WO2021058584A1

WO2021058584A1 - A multistoried residential building

Info

Publication number: WO2021058584A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/076598
Authority: WO
Inventors: Haim David Fisher
Original assignee: Fisher, Laura Micol
Priority date: 2019-09-23
Filing date: 2020-09-23
Publication date: 2021-04-01

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of prefabricated building solutions and structures. The present disclosure envisages a multi storied residential building (100). The building (100) comprises a multi storied building framework (102) and a plurality of prefabricated detachable modular units (115). The multi storied building framework (102) has a plurality of vertical pillar units (105) and floors (112) configured to define a storey. A shell is defined in between two storeys. Each modular unit (115) is defined by a ceiling, a floor, and side walls, attached to each other as well as water and sewage system, electric wiring, interior finishing. At least one modular unit (115) is configured to be accommodated in each shell. The modular unit (115) is configured with interior finishing and systems. The building (100) provides an affordable solution for growing need of housing.

Description

A MULTISTORIED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of prefabricated modular residential dwellings made of steel units.

DEFINITION

As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise. Shell: The term ‘shell in this disclosure refers to, but is not limited to, a space constructed to meet future needs, more specifically a space within a building shell structure, but otherwise unfinished inside.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Traditional ways of construction also referred as ‘brick-and-mortar’ method, involve constructing a building from different building materials and components which are delivered by different suppliers from far away, and put together, by different building trades, until the construction of the building is completed. However, shortage of the raw materials, the distances between the sources of raw materials and the construction site, shortages of skilled labor, and high labor costs, coordination and sequence of the different phases of work have led to an increase in construction time and costs. As a result, the cost of buildings and houses is high, and for certain people becomes unaffordable. Further, the ever-increasing population has resulted in scarcity in space available for building houses.

There is therefore felt a need, for constructing buildings through industrialized processes, and as much as possible at an off-site location with the help of prefabricated construction methods that cater to the need of a large number of homes. OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a multistoried residential building that provides affordable housing units.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multistoried residential building that provides housing units that can be transferred from one location to another.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multistoried residential building which uses prefabricated materials and effective construction methods to save the consumption of building materials.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multistoried residential building that avoids waste, minimize noise, dust, and transportation of building materials to the construction site and of the remaining waste from the construction site to the rubbish dump, consumption of energy during the construction process.

Another object of the present disclosure if to provide a multi-stored residential building that allows the re-use of the residential units, thus contributing to sustainability of the building.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multistoried residential building that reduces carbon footprint by limiting the use of natural resources and production of fly ash.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multistoried residential building that can be constructed in shorter time and lower cost.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a multistoried residential building. The building comprises a multistoried building framework having a plurality of vertical pillar units and floors spaced apart from each other along the length of the vertical pillar units. The space in between two adjacent floors is configured to define a shell. The building further comprises a plurality of prefabricated light weight detachable modular units of which at least one modular unit is configured to be accommodated in each shell.

In an embodiment, the floors are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

In another embodiment, the building includes a central longitudinal corridor configured on each floor.

In yet another embodiment, tracks are imbibed on the central longitudinal corridor.

In an embodiment, the shell is bare shell.

In another embodiment, the shell is equipped with a centralized electrical system, water system and sewage.

In yet another embodiment, the building includes a main stair case.

In one embodiment, the modular unit is of a light prefabricating material.

In another embodiment, the modular unit includes floor and flooring, ceiling, cladding, windows, doors, cladding, plumbing and electrical system, complete kitchen and bathroom units, acoustic separations and safety means.

In yet another embodiment, the modular unit is provided with wheels configured to slide the modular unit along the central longitudinal corridor to its final position on the floor.

In still another embodiment, the modular unit is provided with metal legs configured to be slided along the tracks to allow the modular unit to reach its final position on the floor.

In still another embodiment, the modular unit is secured to the shell with the help of fasteners and braces. In another embodiment, the building includes a lifting station equipped with an open lift configured to allow the prefabricated modular units to reach the different floors of the building.

In yet another embodiment, the tracks are provided with a layer of Teflon or a similar material to allow smooth, easy and quiet sliding of the modular units along the tracks.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Multistoried residential building 102 Framework 105 Vertical pillar unit 112 Floors

113 Water, Waste, electrical connection points 115 Modular unit

117 Window

118 Door 120 Wheel

121 Track

122 Leg

123 Riser

124 Stair case 125 Lifting station BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A multistoried residential building, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a building, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the building of Figure 1, configured with tracks on the floors;

Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of prefabricated modular units;

Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the prefabricated modular units being lifted into the building of Figure 1;

Figure 5 illustrates a zoom in view of a modular unit having legs inserted into the track of the building; and

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view depicting the distribution scheme of the modular units on the floor of the building.

