CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/893,911 filed on 22 October 2013, and from Israel Patent Application No. 230891 filed on 9 February 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to building construction generally and to a method and a system for producing externally cladded, externally insulated concrete walls in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In recent years, awareness of thermally insulating buildings has risen dramatically as it reduces energy consumed for heating and cooling. If done on a large global scale it may even provide one of the major means to combat global warming.

[0004] Thermally and other types of insulating materials are frequently used on external walls of structures to reduce possible negative effects of environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, humidity, and sound, among other environmental conditions. Depending on geographical location and climatic conditions, the insulating materials may be used on either interior surfaces of the external walls, for example as may be typically used in warm or moderate temperature countries such as Israel, or on exterior surfaces of the walls as may be frequently used in areas of North America which may experience cold winters and hot summers.

[0005] Use of the insulating material on the exterior surface of the external wall may also be influenced by an external cladding which is to be attached to the exterior surface of the wall, for example, stone or marble slabs, ceramic tiles, masonry, among other types of cladding, as this may have an effect on the construction system and/or method used for attaching the cladding and/or the insulating material to the wall. For example, a known system/method for using thermal insulation on the exterior surface of the wall with cladding is described in SI2378, Part 2, dated December 2012, The Standards Institution of Israel, "Natural Stone Cladded Walls: Walls Cladded Using The Wet Fixing Method".

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0006] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall. The method may include placing an exterior form panel at an angle; placing external cladding against an inner face of the exterior form panel; attaching anchoring ties to the external cladding; and placing an insulating material against an inner surface of the cladding material.

[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include applying a sealing material to the inner surface of the external cladding.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment, of the present invention the method may further include applying an adhesive between the inner surface of the external cladding and the insulating material.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include securing the external cladding to the external form panel.

[0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include placing the exterior form panel in a vertical position.

[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include aligning the exterior form panel with an interior form panel on opposing sides of reinforcement elements to form a void therebetween.

[0012] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include maintaining a separation between the insulating material and the reinforcement elements.

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include pouring concrete into the void. [0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include removing the exterior form panel following curing of the poured concrete.

[0015] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a formwork for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall. The formwork may include an exterior form panel; external cladding secured to the exterior form panel; anchoring ties attached to the external cladding; and insulating material abutting the external cladding.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the formwork may further include a sealing material applied between the insulating material and the external cladding.

[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the formwork may further include an adhesive applied between the insulating material and the external cladding.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the formwork may further include means to secure the external cladding to the exterior form panel.

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the means may include wire tying elements.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the insulating material may include any one of a thermal insulating material, an acoustic insulating material, and a vapor/moisture barrier.

[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the formwork may further include a spacer for maintaining a separation between the insulating material and reinforcement elements. [0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the external cladding may include any one of a natural stone, a synthetic stone and marble slab.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the insulating material may include any one of an extruded polystyrene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, rigid fiber glass thermal insulation panels, and rock wool rigid insulation panels.

[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the producing may be performed "on-site".

[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the producing may be performed "off- site".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1A schematically illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary formwork for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure IB schematically illustrates a sectional view of the externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a sectional view of another exemplary formwork for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated concrete wall, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3A schematically illustrates an exemplary external wall cladding to which is attached insulating material, and including running slots on edges for receiving anchoring ties, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3B schematically illustrates the external wall cladding of Figure 3 A with a vapor barrier attached to the insulating material, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0032] Figure 3C schematically illustrates an exemplary external wall cladding to which is attached insulating material, and including fixed slots on edges for receiving anchoring ties, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3D schematically illustrates an exemplary external wall cladding to which is attached insulating material, and including fixed slots on an interior surface for receiving anchoring ties, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figures 4A - 4C schematically illustrate exemplary L-shaped and T-shaped anchoring ties including anchoring means, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figures 4D - 4E schematically illustrate exemplary L-shaped and T-shaped anchoring ties including bendable ends, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4F schematically illustrates an exemplary U-shaped anchoring tie, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4G schematically illustrates an exemplary U-shaped anchoring tie with bendable insulation material securing inner flaps, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of producing an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figures 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an L-shaped angle for supporting the first row of wall cladding, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a sectional view of a bottom section of an exemplary formwork for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall including an L-shaped angle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0042] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0043] The Applicant has devised a system and method for rapid production of externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete walls in structures. The structures may include single-story and multi-story buildings. The system and method may include use of formwork in which the external cladding and the external insulating material are preassembled prior to erecting the formwork and pouring concrete to form the wall. Following concrete pouring, removal of the formwork leaves a wall which includes the external cladding in an outer section, the external insulation in a middle section, and the external wall in an inner section.

