The present invention relates to a structure and a method of manufacture. BACKGROUND ART

A large number of building methods and structures are known. These differ in their respective materials or techniques.These differences are necessary due to a number of factors including prevailing industry wisdom, regulations, environmental conditions, materials available, problems which the systems were designed to address, or the requirements of specific building projects.

Several specific construction methods are discussed herein to provide background and context for the present invention.

Buildings are often described as being transportable or fixed. Transportable buildings can generally be moved between locations. This assists in providing temporary accommodation or premises. Fixed buildings are generally not easily moved. Rather, they are constructed at locations where they are to provide accommodation or premises for a long period of time. Although some fixed buildings can be moved but that is not easily achieved using the existing building methods/components.

A common method of constructing a residential or commercial building involves creating and installing a concrete pad on ground where the building is to be constructed. The ground is first prepared by excavation and levelling. The concrete pad is then formed in situ by pouring of concrete, or installing preformed concrete pads. However, the cost of concrete is increasing due to its high carbon footprint. In addition, forming concrete pads in situ can be a time consuming and therefore costly process. Preformed concrete pads also have the limitations of being expensive to manufacture and difficult to transport and install.

An alternative construction technique involves installing piles in the ground over which the building is to be constructed. However, floor frame work can be difficult to secure to the piles.

Furthermore, the piles are often inherently weak. Therefore, the piles are prone to failing when the building is exposed to external forces such as an earthquake.

Another common aspect of building construction involves forming a grid from wooden cross beams. The cross beams are braced by wooden joists. Floor boards are secured on top of the joists and beams.

The grid is generally secured to support piles.

However, buildings constructed using wooden members to form the floor grid are weak due to the inherent strength limitation of the building materials.

One solution to the weakness of wooden cross beams is to increase the number of support piles used in the building's footprint. This can increase labour costs in constructing a building. In addition, it can be difficult to secure the cross beams to the support piles.

Yet a further limitation of utilising wooden cross beams arises from the need to support the weight of the roof and upper floors of the building. The weaknesses of the timber members forming the floor mean that it is not possible to support the weight towards the perimeter of the building's footprint. Therefore, it is necessary to have internal load bearing walls. These walls bear some of the weight of the roof or upper stories onto the cross beams at points within the building's perimeter. This is acceptable from a structural point of view. However, this limits the layout inside the building.

One attempt to address the problems of using wooden floor beams has been to use members made from stainless steel or other metallic materials. Examples include I-beams, box section members, and C-channel sections.

All of those metallic beams are generally arranged into a two dimensional grid. That it, members extending lengthwise and width wise are at the same level as each other. This limits the flexibly of buildings that can constructed.

In addition, the strength of the buildings is limited because of the inherent weakness of the beams. The building may therefore be susceptible to buckling or cracking were the building to be lifted.

An example of one type of transportable building is disclosed in New Zealand Patent No. 532620. A main structure is provided by welding steel beams together. The steel beams all have a box cross section. Additional components are pivotally attached to the main structure. The attachment allows the components to be arranged so that the building takes the shape of a box-like freight container. In addition, the arrangement provides the structure with sufficient integrity that it can be lifted up by a crane and/or arranged on a freight vehicle. Standard freight containers can be stacked on top of the structure.

When in a desired location, the components are pivoted from the main structure to provide a roof, deck, and other parts of the building.

All of the components of the structure disclosed by Patent No. 532620 are formed from box-section steel members. There is no discussion of alternative members that may be used in manufacturing the buildings. Therefore the system is restricted in its strength, which limits the usefulness and flexibility of buildings according to Patent No. 532620. In additional, the structure of New Zealand Patent No. 532620 is utilitarian in nature. It is specifically intended to fold into a shape similar to standard shipping containers. This limits the types of structures that can be formed according to the disclosure of that patent. For instance the shape, height, width, and/or length of the structure are determined by the need to collapse to the size of a freight container.

Yet a further failing of the building disclosed in NZ Patent No. 532620 is that the engagement points for a lifting device are located at the top edges of the collapsed structure. This is a necessity of standard lifting devices used with shipping type containers. While that type of engagement is acceptable for use with shipping type containers, it is not so for different types of transportable buildings.

New Zealand Patent No. 563784 discloses a floor construction method and system using I or H shaped beams. The beams are cut along the web so as to facilitate securing floor units in between a pair of beams.

