Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to building structures and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a self-powered, multi-purpose building for use in area and regions having no power supply.

Solar power is of great potential benefit to developing areas and regions of the World and, in particular, areas and regions which have no existing power supply. Conventional solar systems have been, and are being, installed in such areas and regions to provide energy sources for lighting, water pumping, local industry etc. However, in such areas and regions, the buildings are not suitable for mounting relatively heavy photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays on roofs, for example. Furthermore, ground-mounted solar systems require substantial steel frame structures to support the PV arrays which require stabilisation and suitable ground foundations and/or anchoring to support the weight of the PV panels and to resist wind loading. These structures are heavy, open to the elements, prone to corrosion and require routine maintenance. They present an undesirable obstacle to farming, for example, and often require many spaced apart structures arranged in an array, each structure only supporting a few PV panels. Additionally, the space below the PV panel array within the steel support structure is effectively wasted space and in turn the support structure performs only the function of supporting the panels.

Summary of the Invention

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to at least partly mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a highly versatile building for capturing and supplying energy in under-developed areas in a fast, simple and efficient manner.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a building designed to minimise and resist wind loading, and to maximise solar radiation input to PV panels supported on the roof and/or walls of the building.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a building which requires no foundations and/or concrete anchoring to the ground, and which provides seismic resistance and/or a survival resource, and which is simple to construct by unskilled local labour using conventional tools without the need for a crane or similar heavy machinery.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a building which utilises modern, high specification components for the building envelope to maximise service life.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a building which provides a versatile, stable, self-powered structure with many uses in underdeveloped areas and regions of the World, such as a social centre, school, local warehouse, local industry, chilled storage, greenhouse, water pumping and/or collection, desalination plant, living accommodation, tourist or medical centre, livestock shelter/breeding/feeding, refugee camp or in the wake of a natural disaster etc.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a building which provides electricity and/or water supply to the local population and which can be used as an individual structure or a multi-unit modular system comprising a plurality of single structures.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a building which in a disassembled state is substantially compact and capable of being delivered in a single standard sized shipping container anywhere in the World where suitable transportation access permits and where there is a requirement for energy and shelter.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a building which is available in a plurality of sizes and which certain embodiments of the present invention can generate in excess of 70,000 megawatt hours per annum.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a building structure comprising:

a plurality of spaced apart frame assemblies each comprising an elongate base member, a first support member extending substantially upwardly from a first end region of the base member, and an elongate roof member extending between the first support member and the base member and oriented at an angle with respect to the base member; at least one first elongate connecting member connecting respective first end regions of each frame assembly together; and at least one further elongate connecting member connecting respective further end regions of each frame assembly together.

Aptly, each frame assembly comprises a further elongate support member extending substantially upwardly from the further end region of each base member to couple the roof member to the base member at the further end region.

Aptly, the further support member is substantially shorter in length than the first support member.

Aptly, each frame assembly is substantially planar. Aptly, the frame assemblies are arranged in parallel.

Aptly, the first and further support members are substantially vertically oriented and substantially perpendicular to the base member.

Aptly, the elongate members are bolted together to form each frame assembly. Aptly, each elongate member comprises a substantially channel-like cross section. Other suitable cross sections can be envisaged such as l-shape, H-shape or C-shape, for example. Aptly, each elongate member is formed from hot-rolled steel section or wooden section or a steel/wood composite section.

Aptly, at least each roof member comprises an open web joist. Aptly, each open web joist comprises at least two spaced apart and parallel beam members connected together by a plurality of spaced apart web members. Aptly, the beam members are timber beam members and the web members are steel web members to provide a composite timber and steel joist.

Aptly, each elongate member when in an assembled state comprises at least one elongate portion having a maximum length such that the building structure can be easily transported in at least one standard shipping container when in a disassembled state. Aptly, each elongate portion has a maximum length such that each elongate member can be stored and/or transported in at least one standard 20 feet long or 40 feet long shipping container respectively. Aptly, each elongate portion has a maximum length of about around 14 feet or about around 30 feet depending on the standard length of the shipping container. Aptly, each elongate member may comprise a plurality of elongate portions, wherein each elongate portion has a maximum length of about around 14 feet or about around 30 feet. Aptly, each elongate portion has substantially the same length. Elongate portions having a maximum length of about around 14 feet or about around 30 feet allows the structure to be easily handled and/or transported in standard shipping containers, for example, when in a disassembled state.

