WO2010022477A1 - Building materials and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

In one aspect of the invention, there is a building comprising at least one insulating unit made from recycled and/ or reclaimed materials, wherein the unit(s) ate held in place by one or more support beams.

Description

Building materials ami methods

Background of the invention:

Natural building techniques involve a range of building systems and materials that place major emphasis on environmental sustainability. Sustainability may be achieved in a variety' of ways For example, it may be achieved by focusing on durability and the use of minimally-processed, plentiful, renewable, recycled or salvaged resources.

The materials common to many types of natural building are clay and sand. When mixed with water and, usually, straw or another fibre. Other materials used in natural building are: eatth (as rammed eaith oi earth bag), wood (cotdwood DI timber rϊamc/post-aiid-bcam), stiaw, rice-hulls, bamboo and rock. A widt variety of reused of tccyclcd matetials arc common in natural building, including utbanite (salvaged chunks of used concrete), tires, tire bales, discarded bottles and other recj^led glass.

Discarded straw from plant crops is one of the world's must abundant waste products Straw-bale construction is a building method that uses straw bales ΛS structural elements, insulation, or both It has advantages over some conventional building systems because of its cost and easy availability, and its high insulation Value

Known methods of straw bale building consist of stacking rows of bales horizontally on a raised footing or foundation, with a moisture barrier between the bales and their supporting platform. Bale walls can be tied together with pins of bamboo, rebar, or wood, or with surface wire meshes, and then coated, foi example with a ccmciit-biscd mix, limc-biscd formulation, or earth/clay render

Straw must be able to breathe which means that the render or coating can not be Watetploof., otherwise moistuie ptobletvis and fetmetitatϊoft / totting will occUl As a consequence of this, current buildings comprising straw bales tend to have large eaves to shelter the water-permeable (breathable) walls from rain and other forms of precipitation. Rendering and other coating methods also tend to be expensive and messy.

Typically bales created on farms with baling machines have been used, but recently higher- density pie-compressed bales (or straw-blocks) are increasing the loads that may be Building materials and methods

supported. Due to its thickness, a stiaw bale is quite an efficient insulatm. Fuithemiuie straw bales made from cereal crops are naturally termite resistant

The reference to any pnor ait in this specification is nut, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge

Sxinmiary of the invention:

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a plurality of buildings constructed in close proximity and each optionally built so as to share at least one wall with a neighbouring building, so as to reduce land use wherein each building comprises at least one insulating unit made from recycled and/ or reclaimed niatciials., and wherein the unit(s) arc held in place by one or more support beams.

In one aspect of the invention, there is a building comprising at least one insulating unit made horn iecyclcd and/ DI tcclaimed matctuls, whctcin the umt(s) aie held in place by one or more support beams. In some embodiments, the building comprises a roof-top garden and in some embodiments, the building may comprise a plurality of levels.

In one aspect of the invention there is ptovidcd a wall suitable foi use with a building accotding to claim 2 comprising a plurality of members adapted to engage a vessel for holding a plant Ins some embodiments, the members readily engage a standard plant pot size.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a wall, ceiling or floot for a building comprising an insulating unit made' from recycled or reclaimed materials which is at least partially supported by a support beam wherein the support beams comprises an engagement means to hold at least ojie insulating unit lt\ place

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided i method of constructing a component of a building comprising: placing a steel support beam in a predetermined position; and placing at least one insulating unit made £iom Lecycled oi ieclaimed matetials m supported engagement with the support beam. Building materials and methods

In one aspect of the invention, theie is pmvided a low cnvuonmcntal-impact building comprising a plurality of insulating units made from recycled or reclaimed materials which are held in place by one or more support beams.

In mother aspect of the invention, there is provided J. building according to the invention comprising a roof-top garden

In anothci aspect of the invention, thcic is provided x low environmental-impact group of buildings comprising α plurality of buildings according to the invention built in close proximity and each optionally built so as to share at least one wall with a neighbouring building, so as to reduce land use.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided x wall, ceiling or floor for a building comprising an insulating unit made from recycled or reclaimed materials which is at least partially supported by a support beam wherein the support beam comprises an engagement (neift! to hold at least one insulating unit in place

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided x method of constructing a component ot a. building comprising placing a support beam m a predetermined position; and placing at least one insulating unit made Hum Lccyclcd or iecliimed materials in supported engagement with the support beam.

In.anothel aspect ot the invention, theie is plcΛπded i Wall, ceiling ol flool as heleih described by tcfcicncc to any one ot mole of Figui.cs 1 or 7 to 76.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a building as herein described by lcfcicncc to any one or inoic of Figures 1 oi 7 to 6R

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a plurality of buildings as herein described by reference to any one. or more of Figures 37 to 76.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a wall, ceiling or floor as herein described by reference to any one or more of Figures 1 or 7 to 76. Building materials aud methods

In anothei aspect of the invention, thcic is piovidcd i method of constructing a building as herein described by reference to any one or more of Figures 1 or ^™ to 76.

In anothei aspect of the invention, thcie is piovided a method of cunstiucting a plurality of buildings as herein described by reference to any one or more of Figures 11 to 76.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a component of a building comprising: placing a support beam in a predetermined position; and placing at least one insulating unit in supported engagement with the support beam.

The insulating unit may compiisc any suitable niatemls, foi example, it may one oi moic of; straw; a higher density pic-compicsscd straw; a tire material; cardboard; paper, a polymer, carpeting; wood chips, or rice hulls or any other recycled material. In one preferred embodiment, it comprises α straw bale.

Support beams and load bearing construction materials for use in the present invention may tike any suitable form. For example, they may comprise metal, wood, polymer, concrete, stone, ceramic, or any other suitable material or any combination thereof. The most appioptiate materials will ottcn depend on the availability locally and the local cmntonmcntal context In some embodiments steel, concicte όi timbci aic used SDIIIC building matcmls piovide fuithcr benefits and can be used so as to confer those benefits. Thus foi example, some building materials, such as timber act as temperature insulators.- Thus, for example, they may stop heat transfer with the external environment Thus, for example, where internal sections of a building according to the present invention are fixed to timber support elements, then they add aft insulating function to the support beams In some locations ccitiin types of matctials may need to be adapted foi use Thus toi example, timbci may need to be treated to be termite resistant, and the like.