[0044] The Applicant has realized that preassembly (with the external cladding and the external insulation) may be performed on-site at the same location where the wall is to be erected. Alternatively, the preassembly may be performed at other locations on-site, for example, at a different level than that at which the wall is to be erected and which may include ground level, or at a different location on the same level. Alternatively, preassembly of the formwork may be off-site (at a location away from the construction site).

[0045] The Applicant has further realized that the system and method disclosed herein may be practiced in many different ways and may include modifications. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system and method may be used to prepare precast (pre-formed) externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete walls which may be singly produced or mass produced at a production facility which may be located on-site or off- site (the precast walls may include the external cladding, the external insulation, and the external wall). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system and method may include preassembled formwork which may be used to build walls which may include inner cladding and inner insulation that is, the cladding and the insulation are used on the interior surface of the external wall and not the exterior surface of the external wall. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system and method may include preassembled formwork which may be used to build walls which may include cladding and insulation on both sides of the wall, or cladding and insulation on one side of the wall and insulation on the other side of the wall. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system and method may be used for producing an interior wall so that the cladding and insulation are inside the structure (and not the exterior of the structure).

[0046] The Applicant has further realized that the system and method disclosed herein may contribute to improved sustainability by providing an industrial concrete forming system of thermally insulated buildings enveloped by thermal insulation on the exterior side of the structures. Furthermore, the system and method may provide for fast and economical construction of buildings having improved thermal insulating performance in which thermal bridges associated with conventional thermal insulation applied to the interior of the structures are substantially reduced or eliminated. These thermal bridges, generally formed along structural elements, may contribute to up to 30% loss in energy, and their reduction or elimination may contribute to large energy savings.

[0047] The Applicant has further realized that sustainability may be further improved by including in the external insulation means to substantially prevent humidity and moisture (moisture/vapor barrier) from reaching the walls of the buildings. Use of an external moisture/vapor barrier as part of the external insulation may substantially eliminate conditions associated with "sick building syndrome".

[0048] The Applicant has further realized that sustainability may be further improved as the system and method disclosed herein may provide for a reduction in use of building materials, which consequently may result in a reduction of construction waste.

[0049] Reference is now made to Figure 1A which schematically illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary assembled formwork 100 for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall (cladded insulated wall) 102 in Figure IB, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Formwork 100 may include an exterior panel 104 and an opposing interior form panel 103, an external cladding 106, an insulating material 110, anchoring ties 112, and spacers 109. Formwork 100 may additionally include a void 115 accommodating concrete reinforcement elements 114 and into which concrete 117 (Figure 2) may be poured. Concrete reinforcement elements 114, which may be referred to hereinafter as "reinforcement element(s)", may include steel reinforcement elements such as but not limited to reinforcing bars (rebars) or steel mesh; or non-steel reinforcement elements such as but not limited to non-metal rebars, non-metal mesh, fiber elements, among others; or any combination thereof.

[0050] Exterior form panel 104 (exterior panel) and interior form panel 103 (interior panel) may each be formed from one or more panels appropriately dimensioned to form cladded insulated wall 102. Exterior panel 104 may be preassembled with external cladding 105, insulating material 110, and anchoring ties 112, prior to placing panels 104 and 103 in position for pouring concrete to form cladded insulated wall 102. Panels 104 and 105 may include wooden panels, plastic panels, metal panels, or any other type of panel known in the art and suitable for use as formwork.