PET ATT ED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known apparatus, structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly mounted on, or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

Terms such as “below”, “lower”, “above” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

A preferred embodiment of a multistoried residential building (100) of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 6. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.

The multistoried residential building (100) (hereinafter referred to as “building 100”) is configured to provide a main shell configured to provide an affordable housing solution.

The building (100) comprises a multistoried building framework (102), made of concrete or steel. The framework (102) has a plurality of vertical pillar units (105) and horizontal beams that are put together with the floors (112) to create an empty shell of the building (100). The framework (102) is configured to be similar to a large parking lot comprising an empty shell made of columns, beams and slabs.

The floors (112) are spaced apart from each other along the length of the vertical pillar units (105), more specifically, at a pre-defmed distance. In an embodiment, the most efficient distance between the columns would be the one that can host a predetermined number of modular units (115), i.e. if the size modules will be 3mt x 3mt, the most efficient distance between the columns would be of 6mt, 9mt or 12mt. The space in between two adjacent floors (112) defines a shell which is configured to host the prefabricated modular units (115) which is configured with its own floor and ceiling, interior improvements such as walls as well the exterior cladding and windows, plumbing system, electric system, bathroom, and kitchen. The framework (102) is constructed, according to the standard and most convenient construction methods in any single area, either by using traditional concrete work, or prefabricated concrete method or steel frames.

The concrete floors (112) are equipped with connections (113) for electricity circuits, water and waste pipes, that reach every single floor, and then are horizontally extended all over the floor (112), specifically inside the floor (112). The installation work of the electricity connections, circuits, and water and waste pipes is done when the floor (112) is being laid.

In an embodiment, the empty shell is configured to host a plurality of prefabricated detachable modular units (115) at any given time, wherein each modular unit (115) is defined by a ceiling, a floor, and side walls attached to each other by means of bolts. At least one modular unit (115) is configured to be accommodated in each shell depending on the user requirement. In an embodiment, one modular unit (115) could be equipped with a kitchen, a second modular unit (115) will be equipped with a wash-room, and a third modular unit (115) will be an empty space to be used as a sleeping room or a living room. The combination of two or more modular units (115) will create a full residential apartment. The modular units (115) are prefabricated in a factory, and offered to customers for being purchased or rented. The modular units (115) are of different types of finishing materials and colors which are selected by a customer from among several standard modular units.

The factory that sells or rents the modular units (115) delivers them to the site, could install them in the selected position inside the shell, and connect them to the main water supply, waste and electrical connections (113) via risers (123), that are already installed in the building (100).

In an embodiment, the shell is bare shell. The bare shell is the space that includes only the basic necessities of ceilings, floorings and functional wash-rooms and pantries, main water supply, main sewage system and the electrical system, to which each residential apartment will be then connected. The building (100) is equipped with a main stair case (124) that can be used regularly and also during emergencies. The ground floor of the building (100) is prepared and equipped for the general use of the residences, such as food store space, common leisure-entertainment area, children’s play ground, surveillance and more.

A model of the building (100) is first made on a digital modeling platform wherein the construction of the framework (102) and loads applied by the modular units (115) and other elements are represented and worked upon to achieve a desired design. Thereafter, the construction of the framework (102) is initiated. At the same time, the prefabricated modular units (115) are constructed away from the construction site, typically at a factory, and then delivered to the intended construction site. As a result, the framework (102) and the modular units (115) can be constructed in more or less the same time period, thereby reducing the overall time required for the construction of the building (100).

The building (100) includes a central longitudinal corridor configured on each floor (112) to facilitate sliding of the modular units (115) to their final position on the floor (112). In an embodiment, tracks (121) are provided on the concrete floor (112) as the tracks (121) are configured on the floors (121) to allow the sliding of the wheels thereon. In another tracks (121) are metallic.

The modular unit (115) is formed as a completely closed sided unit, a partially closed sided unit or a completely open sided unit. The modular units (115) may be formed as complete rooms, parts of rooms, or separate highly serviced units such as kitchen or toilets. In an embodiment, the modular unit (115) is configured in accordance to a standard predetermined size, thereby facilitating pre-manufacturing of the modular units (115). In another embodiment, the size of the modular unit (115) varies as per the requirement. In an exemplary embodiment, if the modular units (115) have a square configuration, such as 3mt x 3mt, the composition of the modular units (115) will allow full flexibility and endless solutions.