In some embodiments, the suppoit beam conipiises it least one engagement means tσ hold an insulating unit in place. The engagement means may operate by any suitable mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, it comprises one or moire projections. In some of these embodiments, at least one projection is adapted to at least partially project into the insulating unit. By way of example only, in some embodiments, the support beam comprises steel and has a cross-section which is selected from: substantially C shaped; substantially T shaped, Building materials and methods

^•substantially W shaped, substantially V shaped, substantially I shaped, ui substantially L shaped. The steel maybe fashioned in any suitable way. In some embodiments, it comprises .oiled steel and in some embodiments, it is formed into the televant budding elements from a roll of steel at the building site.. The advantage of forming the steel elements at the building site is that loWcis the cnvitDftmcntal impact by tcducing ttanspoit costs Thus, the lull of steel need only be tianspoited to the building site, and not to (a) in initial site tor forming and then (b) the building site.

Howcvc., any suitable engagement means may be deployed Foi example, it may compiisc an adhesive, or a moveαble component which can be removed to iepau or ieplace an insulating unit In some embodiments, tJrie insulating units ire engaged in such a way that they do not become a part of the truss, and in some they are not load bearing, though they mav be in some embodiments

In some embodiments, the invention is adapted for use with i building component which is selected from one or more of a wall, a floor and / or a ceding.

The method of the invention may ilso comprise the further step of attaching a cladding to the building component The cladding may be of any suitable type, and may be attached to an insulating unit, a support beam, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, cladding may be attached inside, outside, ot on both aspects or. tile building component Thus, when the building component is a wall, it may he attached both inside and outside the wall Equally, different types of cladding may be used for inside positions and separate types of cLidding for outside requirements. Any suitable type of cladding may be used depending on the circumstances of the case. Thus, in some embodiments, the cladding is attached to the inside of the building component and comprises plaster In other embodiments, the cladding is attached to the outside of the building component and is weathet pioof Thus, it may compiisc couugitcd αon, coluui bond, aluminium, wood, oi any othei suitable material.

In some ptefeαed embodiments of the invention, all miteunls used ire recydc-able Thus, in some embodiments, reclaimed timber or steel are used as budding components and furniture for the building is made from recj'cled materials. In these embodiments, the Building materials aiitl uiethods

building component itself may be constructed and desired so as to be moic icadily ^"recycled. For example, it iruy be built in such a way as to be readily able to be dismantled.

A paiticulai advantage of a method according to the ptescnt invention is that in cettatn aspects, the outside surfaces of a building component, such as a wall will not need to be coated with a substance, such is render This is because the method provides m alternative method of attaching a cladding to the building component and therefore the need for render (oi similai coating) is avoided In such embodiments, because coatings such as iendct can be avoided, then so too can the often common concuiicnt .cquiiemcnt that the building component (such as a wall) be sheltered from the weather. Thus, m some embodiments, the current need for large eaves (for example to protect the rendered walls of straw bale houses) will no longer be needed.

In a .mother aspect of the invention there is provided a wall, ceiling or floor for a building comprising an insulating unit which is at least partially supported by a support beam wherein the support beams comprises an engagement means to hold at least one insulating unit in place. The support beam and the insulating unit may be of any suitable type, and for example may be as aheαdy described hcicin. A useful aspect ot the present invention is that it can be adapted so as to enable use of any si2cd oi shaped insulating units. Thus, the design of a building according to the invention can be adapted to make use of the most suitable insulating units based on location, cost, environmental control requirements, etc.

In some embodiments, the insulating units are elongate and are oriented so as to stind on their ends with their longest axis parallel to the plane of the floor, wall or ceiling in which they are placed and along it rather than across. Thus, for example m some embodiments which may comprise one or more generally rectangular shaped straw bales, the bales are oiicnted with theii longest axis placed vciticαlly, Lather than hoiizontally.

In a another aspect of the invention, there is provided a building support beam comprising an engagement means adapted to hold an insulating unit in place.

Other aspects of the invention comprise:

1 A method of constructing a building component as herein desciibed by icfetence to any one or more of the Figures; Building materials and methods

2. A building component is hticiπ dtsciibcd by iefcience to Figuic I₁

- 3. A support beam for use with the invention as herein described by reference to any one oi moie of the Figutes; ind

Some of the advantages of the invention include.

1. The ability to make a building or building component wh..... .- -.w_^r,. _w_V recycle-able.

2 Ease at pioduction of liatu.al buildings Thus, in the example m which the building comprises straw bales, it is much simpler to construct the various building components

(such as walls, floors and ceilings) than is traditionally the case. Indeed, the current

> invention enables straw bales to be readily used in ceilings.

1. In some embodiments, the support beams according to the present invention are positioned so as to be within trie wall, floor or ceiling cavity along with the insulating units (such as straw bales) and therefore more space efficient.

4. In some embodiments, use of α support beam according to the invention provides a place on which to attach cladding oil the inside, outside or both, of die building component.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a building which comprises a baled insulating material {which is optionally straw bale) wherein the method comprises getting the building to lock up stage before installing the baled insulating matcllal

Throughout this specification (including any claims which follow), unless the context reqtures otherwise, the word 'comprise', and variations such as 'comprises' and 'comprising¹, will be understood to imply the inclusion or a stated mtcgci or step oi gioup ot intcgcts oi steps but not tlic exclusion ϋf any other .integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Brief description of the drawings:

Figuic 1 depicts a plan view of a section of a wall of a building coiisttucted in accordance with one aspect of the inveutiou. Building materials said methods

Figuic 2 is a cioss sectional view of two suppoit beams' according to the present invention.

Figure 3 comprises perspective, cross sectional, and 'in-use' views of an example support beam accoidmg to the pteseiit invention

Figure 4 comprises perspective, cross sectional, and 'in-use⁵ views of a further example support beam according to the present invention.

Figure 5 comprises perspective, cross sectional, and 'in-use' views of a further example support beam according to the- present invention.

Figure ό is a pLui view of a building component being A wall constructed according to one aspect of the invention.

Figure 7 comprises a perspective view (cut-away section) md plan view of x budding component being a wall constructed according to one aspect of the invention.

Figure S is a sample architectural cross sectional d-awing of two sections of wall accoiding to one aspect of the invention.