However, the floors constructed according to New Zealand Patent No. 563784 are not transportable. This limits the application of the construction system.

Yet a further example of a building method is disclosed in New Zealand Patent No. 525996. A building's floor is formed by securing C section channel members together. However, the invention of Patent No. 525996 cannot be easily extended to use with or to provide transportable buildings.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a floor of a building, including the steps of:

(a) securing a first primary support to a footing element of the building;

(b) securing a second primary support to the footing element of the building, wherein the first and second primary supports have a length and width;

(c) positioning two or more cross beams to bear on the first and second primary supports such that a longitudinal axis of at least one of the cross beams is at an angle to the length of the first primary support.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor of a building, including: a footing element; a first primary support secured to the footing element; a second primary support secured to the footing element; wherein the first and second primary supports have a length and a width; at least two cross beams bearing on the first and second primary bearing members such that a longitudinal axis of at least one of the two cross beams is at an angle to the length of the first primary support.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a floor of a building, including the steps of:

(a) positioning a first steel I-beam relative to a first row of support piles of the building so that the first I-beam bears onto the first row of support piles;

(b) positioning a second steel I-beam relative to a second row of support piles of the building so that the second I-beam bears onto the second row of support piles;

(c) positioning a floor structure to bear on the first and second steel I-beams.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floor of a building, including a first steel I-beam that bears on and is secured to a row of support piles, a second steel I-beam that bears on and is secured to a row of support piles, a floor structure that bears on and is secured to the first and second steel I-beams.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket, including a main body, a collar extending from the main body, wherein the collar has a recess to receive an end of a support pile, a bearing surface having a width and a length, characterised in that the width of the bearing surface is greater than the width of the support pile.

In preferred embodiments the present inventions provide methods of constructing the floor of a building, buildings constructed using the methods, buildings including these floors, and improvements to transportable buildings. These inventions will be described herein with reference to each other and their use in combination.

However, that should not be seen as limiting and it is envisaged that they can be used separately of each other.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "footing element" should be understood as meaning a structure to which the primary supports are secured.

In a preferred embodiment, the footing element is a foundation such as a plurality of support piles.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the footing element includes at least two pairs of spaced apart support piles, and preferably a plurality of support piles arranged into at least two rows.

Alternatively, the footing element may be a concrete pad, wooden foundation piles, or combinations thereof.

Throughout the present specification reference will be made to the term "footing element perimeter". This reference should be understood as referring to the outside edge of the footing element. In the embodiment where the footing element is at least two pairs of spaced apart support piles then the footing element perimeter is the edge of a geometric shape defined by the support piles.

The footing element perimeter is relevant as cross beams may be cantilevered to the footing element e.g. extend beyond the footing element perimeter. This aspect of the present invention should become clearer from the following description.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "primary support" should be understood as meaning a rigid load bearing member.

The primary supports may have sufficient load bearing qualities to support the floor, and potentially substantially all of the building including the floor, when this is lifted.

In a preferred embodiment the primary supports extend substantially along the structure's length.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the primary support is an I-beam.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term I-beam should be understood as meaning a structural component having an l-shaped cross section.

The term I-beam is a term of the art and should be understood by those skilled in the art. I- beams may also be referred to by other terms such as H-beams.

An I-beam has a central web extending along the beam's longitudinal axis. Flanges are secured to the top and bottom edges of the central web. The flanges extend along the length of the beam's longitudinal axis. Therefore the flanges provide a surface on which the beam may be supported or can support other components.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged as being within the scope of the present invention. These include embodiments where the primary supports are box sections or C-channel sections. In a preferred embodiment the I-beam used may be matched to spacing of the support piles forming a footing element substantially according to the following:

Reference to the term "simple span" refers to non-continuous I-beams that span across three support piles by joining. These are formed several individual lengths of I-beam.

Reference to the term "continuous span" refers to an integral I-beam e.g. an I- beam that is a single length without joins in a length of I-beam that spans across at least three support piles.

The inventors have surprisingly found that the combinations described herein for the I-beams and pile spacing provide a number of advantages. These include that floors construed according to the present inventions are more cost effective to manufacture than using other techniques. While the selection of the particular I- beams described above also enhances the cost effectiveness of the present inventions, is not simply a matter of costs. The particular combinations may lead to a number of synergistic effects. In addition, the above identified combinations of I-beams and spacing of support piles may prevent or reduce bouncing. Bouncing is an effect whereby the floor moves when a person walks across the floor. The inventors have discovered that the particular ranges of pile spacings address the issue of bouncing.

