fibre cement cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the building 15 membrane, forming a substantially flat exterior wall surface 7 and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity 8 between the cladding panels and the building membrane. The mounting members 4 are sized and arranged so as to allow substantially uninterrupted airflow and water drainage throughout the cavity. As best shown in Figure 9, a lower periphery of the cavity includes openings 9 to permit 20 drainage of liquid from the cavity. In other embodiments, the wall structure may be a masonry wall or a concrete wall. In these other embodiments, the moisture control means may be a coating of sealant or paint. In further alternative embodiments, the moisture control means may be a reflective membrane or a form of sarking attached to the wall structure in a 25 continuous configuration or an overlapping configuration. Reflective membranes further enhance the already increased insulation performance of the cavity wall system over known systems such as direct fix cladding. In embodiments where a pliable building membrane is used, supplementary spacers (not shown) are preferably 14. Oct. 2005 15:47 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1086 P. 18 13- building membrane spans between the studs 10 of a frame; wall structure 1 or between the mounting elements of the cavity wall system The spacers can be discrete units or continuous, profiled or solid, and preferably formed from a material with high thermal insulation properties such as expafldecl polymeric foam material. 5 The spacers may be adhered with tapes, adhesives os fasteners, as appropriate. The wall surface 7 constitutes a substrate, ^hich is adapted to support at least one outer finishing layer. The outer finishing/Iayibr conceals the edges 11 between adjacent cladding panels and the exposed pcracms 12 of the mounting elements to provide a monolithic finish over the wall/surface. In the embodiments shown in 10 Figures 1,9 and 11, the external wall surface/is coated with a sub-layer of render 13, a reinforcing mesh layer 14 over the suo-Myer, and an outer rendered layer 15 over the reinforcing layer. The outer rendered/layer is ideally painted to produce an outer surface finish 16 resembling that or monolithic masonry construction. Concealing the cladding panels allows the panels to be of different sizes and shapes, which 15 allows for greater flexibility /in /the positioning of the edges of the panels. Additionally, the interior surfa.ee/l7 of each cladding panel is preferably covered with a carbonation reducing/costing, so as to reduce differential carbonation within Each mounting ^member 4 includes a mounting portion 18 adapted for 20 attachment to the frame over the building membrane 3, a spacing portion 19, and at least one positioning portion 20 adapted for connection to an associated cladding panel 2. The spacing portion 19 is sized to space the associated cladding panel outwardly from/the^rame by a predetermined distance corresponding to the intended depth of the /wall cavity 8. In this way, the mounting members are adapted in 25 combination^toposition and support a plurality of the fibre cement cladding panels in substantially /contiguous edge-to-edge relationship at the same predetermined distance/away from the frame, so as to form the effectively continuous exterior wall / figures 3a to 3f show several preferred embodiments of the mounting member 30 4/ In/these embodiments, the mounting member takes the form of a mounting block AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -13 - included to maintain the internal wall cavity 8 between the pliable building membrane 3 and the cladding panels 2 and to reduce wind-induced movement of the pliable building membrane. These spacers are particularly useful where the pliable building membrane spans between the studs 10 of a frame wall structure 1 or 5 between the mounting members of the cavity wall system. The spacers can be discrete units or continuous, profiled or solid, and preferably formed from a material with high thermal insulation properties such as expanded polymeric foam material. The spacers may be adhered with tapes, adhesives or fasteners, as appropriate. The wall surface 7 constitutes a substrate, which is adapted to support at least 10 one outer finishing layer. The outer finishing layer conceals the edges 11 between adjacent cladding panels and the exposed portions 12 of the mounting elements to provide a monolithic finish over the wall surface. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 9 and 11, the external wall surface is coated with a sub-layer of render 13, a reinforcing mesh layer 14 over the sub-layer, and an outer rendered layer 15 over 15 the reinforcing layer. The outer rendered layer is ideally painted to produce an outer surface finish 16 resembling that of monolithic masonry construction. Concealing the cladding panels allows the panels to be of different sizes and shapes, which allows for greater flexibility in the positioning of the edges of the panels. Additionally, the interior surface 17 of each cladding panel is preferably covered 20 with a carbonation reducing coating, so as to reduce differential carbonation within the fibre cement panel. Each mounting member 4 includes a mounting portion 18 adapted for attachment to the frame over the building membrane 3, a spacing portion 19, and at least one positioning portion 20 adapted for connection to an associated cladding 25 panel 2. The spacing portion 19 is sized to space the associated cladding panel outwardly from the frame by a predetermined distance corresponding to the intended depth of the wall cavity 8. In this way, the mounting members are adapted in combination to position and support a plurality of the fibre cement cladding panels in substantially contiguous edge-to-edge relationship at the same predetermined AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 - 13a- distance away from the frame, so as to form the effectively continuous exterior wall surface 7 and the substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity 8. Figures 3a to 3f show several preferred embodiments of the mounting member 4. In these embodiments, the mounting member takes the form of a mounting block H.Oct, 2005 15:48 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 19 -14- wherein the mounting portion 18 is defined by an inner face 21 of the block, the spacing portion 19 is defined by the body thickness 22 of the block, and the positioning portion 20 is defined by an outer face 23 of the block. The simplest embodiment is a substantially right rectangular prism, as shown in Figure 3e. 5 However, the other embodiments are profiled to allow improved fluid flow around or through the body. Figure 3c shows a hollow right rectangular prism with openings 24 at the top and bottom in the installed configuration. The hollow configuration thereby allows fluid to flow downwardly through the body of the mounting member. Figure 3b shows a block with sides 25 that taper inwardly from the inner face 21 10 towards the outer face 23. Figure 3f shows a block wherein both the top and bottom sides 26 taper downwardly in the installed configuration. The tapered sides featured in these embodiments allow fluid to flow more readily around the body. Figures 3a and 3d each show a right rectangular prism with three parallel channels 27 recessed into the inner face 21 to allow fluid to flow vertically through the body in the 15 installed orientation. Figure 3a shows arcuate channels, while Figure 3d shows rectangular channels. It will be appreciated that many configurations of three-dimensional shaped or profiled spacers may be used. Whatever the precise shape and configuration, a plurality of these mounting blocks are used in appropriately spaced apart relationship to support and position the 20 fibre cement cladding panels by fasteners driven into the cladding panels, through the respective block bodies and into the underlying frame. These fasteners may take the form of nails, screws, staples, tacks or similar forms of fastener. Alternative forms of fastening such as gluing may also be used. Figures 5 and 6 show alternative types of mounting members, in the form of 25 mounting brackets. In these embodiments, the mounting portion 18 comprises a mounting plate 28 with a pre-formed perforation 29 adapted to receive a fastening element such as a nail or self-tapping screw. The spacing portion 19 comprises at least one spacing web 30 in the form of a plate extending substantially normally to the mounting plate by a predetermined distance corresponding to the intended depth 30 of the wall cavity. The spacing web supports a first