Figuic ϊ> is a sample atchitcctuial ctoss sectional drawing ot two rutthci sections of wall iccotding to one aspect of the invention.

Figuie 10 is a sample aichitcctuial side new ckawing of patt ot a building constructed accotding to the picscnt invention

Figure 11- is a aampte architectural side view drawing of second part of a building constructed accoidmg to the present invention

Figure 12 depict, an interior area of a building constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 13 depicts an example courtyard in a building constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 14 depicts an example outer section of a building constructed in accordance with the present invention Building materials aiitl methods

Figuie 15 depicts an example flowci pot ftatuic wall constiucttd m accuidancc with the present invention.

Figuie 16 is a plan view of a high density living building coiistnictcd in accoidance with the pie sent invention

Figure 17 is a side, perspective view of the building of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a plan view of an 'Eco-village" of buildings as depicted in Figure 16.

Figures- 19 And 21 are a cut-away perspective views of a partially built structure according to the invention.

Figmc 20 depicts plan (shown at the top of the page) and side views of a paitully built structure according to the invention

Figuies 22 and 23 lie plm views of a section of will of a building constiuctcd accoiding to the invention

Figures 24 to 36 are perspective views showing some of the stages of construction of a building acco.dmg to the picscnt invention

Figures 37 to 52 depict various stages of construction of a multi-level building constructed according to the present invention

Figures 53 to 61 depict various aspects and construction of a building according to the invention suitable for high density living.

Figures 62 to 6" depict vauous aspects and construction of a building accoiding to the invention suitable for floatation on water.

Figuie 6S is an elevated perspective view of a seiies of S residences accotding to a high density living embodiment of the invention.

Figuies 69 to 76 depict vauous aspects and construction of a fuithei. building accoiding tD the invention.

Building materials suid methods

Detailed description of exemplary embodixnenta:

It is convenient to describe the invention herein in relation to particularly preferred embodiments Howevet, the invention is applicible to a wide range of situations and building materials as described above and it is to be appreciated that other constructions and arrangements .ire also' considered as filling within the scope of the invention. Various modifications , alterations, variations and or additions to the construction and arrangements described hctcin ate also considered as falling within the ambit and scope at the present invention

Figure 1 depicts a plan view of a section of a wall of a building constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention. The figure depicts 120 Clay Bricks, 101, (3L x 1OW x 4H) on baseboard 102 Sttavtr bales 107 aic bghtly packed with neat' 2eiα clearance (104) and held ui place by purlins or support beams 105. Perimeter beam 103 is depicted at one end, gauge posts 106 are depicted at mid-span 40x40 angle The support beams (or purlins, 105) in this embodiment are generally L shaped, and the smaller, cross piece of each L acts as a projection to engage and hold a straw bale (107) The. ends of each such projection comprise a ruithci, sinallcrprojcctiDii as depicted in more detail in Figure 2 (here having a length or 10 mm). These smaller projections penetrate into the straw bale and thereby mote firmly engage and hold it in place. Example dimensions are given in Figure 2, however, it will be appreciated that any suitable dimensions may be used. The straw bales in Figure 1 are tightly packed to increase insulation and space efficiency.

Support beams and load bearing construction materials for use in the present invention may take any suitable form. For example, they may comprise metal, wood, polymer, concrete, stone, ceramic, or any other suitable material or any combination thereof -The most appiopiiatc materials will often depend on the availability locally and the local environmental context. In some embodiments steel or timbci aic used. Some building materials provide further benefits and can be used so as to confer those benefits. Thus for example, some building materials, such as timber act as temperature insulators. Thus, for example, they may stop heat transfer with die external environment. Thus, for example, where internal sections of a building according to the present invention ate fixed to timber support elements, then they add an insulating function to the support beams. In some locations ceitain types of Building materials suid methods

mateπals may need to be adapted foi use. Thus fot example, timber may need to be treated to be temiite resistant, and the like.

It is ail advantage of certain aspects of tlie present invention that standatd bales can be used herein. Thus, for example, if the insulating material is a straw bale, the building can be designed and built according to the invention in such a way that enables the local standard sr2ed bales. This allows use of local products which is good for the community ind the cnvnonmcnt (by cutting down transportation)

Figure 3 comprises perspective, cross sectional, and "in-use* views of an example support beam according to the present invention. The lower part oftlie diagram depicts how straw bales (in this case) may be held in place using a support beam of this configuration. The smallei piαjections on the lateral aspects of the support beam penetrate into the straw bale and thereby more firmly engage and hold it in pbce

Figure 4 composes petspective, cioss sectional, and 'ln-use' views of a futlhet example support beam according to the picscnt invention. The lower part oftlie diagram, which depicts these support beams in use shows how they are placed in tight engagement with the insulation units (here straw bales). The general C shape enables a relatively firm and close engagement and the projections in the ends oftlie 'C shape penetrate or protrude into the sltaw bale and lhctcby mote Cirmly engage and hold the bale

Figure 5 comprises perspective, cross sectional, and ^lin-use^J views of a further example support beam according to the present invention. This type of support beam has similar chatactetlstics to those described above, including tight engagement and smallei pro_jections to penetrate and firmly engage the straw bale

Figure 6 is a plan view of a buildmg component being a wall constructed according to one aspect of the invention The centic of tlie diagram depicts a stiaw bale 602 and it can be seen that to the left of the diagram thcic is a generally C sliaped support beam in CIDSC engagement with tlie bale. The upper portion of the diogum depicts an external cladding 601 applied to the outside oftlie wall, and the lower portion depicts an internal cladding 603, in this instance being plaster board. Fixing means (here screws) are used to fix the external cladding to the support beam. Note that the Screws also protrude into tlie straw bale While Building materials suul methods

tliis type of fixing means would nut bt suitable tor direct attachment of the external cladding to the stow bile (without engaging tlie support beam), there ate other methods that would be. These might for example comprise struts or other elongated members which pass through the straw bale and are anchored at a set distance on either side of the bale.

Figure 7 comprises a perspective view (cut-away section) and plan view of a building component being a wall 701 constructed according to one aspect of the invention. The plan view towards the top of the diagiam depicts that the suppoit beams aic generally T shaped and that the straw bales ate again tightly packed between them and between the external wall 702 and internal wall 703. As depicted in the diagram, the support beams are used to affix the internal and external cladding and therefore function as studs ⁷θ4 within the wall cavity.