However the foregoing should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "cross beam" should be understood as meaning a load bearing member made from a metallic material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the cross beams may be steel members having a "C" shape cross-section.

The cross beams may alternatively be I-beams as substantially described above and as should be known by those skilled in the art.

However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting and alternatives for the cross beams are envisaged. These include cross beams having a box shape cross section, T-beams, or tubular cross beams.

In a preferred embodiment, the cross beams form a frame work to provide the floor of the building.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame work formed by the cross beams is a rigid grid. This may be achieved by securing rigid members between the cross beams using techniques such as welding or fasteners. Reference will be made herein to the rigid grid.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "at an angle to" should be understood as meaning non-parallel. Accordingly, the integer "such that a longitudinal axis of at least one of the cross beams is at an angle to the length of the first primary support" refers to one or more cross beams being non-parallel to the primary supports.

This arrangement facilitates construction of a building having a number of advantages over those presently available. The further aspects and advantages of this aspect of the present invention should become clearer from the following description.

In a preferred embodiment the cross beams are transverse to each of the primary supports. Therefore, ends of the cross beams are cantilevered to the primary supports. In other words, the cross beams extend beyond the width of the primary supports.

In a preferred embodiment, the cross-beams may be cantilevered to the footing element perimeter. The term "cantilevered" should be understood as meaning to extend beyond the footing edge perimeter without a support pile underneath or otherwise supporting the extended section of cross beam.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cross-beams may be cantilevered in the range of substantially 0.5 - 1.5 metres.

Cantilevering of the cross-beams enables construction of a floor having a greater footprint area per footing element area. Therefore, smaller footing elements can be used to manufacture floors of a desired area than using previously known methods.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the amount of cantilevering is determined by matching the cross-beam size to the I-beam size. This may include matching cross-beams with I-beams according to the following:

150UB18 DHS150/15 0.5 - 1.00 0.75

150PFL DHS150/15 0.45 - 0.95 0.70

180UB18 DHS150/15 0.80 - 1.10 0.85

180PFC DHS150/15 0.65 - 1.15 0.90

200UB18 DHS150/15 0.70 - 1.20 0.95

200PFC DHS150/15 0.75 - 1.25 1.00

The applicant has surprisingly found that the combination of primary supports and cross-beams of the present invention is particularly advantageous. To the applicant's knowledge this combination has not previously been used in applications such as the present inventions.

The primary supports interact in a unique and unusual way with the cross beams forming the rigid grid. This interaction enables construction of a comparatively wider floor area from an initial narrow footing area. In effect the building's footing element is of smaller dimensions than those which are previously necessary to provide buildings having a desired floor size.

The forgoing advantages may be provided by the cross beams cantilevering with respect to the primary supports. The rigidity of the cross beams ensures that a floor formed according to the present invention can support the weight of the building's walls and roof. The primary supports are able to support the floor beams and the weight which bears on them.

In addition, the direction of the I-beams and cross beams forming the building provides unexpected improvements in strength. Furthermore, forming a plurality of rigid grids along the length of the primary supports provides flexibility in the type of materials that may be utilised with the present invention. Therefore, it is possible for the present invention to facilitate cost effective manufacture of buildings.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term "engagement point" should be understood as meaning a component to facilitate a lifting device engaging the primary supports.

In a preferred embodiment, the engagement point may be provided by ensuring that the primary supports are accessible from the edges of the structure. In this embodiment clamps, spreader bars, or other connectors are able to engage the primary supports.

In an alternative embodiment, the engagement points may be hooks, loops, or other connectors that can engage complementary connectors on a lifting device. Accordingly, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the structure may be a module forming part of a building.

In this embodiment, modules are positioned or constructed relative to each other, connected and/or secured together, to provide a larger building. This may be beneficial in making structures according to the present invention more easily transportable. That is, the structure has a size to enable it to be transported without requiring surveying of roads.

Alternatively, the structure may be a stand alone, independent building.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term "bracket" should be understood as meaning a component to facilitate securing of a primary support to a support pile. In a particularly preferred embodiment bracket's collar surrounds a support pile e.g. an end of the support pile is inserted into the collar. Fasteners such as screws or nails extend through the collar and into the support pile, thereby securing them together.