Aptly, the frame assemblies define a substantially wedge-shaped building structure. Aptly, the frame assemblies define a primary support framework of the building structure.

Aptly, the building structure may further comprise a secondary framework comprising a plurality of elongate steel or wooden members which attach to the primary framework to provide a plurality of spaced apart roof purlins or side rails or floor joists accordingly.

Aptly, the building structure comprises at least one front panel, at least one rear panel and at least two opposing side panels attached to the respective primary and/or secondary frame assemblies. Aptly, the building structure comprises at least one roof panel. Aptly, the front, rear, side and/or roof panels are opaque or translucent or a combination thereof.

Aptly, each panel comprises an insulating layer. For example, each panel may comprise at least one insulating layer sandwiched between two structural layers. The insulating layer may comprise a foamed material, polystyrene, glass wool, rock wool, natural fibre, air, or the like.

Aptly, the building structure comprises at least one door and/or window. Aptly, the at least one door and/or window provide insulation properties similar to that of each panel. Aptly, a major portion of the front, rear, side and/or roof panels comprises a plurality of windows to provide a greenhouse-type building structure for growing plants therein.

Aptly, the building structure comprises a plurality of ballast members to locate the building structure in situ when assembled.

Aptly, each ballast member may comprise a container for containing ballast, such as aggregate or water. Alternatively, each ballast member may be substantially solid. Aptly, the container may comprise a mesh wall to contain ballast. Aptly, each ballast member may be anchored to the ground by at least one pile member, ground anchor, or the like. Aptly, each ballast member is formed to mount on a respective base member. Aptly, each ballast member comprises a receiving portion to receive a portion of the base member and locate the base member in position. Aptly, the receiving portion of each ballast member comprises at least one channel formation inwardly extending from an outer surface of the ballast member to receive a respective base member and allow the ballast member to mount over or saddle a respective base member. Aptly, a depth of the channel formation corresponds to a depth of the base member. Aptly, the channel formation has a cross section of any suitable shape and may be complementarily shaped with an outer surface or profile of the base member. Alternatively, the receiving portion may comprise a throughhole in each ballast member to allow a base member to pass through the ballast member.

The receiving portion allows a ballast member to be easily mounted over a portion of a respective base member and to be located at any position along the length of the base member. The receiving portion in each ballast member also allows a respective ballast member to be slidably moved along a base member to a different position if desired. Aptly, a ballast member is locatable proximal to each corner of the building structure. Assembly and installation of the building structure is thus made easier and quicker and the ballast members can be moved quickly and easily during assembly, disassembly or in response to certain conditions, such as wind speed and direction, to selectively adjust the 'anchor' points provided by the ballast members accordingly.

Aptly, the building structure comprises a plurality of PV panels mounted to the roof members to form a PV array. Aptly, the plurality of PV panels may mount directly to the roof members or to an intermediate roof panel located between the PV panels and the roof members and mounted to the roof members. Aptly, the PV array covers a major portion of the roof of the building structure. Aptly, the PV array is connected electrically to an accumulator. Aptly, the accumulator comprises one or more batteries. Aptly, the accumulator is located in the building structure.