Figure S is a sample atthitectutal ctoss sectional duwing of two sections of will iccoiding to one aspect of the invention. The diagram to the left depicts a door frame and window section A 200 x 200 grid x 130 deep galvanised steel armature SOl supports a lattice of terracotta pota. Corrugated sheet cladding 803 is on the external wall, adjacent armature 801. A steel C350 header of the roof area 803 is also depicted. Course gravel filler S04 and a diain S05 arc depicted on the outside. A 2150 purlin 306 provides suppoit and the toof is capptd with galvani2cd capping S30 S07 depicts a stttl 360 I IB Column and SOS depicts a steel truss. The underside of header 803 is lined with 13 mm plaster board lining 809. Plaster board 810 is also used to line the steel door frame and window jaϊnbs. Steel double gk2ed, lunged doors SIl are used with fixed side windows. There is a galvanised cover flashing at the coincis Sir. A concrete waffle slab ftl3 « used and tlictc is a biturøcn coating Sl 4 to tlit uutsidt tdgts of tlic concrete slab adμctnt to screen walls.

Turning now to the wall area depicted to the right of Figure S. There is a galvanised parapet capping S21 and C35O Sttcl studs S2Z S14 dtpicts C150 stttl aiid S16 dtpicts iaktd 2150 purlins, while S17 depicts 75 x 75 steel anglt at 500 CTS and SlS is a stttl truss. Loost sttaw is used as an insulation filling at SlD. Straw bales »20 are 350 x 500 x 1000 in siae and in this embodiment, constructed into trie wall in an end-on fashion. They are housed into C350 steel studs which are fixed to the slab and truss. 823 depicts the steel bracket which connects the truss wd the C350 will studs The outci wall on this side is also covcLed on tlie outsidt with a vtgttation sctten S24 fixtd to the C35O wall joists at Im spacings. A layer Building materials aiid methods

of corrugated cladding S25 is on tlit outside of tht wall but inside tht vegetation wall. A moisture barrier, such as Tyvek'S' protective πuteriil (DuPont) - (or similar), 826, is placed between the cladding and the straw bales. S27 depicts D.P.C. to the underside of the strawbales and stepped up 50 mm to the inside of the bales and down to 50 mm to the outside of the cortclctc A coatsc gravel base R2f» is placed to the base o£ the vegetation sctctn S24. A vapour baiiitt S29 is placed to the underside of tht slab.

The outside cladding is cottugatcd sheet and thctc is an outct layci of plants placed in teiiacotta pots a suppotting lattice The toof section is hoiiZontal and comprises straw bales fixed in place. A single C shaped support beam is visible to the left of the diagram and is labelled 'steel header*. A 13 mm plaster board lining forms the inner surface of the ceiling ^' and is depicted below the straw bale. Any suitable form of internal covering can be used. For example, it may be recycled plastic sheets, steel, corrugated iron, plaster board, paper, Wood panels, tcclalmcd wood sheets, etc. In some embodiments, the llltctnil sutfacc covet is transparent so as to maintain visibility of the insulating unit This may be for practical reasons - such as to allow inspection for maintenance or safety reasons. However, it may also be for aesthetic reasons, for example to add to the overall visual appeal. This may for example particularly be the case where the insulating unit comprises a natural substance, such- as straw, woodchips, etc.

The diagram to the right of Figure S depicts a wall of the same building, the ceiling and roof being constructed m the same way and comprising straw bales. The section of wall depicted in this diagram comptises stiaw bales of 3SO mm X SOO mm JC 1000 mm in srze The bales arc held in place by steel suppoit beams onto which internal cladding (plaster board) and external cladding (corrugated cladding) is affixed '

Figuie 9 is a sample architectuial cross sectional dtawing of two fuithet sections of wall accotding to one aspect of trie invention. The diagram to the left of Figuic 9 depicts vaiious aspects of a wall with straw bales constructed according to the invention. Again, C shaped steel support beams are used to hold the bales. In this section of wall a different cladding is used — red gum The diagram also depicts other common elements of a building, s\ich as a hot watei storage tank and dtain The diagiam to the tight of Figuic 9 depicts a section of toof and the use of stiaw bales and support beams in connection with it. Building materials and methods

Returning to the diagiam tu the left of Figuie 9, thcic is a hot witct stotagc tank 901 , and sheet roofing 902. A box gutter 903 is placed under the roofing and a product such as - Speedeck ultia roof iron 904 may be used. 905 depicts the C150 Steel Purlin and 906 depicts steel angle. A C350 steel header 907 is used and in this embodiment, 20 x 200 mm redgum cladding 9OR is Used on tile outside Folded steel celling joists 911 at.c used at 500mm spicing to support the stiaw bales m the ceiling Stiaw biles 909 ate .150 x 500 x 1000 mm and placed on their ends and housed into C350 Steel Studs which are fixed to a slab and with a C350 header. 910 depicts a drain, and 912 depicts the concrete waffle slab.

Turning to the diagram to the right of Figure 9_t again, speedecfc ultta toof iron 91.3 is used, as is a 20 x 200 mm redgum cladding 91& 914 depicts 360 LJB Column behind and 915 the roofing truss. A plaster board lining 916, is on the inside of the wall and 917 depicts a section to be boxed out A 200 x 200 eave gutter 919 is depicted as is further Speedeck Ultra Root lion 920 921 depicts 2150 puilins, 922 depicts a C35O Rakci and 923 depicts C350 steel celling joists while 924 shows 75 x 75 angle at 500 CTS.

Figure 10 is a sample architectural side view drawing of part of a building constructed accDtding to the picscnt invention. The diagiam depicts a gaiagc 1005 with walls and a ceiling which comprise sαaw bales 1001 The mnci cladding is plastct board and the outei cladding is corrugated cladding. Any suitable form of internal covering can be used. For example, it may be recycled plastic sheets, steel,^' corrugated iron, plaster board, paper, wood panels, reclaimed wood sheets, etc. In some embodiments, the internal surface cover is transparent so as to maintain visibility of the insulating unit This may be tot ptacOcal icasons — such as to allow inspection for maintenance oi safety reasons Howcvci, it may also be for aesthetic leasons, foi example to add to the overall visual appeal. This imy for example particularly be the case where the insulating unit comprises a natural substance, such as straw, woodchips, etc. The outer most part of the wall comprises plants in pots held in a lattice.