[0051] External cladding 105 may include one or more rows of cladding elements 106 which may include stone slabs, marble slabs, ceramic tiles, or masonry, among other types of external claddings known in the art, and which may include natural materials or synthetic materials, or a combination thereof. Cladding elements 106 may be shaped to be laid next to each other on exterior panel 104 while the exterior panel is in a vertical position, horizontal position, or at an angle between the horizontal position and the vertical position, with an external surface 107 A of the cladding element resting on the exterior panel. External cladding 105 may be formed so that each cladding element 106 may include on opposing edges of the cladding elements one or more anchoring slot 118A and one or more anchoring slot 118B for receiving anchoring ties 112 which may prevent the cladding elements from becoming loose and falling off cladded insulated wall 102. Anchoring slots 118A and 118B may be positioned on opposing edges extending along a length of cladding element 106, for example along a top edge and a bottom edge. Additionally or alternatively, anchoring slots 118 and 118B may be positioned on opposing edges extending along a width of cladding element 106, for example, along a left edge and a right edge (also possible to place anchoring slots on all four edges, length and width). Additionally or alternatively, anchoring slots 118A and 118B may be positioned on an interior surface 107B of cladding element 106. Alternatively, anchoring slots 118A and 118B are not required on cladding element 106 and anchoring ties 112 may be directly affixed to the cladding element.

[0052] Insulating material 110 may include one or more thermal insulation panels suitable to be placed over interior surface 107B of each cladding element 106 and which may cover a major surface area of external cladding 105. The thermal insulation panel may cover spaces (e.g. grooves) between the cladding elements. The thermal insulation panel may be of a material which may allow anchoring ties 112 to penetrate (puncture) through the material without causing extensive damage, that is, the size of the perforation is substantially limited to a width of an anchoring tie as described further on below. Alternatively, the thermal insulation panel may include prefabricated openings through which anchoring ties 112 may be inserted so that the panel does not require puncturing (using the anchoring ties). Alternatively, each thermal insulation panel is sized to cover interior surface 107B in each cladding element 106, with spaces between the insulation panels sealed using a thermal insulating material, which may include a thermally insulating sealant such as, for example, a silicone sealant, a foam insulation spray, a polyurethane insulation spray, among other suitable, thermally insulating sealants known in the art. Spacers 109 may include a metal profile, or other type of spacing elements known in the art and suitable to maintain a separation between insulating material 110 and reinforcement elements 114 to allow concrete flow between them (when concrete is poured into void 115).

[0053] The thermal insulation panel may be an extruded and/or expanded polystyrene foam and may be of a thickness of not less than 0.5 cm, for example, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 7 cm, 9 cm, 12 cm, or greater. Alternatively, the thermal insulation panel may include fiber glass, rigid thermal insulation panels, rock wool rigid insulation panels, among other types of thermal insulation panels, and of a thickness of not less than 0.5 cm. The thermal insulation may be adhered to cladding elements 106 using an adhesive material 108 preferably resistant to local year-round environmental conditions (including humidity, rain, and temperature), and may be adhered on-site or alternatively, off- site. A sealing material may be applied to cladding elements 106 prior to adhering to the thermal insulation. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal insulation may be adhered to cladding element 106 through frictional resistance provided by anchoring ties 112 inside the perforations in the thermal insulation. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal insulation may be adhered to cladding element 106 by means of ties, for example wire ties, or by other means known in the art. Additionally or alternatively to the thermal insulation, material 110 may include a vapor barrier or other moisture protection means, for example, Tyvek® by Dupont™. Insulating material 110 may additionally or alternatively be suitable for providing insulation against sound and/or other environmental conditions. Anchoring ties 112 may include structural elements shaped to fit inside slots 118A and 118B in cladding elements 106 and to transfer forces (forces which may cause the cladding elements to become loose and fall off cladded insulated wall 102) to an external wall 119 in Figure IB (which is to be formed in void 115 by pouring concrete 117 into the void) and may include reinforcement elements 114. Additionally or alternatively, anchoring ties 112 may be directly affixed to interior surface 107B. Anchoring ties 112 may be L- shaped as shown in the figure and may have a first segment 112A which may extend from cladding element 106 through insulating material 110 and may be attached to reinforcement elements 114, and a second segment 112B which may extend into either one of slots 118A and 118B depending on which of the opposing edges the anchoring tie is to be used. Alternatively, anchoring ties 112 may not require attaching to reinforcement elements 114 and may be secured in place by the poured concrete or using any securing compound such as acrylic mastic. Anchoring ties 112 may be of any material suitable to provide the structural resistance which may be required for anchoring cladding element 106 over a predefined minimum number of years while exposed to environmental conditions typically associated with the location of use, for example, 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, or more. Attaching first segment 112A to reinforcement elements 114 may include connection means 116 which may include use of wires, welding, or other suitable means known in the art, and may include having an opening in first segment 112A through which a reinforcement element 114 may be fitted. Exemplary anchoring ties which may be used with formwork 100 are described further on below and shown in Figures 4A - 4E, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The skilled person may realize that the anchoring ties described above and further on below in this description may be formed in any shape and size suitable for suitably anchoring the cladding elements and preventing their moving from their respective position during casting and following casting of the externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall.