The modular unit (115) is of a light weight and strong prefabricating material, mostly made of steel, but which can also be selected from the group of fiber-glass, wood frames or any other material, The method of the pre-assembling the modular units (115) is similar to the one used for the production of cabins for cruise ships. Sheets of the selected material are formed as frames which are attached together to form the modular unit (115), and then finished. Windows (117) and doors (118) may be formed onto the walls of the modular units (115) as per requirements of the design. Each modular unit (115) could be configured with cladding, acoustic separations and safety means. The cladding is usually a lightweight cladding, installed with a cover piece over the joints between the modules on site, to cater for geometrical tolerances and misalignments. The acoustic separations provide improved sound reductions between two modular units (115). The modular units (115) are configured with a design similar to the naval units of cabins of cruise ships, thereby making the modular (115) luxurious. Further even when the modular units (115) are small, if they are designed properly and are well equipped, they can satisfy any demand for proper quality of life style.

In an embodiment, the modular units (115) are provided with wheels (120) configured to allow easy sliding of the modular units (115) on the concrete floor (112) to their final position. In an alternative embodiment, the modular units (115) are provided with small metal legs (122) configured to allow easy sliding of the modular units (115) along the tracks (121).

In an embodiment, the tracks (121) are provided with a layer of a smooth material, typically Teflon or similar material, which allows easy and quiet sliding of the modular units (115) on the tracks (121), along the corridor and then right or left to the final position of the modular unit (115) when metal legs (122) are used for sliding the modular unit (115).

While the building (100) is under construction, the modular units (115) can be parallely produced in a factory, thus cutting the time of construction required for the on-site construction. The modular unit (115) is transported to the construction site, and is lifted for installation in the shell by means of a lifting platform, such as a hoist or a simple goods-lift. The lifting means includes a lifting station (125). In an embodiment, a single lifting station (125) is positioned at the narrow side of the building (100), particularly in front of the corridor.

In an embodiment, the width of the building (100) should accommodate a central corridor and two side areas to host maximum three modular units (115), and to adhere to the rules and regulations laid by the local town planning. Therefore, if in an exemplary embodiment, the dimension of the modular units (115) are 3mt x 3mt, the width of the building (100) will be 21mt, thus allowing a central corridor of 3mt and two areas of 9 mt each, for hosting three modular units (115). A residential unit of over 9 mt depth will not allow light or fresh air to reach the extreme area, near the central corridor. Hence, it would be also advisable to install only two modular units (115), keeping the additional area as an entrance on the side of the corridor, or as an open balcony, on the facade side of the building (100).

The most efficient solution of the dimension and shape of the building (100), and therefore the shell, will be a rectangular shape configured with a limited width to allow to host two sides of a combination of two or three modular units (115) that can create a residential unit along the central corridor. However, the length of the building (100) could be of any dimension and accordingly the number of floors (112) would vary. The length of the building (100) is subject to the availability of the land and to the local town-planning regulation. A taller building (100) will encourage more residential units in limited footprint of the building (100), and also contribute to sustainability.

The building (100), of the present disclosure, thus not only provides cost-effective housing solutions but also provides a viable solution to the problem of land scarcity, being an issue to many cities. In an embodiment, the building (100), of the present disclosure, can also employed for high quality and luxury residential dwellings and also for other kinds of usage of buildings.

In addition, the off-site construction and prefabricated modular units (115) offer usually a higher quality than an on-site construction, and the cost savings due to the industrialization of the residential units, and the centralized purchasing method, would allow the selection of properly good quality of materials and products, proper quality control and in the same time with an important cost saving.

In an embodiment, a balcony or an atrium (not specifically shown in figures) could be attached to the modular unit (115). The balcony is both attached and supported to the modular unit (115) by a self-standing steel structure that is ground supported, or is attached between adjacent modular units (115) or is attached to corner posts of the modular units (115). In another embodiment, the balcony is integrated within an open sided module. The atrium is created by attaching a lightweight roof to the upper modules or by spanning the roof between the modular units (115). The modular unit (115) is secured to the shell with the help of fasteners and braces.