The bracket also provides a bearing surface on which a primary support may bear.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the bearing surface is wider and/or longer than the support pile with which it is used. This is advantageous as it may compensate for human error in positioning the primary supports relative to the support piles. In effect there is a larger surface area on which the primary supports may bear.

Yet a further advantage is that fasteners can extend through the bearing surface and into the primary support. Accordingly the bracket facilitates securing the primary support to the support pile.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged including those which do not use bracket, brackets, or brackets which are narrower than the primary supports.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may include spacer components.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "spacer component" should be understood as referring to elements that hold the primary supports above the ground.

The spacer components are useful as they facilitate constructing a multi-level building using structures according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the spacer components are secured to support piles. The structure is secured to the spacer components. This provides the primary supports in a position raised above the ground. A person is then able to construct a ground floor in the space underneath the structure.

The spacer components may be formed integrally to the structure according to the present invention.

Alternatively, the spacer components may be releasably attached to the structure. This may be useful in facilitating transport of the structure.

It should be clear from the forgoing description that the present invention provides a number of advantages. These may include:

• greater flexibility in the construction and transport of buildings;

• providing a cost effective yet rigid structure that can be easily transported;

• reducing manufacturing costs and time;

• can be performed by adapting known techniques and materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1a is a top perspective view of a footing element, primary support, and grid according to the present invention;

Figure 1b is a bottom perspective view of Figure 1a;

Figure 1c is an exploded view of a section of Figures 1a and 1b;

Figure 2 is an end on view of a floor grid, walls and roof frame, bearing upon first and second primary supports;

Figure 3 is a top perspective of a frame of a module; Figure 4 is an exploded view showing an alternate embodiment of a cap;

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing selected components of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an end on view of a building; Figure 7 is a side on view of a building;

Figure 8 is a close up view of a joint between cross beams and wall member;

Figure 9 is a close up view of a joint between a wall member and a roof

member.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of constructing a floor, a floor built using the method, buildings including the floor, and transportable buildings. These aspects of the invention will be described by reference to the method of constructing the floor and building.

The ground (1 ) over which the building (2) is to be constructed is prepared. This may involve excavation, levelling, or adding of fill materials as is necessary to achieve a desired construction surface. In addition, retaining walls, stabilizing foundations, or other constructions techniques may be utilised. This is as should be understood by those skilled in the art.

A footing element generally indicated as (3) is formed in the ground (1). This involves forming a plurality of individual support piles which are each generally indicated as (4). Holes (not visible) in the ground (1 ) are made and concrete poured therein. This forms a concrete element (5).

Prior to setting of the concrete, timber piles (6) are inserted into the concrete element. The timber piles (6) may have a square or round cross sectional area. The concrete is allowed to harden and set. This secures the timber pile (6) in the concrete element (5) to thereby form each support pile (4).

The support piles (4) are arranged in at least two parallel rows indicated generally as (7) and (8).

An alternate embodiment is shown in Figure 5, where an additional row (7A) of support piles (4) is used. This is useful in constructing structures having a greater width.

Caps (9) are secured to the timber piles (6). Each cap (9) has a collar (10) and an aperture (11) configured to receive an end (12) of timber pile (6). The cross section of aperture (11) corresponds to that of timber pile (6) e.g. when timber pile is square, aperture (11) is square (as shown in Figure 4).

Fasteners (13) are inserted through apertures (14) in collar (10) and screwed into timber pile (6). This secures the caps (9) to the support pile (4).

Caps (9) provide a supplementary bearing surface (15).

The supplementary bearing surface (15) has a width (line X) and a length (line Y) that is greater than the dimensions of the timber pile (6). The length (Y) extends substantially parallel to the length of primary supports (which are discussed below).

A spacer (16) in the form of a rubber mat is attached to top surface (17) of supplementary bearing surface (15). The spacer (16) has a co-efficient of friction lower than timber pile (6). The spacer (16) may also act as a vibration damper to reduce or eliminate vibrations in the building.

A module is constructed using the following method. This can occur on a building site, or at a workshop before being transported to the site.

The floor frame is constructed using a first primary support (17) and a second primary support (18). The first and secondary primary supports (17, 18) are positioned relative to each other so as to be spaced apart. The separation between the first and second primary supports (17, 18) is determined according to the size of cross-beams with which they are to be used and the characteristics of the floor being manufactured.