[0054] Reference is now also made to Figure IB which schematically illustrates a sectional view of cladded insulated wall 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention, cladded insulated wall 102 may be an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall following pouring of concrete 117 into void 115 in formwork 100 to form an external wall 119.

[0055] Cladded insulated wall 102 is shown following removal of formwork 100 (after an appropriate concrete curing time) and includes external cladding 105 and insulating material 110 on an exterior surface 121 of external wall 119. Cladded insulated wall 102 may additionally include a finishing material 122 applied to an interior surface 120 of external wall 119. Cladding elements 106 are anchored to external wall 119 by means of anchoring ties 112 which penetrate through insulating material 110 into the external wall.

[0056] Reference is now made to Figure 2 which schematically illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary assembled formwork 200 for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated concrete wall, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Formwork 200 is substantially similar to formwork 100 except that one or more of anchoring ties 112 have been replaced by anchoring ties 212.

[0057] Anchoring ties 212 are T-shaped and may anchor cladding elements 105 to external wall 119 (in Figure IB). Anchoring ties 212 may include a first segment 212A similar to first segment 112A in anchoring ties 112, and a second segment 212B which may simultaneously extend into an anchoring slot 118A in a cladding element 106A and an anchoring slot 118B in an adjacent cladding element 106B. Use of anchoring ties 212 may be potentially advantageous over anchoring ties 112 in some applications as one anchoring tie 212 may serve to anchor two adjacent cladding elements 106A and 106B, performing a same function as two ties 112. Use of anchoring ties 212 may be combined with use of anchoring ties 112, for example, anchoring ties 112 may be used to anchor edges in cladding elements 106 on sides where there are no adjacent cladding elements (e.g. on top edge of cladding element 106B). Alternatively, anchoring ties 212 may be used to anchor cladding elements 106 having anchoring slots 118A or 118B on interior surface 107B (see Figure 3D).

[0058] Reference is now made to Figures 3A - 3D which schematically illustrate cladding element 106 with attached insulating element 110, the cladding element including slots for receiving anchoring ties 112, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, the anchoring ties may be anchoring ties 212.

[0059] In Figure 3 A, the cladding element includes continuous anchoring slots 318A and 318B which may extend along at least a portion of the length of the cladding element on opposing edges, respectively. A potential advantage of using anchoring slots 318A and 318B is that positioning of the anchoring ties along the slots may be adjustable and may allow for alignment of the anchoring ties with reinforcement elements 114. Anchoring lots 318A and 318B may additionally or alternatively be positioned on opposing edges extending along a width of the cladding element.

