WO2012006655A1

WO2012006655A1 - A building system and panel therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2012006655A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000025
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Salton
Original assignee: John Salton
Priority date: 2010-07-16
Filing date: 2011-01-10
Publication date: 2012-01-19

Abstract

The present invention provides a panel which is capable of being used in a building system which allows the panel to be mounted to a support structure; the panel including a body which has a first surface and an opposed second surface; and wherein the body has a laminar construction of which at least one layer is manufactured of a fluid impermeable material forming at least the first surface; whereby the panel can be used to construct a waterproof surface on the support structure. Also provided is a building system for mounting a panel to a support structure to construct a wet area; the building system including at least one panel and a fastening system which is capable of adjustment and which allows the panel to be secured to the support structure; wherein the adjustability of the fastening system allows adjustment of the orientation with which the panel in use is secured to the support structure.

Description

A BUILDING SYSTEM AND PANEL THEREFOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a building system, and more particularly to a building system for use in wet areas such as bathrooms.

Background to the Invention

Generally a problem with construction of wet areas such as bathrooms is the need to provide water-proof surfaces. The water-proof surfaces typically are also required to be durable and to be able to withstand indirect heat. These characteristics usually can be achieved by using tiles which are layered on top of the water-proof surface. Generally tiles are best laid on a surface which is substantially planar and which normally is provided by a supporting surface such as a wall. Imperfections in the supporting wall, e.g. if the wall is not substantially planar and vertical (plumb), it can be required for the supporting surface to be first repaired before the layer of tiles are laid. The repairs may be in the nature of filling in areas of the supporting surface, resurfacing the wall or, in cases where it would be impractical to adopt either of the former options, building a further wall surface in front of the old wall. A number of problems could exist if any of these practices are adopted.

Firstly, generally different trade persons are required to perform work on different structural components and services of a structure such as a house. For example, a different tradesman may be required to construct flooring, walls and roofing and to install services such as water, gas, electricity, sewerage and design elements such as shower, basin, mirrors, lighting etc. Often a number of tradesmen are required to construct these components in the allowed timeframe. It could therefore increase the construction cost associated with, for example, a bathroom if the services of a builder is again required before a wall can be tiled.

Secondly, a typical wall used in the construction of, for example, a house generally has a number of different components. For example, the wall may include a support framework such as a stud or masonry wall which provides cavities for installation and piping. Depending on the type of support framework used, the wall may be plastered or panelling may be secured on either side of the wall. It can therefore be difficult to prepare the support surface without requiring major work to be carried out on the wall. This could impact on construction costs and delays in completing the construction.

Thirdly, the construction, for example, of a bathroom is typically carried out in stages which must be undertaken in a strict order to allow adherence to construction budgets and timeframes. Once the construction of the floor, wall and roof is completed, tiles, paint, flashing, sealing etc. are applied followed by the installation of shower screens, basins, water closets and furnishings such as taps, towel rails. It could be quite difficult to stick to a strict timetable if different trade people are needed to construct a building. Often requiring again the services of a builder may prevent compliance with the strict timetable.

Fourthly, resurfacing a wall or constructing a further wall may result in a decrease in the area provided, for example, a small bathroom. This often is undesired.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved building system which overcomes or at least ameliorates one or more of the problems of the prior art.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides an building system including a panel system for use in constructing a wet area wherein the panel system includes a substantially planar panel formed at least partially of a material that is water proof, heat tolerant and having integral structural characteristics; the panel system including an adjustable fastening system which allows the panel to be attached to a wall structure thereby to allow the panel to be mounted plumb to the support structure.

The term "wet area" is taken in the context of this specification to mean any area of a construction which is required to be waterproofed or at least partly waterproofed as features, for example showers, baths and basins, are installed in the area. The material used in the manufacture of the panel can be acrylic.

The material used in the manufacture of the panel can be laminar with at least one outer layer being decorative.

The at least one outer layer can be at least partially translucent.