Turning now to a slightly more detailed description of garage 1005 in Figure 10, straw bale walls 1001 are clad on the outside with galvanised steel 1010 and on the inside with plaster boatd 1002 depicts a patapet and the building has solar panels and a solat hot watct system 1003. Stiaw bales Ue also used in the ceiling with galvanised steel and plastct board 1004. Building materials and methods

Pait of the dwelling building is also depicted in wm.n uicic J..<- SLCCI flamed glaϊcd sash windows 10U6. lϋO"' and 1009 depict drains and the concrete waffle slab is depicted by 10OS. The outside wall comprises a vegetation screen wall 1011 according to the present invention. A steel roof system 1012 according to the present invention is used with, in this embodiment, Ttaydcck sheet looting 1013

Figure 11 is a sample architectural side view drawing of second part of a building constructed accotding to the present invention The diagram depicts a master bcdioom 1014 and studio 1 IOS in the same design as the gaiagc in Figuie 10 There is a parapet 1101, a vegetation screen wall 1102, drains 1103 and 1110. The ulterior walls 1105 are straw bale with plaster board cladding on both sides. 110<5 is a built in robe. A straw bale wall in accordance with the present invention witli external corrugated steel cladding and internal plaster board cladding is depicted at 1109 Corrugated zinc cladding panels are used at 1111

Figuie 12 depicts an interior area of Λ building constructed in accordance with the present invention. Interior wall 1201 is made from recycled plywood from packing crates. Ceiling 1202 comprises steel support beams with straw bales tightly packed between them In this embodiment, the straw bales aic not clad and instead aic coveted in tianspaicnt plastic so as to enable users uf the building to see them. Figure 12 also depicts a room witliin a building according to the present invention being used as a meeting place and cafe which underscores the wide utility of buildings constructed according to the present invention. Furthermore, all furnishings 1205 and fixtures are made from recycled or reclaimed materials thus further adding to the environmentally sustainable aesthetic Walls 1.703 ate constructed in the same way as the ceiling, with steel suppoit beams and tightly packed straw bales covered in plastic. Floor 1204 comprises ieclaimed wood, for example from recycled building materials, packing crates, etc.

Figuie U depicts an example cuuityatd in a building constructed in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment comprises as vegetation wall 1304 as described herein. Furthermore the ceiling area may be covered or uncovered, or covered in a transparent material to let light and / or a breathable material to allow air in Door coverings 1303 may cornpiise any suitable material In this embodiment, they comprise rolls o£ plastic which mav for examulc be cut into stuos to allow easy tiansit but stop flies and othci insects ftom Building materials suul methods

cntciing the buildmg The external cladding of walls 1302 may compπse any suitable mateiial In this embodiment, they comprise reclaimed wood.

Figme 14 depicts an example outer section of a building constructed in accoidance with the present invention Will 14Oi has intentionally been left open, without straw bales so as to allow pissersby to see mside and experience And be attracted to the building Such a wall may be left entirely without A wall, or a glass or other transparent covering may be used. Λ vegetation will 1401 is also depicted as is a toot top gaidcn 1402 which comp.ises small tiees and food plants housed m avauety of containers, such as used elates In this instance, the used crates are Chep containers

Figure 15 depicts an example flower pot feature wall constructed in accordance, with the plesent invention In this embodiment the Vegetation Wall 1502 has not yet been tmished However, in some embodiments, no plants oxe pliced m the pots at .ill jnd Λ different visual aesthetic is created As can be seen from trie picture, a vegetation wall according to the present invention need not be directly engaged witli or contact another wall, but may instead be free-standing and may also be used to create a particular useable outdoor environment The building depicted m this rigu.c comptiscs straw bale walls and is clad on the outside 'with old wooden slccpets

Figutc 16 is a plan view of a high density living building l60i constiucted in accoidincc with tile ptesent invention One tliitd of the toof atea of the building campuses a toof top garden 1602, with plants or shrubs 1603 Preferably such plants comprise food plants to further enable a more sustainable existence for the inhabitants. The remainder of the roof may be used in any sxiitable way. In some preferred embodiments, it comprises a plurality of solar panels so as to generate energy for use in the building The dashed lines demonstrate a vauety of potential room layouts 1604 and lfi05 within the building. Such a building may of couisc be of iny suitable size and could teadily be made to house even a latge family.

Figure 17 is a side, perspective view of the building 1701 of Figure 16 Roof garden 1702 comprises shiubs l~03, which may be used to ptovidc a degt.ee of screening oi ptΛ'icy from neighbours A wall P04 may be placed around the garden as a safety barrier. Preferably the will is itself made ϋom reclaimed or recycled materials. Building materials and methods

Figure 13 is a plan view of ai\ Εco-villagc of buildings as depicted in Figiue lό. Such a low environmental-impact residential area has many advantages including low cost to build, low land use, increased community living, low environmental impact, and so on. In this embodiment, the group of dwellings is assumed to be in the Southern Hemisphere and the diicctioii oc Notch is depicted In sonic picfcttcd embodiments the individual buildings comprise buildings accotding to the invention and optionally share one or more walls with neighbouring buildings so as to reduce the required building materials. A low environmental impact residential area according to the present invention may comprise buildings with or without roof top gardens. In some embodiments of the 'Eco-village' of buildings, the buildings ate used toi puiposes othet than lesidential, rot example, tat commetcial on letiil puipoϋcs

By making the rooftop garden cover no more than one third of the roof of each dwelling, it is possible to cnsuic that each dwelling's loof top gaidcii will access unhindered sunlight from the Notch, as depicted by dashed it tow ISO 1. A road 1302 is depicted which may rot example circumnavigate the eco-vilkge. A communal garden and play area may also be set up, for example at 1802 so as to enable more space for children to play, etc. Such higher density living is much more ecologically sustainable tlian current first world housing.