The first and secondary primary supports (17, 18) are steel I-beams sold under the code 200UB25. This is as should be known to those skilled in the art.

A rigid grid, generally indicated as (20) is formed on top of first and second primary supports (17, 18). That is, rigid grid bears down on the top surface of first and second primary supports (17, 18). The rigid grid is formed from:

1. A first cross beam (22) and a second cross beam (23) each having a C- shape cross section. This occurs using techniques as should be known to those skilled in the art such as welding and/or fasteners. The first and second cross beams (22, 23) are substantially perpendicular to, and transverse to, the first and secondary primary supports (17, 18).

2. A third cross beam (24) secured between the first and second cross beams (21 , 22) at points (25). This occurs using techniques as should be known to those skilled in the art such as welding and/or fasteners. The third cross beam (24) is substantially parallel to first and second primary supports (17, 18).

3. A fourth cross-beam (26) secured to the first and second cross beams (21 , 22) at point (27) that is distal to point (25). This occurs using techniques as should be known to those skilled in the art such as welding and/or fasteners. The fourth cross beam (26) is substantially parallel to first and second primary supports (17, 18).

The cross-beams (21 , 22, 24, 26) are steel beams having a C shaped cross section and are sold under the code 150PFC. This is as should be known to those skilled in the art.

A plurality of rigid grids, are constructed by securing additional cross beams (28) to cross beams (24, 26).

Secondary floor members (29) in the form of C channel sections are secured within the rigid grid. Top surface (30) of secondary members (29) is flush with top surface (30) of cross beams (21 , 22, 24, 26).

Cross beams (21 , 22) cantilever cross beams (24, 26) from the first and second primary supports (17, 18). This is beneficial in helping to construct a building having a desired width floor and minimising the size of the footing element that must be constructed.

Where a greater width building is required an additional primary support (31) can be used. That is positioned so as to be substantially parallel to first and second primary supports (17, 18), but spaced apart from these. The cross beams (21 , 22) extend beyond the edge of the outer most primary supports (17, 31) e.g. beyond the footing edge perimeter. This may assist in constructing buildings having different shape foot prints, or widths.

The floor frame can then be lifted onto, and secured to the support piles (4) using caps (9). This may be achieved by using a lifting device (not shown) to engage the ends of the first and second primary supports (17, 18, 31) as is described below.

A first row of wall members (32) are secured to cross beams (24) forming part of rigid grid. Each of the wall members (32) is adjacent to and perpendicular to a cross beam (21 , 22, or 27). That is, each wall member (32) is the same distance along the cross beam as a cross beam (21 , 22, or 27).

A second row of wall members (33) are secured to cross members (26). The second wall members (33) are adjacent to and perpendicular to, cross members (21 , 22, 27). That is, each of the second wall members (33) is the same distance along the length of cross beam (26) as a cross beam (21 , 22, 27).

A close up view of a joint between a wall member (32) and a cross beam (26) is shown in Figure 8.

Roof members (34) are secured between a pair of wall members (32, 33). A close up view of a joint between a wall member (32 or 33) and a roof member (34) is shown in Figure 9.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the first and second wall members (32, 33) are different lengths. Therefore the roof members (34) are at an angle to a plane defined by the top surface of the cross beams (21 , 22, 24, 26). This may facilitate constructing a building (2) with an inclined internal ceiling and/or an asymmetric building.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the first and second wall members (32, 33) are the same length. Therefore the roof members (34) are substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top surface of the cross beams (21 , 22, 24, 26).

The roof members and wall members interact with the cross beams and rigid grid to improve the rigidity of the floor frame, and the building (2) as a whole. The inventor has surprisingly identified that the preferred embodiments of the components used in constructing the building are particularly advantageous.

Roof bracing members (35) may be positioned and secured between roof members (34).

The components used to construct building (2) are selected so as to provide it with external dimensions that allow it to be moved without necessity of surveying a route. The external dimensions of building (2) may be determined by several factors including the length of the primary supports (17, 18), the length of the cross beams (21 , 22, 24, 26), the length of the wall members (32, 33) and/or the length of the roof members (34).

Window frames (36) and door frames (37) are secured to the building (2).

External cladding (38) is secured directly to wall members (32, 33).