Preferably the panel includes a plurality of ribbings on a rear face or surface for adding strength to the panel. The ribbing can be in the form of discrete linear ribbing arranged to have discrete ribbed lines criss-cross the panel without intersecting and to form at least one circuitous waterfall type pathway which guides liquid down the panel. In this way any excess water or condensation is led to a lower discharge point. The front face of the panel can include a decorative or aesthetic pattern, colour, texture or image of approximately 1 mm to 1.5mm in thickness.

In a particular form of the invention the panel includes: a) a structural layer;

b) a front decorative layer;

c) a rear support system.

The front decorative layer can be substantially translucent and wholly form the decorative element. This can be a single colour or pattern of colour. It can also include a textural surface.

However in one particularly form the front decorative layer can encapsulate an image formed photographically, printed or otherwise formed and encapsulated in the front decorative layer and readily viewable. The material of the front decorative layer can also form part of the image.

In one form the panelling includes a structural layer having a thickness of approximately between 6 to 8 millimetres and a front decorative layer having a thickness of between 1 to 1.5 millimetres. The structural integrity of the panel can be increased by incorporating ribbing which is formed into or onto the structural layer.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an building system including a batten system for use in mounting the panels to form a wet area wherein the batten system includes: 1 at least two clips which are fixed to a supporting wall which is manufactured from masonry, timber or steel;

2 the clips are adjustable allowing straightening of the wall by up to approximately 25 mm;

3 the clips can be designed for use on a masonry wall or for use on a steel wall construction; 4 the clips are secured at spaced apart positions to the supporting wall so that the clips are a distance apart which is less than 600mm;

5 a batten clips into the clip supporting the panelling, the batten made of a material similar to the panelling to help reduce any movement between the batten and the panel.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of constructing a building system in a wet area wherein the method includes the steps of:

1 designing the panels to suit the size of the room to minimise joints;

2 choosing the colour, texture and/or design; 3 removing all existing material from an existing wall structure;

4 installing all plumbing, electrical, baths and shower base;

5 fixing clips and battens to the wall to ensure a plumb and straight wall; and

6. applying panelling to battens and silicone the joints to complete the wall surface. It can be seen that the invention provides an improvement in that the construction of a wet area which can be readily achieved without the need for substantial restructure and need of plurality of trades people due to the simplification of building offered by the building system.

Further the properties of the panel material allow the flexibility of trimming to size, and creating penetrations for the various plumbing fixtures and fittings.

The invention is also concerned with a panel which is capable of being used in a building system which allows the panel to be mounted to a support structure to construct a wet area; the panel including a body which has a first surface and an opposed second surface; and wherein the body has a laminar construction of which at least one layer is manufactured of a fluid impermeable material; whereby the panel can be used to construct a waterproof surface on the support structure.

The water impermeable layer may be an outer layer of the body and may be at least partly translucent. The body may include a layer which is decorative and which may include an image which is formed photographically, printed or otherwise formed and encapsulated in the layer.

The invention is also concerned with a panel which is capable of being used in a building system which allows the panel to be mounted to a support structure; the panel including a body which has a first surface and an opposed second surface; and an attachment mechanism which includes at least one attachment member which is carried by at least one of the first and second surfaces; wherein in use the at least one attachment member is capable of supporting the body when the body is mounted to the support structure. The at least one attachment member may be integrally formed with the body. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one attachment member is in the form of a spigot which extends from the second surface. In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one attachment member is a rib which extends at least partly across the second surface. The body may be of laminar construction and may include at least one layer which is impermeable to water. An outer layer of the body may be at least partly translucent. The body may include a layer which is decorative and which may include an image which is formed photographically, printed or otherwise formed and encapsulated in the layer. The invention is also concerned with a building system when used mounts a panel to a support structure; the building system including at least one panel and a fastening system which is capable of adjustment and which allows the panel to be secured to the support structure; wherein the adjustability of the fastening system allows adjustment of the orientation with which the panel in use is secured to the support structure.

The fastening system may include a fastening member which includes a head portion and a shank portion which extends from the head portion. The shank portion is capable of being secured to the support structure to allow a position of the head portion to be adjusted relative to the support structure. In one embodiment the shank portion may be threadedly engageable with the support structure. In another embodiment the fastening system further includes a support portion which is secured to the support structure. The shank portion is capable of being threadedly engaged with the support portion. The head portion may include a first component and a second component which is fitted to the first component. In one embodiment the second component may be in the form of a cap which is fitted onto the first component and which includes an attachment formation, for example in the form of an aperture. In a further embodiment the second component is in the form of an insert which in use is fitted to the first component. In this embodiment the attachment formation may be in the form of a groove which is carried by the second component.