As the structure of the building (100) is mainly of concrete or steel frame, the modular units (115) do not have any structural purpose, aside than holding their own ceiling and partition walls. The modular units (115) can therefore be light in weight, and all of the modular units (115), regardless on which floor (112) are to be positioned, could be completely equal or customized. In the case of use of steel prefabricated method of pods which are already being used in some countries, such pods are stuck one on top of the other, and therefore have a structural purpose. In this case, the lower floors bear the force applied by all the upper floors, the height of the building is limited and hence, it requires more steel work for the lower floors, and if the fabricator likes to have them all equal, all of the pods will require additional steel. In the building (100), of the present disclosure, since the main framework (102) is independent and separated from the units (115), the units (115) would be structurally as simple as possible and would be equally configured.

Less use of raw materials such as bricks and timbers and all other products and systems is required for the construction of the modular units (115), specifically only the framework (102), thereby reducing carbon footprint. Further, with large part of the building (100) done off-site, typically at the fabrication facility (factory), there is energy saving and a minimal waste of the material used in the traditional method of construction, and therefore a large percentage of materials and products are saved when compared to traditional on-site construction.

The off-site construction process means also almost no generation of flying dust and almost no noise at the construction site, thus offering an eco-friendly construction site and contributing to a sustainable neighborhood. Further, there will be no waste that would be generated after the completion of construction. Additionally, a limited number of conveyance vehicles would be employed, for transporting the modular units (115) to the site, as opposed to other construction sites where more traffic, energy, noise and other environmental burdens is produced.

In an embodiment, each shell may have more than one modular unit (115) as per the requirement of the user. In an embodiment, the building (100) is adjusted to meet the requirement of public sector buildings, social housing, educational sector, health sector buildings, hotels or workspaces, however the modular square solution is mainly targeting low cost residential apartments, student residences, sheltered housing, and luxury residential apartments. The modular unit (115) can either be bought or leased. Alternatively, the modular unit (115) corresponding to one application can be replaced with a modular unit (115) corresponding to another application. For example, a shell accommodates a modular unit house belonging to a first person.

A person can select the multi floor building (100) where he would like to reside in, and then choose from a catalogue, the type of unit and the number of prefabricated modular units (115) he would like to have. The factory will deliver the prefabricated modular units (115) to the building (100), and install them on the desired floor (112) of the building (100). When the modular units (115) reach the building (100), they are lifted up with the help of a goods-lift positioned at one end of the building (100), and slided along the corridor to the final position. Thereafter, the finishing work is carried out to connect one modular unit (115) to the other. The electric and water/sewage systems already pre-installed on the floor, are later plugged in to the modular unit (115).

In an embodiment, the building (100) facilitates the exchange in the positions of the units (115), shifting the units (115) to another location on the floors (112), when needed and when the customer can afford it, to purchase or lease additional unit/s (115) for a larger apartment.

When required, the modular unit (115) is simply detached from the shell and evacuated by means of the lifting means, and transported to another location.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a multistoried residential building, which:

• provides affordable housing units;

• provide high quality of housing units;

• provides a fast solution for the ever increasing housing demand;

• can be transferred from one location to another;

• reduces carbon footprint; and

• is constructed in a short period of time.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A multistoried residential building (100) comprising:

• a multistoried residential building framework (102) having a plurality of vertical pillar units (105) and floors (112) spaced apart from each other along the length of said vertical pillar units (105), wherein the space in between two adjacent floors (112) defines a shell; and

• a plurality of prefabricated light weight detachable modular units (115), wherein at least one modular unit (115) is configured to be accommodated in each shell.

2. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said floors (112) are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

3. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a central longitudinal corridor configured on each floor (112).

4. The building (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein tracks (121) are imbibed on said on said central longitudinal corridor.

5. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shell is bare shell.

6. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shell is equipped with a centralized electrical system, water system and sewage.

7. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a main stair case.

8. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said modular unit (115) is of a light prefabricating material.

9. The building (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said modular unit (115) includes floor and flooring, ceiling, cladding, windows (117), doors (118), cladding, plumbing and electrical system, complete kitchen and bathroom units, acoustic separations and safety means.

10. The building (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said modular unit (115) is provided with wheels (120) configured to slide said modular unit (115) along the central longitudinal corridor to its final position on the floor (112).

11. The building (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said modular unit (115) is provided with metal legs (122) configured to be slided along said tracks (121) to allow said modular unit (115) to reach its final position on the floor (112).

12. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said modular unit (115) is secured to said shell with the help of fasteners and braces.

13. The building (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a lifting station (125) having an open lift configured to allow the prefabricated modular units (115) to reach the different floors (112) of said building (100).

14. The building (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said tracks (121) are provided with a layer of Teflon or a similar material to allow smooth, easy and quiet sliding of metal legs (122), of said modular units (115), along said tracks (121).