Aptly, the building structure comprises at least one elongate rainwater channel for collecting rainwater from at least the roof of the building structure. Aptly, the rainwater channel is located on a front side of the building structure. Aptly, at least a one of the further connecting members comprises the rainwater channel to provide an integral rainwater collecting system. Aptly, the rainwater channel is fluidly connected to a reservoir. The reservoir may be located in the building structure. Aptly, at least one pump is connected to the reservoir for transferring water therefrom and connected to the accumulator to receive a power supply therefrom.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a building assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected building structures according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Aptly, the building structure may be a standalone building structure or may form a modular part of a modular building assembly. For example, respective rear portions of two substantially wedge-shaped building structures may be attached together to form a 'back-to- back' modular building assembly. Alternatively or additionally, respective side portions of two building structures may be attached together to form a 'side-to-side' modular building assembly. Thus, a plurality of building structures according to the present invention may form a single line of 'side-to-side' modular structures, a double line of 'side-to-side' and 'back-to-back' modular structures, or a single pair of 'back-to-back' modular structures. Of course, other arrangements can be envisaged.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a building comprising: a wedge-shaped support structure having spaced apart first and further opposed side portions, a rear portion, a front portion, a base portion and a roof portion; and

a plurality of ballast members located on the base portion to locate the building in situ.

Aptly, each ballast member comprises a receiving portion for receiving a respective elongate part of the base portion. Aptly, the respective part of the base portion comprises an elongate base member. Aptly, each ballast member saddles a respective base member. Aptly, the receiving portion comprises a channel formation extending along and inwardly from an outer surface of the ballast member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a building comprising: a wedge-shaped support structure to define a base portion and a roof portion oriented at an angle to the base portion;

at least one solar energy capturing element supported by the roof portion; and at least one rainwater collection member located along a lower edge of the roof portion. Aptly, the at least one solar energy capturing element comprises an array of PV panels. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one solar energy capturing element may comprise at least one solar heating element for heating water collected by said rainwater collection member.

Aptly, the building comprises an accumulator connected to the PV panels for storing electrical energy.

Aptly, the at least one rainwater collection member comprises a rainwater channel located along the lower edge of the roof portion.

Aptly, the building comprises a reservoir connected to the rainwater channel for storing harvested rainwater. Aptly, at least one pump is connected to the reservoir and the accumulator. Aptly, the accumulator, reservoir and pump are located in the building.

Aptly, the building further comprises a plurality of ballast members to locate the building in position without the need for foundations and/or invasive anchors. Aptly, each ballast member may be formed to mount over a respective base member of the building. Each ballast member may comprise a channel to receive a respective base member. In this manner, a ballast member may be located at any position along the length of a base member. Depending on the size and weight of each ballast member, such a channel may also allow a respective ballast member to be slidably moved along a base member to a different position if desired. Each ballast member may be solid or comprise a container for containing suitable ballast such as aggregate or water or the like. Aptly, each ballast member may be connected to the reservoir where water is used as ballast.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a PV panel support structure comprising:

a plurality of wedge-shaped and spaced apart frame assemblies;

a plurality of PV panels mounted to a roof portion of the structure, wherein the roof portion is oriented at an angle to base members of the frame assemblies; and

a plurality of closure panels mounted to each frame assembly to form an enclosed space within the structure. Aptly, the structure further comprises at least one ballast member disposed on at least one base member to locate the structure in situ. Aptly, the structure comprises at least one ballast member disposed in at least each of four base corners of the structure.

Aptly, the structure further comprises at least one rainwater collection member located along a lower edge of the roof portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a building structure, comprising:

a plurality of elongate base members for locating on a base surface in a spaced apart relationship;

a plurality of elongate roof members for orientating at an angle relative to the base members;

a plurality of first support members each for connecting a corresponding base member to a corresponding roof member at respective first end regions;

at least one first elongate connecting member to connect respective first end regions of each frame assembly together; and

at least one further elongate connecting member to connect respective further end regions of each frame assembly together.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises:

a plurality of further elongate support members each for connecting a corresponding base member to a corresponding roof member at the respective further end regions.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises:

a plurality of wall and/or roof panels for attaching to the members.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises:

at least one ballast member for mounting on a base member to locate the building structure in situ.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises:

at least one PV panel for mounting on a roof member or roof panel.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises: at least one accumulator for storing electrical energy generated by the at least PV panel.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises:

at least one rainwater channel for collecting rainwater from at least a roof panel.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises:

a reservoir for storing rainwater collected by the rainwater channel.