[0060] In Figure 3B, the cladding element includes a vapor barrier 113 attached to the insulating material, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In Figure 3C, slots 318A and 318B in Figure 3A are replaced by fixed anchoring slots 328A and 328B on opposing edges, respectively. A position of the anchoring ties on the cladding material is predetermined and their position may not be adjusted.

[0062] In Figure 3D, fixed anchoring slots 328A and 328B in Figure 3C are replaced by fixed anchoring slots 338A and 338B on interior surface 107A, respectively. A position of the anchoring ties on the cladding material is predetermined and their position may not be adjusted.

[0063] Reference is now also made to Figures 4A - 4G which schematically illustrate exemplary L-shaped, T-shaped, and U-shaped anchoring ties, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the Figures and below in the description, reference may be made to the anchoring ties being secured to the reinforcement element. Nevertheless, as previously described, securing of the anchoring ties to the reinforcement elements may not be required, the anchoring ties being secured in place by the cast concrete.

[0064] In Figure 4A, L-shaped anchoring tie 112 includes an opening 112C on a distal end of first segment 112A through which a wire may be inserted for tying the anchoring tie to reinforcement element 114. Alternatively, reinforcement element 114 may be inserted through opening 112C and a wire may be used to secure anchoring tie 112 to reinforcement element 114. Additionally or alternatively, welding may be used to secure anchoring tie 112 to reinforcement element 114 (with and without reinforcement element 114 inserted through opening 112C).

[0065] In Figure 4B, T-shaped anchoring tie 212 includes an opening 212C on a distal end of first segment 212A. Opening 212C may serve a similar function to opening 112C in L-shaped anchoring tie 112.

[0066] In Figure 4C, L-shaped anchoring tie 112 is shown without opening 112C in first segment 112. Anchoring tie 112 may be attached to reinforcement element 114 using a connection means which may include tying with a wire or welding.

[0067] In Figure 4D, L-shaped anchoring tie 112 may include a distal end 112D in first segment 112A which may be bent for improved securing of the anchoring tie. For example, bending of distal end 112D may allow shaping the distal end to at least partially be wrapped around a portion of a cross-section of reinforcement element 114 or improved grasping within the concrete following pouring. Distal end 112D may be bent following preassembly of cladding element 106 and insulating material 110 including spacers 109 in the formwork.

[0068] In Figure 4E, T-shaped anchoring tie 212 may include a bendable distal end 212D in first segment 212A. Distal end 212D may serve a similar function to distal end 112D in L- shaped anchoring tie 112.

[0069] In Figure 4F, U-shaped anchoring tie 312 may include a substantially inflexible, bent distal end 312D in a first segment 312A. Distal end 312D may allow for improved securing of anchoring tie 312 within poured concrete.

[0070] In Figure 4G, U-shaped anchoring tie 412 may include a substantially inflexible, bent distal end 412D in a first segment 412A for improved securing of the anchoring tie within poured concrete. First segment 412A may include inner flaps 412E which may be bent and may be used to secure anchoring tie 412 to insulation material 110.

[0071] The exemplary anchoring ties described above may be shown as being substantially flat (may have a rectangular cross-section). Nevertheless, the skilled person may realize that the anchoring ties may have other cross-sectional shapes, for example, circular, elliptical, or any polygonal shape, and may or may not include bendable distal ends and/or openings. Furthermore, the skilled person may realize that the anchoring ties may secure the cladding using other techniques know in the art and not be limited inserting anchoring ties into slots or grooves, for example, by attaching the anchoring ties to a surface of the cladding using bolt attachments.

[0072] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of erecting an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall using a preassembled formwork, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease in describing the method, reference may be made to the items described with reference to Figures 1A and IB and shown therein. The skilled person may realize that the exemplary method described below may be practiced using more or less steps, and/or using a different sequence of steps.

[0073] At 500, exterior form panel 104 is placed at an angle. The angle may vary from between a horizontal position and a vertical position of the exterior form panel. The angle with respect to the vertical position should preferably be such that cladding elements 106 will not fall when placed against the inner face of exterior panel 104. With respect to the horizontal, the angle should preferably be such that form 100, when assembled, will not be difficult to lift. For example, the angle may vary from 45° - 75°. Exterior panel 104 may be placed at an angle at the location where the wall is to be built or may be positioned elsewhere on-site. [0074] At 502, one or more cladding elements 106, for example a row of cladding elements, may be positioned on an inner face of external panel 104.