pair of spaced apart substantially parallel positioning surfaces 31 interconnected by an orthogonal web 32, and a 14. Oct. 2005 15:48 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 20 -15- second pair of spaced apart substantially parallel positioning surfaces 33 interconnected by an orthogonal web 34. The first and second positioning surfaces are substantially parallel to the mounting plate and in conjunction with their respective interconnecting webs form oppositely directed substantially U-shaped 5 positioning channels 35 and 36- These channels are adapted to receive and locate adjacent edges of adjoining cladding panels 2, to retain the panels in substantially contiguous edge-to-edge relationship, outwardly of the frame 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the mounting plate 28 and one spacing web 30 form an L-shape with the spacing web projecting orthogonally from the 10 bottom of the mounting plate in its installed configuration. The end of the spacing web terminates at a pair of identical spaced parallel positioning flanges 37 interconnected midway between their respective ends by an orthogonal web 38. The orthogonal web extends linearly from the spacing web 30. The first positioning surfaces 31 are located respectively on the mutually opposed inwardly facing 15 surfaces of the upwardly projecting portions of the positioning flanges 37. The second positioning surfaces 33 are located respectively on the mutually opposed inwardly facing surfaces of the downwardly projecting portions of the positioning flanges 37. Further reinforcing webs can be added to strengthen the mounting member if necessary. The mounting member of this embodiment is well suited to 20 being formed from extruded aluminium or suitable plastics materials such as vinyl. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the mounting plate 28 and two spacing webs 30 fonn a U-shaped channel, with the plane of each spacing web in a vertical orientation when installed. Connected to each spacing web is a corresponding pair of spaced parallel positioning flanges 39 and 40 interconnected by respective orthogonal webs 25 41 and 42. Both pairs of positioning flanges are parallel to the mounting plate 28 and are connected to a respective spacing web along the side of the respective inner positioning flange. However, one pair of positioning flanges 39 is upwardly directed and the other pair 40 is downwardly directed. Additionally, each outer positioning flange is split vertically in half with one half of the outer positioning flange reversed 30 into the opposing direction. This results in an additional positioning flange 43 directed downwardly from upwardly directed positioning flanges 39 and an 14. Oct. 2005 15:49 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 21 -16- additional positioning flange 44 directed upwardly from downwardly directed positioning flanges 40. The first positioning surfaces 31 are located respectively on the inwardly facing surfaces of the upwardly directed positioning flanges 39. An additional first 5 positioning surface 46 is located on the inwardly facing surface of the upwardly directed additional positioning flange 44. The second positioning surfaces 33 are located respectively on the inwardly facing surfaces of the downwardly directed positioning flanges 40. An additional second positioning surface 45 is located on the inwardly facing surface of downwardly directed additional positioning flange 43. 10 The mounting member of this embodiment is well suited for cold forming from metals such as galvanised steel, Zincalume or stainless steel, but again may alternatively be formed from suitable plastics materials such as vinyl. The termination member 5 includes a mounting portion 47 adapted for connection to the building frame, a spacing portion 48 extending outwardly from the 15 mounting portion by a predetermined distance corresponding to the intended thickness of the wall cavity, and a positioning portion 49 adapted for connection to at least one of the outer wall cladding panels 2. The termination member is adapted to support and position the associated cladding panels at the predetermined distance away from the frame, and to define a peripheral edge 50 of the exterior wall surface 20 7. The termination member further includes a drainage portion 51 adapted to permit drainage of liquid from the cavity and air to vent the cavity. In one preferred embodiment, the termination member takes the form of a starter strip, as best shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. In this embodiment the mounting portion 47 comprises a mounting plate 52, and the drainage portion 51 comprises a 25 drainage surface 53 extending outwardly from the mounting plate. The drainage surface 53 also forms the spacing portion 48 in this embodiment. The positioning portion 49 comprises an inner positioning surface 54 extending in one direction from the drainage surface parallel to the mounting plate, a support surface 55 extending outwardly from the inner positioning surface, and an outer positioning surface 56 30 extending from the support surface parallel to the mounting plate. The inner 14. Oct. 2005 15:49 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 22 -17- positioning surface, support surface and outer positioning surface together fonn a substantially U-shaped channel 57 adapted to receive and locate the outer peripheral edge 50 of an associated cladding panel 2. The starter strip is normally located at the bottom peripheral edge 58 of the 5 external wall surface 7. The drainage surface 53 is configured to drain away from the mounting plate 52 towards the support surface 55. The drainage surface preferably also includes perforations 59 for drainage or ventilation of the internal wall cavity 8. The support surface 55 includes a drainage groove 60 to permit drainage of liquid from the interior surface of the cladding panels 2 and away from 10 the cavity 8. The outer positioning surface 56 is located on an outer positioning flange 61 having perforations 62 for keying with an over-coating render. The starter strip also includes an alignment flange 63 extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange 61 for supporting and aligning an applied exterior wall surface 15 coating. Hie starter strip further includes a perforated flange 64 extending away from the U-shaped channel 57 generally orthogonally from the support surface for providing ventilation or drainage along a peripheral edge 50 of the exterior wall surface. The top of the waU or wall section 65 can be terminated by a top strip, an 20 alternative form of the termination member, as best shown in Figures 10 and 11. The top strip extends the full length of the wall termination. The mounting portion 47 comprises a mounting plate 66, and the drainage portion 51 comprises a ventilation surface 67 extending outwardly from the mounting plate. The ventilation surface 67 also forms the spacing portion 48 in this embodiment and includes perforations 68 to 25 vent the wall cavity 8. The positioning portion 49 comprises an inner positioning surface 69 extending in one direction from the ventilation surface parallel to the mounting plate, a support surface 70 extending outwardly from the inner positioning surface, and an outer positioning surface 71 extending from the support surface parallel to the mounting plate. The inner positioning surface, support surface and 14. Oct. 2005 15:50 Shelston IP Jo. 1 086 P. 23 -18- outer positioning surface together form a substantially U-shaped channel 72 adapted to receive and locate the outer peripheral edge 50 of an associated cladding panel 2. The outer positioning surface 71 is located on an outer positioning flange 73 having perforations 74 for keying with an over-coating render. The top strip also 5 includes an alignment flange 75 extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange 73 for supporting and aligning an applied exterior wall surface coating. The top strip further includes a perforated flange 76 extending upwardly away from the U-shaped channel 72 generally orthogonally from the support surface. The perforated flange 76 extends sufficiently upwardly to provide for trim cover 10 mouldings 77 and also provides for a perforated area for ventilation to the termination. The upper periphery of the termination, as shown in Figure 11, provides a practical and aesthetically acceptable finish. The termination member can also be located at other peripheral edges of the external wall surface and at horizontal junctions such as window openings, door 15 openings, mid-storey junctions, flashings and control joints. It will be appreciated that the termination member is well suited for setting