The flooring of a building constructed with materials and / or methods according to the invention may be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the floomig comprises insulating units according to the invention. In some embodiments, these are covered with a suitace so as to ptovidc gieatci resistance to wen The rlooting covei may be o£ any suitable type. In some embodiments, it comprises reclaimed wood, such as that ftom packing crates. However, it could readily comprise a wide variety of materials, such stone, slate, marble, floor boards, or any standard flooring material. In some preferred embodiments, the flooring comprises recycled or reclaimed materials so as to reduce the environmental impact of the building and, depending on the chosen material, to increase the aesthetic appeal of the flooring.

A building constructed in accordance with the invention may be used for any suitable purpose In some embodiments, it may be a lesidential building In some embodiments ot buildings constiuctcd in accordance with the invention, there is provided a coutt ymd area Building materials suid methods

which may optionally be under the saint roof as tlic main building, 01 fill within an outei will of the building (irrespective of whether it is roofed). In some preferred embodiments, a wall of the courtyard area comprises a wall with plants growing in it, such as for example a flower wall A flower wall may be made by any suitable method. Tn some preferred embodiments, it is comprised of a steel icinfotccmcnt mesh oi anothci suitable giid-like supporting structure adapted to hold a pluiality of plant pots. One method of constructing such a wall comprises welding two sheets of reinforcement mesh together so as form a series of simple spaces within winch to rest pots (within each 'box) formed by the two meshes being welded together).

Some preferred embodiments of i building constructed in accordance with the invention further comprise furniture and other items which are built from recycled or reclaimed materials.

In some embodiments, the roof area may function is a further living space, for example is a roof-top garden. Such a garden may for example comprise one or more food plants to further enhance the sustainabihty of the budding and its occupants In some embodiments, the garden comprises other environmentally friendly components, which may rot example make the gaidcii more sustainable. Thus in some embodiments the gatdcn comptises animals such as bees, or fowl. The rooftop garden may also comprise elements conducive to use as an outdoor living and / or entertainment area. Thus, cliildren's play equipment, outdoor furniture and cooking facilities and the like may also form part of a roof top garden according to the present invention In some embodiments one 01 mote of these elements aic themselves comprised of recycled or reclaimed materials.

Plants grown on a rooftop garden according to the present invention may be grown in any suitable way. In some embodiments, they aie grown in pots which make it easier to move them around and to contain giowth media, soil, and the like. Such pots may be of any suitable size. In some preferred embodiments, they are recycled or reclaimed containers, such as those xised for shipping.

In some embodiments, the roof area also serves to catch excess rain water for use by occupants or users of the building. Rain water may be caught and stored for example in a Building materials and methods

tank which may optionally be placed below the building 01 in such a way so as to inctease the thermal mass of tlie building and therefore increase the efficiency of temperature contiol withui the building

In some embodiments of the roof top garden, tiie safety barαeis aie comprised of one 01 mote plants and / or tlie containers in which they grow Thus saves on building materials required to make the garden safe

In some embodiments the method comprises delivering a light gauge steel to the site of construction, forming the steel mto one or more required shapes and using the now fabricated steel for construction. The steel maybe delivered m any suitable form In some embodiments it is delivered in a coil and the shaping process is roll forming Such a method saves an eiioimαus amount ot ciietgy and labour since the steel is labucated on site tathei than at a factory from which it would need to be stored, then shipped out to the construction aiea

Tcinpcratuic contiol within a building according to the present invention may be undertaken in any suitable way In some preferred embodiments, the combination of the insulating properties of the straw bales plus design features which allow air to circulate (eg cross ventilate) when needed mean that no otlier heating or cooling devices are needed This saves a lot of cncigy 2nd minimises emission 0 C greenhouse gases

Figures 19 and 21 nre cut-away perspective views of a partially built structure according to one aspect of the invention Figure 19 depicts a partially constructed building according to the present invention Turning to Figuie 19, of course, structural beams and columns 1 , may be made from any suitable mαtcual, including by way of example only, steel, wood, 01 a polymer sudi as 1 plastic.

Attached to beams and columns 1 arc T sections 2, made up of for example two angles ot a T section made ot a suitable material, such as steel, wood, plastic, etc T sections 2 act as a stud and α fixing component for cladding of internal or external walls as well to lock the bales into the walls, ceiling and floor

The distance 3 between adjacent columns and beams 1 in this embodiment is consistent, tins allows for a standard square bale 6 to be used It also means that the windows 9 can be a Building materials suid methods

standard si2c and thcicfotc prc-madc which significantly icduccs costs of manufacture, transport and the impact on the environment.

The toot^" truss 4, (depicted here with i transparent covei to show innei detail) houses the StLiW biles 6 in the ceiling in i civity which can also be used to house hydraulics and electrical and other services and a pitching roof can be added over the top The roof truss can also be used to insulate from sound (where an Apartment is above), or temperature, or^' piovidc support for a iooftop gatdcn, etc The covet ovci ioof truss 4 may for example be plywood which is then coveied by i suitible external cladding

Cladding 5 can be used on the outside and or inside of the walls. Claddinς can be of any suitable, type Some non-limiting examples might include, corrugated iron, plaster, wood, cement sheet, etc — anything that can be tlXed Ht sheets

Floonng and ceiling and internal walls can be of any suitable material. In Figure 19, flooring 7 is plywood In some embodiments ot the invention, gap ft is left underneath the building to allow ready access throughout. Thus, m these embodiments, the building can be built befofe the final decision is made as to where to put walls, windows and services etc. If the distance 3 between beams 1 is kept standard and windows 9 are designed to readily fit in tins distance, then they can be placed anywhere and after practicalities of the building are undcntood when it exists in thicc dimensional form Similarly, by allowing for gap R₁ services, such as plumbing, gas, electrical and so on can ieadily be added latet, aftci decisions are made about where to place certain rooms (such as kitchen / bathroom / etc) and where to plice elements of those rooms (such as toilets, baths, shower, stove, and so on).