The panel may include an attachment mechanism with which the panel is capable of being connected with the fastening system to the support structure. The attachment mechanism may include an attachment member which in use is capable of engaging with the head portion. The attachment member may be in the form of a spigot which in use is capable of being registered with the attachment formation of the second component of the head portion. The spigot may include at least one securing formation, for example in the form of a lug, which in use is registered with the groove carried by the second component.

The support structure may be formed from a plurality of studs and may include one or more cavities which are formed between adjacent studs of the plurality of studs. The support portion may be capable of being secured to a stud selected from the plurality of studs at a position so that the support portion is positioned inside one of the cavities. The head portion can then be positioned relative to the stud which carries the support portion so that the head portion is positioned inside the cavity. This allows a portion of an inner surface of the panel to abut the support structure when the panel is secured to the support structure. The fastening system may include a plurality of fastening members which are secured at spaced apart locations to the support structure. The at least one panel may further include a plurality of attachment members each of which in use is engaged with one of the plurality of fastening members.

In a further embodiment of the invention the attachment mechanism includes a plurality of attachment members in the form of ribs which extend transversely across an inner side of the panel. The attachment formation of the second component may be in the form of a profiled slot which allows the second component to be secured to a rib selected from the plurality of ribs. The attachment of the second component to the rib may be such that the second component can be slid along a length of the rib thereby to allow adjustment of a position of the second component relative to the panel.

The at least one panel may be substantially planar and may be of a laminar construction of which at least an outer layer is impermeable to fluid. The outer layer may be at least partially translucent. The panel may further include a layer which is decorative.

The invention also extends to a method of securing a panel to a support structure to construct a wet area, the method including the steps of: securing at least one fastening member of a fastening system to the support structure; adjusting a length of the fastening member thereby to adjust a position of a head portion of the fastening member relative to the support structure; and engaging an attachment member of an attachment mechanism carried by the panel to the head portion thereby to secure the panel to the support structure; whereby the adjustment of the at least one fastening member allows for the adjustment of an angle of attachment of the panel to the support structure.

The invention also extends to a method of securing a panel to a support structure to construct a wet area, the method including the steps of: securing a plurality of fastening members of a fastening system to the support structure at predetermined positions; determining and inclination of the support structure; adjusting a length of each fastening member of the plurality of fastening members thereby to adjust a position of a head portion of the fastening member relative to the support structure to compensate for the inclination of the support structure; and engaging an attachment member of an attachment mechanism carried by the panel to the head portion to each fastening member of the plurality of fastening members thereby to secure the panel to the support structure; whereby the inclination of the panel, once secured to the support structure, is either substantially plumb or substantially horizontal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention can be more readily understood 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 diagrammatic view showing in perspective a building system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view on an enlarged scale of a portion 2 of Figure

1 ;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of the building system of Figure 1 in which a panel of the building system is being secured to a support structure using a fastening system of the building system;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view on an enlarged scale of a portion 4 of Figure 3 showing the fastening system used in the building system of the invention;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a connecting structure used in the fastening system.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing in perspective a variation of the building system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view on an enlarged scale of a portion 7 of Figure

6;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic side view of the building system of Figure 6 in which a panel of the building system is being secured to a support structure using a fastening system of the building system;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view on an enlarged scale of a portion 9 of Figure

8;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic side view of the building system of Figure 6 being secured to a different support structure;

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view on an enlarged scale of a portion 11 of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view on an enlarged scale similar to Figure 11 showing a variation of the fastening system used in the building system of the invention; and

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view on an enlarged scale similar to Figure 12 showing a further variation of the fastening system used in the building system of the invention. Description of Illustrated Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 of the accompanying representations illustrates a building system 20 according to the invention which includes a panel 22 and an adjustable fastening system 24. The panel is secured to a support structure 26 in the form of a wood or steel stud structure with the fastening system.