out an external wall surface, supporting cladding panels, forming a wall cavity, permitting drainage from a wall cavity, providing ventilation to a wall cavity, and providing a screed and levelling guide for applying outer finishing layers to the 20 external wall surface. The mounting elements also include off-stud joiners 6. As shown in Figure 2, one preferred embodiment of this element takes the form of an H-sectioned joiner. The joiner receives and aligns the longitudinal edges of adjacent cladding panels in substantially contiguous relationship, and retains the adjoining panels in coplanar 25 alignment even when the joins do not directly overlie the frame members. The material strength, gauge, profile and spacing of the mounting elements are such that when the mounting elements are installed with strong durable fasteners they are well suited to withstand very high wind loads. The cavity wall system also allows the fixing of bracing elements (not shown) to the frame 1 to resist shear or 14, Oct. 2005 15:50 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 24 -19- racking loads on the wall from wind, seismic or similar loads on a building. In one preferred form, fibre cement bracing panels are fastened directly to the frame 1. In this embodiment, the mounting elements are provided in various sizes to allow for the space taken up by the bracing panels and to maintain the substantially flat 5 exterior wall surface 7. Fire rating performance can also be incoiporated into the cavity wall system. In one preferred form, water-resistant fire-resistant gypsum boards (not shown) are installed onto the frame under the building membrane 3. Hie cavity wall system provides a vented cavity that is well suited to reduce 10 the tendency to generate cyclic wind pressures in the wall cavity 8. This also reduces the flapping of the building membrane 3 that results from these cyclic wind pressures. Turning now to describe briefly the preferred method of construction of a cavity wall in accordance with the invention, a wall structure is initially constructed. 15 In the preferred embodiment, the wall structure is in the form of a building frame and the outer surface of the frame is covered with a flexible, substantially wateiproof building membrane using conventional materials and techniques. The membrane is ideally breathable or permeable to water vapour, to facilitate drying of the underlying frame or wall structure in the event of water or moisture ingress. A series of starter 20 strips are then installed along a lower edge of the frame, at a level corresponding to the lower edge of the wall. A first run of fibre cement cladding panels is then positioned along the bottom edge of the frame, with the bottom edges of the cladding panels being located and captively retained by the respective starter strips. As each panel is vast positioned, the upper edge is engaged with a first series of mounting 25 members, which are successively fastened to the respective underlying framing members. In this way, the bottom edge of each cladding panel in the first run is secured by one or more of the starter strips, and the top edge is secured by one or more of the first row of mounting members. The panels are joined to each other where necessary with respective off-stud joiners. 14. Oct. 2005 15:51 Shelston IP No. 1 086 P. 25 -20- With the first run thus in place, a second run of cladding panels is installed in a similar manner, with the bottom edge of each panel in the second row being located by the respective positioning surfaces on the first row of mounting members, and the upper edge of each panel in the second row being located by the respective 5 positioning surfaces of a second row of mounting members, This process is repeated for as many rows as are required in order to cover the frame with cladding panels to the required height, with the upper edges of the top row being finished with suitable termination members. In this way, the panels collectively form a substantially flat, effectively continuous external cladding surface and the mounting members provide 10 a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the building membrane. The external cladding surface forms a substrate, to which is preferably added a base layer of render, a layer of reinforcing mesh over the base layer, an outer layer of render over the reinforcing mesh, and a top coat of paint or textured finish, to provide 15 the desired aesthetic such as that reminiscent of monolithic masonry construction. Preferably, the render applied directly to the external cladding surface is forced into the small spaces between the edges of adjacent cladding panels and between the cladding panels and mounting elements. This conceals the edges and any exposed portions of the mounting elements to give a generally continuous and flat monolithic 20 external finish. This also reduces the tendency for the cladding panels to deform, drum or rattle in response to wind, seismic or other loads on the wall. Concealing the cladding panels allows the panels to be of different sizes and shapes, so cladding panels can be cut to fit the particular dimensions and features of the underlying wall structure. This enhances design flexibility, reduces labour and material costs, and 25 minimises wastage of off-cuts. The construction technique of the present invention allows fast and efficient drainage of water downwardly through the cavity and out through the apertures in the starter strips. At the same time, moist air is able to circulate freely in substantially any direction within the cavity around the mounting members, and out through the 30 top or bottom apertures. These apertures also prevent the accumulation of pressure within the cavity, either as a result of thermal expansion or wind forces, which H.Oct. 2005 1 5:51 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. -21 - otherwise have the potential to force entrapped water through openings in the membrane and into the framing members. The moisture/ control plane ensures that any liquid moisture within the wall cavity is pre verged/from migrating into the underlying wall structure. This method of construction also allows fo/ installation of the mounting elements and the associated cladding panels in ohe i>ass. In the preferred form, the installation of the mounting elements and the associated cladding panels effectively occurs simultaneously. This provides an advantage over prior art methods where mounting elements such as battens are fastened to the building frame in a first pass 10 and the cladding panels installed in a subsequent second pass. This improvement can result in significant reductions in installation time and cost. The use of discrete mounting elements can also result hi significant material savings when compared with prior art mounting elements £ucp as elongate timber battens or steel profiled sections. 15 It will be appreciated that tne invention thus provides a cavity wall system, which is efficient and costveffeictive to construct, allows great design flexibility, provides highly desirables aesthetics reminiscent of more costly construction techniques, provides /superior thermal insulation characteristics, provides substantially improved^ dnfinage and water management and is significantly more 20 durable in adverse weatner conditions relative to comparable known methods of building constructicm./In all these respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied 25 In many otfter/lorms. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -21 - otherwise have the potential to force entrapped water through openings in the membrane and into the framing members. The moisture control plane ensures that any liquid moisture within the wall cavity is prevented from migrating into the underlying wall structure. 5 This method of construction also allows for the installation of the mounting elements and the associated cladding panels in one pass. In the preferred form, the installation of the mounting members and the associated cladding panels effectively occurs simultaneously. This provides an advantage over prior art methods where mounting elements such as battens are fastened to the building frame in a first pass 10 and the cladding panels installed in a subsequent second pass. This improvement can result in significant reductions in installation time and cost. The use of discrete mounting members can also result in significant material savings when compared with prior art mounting elements such as elongate timber battens or steel profiled sections. 