Figuic 20 depicts plan (shown at the top of the page) and side views of a partially built structure according to the invention. Gap S can be seen at the lower pait of the side view and straw bales 6 have been placed vertically in the WΛIL Verticil placement of straw bales is a particular feature of certain embodiments of the present invention. Angle 12 allows internal and external T sections 2 to be attached Cladding 5 (which in this case is corrugated iron) has been affisrcd at one section. Figure 21 depicts T sections 2 in the flooi and angle 12 Building materials ami methods

Figutcs 22 and 23 aic plan views of a section of wall of a building constructed accoiding to tlie invention. Figure 22 is a section of a larger area and Figure 23 is a more detailed view of a subjection as indicated in Figure 22. Flashing 10 acts as weather protection for the truss and also as an end flashing for- the external cladding and also allows an external weather pioor tinish haid up against the window ttatnc 3a The plywood 11, that the UUsscs aic clad in also acts as a thcimal break. Angle 12 suppotts the vctticil Ts and allows internal and external Ts to be fixed.

Figutes 24 to 36 ate peispective views showing some of the stages of construction of a building according to the present invention. Figure 24 depicts a truck 13 with a container 14 which houses either all or most of the components to build a building according to the invention, to lock up stage (excluding the straw bales). Straw bales are sourced locally and can be delivered and installed after lock up.

Figure 25 depicts the components 15 from container 14 The components are columns and trusses (ceiling and floor) 1, T sections 2 (made up of two angles), cladding 5, and windows 9 Note that according to this particular embodiment, none, of the internal surfaces (such as cladding) is dekvetcd at this stage. This is because it is up to the client and can be souiccd locally Note that the plywood is already attached to components 1 when they ate dclivetcd to simplify construction

In some embodiments the container which held the matctials is delivered and intended to stay on the property. Such a container can be supplied along with a suitably sized bladder so that it cλtϊ be turned into a large witer Link. Similarly, it may be used in any suitable way Thus in some embodiments it may eventually comprise a fire shelter (such as a bunker) or a storage area such as a shed

Figure 2ό shows the start of the build with floor trusses 1 being put in place first. They are held up by an anchor system appropriate to the circumstances. For example, coastal or swamp areas may need pylons, although any other suitable anchor system maybe used, such is tot example mega-inchoi ¹JT¹ etc. The trusses may comprise any suitable building mite till, tor example metal, timber, and so on. Building materials sulci methods

Figure ϊ¹ depicts the columns 1 being attached which may be by anv suitable means, tot example by screwing Plywood ciosses over and acts as a brace so that the building is braced togethei. Figuie 2S depicts the ceiling trusses 1 being added they may foi example be attached by screwing

Figure 29 depicts installation of the fust T sections 2 (also known m this embodiment as angles) for example by screwing Figure 30 depicts the external cladding 5 being added, for example by screwing This could be any suitable cladding mateiial In this embodiment it compuscs couugated steel

Figure 31 depicts windows 9 added The roof is not depicted in tins diagram In a stand alone building the roof would be added at the same time as the cladding However, for a mulh storey thelc Is Ho tool This building Is now at lock Up stage

Figure 32 depicts the stiaw being biought in on a truck Note that the cladding is on the building betoie the sttaw biles ale added That means that the house is at lock up at an catlici point and the addition of straw bales is not wcathci permitting

Figure 33 depicts straw balcj 6 and internal cladding / flictc it is {looting) ready to be added In Figutc 34 all or the bales arc in and cladding is about to be added as depicted m Figure 35 Figuie 36 ts a finished building

It should be noted that all of the materials required to achieve lock up stage for a 6m by 16m building can be transported in a 20 foot (6nϊ) container and be built on site within a few days

Figures 37 to 52 depict various stages of construction of a multi-level building constructed according to the present invention Figure 3 1 depicts the footprint of a proposed multistorey buildmg accoiding to the invention Surface 15 is the current ground WeI and m tins embodiment comprises a current day cat pλik Surface 16 reptesents the new floor level fot tlie first storey The level is raised by constructing pylons 17 with appropriate supports Thus a new building can be built using the current system on top of an existing car park without losing the valuable cai park space and without the expensive and ecologically mole risky requitcment to excavate Building materials and methods

Figuic 3S depicts the space of Figuic 37 showing beams and coluiniis 1 arc in place Figiuc 39 depicts the beams and columns 1 of the second storey having been constructed. Figures 40, 41, 42, depict successive storeys being added to the structure. Figure 43 depicts the edition of T sections 2 and Figure 44 depicts the addition of external cladding 5. Figure 45 depicts straw bales 6 having been installed in sonic walls while Figuic 4ό depicts internal ceilings 7 and floors 7 having been installed. Figure 47 depicts the addition of windows 9

As with other embodiments or the invention, a roof top garden IS can piovidc substantial benefits in ceitain buildings This is foi example depicted in Figuie 48 In ceitain piefe.ied embodiments of construction methods and buildings according to the invention, there are other environmentally friendly additions to the building. TIiUS₁ fof example, Figure 49 depicts the addition of wind turbines 19.

Other embodiments add various elements such as the balconies m Figure 50. Figures 51 and 52 depict the building just described from various views, and show the rooftop garden IS, wind turbine 19 and the balconies 20.

Figures 53 to 61 depict various aspects and construction of a building according to the invention suitable for high density living. In Figure 23, a water tank 21 is initially placed in a suitable position. In Figure 54 the basic structure of a high density living building according to the picscnt invention statti to take shape Catpatk 22- has been built adjacent to water storage 21 A caipaik according to tins aspect of the invention may be made from any suitable material, for example, concrete, steel, timber, polymer and so on.

Figure 55a depicts a collection or high density living residences according to the present invention The residences shown gcncially at 24 arc atrangcd in tows with a space 23 between the joined rows. Space 23 may be used for any suitable purpose. In some embodiments it serve* to provide a space for connecting roads to run for access to each residence. Parts of the space may also be used for parkland or other recreational areas. As can be seen in Figure 54, a certain amount of excavation is necessary in order to build carpark 22 It is an intentional design clement of this aspect of the invention that excavated earth removed from region 24 in order to build car parks can be placed in the region which Building materials and methods

will become 23 This minimises the cost and cnvitomiicntil impact of ttaπspoiting earth and allows for greater creativity and functional use of the land in area 23.