Figure 2 shows that the panel 22 is constructed from a number of different layers. The outer layer 28 is manufactured from a material which, once cured, is water impermeable and transparent thereby allowing an underlying layer 30 to be visible through the outer layer. This allows the underlying layer to be manufactured to have a particular colour, colour scheme or to have an image or a pattern which is visible through the outer layer. A remainder of a body 34 is manufactured from a material which is rigid once cured such as a settable material.

The panel 22 will have a cross sectional thickness of between 10 to 20 mm once manufactured. The material used in the manufacture of the body 34 is such that it will allow the body to be secured directly using suitable fasteners, see Figure 4, to the fastening system 24. Details of how the body 34 is secured directly to the fastening system 24 follow hereinafter.

Figure 3 shows that an inner side 36 of the panel 22, which is on an opposite side of the body 34 carrying the outer layer 28, is secured to the fastening system 24. The fastening system in turn is secured to the support structure 26 at predetermined positions. Referring in particular to Figures 3 and 4, the fastening system 24 includes a number of fastening member 38 each of which includes a head portion 40 and a number of shank portions 42. Each of the shank portions is threadedly engaged with one of the stud members 46 of the support structure 26. The head portion 40 is manufactured from the same materials as is the studs of the support structure 26 thereby reducing the likelihood of the head portion and the studs of the support structure not moving in unison when these components expand and contract. The head portion has a construction which allows fasteners to be secured to the head portion. For example, the head portion may be constructed from a solid piece of material, for example when the studs are manufactured from wood. Alternatively, the head portion can be manufactured from a hollow, tubular member when the studs are manufactured from light steel or aluminium. In use the fastening members 38 are secured at predetermined positions to the stud members 46 of the support structure 26. Typically the fastening members will be spaced from each other by a distance in the order of 300 mm to 500 mm depending on the level of support which the building system 20 must be able to provide when used. For example, the fastening members will be secured closer to each other if the panel 22 is likely to carry heavy tiles or is likely to be subjected to excessive loads such as when a person leans or falls against the panel. Typically before the fastening members are secured to the support structure, the inclination of the support structure as a whole and of individual stud members 46 are measured to determine an angle with which, for example, a stud member deviates from plumb or true vertical. This allows an installer, not shown, to adjust a distance with which a head portion 40 projects from an outer surface 50 of a respective stud member 46. This allows an outer surface 52 of the panel 22, once secured to the supporting structure 26 through the fastening system 24, to be aligned plumb. A number of screws 54 are used to secure the panel 22 at a number of spaced apart positions to the head portions 40 of the fastening members 38. The screws 56 are screwed into the head portions through an outer surface 56 of the head portion.

Figure 5 shows a connecting structure 58 with which the head portion 40 of each of the fastening members 38 is secured to the fastening members 38. The connecting structure includes a face plate 60 which defines a cavity 62. The face plate includes a slot 64 which is profiled to accommodate a screw head 66 (see Figure 4) of the shank portion 42. The cavity tapers off towards an upper end 68 of the face plate. The slot's profile slot in combination with the cavity's profile results in a tight fictional fit of the screw head with the face plate. A mouth 17 of the face plate points downward thereby allowing the head portion 40 to hang on the screw head when the screw head is registered with the face plate. This allows the head portion to be detachably connected to the shank portion through the screw head of the shank portion.

In a variation of the invention the head portion 40 is only Associates with one shank portion 42. This allows the screw head 66 of the shank portion to be secured to the head portion so that rotation of the portion causes rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of the shank portion. Thus, rotation of the portion in one direction causes movement of the portion towards the stud member 46 and rotation in an opposite direction causes movement of the portion away from the stud member. Figure 6 illustrates a variation 20A of the building system according to the invention. Like reference numerals are used to designate like components between the building systems 20 and 20A. An inner side 36A of a panel 22A of the building system 20A is formed with an attachment mechanism 74 with which the panel is secured to the fastening system 24A. The attachment mechanism includes a number of attachment members or spigots 76 which allow the panel to be connected to the fastening system without requiring the screws 54.