15 It will be appreciated that the invention thus provides a cavity wall system, which is efficient and cost-effective to construct, allows great design flexibility, provides highly desirable aesthetics reminiscent of more costly construction techniques, provides superior thermal insulation characteristics, provides substantially improved drainage and water management and is significantly more 20 durable in adverse weather conditions relative to comparable known methods of building construction. In all these respects, the invention represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied 25 in many other forms. </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> H.Oct. 2005 15:51 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1086 P. 27 22- the claims:- 10 1. A cavity wall system including: a wall structure; a plurality of outer wall cladding panels; and a plurality of discrete mounting elements for amounting the cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall stnurture so as to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially unij^eryupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure; the mounting elements being sized/ uninterrupted fluid flow throughout the cavi the system further including mois control plane to minimise migration/of jiquid structure. arranged so as to allow substantially and control means defining a moisture moisture from the cavity into the wall 15 2. A cavity wall system according to claim 1 wherein a lower periphery of the cavity includes an opening t</permit drainage of liquid from the cavity and venting of the cavity. 3. A cavity wall system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein an upper periphery of the cavity/lncjudes a vent to permit venting of the cavity. 20 4. A cavity wall/System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting elements include at least one mounting member and at least one termination member. 5. A cavity wall system according to claim 4 wherein the mounting member is a mounting: iember as defined in any one of claims 52 to 61 25 6. A/cayity wall system according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the termination member is a termination member as defined in any one of claims 62 to 76. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -22- THE CLAIMS 1. A cavity wall system including: a wall structure; 5 a plurality of outer wall cladding panels; and a plurality of discrete mounting members for mounting the cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall structure so as to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure; 10 the mounting members being sized and arranged, such that, when installed, each mounting member is in spaced apart relationship both vertically and horizontally with respect to the other mounting members, so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow in any direction throughout the cavity around the mounting members; and 15 the system further including moisture control means defining a moisture control plane to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure. 2. A cavity wall system according to claim 1 wherein a lower periphery of the cavity includes an opening to permit drainage of liquid from the cavity and venting 20 of the cavity. 3. A cavity wall system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein an upper periphery of the cavity includes a vent to permit venting of the cavity. 4. A cavity wall system according to any one of the preceding claims further including at least one termination member to define a peripheral edge of the exterior 25 wall surface. 5. A cavity wall system according to claim 4 wherein the termination member is a termination member as defined in any one of claims 62 to 76. 14. Oct. 2005 15:52 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. 28 23 10 15 20 25 7. A cavity wall system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the exterior wall surface defined by the cladding panels constitutes a substrate supporting at least one outer finishing layer. 8. A cavity wall system according to claim 7 conceals edges between adjacent cladding panels, mounting elements to provide a monolithic finis! erem the outer finishing layer and any exposed portions of the ovfir the exterior wall surface. 9. A cavity wall system according to cj finishing layer is applied by rendering or te> 7 or claim 8 wherein the outer coating. 10. A cavity wall system according to/any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the outer finishing layer is sealed, primed or/painted to produce an outer surface finish resembling that of monolithic masonry construction. 11. A cavity wall system according/to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the outer finishing layer includes a sub-layer .of render, a reinforcing mesh layer over the sublayer, and an external finishing layer over the reinforcing layer. system/ 12. A cavity wall cladding panels are form' :cording to any one of the preceding claims wherein the Dstantially from fibre cement sheet. 13. A cavity wall system according to claim 12 wherein an exterior surface of each cladding panel is coafted/with an outer finishing layer, and an interior surface of each cladding panel is/covered with a carbonation reducing coating, so as to reduce differential carbonation within the fibre cement panel. 14. A cavity y^ll system according to any one of claims 1 to U wherein the cladding panels/are formed substantially from EPS. 15. A 0&vi& wall system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall stjbctrire is formed from concrete or masonry, and the moisture control plane is formed Vy a coating of sealant or moisture resistant paint on the cavity side of the structure. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -23 - 6. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the mounting member is a mounting member as defined in any one of claims 52 to 61. 7. A cavity wall system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the exterior wall surface defined by the cladding panels constitutes a substrate supporting 5 at least one outer finishing layer. 8. A cavity wall system according to claim 7 wherein the outer finishing layer conceals edges between adjacent cladding panels and any exposed portions of the mounting elements to provide a monolithic finish over the exterior wall surface. 9. A cavity wall system according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the outer 10 finishing layer is applied by rendering or textured coating. 10. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the outer finishing layer is sealed, primed or painted to produce an outer surface finish resembling that of monolithic masonry construction. 11. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the outer 15 finishing layer includes a sub-layer of render, a reinforcing mesh layer over the sublayer, and an external finishing layer over the reinforcing layer. 12. A cavity wall system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cladding panels are formed substantially from fibre cement sheet. 13. A cavity wall system according to claim 12 wherein an exterior surface of each 20 cladding panel is coated with an outer finishing layer, and an interior surface of each cladding panel is covered with a carbonation reducing coating, so as to reduce differential carbonation within the fibre cement panel. 14. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the cladding panels are formed substantially from EPS. 25 15. A cavity wall system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall structure is formed from concrete or masonry, and the moisture control plane is 14. Oct. 2005 15:52 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. -24- 16. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims/l to 14 wherein the wall structure is formed from a relatively dense or moistoe-impexvious concrete such that an additional coating of sealant or paint is not requirecyto /orm the moisture control plane. 5 17. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein a substantially wateiproof pliable building membrane is used to cover and seal the wall structure, the membrane forming the moisture obntrol plane. 18. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the wall structure is formed from a timber frame, and me moisture control plane is formed by 10 a substantially waterproof pliable building/membrane covering tie outer or cavity side of the frame. 19. A cavity wall system according to claim 18 wherein the building membrane is formed from a plurality of overlapping membranes. 20. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the 15 building membrane is permeable! to moisture vapour, 21. A cavity wall system -according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the building membrane includes an outer reflective surface to enhance the thermal insulation characteristicsyof the wall system. 