Figuie 55b is a moic dctiilcd view of S residences according to this aspect of tht invention pertaining to high density living arrangements. A depicts a series of residences which are larger (300 m2) than the B set (200 m2), which are depicted as the lower row in the diagram. Each residence comprises an underground car park, with access 26, an above ground residence which is accessed via path 25 and a toot top gatdcn IS

Returning now to the construction of a residence according to this aspect of the invention, Figure 56 depicts trusses 1 being added on top of water Link 21 and car part 22. Figure 57 depicts a waterproof cladding being added to the top of the structure. 5i depicts a coirugatcd cladding over one end of the residence and Sii depicts a cladding suitable to be used as i flooring for the roof top garden IS.

Figutc 5ft depicts addition of the toof top ζatden and Angles 2 Stiaw bales 6 may be added at this junctuic (Figure 59) or may be added latct, after lock up as in previously described embodiments.

Figuic 60 depicts a completed residence with pathway 25 leading to the front dooi, diivcway 26 to trie lowci car paik, windows 9, cladding 5. A dividing wall 5iii is also depicted wliich separates the two ad|acent residences. In some preferred embodiments it will comprise . straw bales to insulate sound. It could equally be made from any suitable material such as brick, glass, steel, etc.

Figure 61 is a cut away view of one embodiment of a high density living residence according to the invention. The diagram at the left depicts the plane of the cut away section. The section illustrates an internal set of rooms, the car park 22, windows 9, the roof top garden 18 and SD on

Figures 62 to 67 depict various aspects and construction of a building according to trie invention suitable for floatation on water.

Figure o2 depicts floatation devices 21 being set in preparation for building. Any suitable floatation devices may be used. In some embodiments they comprise discarded bottles of Building materials aiid methods

■ one Di moil, sizes, shapes and so on. In such embodiments, the bottles must be held together by suitable means, for example wire mesh (though any suitable means will work). In other embodiments, λ more unifoπn or standard means of providing floatation may be used.

Figure ό3 depicts trusses 1 being added to the floatation devices and a mesh 2» covering the remainder of them. Any suitable covering may be used in place of the mesh. The mesh in this p2tticulit embodiment is such that it has sufficient strength to be walked on This allows any watei which falls to pass sttaight thiough the underlying body of water

Figure 64 depicts 4 containers 14 which have been craned onto the floatation area. In this embodiment of this building, the containers become part of the finished structure. As in pievious embodiments, the shipping containers can be used foL any suitable purpose, such as storage, one or more rooms of the building and so on. In this embodiment one or more of the containers may be fitted with a bladder and filled with water to become a water tank for fresh water.

. Figure 65 depicts Angles 2 being added as well as flooring ⁷. Figure 66 depicts the final building with cladding 5 added and a rooftop garden 18. Figure 67 depicts one particular aspect of this embodiment in which the open area may be closed for example at night by Winching it up 30 Tins may be Cot any suitable puiposc, such as security ot safety

Figure 68 is an elevated perspective view of a series of S residences according to a high density living embodiment of the invention.

Figure 69 depicts a further building according to the present invention shown generally at 691. Figures 70 and 71 are cut away views showing partial construction of the building of Figure 69. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the building of Figure 69. Figure 73 depicts a plan view of the building of Figure 69 showing cotiugated lion tooting 731 with mtcgiatcd gutter system. The building comprises stiaw bile insulated walls in steel fiaiiic system 732.

Figure ^"4 depicts a side view of the building of Figure 69. The building comprises an external cladding 741 which in this embodiment is colourbond corrugated steel.^' Thcic is also aluminium flashing 742 and custom steel window flames 743. There aie tutthei buildings and items on the property in this particular example of this embodiment and line Building materials and methods

744 depicts the line of the fence to the edge of an adjacent dam Line ⁷47 depicts the line of an existing adjacent structure in tiϊis example embodiment Line ^?45 depicts the ground height which in this example is 1200mm below the floot level it the eastern end. There is a water tank and a septic tank and work farm 746.

Figure 75 is a further aide view of the building of Figure 69 The external cladding 751 is colourbond corrugated steel and there is a double garage 752, a ten thousand litre water fcmk 753 and a mega anchoi footings system 754 Line 755 illustiatcs that the ζiound height is estimated to be 200 mm below flooi level at the western end

Figure 76 depicts two side views of the building of Figure 69. Again, in tins embodiment, the external cladding 761 and 767 is colourbond.corrugated steel and has aluminium capping 762 and 76S With custom steel Window flames 766 The gtoUlid level 764 is estimated to be a 1200 mm drop across 35 metres in tins example embodiment There is a verandah with custom steel doors 765 This diagram also depicts a ten thousand litie water tank 769 and a mega anchor footings system 770.

Claims

Building materials and methodsClαiiiia

1. A plurality of buildings constructed in close proximity and each optionally built so as to shaie it ltast one wall with a neighbouring building, so as to ieduce land use wherein each building comprises at least one insulating unit made from recycled and/ or reclaimed materials, and wherein the unit(s) are held in place by one or mare support beams.

2. A budding comprising at least one insulating unit made from recycled and/ or reclaimed materials, wherein the unit(sj are held in place by one or more support beams.

3. A budding according to claim 2 comprising a ioof-toρ gatdeti

4. A budding according to claim 2 which comprises a plurality of levels.

5. A wall suitable for use with a building according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of members adapted to engage a vessel for holding a plant.

6. A wall according to claim 6 wherein the members readily engage α standard plant pot size.

7. A wall, ceiling oi flooi for a building comprising an insulating unit made fiom iecycled or reclaimed materials which is at least partially supported by a support beam wherein the support beams comprises an engagement means to hold at least one insulating unit in place.

S. A method of constructing a component of a building comprising: placing a steel suppott beam in a piedctcimincd position, and placing at least one insulating unit made from recycled or reclaimed materials in supported engagement With the suppott bealπ

9. A wall, ceiling or floor as herein described by reference to any one or more of Figures 1 or 7 to 76.

10 A budding as herein described by reference to any one of more of Figures 1 or 7 to 68 Building materials ami methods

A plutility of buildings is heicm dcsctibed by icfeieπcc to my one oi nio.e of Figutes 3^ to 76. A method of coiistiucting a will, ceiling ot flop, is heteni dtsctibcd by tefetence to my one or mote of Figutes 1 OΪ ^"" to Ib A method of constructing a building as herein described by reference, to any one or more of Figutcs 1 oi 7 to 76 A method of constructing a plurality of buildings as herein described by reference to any one Di mote ot Figutcs 37 to 16