Figure 7 shows in greater detail the construction of the spigots 76. The spigots are integrally formed with the body 34A and project from an inner side 36A of the body. Figure 8 shows the alignment and subsequent attachment of the panel 22A with a support structure 26. A number of fastening members 38A are secured at predetermined, spaced apart locations to the support structure 26. However, in this embodiment the locations of the fastening members are determined by the positioning of the attachment members 76 on the panel 22A. This will ensure that an attachment member is capable of being engaged with the head portions 40A of the fastening members 38A.

Figure 9 shows in greater detail the construction of the fastening members 38A. Each of the fastening members include a head portion 40A and a shank portion 42A with which the head portion is secured to a stud 46 of the support structure 26. The head portion includes a first component 78 and a second component or cap 80 which is fitted to the first component. The cap includes an attachment formation or hole 84 which allows a spigot 76 of the panel 22A to be registrable with a fastening member 38A. The panel is secured to the support structure 26 via the fastening system 24A once all of the spigots have been registered with a fastening member 38A. Although not shown, the first component 78 is secured to the shank portion 42A using the same mechanism as in the building system 20.

Referring to Figure 6, the inner side 36A of the panel 22A has a number of ribbed lines 86 which are designed to channel water flow towards a bottom end 88 of the panel. Water which may form, e.g. water condensate, on the inner side 36A is guided toward a central area 90 of the bottom end 88.

Figures 10 and 11 show the use of building system 20A on a support structure 26 which is in the form of a masonry wall. The shank portions 42A are threadedly engaged with the masonry wall whereafter the head portions 40A are attached to the shank portions.

Figure 12 shows a variation 22B of the building system according to the invention. Like reference numerals are used to designate like components between the building systems 22 and 22B. In the building system 22B the construction of a head portion 40B is changed. With fastening members 38B the head portion is associated with only one shank portion 42B. In other words, one head portion does not extend between multiple shank portions as with the building system 20. A second component 80B in the form of an insert is fitted to a first component 78B of the head portion. The second component includes a securing formation 94 in the form of a groove which extends along an inner side wall 96 of the second component 80B.

A panel 22B carries on an inner side 36B an attachment mechanism 74B which includes a number of attachment members or lugs 76B. Each of the lugs carries a rib 98 which extends around the lug and which is capable of registering with the groove carried by the second component.

In use the fastening members 38B are first secured at predetermined positions to the support structure 26. The positions correspond with the positions of the lugs 76B carried by the inner side 36B of the panel 22B. Each of the head portions are secured to a corresponding shank portion 42B using a connecting structure 58 shown in Figure 5. The positioning of the head portions relative to the support structure is adjusted according to the inclination of the support structure. The panel is thereafter secured to the support structure through the fastening system 24B so that the outer surface 52 of the panel extends substantially true horizontal or true vertically (plumb) relative to the underlying supporting structure.

Figure 13 shows a further variation 20C of the building system according to the invention. Like reference numerals are used to designate like components between the building systems 22 and 22C. In the building system 20C the panel 22C an attachment mechanism 74C includes a number of attachment members 76C which are in the form of ribs and each of which extends across an inner side 36C of the panel. Each of the ribs has a dovetail cross-sectional profile. A head portion 40C of fastening members 38C of a fastening system 24C still has a first component 78C and a second component 80C. However, a screw head 66C of a shank portion 42C carries a collar 100 which is located between the first and second components. The first and second components are secured to each other using suitable fasteners, not shown, or any other suitable technique such as adhesives. An aperture 102 extends through the head portion and is dimensioned to allow pivotal movement of the screw head 66C about a longitudinal axis 104 of the shank portion. However, the screw head is held captive by the head portion due to the collar. Thus, the screw head is capable of being rotated relative to the head portion while prevented from being pulled from or pushed through the head portion by the collar.

The shank portion 42C further includes a mounting plate 106 which allows the shank portion to be secured to a stud member 46 of the support structure 26 with a number of screws 108. The mounting plate carries a nut 110 which allows a shank 112 of the shade portion to be threadedly engaged with the nuts.

The first component 78C carries a groove 116 which allows the head portion 40C to be slidingly engaged with the ribbed attachment members 76C. It is therefore possible to slide the portion along a length of the ribbed attachment members.