[0075] At 504, anchoring ties 112 may be inserted into anchoring slots 118A and 118B in each cladding element 106. Alternatively, the anchoring ties may be inserted into the slots during step 502 when each cladding element 106 is positioned on exterior panel 104.

[0076] At 506, a review may be made to evaluate whether all cladding elements 106 and all anchoring ties 112 are in place. If not, return to 502. If yes, continue.

[0077] At 508, adhesive material 108 may be applied to interior surface 107B in cladding elements 106. Alternatively, adhesive material 108 may be applied to the side of insulating material 110 which is to be adhered to interior surface 107B. Alternately, adhesive material 108 may not be used. A sealing material (sealant) may be additionally applied over interior surface 107B of cladding elements 106.

[0078] At 510, insulating material 110 may be laid over adhesive material 108 and against inner surface 106B in cladding material 106. While placing insulating material 110, the material may be pushed in a direction towards cladding elements 106 forcing anchoring ties 112 to penetrate through the insulating material. Alternatively, insulating material 110 may include preformed openings for the anchoring ties and the insulating material is laid so that the anchoring ties fit through the openings. Alternatively, insulating material 110 may include panels which may be similarly dimensioned (length and width) to cladding elements 106 so each insulation panel may be attached to a corresponding cladding element 106. Attachment of the similarly dimensioned insulation material to the cladding elements may be made on-site, or be pre-attached (attachment performed off-site). Gaps between insulating material panels may be sealed using a suitable sealing material. Insulating material 110 may include vapor barrier 113 which may be placed on the side of the insulation facing exterior wall 121.

[0079] At 512, exterior panel 104 including assembled external cladding 105, insulating material 110, anchoring ties 112, and separation spacers 109, may be vertically positioned and supported for forming the wall. Prior to raising to the vertical position, wire ties may be used to secure the assembly of the various components to exterior panel 104.

[0080] At 514, anchoring ties 112 may be attached to reinforcement elements 114, and may include use of wires for tying and/or welding. Exterior panel 104 may be tied to interior panel 103 which may have been previously positioned and supported, or alternatively, positioned and supported during the same positioning operation as the exterior panel, or following the positioning of the exterior panel. Assembly of formwork 100 may be considered completed.

[0081] At 516, concrete 117 may be poured into void 115 in assembled formwork 100 forming external wall 119.

[0082] At 518, following a predetermined curing period, exterior panel 104 (and also interior panel 103) may be removed. Cladded insulated wall 102 may include external cladding 105, insulating material 110 which may include vapor barrier 113, and external wall 119.

[0083] Reference is now made to Figures 6A and 6B which schematically illustrate an L- shaped angle 600 for supporting a first row of wall cladding, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference is also made to Figure 7 which schematically illustrates a sectional view of a bottom section of an exemplary formwork 650 for producing an externally cladded, externally insulated reinforced concrete wall including an L- shaped angle 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0084] L-shaped angle 600 may be placed under the first row of external cladding 106 at the bottom of formwork 650 and may serve to support the external cladding. Additionally, L- shaped angle 600 may serve to protect a bottom edge of the first row of external cladding 106. L-shaped angle 600 may be of a dimension suitable to accommodate the depth of external cladding 106 including insulation layer 110, and may include any material suitable to allow the angle to support external cladding 106. For example, L-shaped angle 600 may include a metal such as steel, iron, aluminum, among others.

[0085] L-shaped angle 600 may include an anchor element 602 which may serve to anchor the angle to the reinforced concrete wall (following pouring of concrete 117 into the formwork). Anchor 600 may be secured directly to concrete 117 and may optionally be attached to rebar 114 using methods known in the art, including tying, welding, among others.

[0086] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.