Construction of low- and mid-rise buildings utilizing structurally hybrid wall, roof, or floor assemblies

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method for constructing low- and mid-rise buildings combining structurally inter-dependent components of conventional Panelized construction and conventional Structural frame construction systems to achieve greater efficiencies of overall building energy use and structural performance than conventional applications of either system alone allows.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hybrid system of structurally inter-dependent prefabricated Panel components and Column and Beam Framing components and method of their production and installation for creation of Wall, Floor, or Roof assemblies of low-rise and mid-rise buildings, including: a plurality of non-structural Wall, Floor, or Roof Panels and a plurality of non-structural Column and Beam Framing members, the mechanical affixment of Panels and Framing members creating structurally hybrid Wall, Floor, or Roof assemblies of equivalent structural properties to conventional stand-alone Stick-framed, Panelized, Modular, and Column and Beam systems and methods of building construction. 
     
     
         2 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of Panel components is of insufficient structural integrity to effect a structurally independent system. 
     
     
         3 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of Column and Beam Framing components is of insufficient structural integrity to effect a structurally independent system. 
     
     
         4 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical affixment of a plurality of Panel components and Column and Beam Framing members creates structurally hybrid Wall, Floor, or Roof assemblies of equivalent structural properties to conventional stand-alone systems. 
     
     
         5 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein Panel components are prefabricated from pieces, parts, and connectors of standard dimension and ready retail availability. 
     
     
         6 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein Column and Beam Framing components utilize pieces, parts, and connectors of standard dimension and ready retail availability. 
     
     
         7 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein a reduced intensity of members subject to Thermal Bridging is effected. 
     
     
         8 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein reduced component size and weight effects economies of manufacture, shipping, and assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein completed buildings can be readily partially or fully unassembled and moved or reconfigured and reassembled in whole or in part. 
     
     
         10 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is applicable to exterior Wall, Roof, or Floor assemblies comprising the Thermal Envelope. 
     
     
         11 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is applicable to interior Wall, Floor, Intermediate Floor, or Ceiling assemblies defining interior functional areas and spaces. 
     
     
         12 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein the method of manufacture, shipping, and assembly does not require large scale industrial processes, facilities, or equipment. 
     
     
         13 . The Panel components of  claim 2 , wherein the method of their manufacture allows individual Panel components to be assembled manually by no more than one person. 
     
     
         14 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein the movement of individual completed components for purposes of organization, loading and unloading, shipping, storage, and assembly can be effected manually by no more than 2 persons without the use of large-scale industrial processes, facilities, or equipment. 
     
     
         15 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein manufacturing capabilities are effected through small-scale manufacturing facilities of low energy use intensity. 
     
     
         16 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein expansion of total manufacturing capabilities may be effected by opening a plurality of new small-scale manufacturing facilities of low energy use intensities. 
     
     
         17 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein rapid expansion of manufacturing capabilities is effected by opening a plurality of temporary small-scale manufacturing facilities of low energy use intensity, especially in response to immediate housing need scenarios, such as natural disasters. 
     
     
         18 . The Panel components of  claim 2 , wherein the placing and mechanical affixment of individual completed Panel components within a hybrid system can be effected manually by no more than 2 persons without the use of large-scale industrial processes, facilities, or equipment. 
     
     
         19 . The Column and Beam Framing components of  claim 3 , wherein the placing and mechanical affixment of individual Framing components within a hybrid system can be effected manually by no more than 2 persons without the use of large-scale industrial processes, facilities, or equipment. 
     
     
         20 . The hybrid system of  claim 1 , wherein complete start-to-finish building assembly may be effected by “Do-It-Yourself” persons or entities, without specialized skills, tools, or industrial-scaled equipment.