In use a number of mounting plates 106 are secured at predetermined positions to the stud members 46. Typically the predetermined positions are determined by the positioning of the ribbed attachment member 76C on the panel 22C. The mounting plate allows the shank portion 42C to be secured to a side 118 of the stud member 46. The head portion is dimensioned to allow the head portion to move to a position at which the second component 80C abuts the nut. Thus, it is possible to moves the head portion to a position at which the head portion is adjacent to the side 118 of these type member through the pivotal rotation of the screw head 66C. This will allow the inner side 36C of the panel to abut the stud member 46 if required. The abutment of the panel 22C with the stud member 46 will reduce the amount of space required for the operation of the fastening system 24C. The shank 112 is thereafter threadedly engaged with the nut 110. The screw head 66C is accessible through the groove 116 thereby allowing the shaped to be pivotally rotated about the longitudinal axis 104. Again, the positioning of the head portion 40C relative to the stud member 46 is dependent on the inclination of the support structure 26 and in particular of the stud member 46. This allows the head portions 40C of each of the fastening members 38C to be positioned relative to the support structure so that the outer surface 52 is plumb, when the panel hangs vertically, or substantially horizontal when the panel is mounted in a horizontal configuration. The ribbed attachment members 76C are secured to the head portions 40C of the fastening system 24C. This can be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, an upper portion 120 can be manufactured of a flexible material which allows the movement of the upper portion relative to a lower portion 122 of the first component 78C. This movement allows the ribbed attachment members to be pushed into the groove 116 so that the panel 22C is carried by lower portion 122 which is manufactured from a rigid material. Alternatively, both the upper and lower portions are manufactured from a rigid material so that the ribbed attachment members can only be slid into the groove. A large part of the support structure 26 can therefore be covered by one or more panels using the building system 22C. The remainder of the support structure can then be covered by one or more panels using the building system 22. Thus, the different building systems can be used in unison to cover the support structure.

The drawings show a number of embodiments of the invention. The panel system can be used on a timber/steel construction or on a masonry construction. Further the attachment of the panel to the support structure is adjustable thereby allowing an angle of the panel to be adjusted so that the panel is mounted plumb or substantially horizontal to the support structure. The different embodiment of the building system of the invention allow the building system to be used on different surfaces and to meet particular requirements, for example if the space used by the building system should be kept at a minimum.

Further the panel itself can be formed into different forms and particularly with integral at least partially translucent decorative outer layer that can render the wet area a vision of choice with a functional structure. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a building system, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications which can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof are included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A panel which is capable of being used in a building system which allows the panel to be mounted to a support structure; the panel including a body which has a first surface and an opposed second surface; and wherein the body has a laminar construction of which at least one layer is manufactured of a fluid impermeable material forming at least the first surface; whereby the panel can be used to construct a waterproof surface on the support structure.

2. A panel according to claim 1 wherein the water impermeable layer is at least partly translucent.

3. A panel according to claim 2 wherein the body includes a decorative layer.

4. A panel according to claim 1 wherein the water impermeable layer is transparent.

5. Panel according to claim 4 wherein the body includes a decorative layer which includes an image which is formed photographically, printed or otherwise formed and encapsulated in the decorative layer; and wherein the decorative layer is visible through the water impermeable layer.

6. A panel which is capable of being used in a building system which allows the panel to be mounted to a support structure; the panel including a body which has a first surface and an opposed second surface; and an attachment mechanism which includes at least one attachment member which is carried by the body; wherein in use the at least one attachment member is capable of supporting the body when mounted to the support structure.

7. A panel according to claim 5 wherein the least one attachment member is integrally formed with the body.

8. A panel according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the at least one attachment member is in the form of a spigot which extends from the second surface.

9. A panel according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein the at least one attachment member is a rib which extends at least partly across the second surface.

10. A panel according to any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the body is of a laminar construction and includes at least one layer which is impermeable to water; an outer layer of the body is at least partly translucent; and wherein the body includes a decorative layer which includes an image which is formed photographically, printed or otherwise formed and encapsulated in the decorative layer.