22. A cavity waM system according to any one of the preceding claims including a 20 supplementary sarkjng membrane having a reflective outer surface to enhance the thermal insulation/characteristics of the wall system. 23. A cavity/wall system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein outwardly directed reflective surfaces are applied to both the cavity side of the cladding panels and the cavity side of the wall structure to enhance the thermal 25 insula/ioi/characteristics of the wall system. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -24- formed by a coating of sealant or moisture resistant paint on the cavity side of the structure. 16. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the wall structure is formed from a relatively dense or moisture-impervious concrete such that 5 an additional coating of sealant or paint is not required to form the moisture control plane. 17. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein a substantially waterproof pliable building membrane is used to cover and seal the wall structure, the membrane forming the moisture control plane. 10 18. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the wall structure is formed from a timber frame, and the moisture control plane is formed by a substantially waterproof pliable building membrane covering the outer or cavity side of the frame. 19. A cavity wall system according to claim 18 wherein the building membrane is 15 formed from a plurality of overlapping membranes. 20. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the building membrane is permeable to moisture vapour. 21. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the building membrane includes an outer reflective surface to enhance the thermal 20 insulation characteristics of the wall system. 22. A cavity wall system according to any one of the preceding claims including a supplementary sarking membrane having a reflective outer surface to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the wall system. 23. A cavity wall system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein 25 outwardly directed reflective surfaces are applied to both the cavity side of the cladding panels and the cavity side of the wall structure to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the wall system. 14. Oct. 2005 1 5:53 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. -25 24. A cavity wall system according to claim 23 wherein /he /eflective surfaces are provided by paints, coatings, sarkings, membrane mapri^Is, or any combination thereof 25. A cavity wall system according to any on© of/claims 17 to 24 including 5 supplementary spacers to maintain the internal wall icavity between any one of the membranes and the cladding panels such th/t ywnd-induced movement of the membranes is minimised. 26. A method of forming a cavity wall inpiucjmg the steps of: forming a wall structure; 10 providing a plurality of outer wall/cladding panels; and mounting the cladding panels & predetermined distance away from the wall structure with a plurality of discrete mounting elements to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantisuly uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall/structure; 15 sizing and arranging we mounting elements so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow throughout the cavity; and providing moisture oont/ol means to define a moisture control plane adapted to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure. 27. A method according to claim 26 including the step of providing an opening at a 20 lower periphery of pie ^cavity to permit drainage of liquid from the cavity and venting of the cavity. 28. A method according to claim 26 or claim 27 including the step of providing a vent at an upper/periphery of the cavity to permit venting of the cavity. 25 29. A Pernod according to any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the mounting element include at least one mounting member and at least one termination member. 30. / A/method according to claim 29 wherein the mounting member is a mounting mgmtjer as defined in any one of claims 52 to 61. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -25 - 24. A cavity wall system according to claim. 23 wherein the reflective surfaces are provided by paints, coatings, sarkings, membrane materials, or any combination thereof. 25. A cavity wall system according to any one of claims 17 to 24 including 5 supplementary spacers to maintain the internal wall cavity between any one of the membranes and the cladding panels such that wind-induced movement of the membranes is minimised. 26. A method of forming a cavity wall including the steps of: forming a wall structure; 10 providing a plurality of outer wall cladding panels; and mounting the cladding panels a predetermined distance away from the wall structure with a plurality of discrete mounting members to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure; 15 sizing and arranging the mounting members, such that, when installed, each mounting member is in spaced apart relationship both vertically and horizontally with respect to the other mounting members, so as to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow in any direction throughout the cavity around the mounting members; and 20 providing moisture control means to define a moisture control plane adapted to minimise migration of liquid moisture from the cavity into the wall structure. 27. A method according to claim 26 including the step of providing an opening at a lower periphery of the cavity to permit drainage of liquid from the cavity and venting of the cavity. 25 28. A method according to claim 26 or claim 27 including the step of providing a vent at an upper periphery of the cavity to permit venting of the cavity. 29. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28 further including at least one termination member to define a peripheral edge of the exterior wall surface. 14. Oct. 2005 15:53 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1086 P. 10 -26- 31. A method according to claim 29 or claim 30 wherein the termination member is a termination member as defined in any one of claims 62 tal6. 32. A method according to any one of claims 2& to/31 including the step of applying at least one outer finishing layer to the extprio/ wall surface defined by the cladding panels. 33. A method according to claim 32 wherei6 ttfe outer finishing layer conceals joins between adjacent cladding panels and any/exposed portions of the mounting elements to provide a monolithic finish over/the/exterior wall surface. 34. A method according to claim 32 o/ cl/am 33 wherein the outer finishing layer is applied by rendering or textured coaling/ 35. A method according to any oxjk of claims 32 to 34 including the step of sealing the outer finishing layer, priming tiit outer finishing layer or painting the outer finishing layer to produce an p\Aja surface finish resembling that of monolithic masonry construction. 15 36. A method according tb any one of claims 32 to 35 wherein the step of applying the outer finishing layer includes the steps of applying a sub-layer of render, applying a reinforcing/messh layer over the sub-layer, and applying an external finishing layer over the reinforcing layer. 37. A method accoraing to any one of claims 26 to 36 wherein the cladding panels 20 are formed subspitjally from fibre cement sheet. 38. A method/According to claim 37 including the step of coating an exterior surface of e^cfycladding panel with an outer finishing layer, and covering an interior surface of eaefti cladding panel with a carbonation reducing coating, so as to reduce differential/Carbonation within the fibre cement panel. 25 39. /A method according to any one of claims 26 to 36 wherein the cladding panels are/formed substantially from EPS. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -26- 30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the termination member is a termination member as defined in any one of claims 62 to 76. 31. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein the mounting member is a mounting member as defined in any one of claims 52 to 61. 5 32. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 31 including the step of applying at least one outer finishing layer to the exterior wall surface defined by the cladding panels. 33. A method according to claim 32 wherein the outer finishing layer conceals joins between adjacent cladding panels and any exposed portions of the mounting 10 elements to provide a monolithic finish over the exterior wall surface. 34. A method according to claim 32 or claim 33 wherein the outer finishing layer is applied by rendering or textured coating. 35. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 34 including the step of sealing the outer finishing layer, priming the outer finishing layer or painting the outer 15 finishing layer to produce an outer surface finish resembling that of monolithic masonry construction. 36. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 35 wherein the step of applying the outer finishing layer includes the steps of applying a sub-layer of render, applying a reinforcing mesh layer over the sub-layer, and applying an external 20 finishing layer over the reinforcing layer. 37. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 36 wherein the cladding panels are formed substantially from fibre cement sheet. 38. A method according to claim 37 including the step of coating an exterior surface of each cladding panel with an outer finishing layer, and covering an interior 25 surface of each cladding panel with a carbonation reducing coating, so as to reduce differential carbonation within the fibre cement panel. 14. Oct. 2005 15:53 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. -27. 40. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 39 wh&re& the wall structure is formed from concrete or masonry, and the moisture c6nfrol plane is formed by applying a coating of sealant or moisture resistant p^int yon the cavity side of the structure. 5 41. A method according to any one of claims 26yto 39 wherein the wall structure is formed from a relatively dense or moisture-impiervious concrete such that applying an additional coating of sealant or paint is not/required to form the moisture control plane. 42. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 39 including the steps of 10 covering and sealing the wall structure with a substantially waterproof pliable building membrane, the membrane thereby forming the moisture control plane. 43. A method according to any ope of claims 26 to 39 wherein the wall structure is formed from a timber frame, an# thjs moisture control plane is formed by covering the outer or cavity side of the ftan/c with a substantially waterproof pliable building 15 membrane. 44. A method according to/claim 43 wherein the building membrane is formed from a plurality of overlapping membranes. 45. A method according to any one of claims 42 to 44 wherein the building membrane is permeable; to moisture vapour. 20 46. A method/according to any one of claims 42 to 45 wherein the building membrane includes an outer reflective surface to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the cavity wall. 47. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 46 including the step of providing d supplementary sarking membrane having a reflective outer surface to 25 enhance tne thermal insulation characteristics of the cavity wall. 48/ A method according to any one of claims 26 to 47 including the step of applying outwardly directed reflective surfaces to both the cavity side of the cladding AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -27- 39. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 36 wherein the cladding panels are formed substantially from EPS. 40. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 39 wherein the wall structure is formed from concrete or masonry, and the moisture control plane is formed by 5 applying a coating of sealant or moisture resistant paint on the cavity side of the structure. 41. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 39 wherein the wall structure is formed from a relatively dense or moisture-impervious concrete such that applying an additional coating of sealant or paint is not required to form the moisture control 10 plane. 42. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 39 including the steps of covering and sealing the wall structure with a substantially waterproof pliable building membrane, the membrane thereby forming the moisture control plane. 43. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 39 wherein the wall structure is 15 formed from a timber frame, and the moisture control plane is formed by covering the outer or cavity side of the frame with a substantially waterproof pliable building membrane. 44. A method according to claim 43 wherein the building membrane is formed from a plurality of overlapping membranes. 20 45. A method according to any one of claims 42 to 44 wherein the building membrane is permeable to moisture vapour. 46. A method according to any one of claims 42 to 45 wherein the building membrane includes an outer reflective surface to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the cavity wall. 25 47. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 46 including the step of providing a supplementary sarking membrane having a reflective outer surface to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the cavity wall. NOW AMENDED -28- panels and the cavity side of the wall structure to enh^nc*/the thermal insulation characteristics of the cavity wall. 49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the deflective surfaces are provided by paints, coatings, sarkings, membrane materials, or any combination thereof. 5 50. A method according to any one of claims/42 to 49 including the step of providing supplementary spacers to maintain/the: internal wall cavity between any one of the membranes and the cladding parcels /uch that wind-induced movement of the membranes is minimised. 51. A cavity wall formed by the method zis defined in any one of claims 26 to 50. 10 52. A mounting member for use in the cavity wall system as defined in claim 4 or in the method of forming a cavity/waj/ as defined in claim 29, the mounting member including: a mounting portion adap/ed for attachment to a wall structure; a spacing portion adafcte/i to space at least one associated cladding panel 15 outwardly from the mounting/portion by a predetermined distance corresponding to an intended depth of the internal wall cavity; and at least one/portioning portion adapted for connection to the associated cladding panel; the mounting' member being adapted, in conjunction with a plurality of like 20 members, to supfcotft and position a plurality of cladding panels in substantially contiguous edgk tf edge relationship at the predetermined distance away from the wall structure, thereby to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a substantial}^ uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall strug 25 53. A n/ounting member according to claim 52 wherein the mounting portion is adapfed/for attachment to the wall structure over the moisture control plane. 5/4. /A mounting member according to claim 52 or claim 53 in the form of a anting block wherein the mounting portion is defined by an inner face of the iViciLtCTUAL .;?c,Try of?u nr m 7 2 8 NOV 2CC5 RECEIVED AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -28- 48. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 47 including the step of applying outwardly directed reflective surfaces to both the cavity side of the cladding panels and the cavity side of the wall structure to enhance the thermal insulation characteristics of the cavity wall. 5 49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the reflective surfaces are provided by paints, coatings, sarkings, membrane materials, or any combination thereof. 50. A method according to any one of claims 42 to 49 including the step of providing supplementary spacers to maintain the internal wall cavity between any one of the membranes and the cladding panels such that wind-induced movement of 10 the membranes is minimised. 51. A cavity wall formed by the method as defined in any one of claims 26 to 50. 52. A mounting member when used in the cavity wall system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 25 or in the method of forming a cavity wall as defined in any one of claims 26 to 50, the mounting member including: 15 a mounting portion adapted for attachment to a wall structure; a spacing portion adapted to space at least one associated cladding panel outwardly from the mounting portion by a predetermined distance corresponding to an intended depth of the internal wall cavity; and at least one positioning portion adapted for connection to the associated 20 cladding panel; the mounting member being adapted, in conjunction with a plurality of like members, to support and position a plurality of cladding panels in substantially contiguous edge to edge relationship at the predetermined distance away from the wall structure, thereby to form a substantially flat exterior wall surface and a 25 substantially uninterrupted internal wall cavity between the cladding panels and the wall structure. 