Modular buildings

Abstract

A modular building structure comprises a service corridor ( 2 ) to which are connected separate cabin modules (1) that form accommodation or offices etc. The service module contains apparatus for the supply and distribution of mains services such as water, electricity, waste disposal and air conditioning to the building modules. The modules are connected to the corridor and to said mains supply services. Each of the cabin modules is free-standing, pre-fitted for its intended use. Adjacent modules are interconnected by a flexible grommet ( 26 ) that extends between aligned apertures in each module.

1 . A modular building structure comprising a service module defining a plurality of connection nodes for connection to separate building modules, the service module containing apparatus for the supply and distribution of at least one mains service to the building modules, each building module being free-standing, pre-fitted for its intended use and connected to one of said connection nodes and to said supply of at least one mains service, wherein the service module is in the form of a corridor walkway linking the building modules.  
   
   
       2 . A modular building structure according to  claim 1 , wherein each module is an open-ended box configuration.  
   
   
       3 . A modular building structure according to claims  1  or  2 , wherein the service module has floor and ceiling cavities in which the mains service supplies are routed.  
   
   
       4 . A modular building structure according to any one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein one building module is a dedicated plant room that feeds the mains supply service to the service module.  
   
   
       5 . A modular building structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the service module is sectional so that it can be extended or shortened to provide more or less connection nodes as required.  
   
   
       6 . A modular building structure according to any preceding claim wherein there is provided a plurality of service modules, some modules being disposed in a direction transverse to others.  
   
   
       7 . A modula building structure according to  claim 6 , wherein the mains service is for waste disposal and each service module is provided with a holding tank that is connected to a lavatory or wash area of an adjacent building module.  
   
   
       8 . A modular building structure according to  claim 7 , wherein holding tanks of adjacent service modules are connected by a suction waste pipe.  
   
   
       9 . A modular building structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the mains service supply is air conditioning and each service module is fitted with a heat exchanger and has an external pump for evacuation of warm air.  
   
   
       10 . A modular building structure according to  claim 9 , wherein each building module also has its own heat exchanger that is connected to the pump and heat exchanger of an adjacent service module.  
   
   
       11 . A modular building structure according to any preceding claim, wherein each adjoining pair of building modules or service modules has apparatus for connecting adjacent modules, the apparatus comprising a housing defining apertures that extend into the structure of each module and a flexible resilient insert that is snugly received in each aperture and bridges the two modules, the insert being supported on a fixing element that is secured to each of the modules.  
   
   
       12 . A modular building structure according to any preceding claim, comprising multiple storeys, vertically adjacent modules being connected by a connecting member comprising a resilient flexible insert attached to one module and received in an aperture of the vertically adjacent module.  
   
   
       13 . A modular building structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the modules are connected to a foundation of foamed mineral in-fill.  
   
   
       14 . A method for constructing a modular building structure, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a site on which the building structure is to be located; installing a service module on the prepared site, the service module defining a plurality of connection nodes for connection to separate building modules; installing at least one mains supply service to the service module; connecting at least one pre-constructed building module to a connection node and connecting the building module to the mains supply service of the service module; and furnishing the service module such that it is in the form of a corridor walkway linking the building modules.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 14 , comprising further steps of filling a clearance between the module and ground with a foundation of foamed mineral in-fill.  
   
   
       16 . Apparatus for connecting adjacent building modules, the apparatus comprising a housing defining an aperture that extends into the structure of at least one building module and a flexible resilient insert attached to adjacent module, the insert being received in the aperture and supported on a fixing element that is secured to said adjacent building module.  
   
   
       17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein each horizontally adjacent module has an aperture, the flexible resilient insert is received in each aperture and bridges the two building modules.  
   
   
       18 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the modules are vertically adjacent, one of the modules having projecting therefrom said resilient flexible insert and the other having said aperture.  
   
   
       19 . Apparatus according to claims  17  or  18 , wherein the housing further comprises an access chamber that is open to the inside of the building module so as to facilitate insertion of the fixing element and flexible insert.  
   
   
       20 . Apparatus according to claim any one of  claims 16  to  19  wherein the apparatus for connecting adjacent building modules is disposed in a floor or ceiling cavity of the building module.  
   
   
       21 . Apparatus according to any one of  claims 16  to  20 , wherein the insert is a grommet.