11. A panel according to claim 10 wherein the outer layer is transparent.

12. A building system for mounting a panel to a support structure to construct a wet area; the building system including at least one panel and a fastening system which is capable of adjustment and which allows the panel to be secured to the support structure; wherein the adjustability of the fastening system allows adjustment of the orientation with which the panel in use is secured to the support structure.

13. A building system according to claim 12 wherein the panel is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A building system according to claim 13 wherein the fastening system includes a fastening member which includes a head portion and a shank portion which extends from the head portion; and wherein the shank portion is capable of being secured to the support structure to allow a position of the head portion to be adjusted relative to the support structure.

15. A building system according to claim 14 wherein the support structure is formed from a plurality of studs and includes one or more cavities which are formed between adjacent studs of the plurality of studs; wherein the support portion is capable of being secured to a stud selected from the plurality of studs at a position so that the support portion is positioned inside one of the cavities.

16. A building system according to claim 15 wherein the fastening system is capable of being adjusted to allow the head portion to be positioned inside one of the cavities; whereby allowing a portion of an inner surface of the panel to abut the support structure when the panel is secured to the support structure.

17. A building system according to claim 16 wherein the shank portion is capable of being threadedly engageable with the support structure.

18. A building system according to claim 17 wherein the fastening system further includes a support portion which is secured to the support structure; and wherein the shank portion is capable of being threadedly engaged with the support portion.

19. A building system according to claim 16, 17 or 18 wherein the head portion includes a first component and a second component which is fitted to the first component.

20. A building system according to claim 19 wherein the panel includes an attachment mechanism with which the panel is capable of being connected with the fastening system to the support structure.

21. A building system according to claim 20 wherein the attachment mechanism includes an attachment member which in use is capable of engaging with the head portion.

22. A building system according to claim 21 wherein the second component is in the form of a cap which is fitted onto the first component and which includes an attachment formation in the form of an aperture; and wherein the attachment member of the attachment mechanism of the panel is in the form of a spigot which in use is capable of being registered with the attachment formation of the second component of the head portion.

23. A building system according to claim 22 wherein the spigot includes at least one securing formation which in use is registered with the attachment formation carried by the second component.

24. A building system according to claim 19 wherein the second component is in the form of an insert which in use is fitted to the first component.

25. A building system according to any one of claims 12 to 24 wherein the fastening system includes a plurality of fastening members which are secured at spaced apart locations to the support structure; and wherein the at least one panel includes a plurality of attachment members each of which in use is engaged with one of the plurality of fastening members.

26. A building system according to claim 22 wherein the attachment mechanism includes a plurality of attachment members in the form of ribs which extend transversely across an inner side of the panel; and wherein the attachment formation of the second component is in the form of a profiled slot which allows the second component to be secured to a rib selected from the plurality of ribs.

27. A method of securing a panel to a support structure to construct a wet area, the method including the steps of: securing at least one fastening member of a fastening system to the support structure; adjusting a length of the fastening member thereby to adjust a position of a head portion of the fastening member relative to the support structure; and engaging an attachment member of an attachment mechanism carried by the panel to the head portion thereby to secure the panel to the support structure; whereby the adjustment of the at least one fastening member allows for the adjustment of an angle of attachment of the panel to the support structure.

28. A method of securing a panel as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11 to a support structure to construct a wet area, the method including the steps of: securing a plurality of fastening members of a fastening system to the support structure at predetermined positions; determining and inclination of the support structure; adjusting a length of each fastening member of the plurality of fastening members thereby to adjust a position of a head portion of the fastening member relative to the support structure to compensate for the inclination of the support structure; and engaging an attachment member of an attachment mechanism carried by the panel to the head portion to each fastening member of the plurality of fastening members thereby to secure the panel to the support structure whereby the inclination of the panel, once secured to the support structure, is either substantially plumb or substantially horizontal.

29. A building system for use in constructing a wet area wherein the building system includes a substantially planar panel formed at least partially of a material that is water proof, heat tolerant and having integral structural characteristics; the building system including an adjustable fastening system which allows the panel to be attached to a wall structure thereby to allow the panel to be mounted plumb to the support structure.

30. A panel as substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31. A building system as substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

32. A method of securing a panel to a support structure to construct a wet area as substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.