53. A mounting member according to claim 52 wherein the mounting portion is adapted for attachment to the wall structure over the moisture control plane. NOW AMENDED -29- block, the spacing portion is defined by a main body of thf blpck, and the positioning portion is defined by an outer face of the block. 55. A mounting member according to claim 54 adapted for positioning in spaced apart relationship with a plurality of like blocks to /Support and position a plurality of 5 the cladding panels by means of fasteners driven ij/to the cladding panels, through the respective blocks, and into the wall structure. 56. A mounting member according to ciaim 52 or claim 53 in the form of a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the spacing portion includes a spacing web, and/the bracket further includes: 10 a first pair of spaced apart/substantially parallel positioning surfaces interconnected by an orthogonal /wdo, both first positioning surfaces being substantially parallel to the mounting plate and located at one end of the spacing web opposite the mounting plate; and/ a second pair of spaced Apart substantially parallel positioning surfaces 15 interconnected by an orthogonal web, both second positioning surfaces being substantially parallel to the/minting plate and located at the end of the spacing web opposite the mounting plsite;/ the first pair of positioning surfaces and the second pair of positioning surfaces and their respective interconnecting webs forming oppositely directed substantially 20 U-shaped positioning channels, the positioning channels being adapted to receive and locate adjacent /edges of adjoining cladding panels, to retain the panels in substantially contiguous edge to edge relationship, outwardly of the wall structure. 57. A mounting member according to claim 56 wherein the mounting portion includes a perforation for a fastener. 25 58. A/mc/unting member according to claim 56 or claim 57 wherein the spacing web includes a spacing plate extending substantially normally to the mounting plate by f predetermined distance corresponding to the intended depth of the wall cavity. A mounting member according to any one of claims 56 to 58 wherein the 'positioning surfaces are located on respective positioning plate flanges. iMTcLLcCTUAL ?RC^cRTY 07* OF (M2 o H *.;m/ £ J iW f RECEIVED AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -29- 54. A mounting member according to claim 52 or claim 53 in the form of a mounting block wherein the mounting portion is defined by an inner face of the block, the spacing portion is defined by a main body of the block, and the positioning portion is defined by an outer face of the block. 5 55. A mounting member according to claim 54 adapted for positioning in spaced apart relationship both vertically and horizontally with respect to a plurality of like blocks to support and position a plurality of the cladding panels by means of fasteners driven into the cladding panels, through the respective blocks, and into the wall structure. 10 56. A mounting member according to claim 52 or claim 53 in the form of a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the spacing portion includes a spacing web, and the bracket further includes: a first pair of spaced apart substantially parallel positioning surfaces interconnected by an orthogonal web, both first positioning surfaces being 15 substantially parallel to the mounting plate and located at one end of the spacing web opposite the mounting plate; and a second pair of spaced apart substantially parallel positioning surfaces interconnected by an orthogonal web, both second positioning surfaces being substantially parallel to the mounting plate and located at the end of the spacing web 20 opposite the mounting plate; the first pair of positioning surfaces and the second pair of positioning surfaces and their respective interconnecting webs forming oppositely directed substantially U-shaped positioning channels, the positioning channels being adapted to receive and locate adjacent edges of adjoining cladding panels, to retain the panels in 25 substantially contiguous edge to edge relationship, outwardly of the wall structure. 57. A mounting member according to claim 56 wherein the mounting portion includes a perforation for a fastener. 14. Oct. 2005 15:55 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. -30 10 15 20 25 60. A mounting member according to any one of claims / allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow around or thrg 59 being profiled to i the member. 61. A mounting member according to any one of claims 52 to 60 formed from a material or materials of sufficient strength to support thp intended dead and imposed live loads, being selected from a group comprising/metal, plastics, fibre cement, timber and composite materials. wall system as defined in claim 4 efrned in claim 29, the termination 62. A termination member for use in the c; or in the method of forming a cavity wall/as, member including: a mounting portion adapted for atufcluhent to a wall structure; a spacing portion extending c/utwardly from the mounting portion by a predetermined distance corresponding fo an intended thickness of the internal wall cavity; a positioning portion connected to the end of the spacing portion opposite the mounting portion, the positioning portion being adapted for connection to at least one associated cladding panel; the termination member/being adapted to support and position the associated cladding panel at the predetermined distance away from the wall structure, and to define an edge of the extei/or wall surface: the termination/member further including a drainage portion adapted to permit drainage of liquid $on/the wall cavity. 63. A termii adapted for at 'member according to claim 62 wherein the mounting portion is lent to the wall structure over the moisture control plane. 30 64. A feminization member according to claim 62 or claim 63 in the form of a starter sttfp therein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the drainage portion/ includes a drainage surface extending outwardly from the mounting plate, and the positioning portion includes: inner positioning surface extending in one direction from the drainage svttiajse parallel to the mounting plate; a support surface extending outwardly from the inner positioning surface; and AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -SO- SS. A mounting member according to claim 56 or claim 57 wherein the spacing web includes a spacing plate extending substantially normally to the mounting plate by a predetermined distance corresponding to the intended depth of the wall cavity. 59. A mounting member according to any one of claims 56 to 58 wherein the 5 positioning surfaces are located on respective positioning plate flanges. 60. A mounting member according to any one of claims 52 to 59 being profiled to allow substantially uninterrupted fluid flow around or through the member. 61. A mounting member according to any one of claims 52 to 60 formed from a material or materials of sufficient strength to support the intended dead and imposed 10 live loads, being selected from a group comprising metal, plastics, fibre cement, timber and composite materials. 62. A termination member when used in the cavity wall system as defined in claim 4 or in the method of forming a cavity wall as defined in claim 29, the termination member including: 15 a mounting portion adapted for attachment to a wall structure; a spacing portion extending outwardly from the mounting portion by a predetermined distance corresponding to an intended thickness of the internal wall cavity; a positioning portion connected to the end of the spacing portion opposite the 20 mounting portion, the positioning portion being adapted for connection to at least one associated cladding panel; the termination member being adapted to support and position the associated cladding panel at the predetermined distance away from the wall structure, and to define a peripheral edge of the exterior wall surface; 25 the termination member further including a drainage portion adapted to permit drainage of liquid from the wall cavity. 63. A termination member according to claim 62 wherein the mounting portion is adapted for attachment to the wall structure over the moisture control plane. H.Oct. 2005 15:55 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. -31- / / an outer positioning surface extending from the support iurface parallel to the mounting plate; / / whereby the inner positioning surface, support surmce and outer positioning surface together form a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to receive and locate 5 a peripheral edge of the associated cladding panel. / / 65. A termination member according to claim/64/wherein the drainage surface is configured to drain away from the mounting plstte.J 66. A termination member according to clflimf64 or claim 65 wherein the drainage surface drains towards the support surface/ / 10 67. A termination member according to/any one of claims 64 to 66 wherein the drainage surface includes perforations for drainage or ventilation. 