A floor surface is formed by securing floor boards (39) to the top surface of the floor frame. That is, the floor boards (39) bear down on, and are secured to the top surface of, cross beams (21 , 22, 24, 26) and/or flour bracing members (40) that are secured in rigid grid. Floorboards (26) are made from wooden or composite material panels. Alternatively, ceramic tiles or other flooring materials may be used.

Wall bracing members (40) are secured between wall members (32, 33).

Roofing materials (42) such as tiles or pre-painted steel sheets are secured to the roof members (34).

Utilities such as electrical cabling, water or gas conduits, sewage conduits, or audio visual cables are installed within the walls and floor of the building (2).

Internal cladding (43) is secured in a cavity defined by the width of the wall members (32, 33).

Internal partitions (44) are installed to define rooms within the building (2). Doors (not visible) between rooms are secured in internal partitions (44).

Doors (45) into and out of the building (2) are secured to wall members (32, 33).

Guttering (46) is secured to the roof at either the roof members (34) or top of wall member (32, 33). External fascia/cladding (47) is secured to wall members (32, 33).

In some embodiments the building can be lifted by engaging lifting points on primary and secondary supports (17, 18) with a lifting means. The building is positioned on top of spacer (16) and so as to bear down on the top of bearing surfaces (15).

Modular Building

A building as described above can be a module, or smaller section of, a larger building.

A second module (not shown) can be constructed adjacent to the first module (2), constructed off site before being transported and positioned adjacent to the module.

Additional modules (not shown) can likewise be constructed next to, or transported and positioned next to, the first module and second modules (not shown). The construction can occur using the method as substantially described above. This enables construction of a building (1) having a desired footprint. For instance, the modules according to the present invention can be arranged so as to provide a building with a rectangular footprint, a square footprint, an L-shaped footprint, or a U-shaped footprint.

Internal partitions (not shown) can be secured between adjacent modules.

A floor can be formed between the modules. Doors and other components can be secured according to techniques as should be known to those skilled in the art.

Multi-level buildings

It is possible to use the present inventions to construct a multi-storey (level) building. A footing element (3) and building (2) are constructed substantially as described above.

A lifting device (not shown) engages primary supports (17, 18) and positions the module.

Spacer components (not shown) are secured to and between the first and second primary supports (17, 18) and support piles (4).

The lifting device (not shown) is disengaged from the building (2).

The spacer components hold the building in position.

The ground floor of the building (1 ) can subsequently be constructed. This may involve building techniques as should be known to those skilled in the art. For instance, a concrete floor can be poured in situ. Alternatively, primary supports may be secured to additional support piles (3) in a manner substantially as described above.

The process of constructing a floor and walls can be repeated.

Transportation and Lifting

Transportation of building (2) will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. These Figures have been selected as they show the first and second primary supports (17, 18) and how these may be engaged so as to lift the building (2) and thereby facilitating its transportation.

The first and second primary supports (17, 18) extend substantially to the end of the length of a building (2). Ends (51 , 52) of first and second primary supports (17, 18) are exposed and/or accessible underneath the building (2).

The cross section of primary supports (17, 18) is visible and the central web (48), upper flange (49) and lower flange (50) are visible. A first spreader bar (not shown) as should be known to those skilled in the art can be connected to end (51 ) of primary supports (17, 18). A second spreader bar (not shown) is attached to end (52) of primary supports (17, 18) distal to first spreader bar. The spreader bars are engaged by a lifting device (not shown) so as to raise building (2) and position this onto a truck deck (not shown), or other location as required.

The applicant has found that the use of primary supports (17, 18) in the form of "I" beams are particularly advantageous in facilitating building (2) being lifted.

In addition, the cross beams and rigid grid assist by holding the first and second primary supports (17, 18) in a fixed position relative to each other.

The combination of the primary supports and cross beams help to ensure that the building (2) is less likely to buckle when lifted. The inventor has found that there is a synergistic effect from the interaction between the primary supports and the cross beams.

Furthermore, the rigid grid, roof members, and wall members form a box type sub structure. This may improve the rigidity of the building and facilitate it being lifted (and therefore transported). That may improve the construction time of the building and reduce the need for skilled labour at a construction site.

It may also help to ensure that buildings according to the present invention are able to be used in a variety of different applications.

In addition, the first and second primary support's cross-sectional shape makes it particularly easy for lifting devices and spreader bars to engage these.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.