68. A termination member acccfrdiilg to any one of claims 64 to 67 wherein the support surface includes a drainage groove to permit drainage of liquid from the interior surface of cladding panels/and away from the wall cavity. 15 69. A termination member according to any one of claims 64 to 68 wherein the outer positioning surfa/e Is located on an outer positioning flange having perforations for keyingywim an over-coating render. 70. A termination/member according to any one of claims 64 to 69 including an alignment flange extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange for 20 supporting and aligning an applied exterior wall surface coating. 71. A termination member according to any one of claims 64 to 70 including a perforated flange extending away from the U-shaped channel generally orthogonally from the Support surface for providing ventilation or drainage along an edge of the exterior/waM surface. 25 72. /A/termination member according to claim 62 or claim 63 in the form of a top strip wherein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the spacing and AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -31 - 64. A termination member according to claim 62 or claim 63 in the form of a starter strip wherein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the drainage portion includes a drainage surface extending outwardly from the mounting plate, and the positioning portion includes: 5 an inner positioning surface extending in one direction from the drainage surface parallel to the mounting plate; a support surface extending outwardly from the inner positioning surface; and an outer positioning surface extending from the support surface parallel to the mounting plate; 10 whereby the inner positioning surface, support surface and outer positioning surface together form a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to receive and locate a peripheral edge of the associated cladding panel. 65. A termination member according to claim 64 wherein the drainage surface is configured to drain away from the mounting plate. 15 66. A termination member according to claim 64 or claim 65 wherein the drainage surface drains towards the support surface. 67. A termination member according to any one of claims 64 to 66 wherein the drainage surface includes perforations for drainage or ventilation. 68. A termination member according to any one of claims 64 to 67 wherein the 20 support surface includes a drainage groove to permit drainage of liquid from the interior surface of cladding panels and away from the wall cavity. 69. A termination member according to any one of claims 64 to 68 wherein the outer positioning surface is located on an outer positioning flange having perforations for keying with an over-coating render. 25 70. A termination member according to any one of claims 64 to 69 including an alignment flange extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange for supporting and aligning an applied exterior wall surface coating. 14. Oct. 2005 15:55 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED No. 1 086 P. -32- ventilation portion includes a perforated spacing surface ^tejafding outwardly from the mounting plate, and the positioning portion includes: an inner positioning surface extending in one ^ureytion from the perforated spacing surface parallel to the mounting plate; 5 a support surface extending outwardly from thi6 in^er positioning surface; and an outer positioning surface extending frony th^r support surface parallel to the mounting plate; whereby the inner positioning surface,/6un£ort surface and outer positioning surface together form a substantially U-shaped Channel adapted to receive and locate 10 a peripheral edge of the associated cladding panel. 73. A termination member according t<y claim 72 wherein the outer positioning surface is located on an outer positioning flange having perforations for keying with an over-coating render. 74. A termination member according to claim 72 or claim 73 including an 15 alignment flange extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange for supporting and aligning an applied exterior wall surface coating. 75. A termination member/according to any one of claims 72 to 74 including a perforated flange extenoing upwardly away from the U-shaped channel generally orthogonally from the support surface to provide ventilation along an edge of the 20 exterior wall surface: 25 76. A terminationmember according to any one of claims 62 to 75 formed from a material or material of sufficient strength to support the intended dead and imposed live loads, being selected from a group comprising metal, plastics, fibre cement, timber and^owposite materials. 77. A Cavity wall system substantially as herein described with reference to any one oyths embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -32- 71. A tennination member according to any one of claims 64 to 70 including a perforated flange extending away from the U-shaped channel generally orthogonally from the support surface for providing ventilation or drainage along an edge of the exterior wall surface. 5 72. A termination member according to claim 62 or claim 63 in the form of a top strip wherein the mounting portion includes a mounting plate, the spacing and ventilation portion includes a perforated spacing surface extending outwardly from the mounting plate, and the positioning portion includes: an inner positioning surface extending in one direction from the perforated 10 spacing surface parallel to the mounting plate; a support surface extending outwardly from the inner positioning surface; and an outer positioning surface extending from the support surface parallel to the mounting plate; whereby the inner positioning surface, support surface and outer positioning 15 surface together form a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to receive and locate a peripheral edge of the associated cladding panel. 73. A termination member according to claim 72 wherein the outer positioning surface is located on an outer positioning flange having perforations for keying with an over-coating render. 20 74. A termination member according to claim 72 or claim 73 including an alignment flange extending generally outwardly from the outer positioning flange for supporting and aligning an applied exterior wall surface coating. 75. A termination member according to any one of claims 72 to 74 including a perforated flange extending upwardly away from the U-shaped channel generally 25 orthogonally from the support surface to provide ventilation along an edge of the exterior wall surface. 76. A termination member according to any one of claims 62 to 75 formed from a material or material of sufficient strength to support the intended dead and imposed 14.Oct. 2005 15:56 Shelston IP NOW AMENDED 10 -33 78. A method of forming a cavity wall substantially reference to any one of the embodiments of the ii accompanying drawings and/or examples. No. 1 086 P. 5(303 0 rein described with don illustrated in the 79. A cavity wall substantially as herein described mm reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the/ac/ompanying drawings and/or examples. 80. A mounting member substantially as one of the embodiments of the invention i} and/or examples. retfi described with reference to any /ated in the accompanying drawings 81. A termination member substantially is herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the inverfticm illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. DATED this 14th day of October: 15 Shelston IP Attorneys for: James Hardie^Int finance B.V. IPONZ 11, OCT 2005 AS AMENDED Received at IPONZ on 24 December 2008 -33 - live loads, being selected from a group comprising metal, plastics, fibre cement, timber and composite materials. 77. A cavity wall system substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings 5 and/or examples. 78. A method of forming a cavity wall substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. 79. A cavity wall substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the 10 embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. 80. A mounting member substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. 15 81. A termination member substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. </div>