Aptly, the kit of parts further comprises:

a pump for transferring rainwater from the reservoir to a target location.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a building structure, comprising:

assembling a plurality of frame assemblies, each frame assembly comprising a first support member extending substantially upwardly from a first end region of a base member, and an elongate roof member extending between the first support member and the base member and oriented at an angle with respect to the base member;

connecting respective first end regions of each frame assembly together with at least one first elongate connecting member such that the frame assemblies are spaced apart from each other; and

connecting respective further end regions of each frame assembly together with at least one further elongate connecting member.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

coupling each roof member of each frame assembly to the respective base member at the further end region with a further elongate support member that extends substantially upwardly from the further end region of each base member.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

bolting the elongate members together to form each frame assembly.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

connecting a plurality of elongate portions together to form one or more of the elongate members. Aptly, each elongate portion has a maximum length of about around 14 feet or about around 30 feet.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

attaching at least one front panel, at least one rear panel and at least two opposing side panels to the frame assemblies to form at least a partially enclosed space within the building structure.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

mounting at least one ballast member on a base member to locate the building structure in situ.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

mounting the at least one ballast member over a corresponding base member via a receiving portion of the ballast member.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

providing a trench for locating each base member in.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

mounting one or more PV panels on a roof member of the building structure.

Aptly, the method further comprises:

locating at least one elongate rainwater channel on the building structure for collecting rainwater from at least the roof of the building structure.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide the advantage of utilising a support structure for a PV array as a simple, yet versatile multi-purpose building.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide the advantage of providing an optimised, wedge-shaped building structure which requires no foundations or intrusive anchoring for stability.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide the advantage of simplifying the underlying building framework and space envelope to allow unskilled site erection with the use of only full pictograph instructions and simple construction tools. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide the advantage of using quality components to guarantee a maximum service life, such as 15 years as a minimum.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide the advantage of generating solar power through a full PV panel array mounted on the roof of a building in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention which may also be used to power water pumping, refrigeration, lighting, local industry, desalination/purification etc.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide the advantage of providing a compact, disassembled structural state allowing easy and low cost delivery of a single unit by a single container/vehicle/vessel to a location site anywhere in the World where transportation permits, particularly in a standard-sized shipping container.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide the advantage of providing a modular building assembly made up of individual interconnecting building structures in accordance with the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a building in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic showing the internals of the building of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 illustrates a side section through the building of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the building of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the building of Figures 1 to 4; and

Figure 6 illustrates a modular structural assembly formed from a number of interconnecting structures as shown in Figures 1 to 5. Description of Embodiments

In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

As shown in the Figures, a building structure 1 in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention is substantially wedge-shaped comprising a pair of spaced apart side panels 2, a front panel 4, a rear panel 3 and a roof panel 10. The panels may comprise sheet metal or wood panels or may be rigid plastic or the like. Each panel may comprise a number of layers for structural and/or insulating performance, such as two relatively rigid outer layers and at least one insulating layer located between the two outer layers. Aptly, the panels are weatherproof.

A plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels 6 are mounted as an array to the roof panel. The PV array 6 is electrically connected to an energy accumulator in the form of one or more batteries 20. The PV array 6 may be connected to the batteries 20 via one or more transformers (not shown). A rainwater gutter 8 is mounted along the front panel 4 for collecting rainwater running down the PV array 6 towards the front panel 4 of the building. The rainwater gutter 8 transfers collected rainwater to a reservoir 22 located within the building. A pump 24 transfers the collected rainwater from the reservoir 22 to desired sources, such as taps or appliances for washing, drinking, irrigation etc. The pump 24 is electrically connected to the batteries 20 for powering the pump.

The building 1 is positioned and orientated towards the Sun for maximum daylight exposure and for maximum radiation collection. The lower edge of the wedge-shaped building is also oriented into a prevailing wind and is designed to withstand wind loading in view of its relatively streamlined shape. As wind blows over the building in a direction from the front to the rear, the resultant force from the wind acts downwardly to force the building on to the ground thus helping to locate the building in situ. One or more wind turbines (not shown) may be mounted to the roof of the building to convert wind energy into electrical energy to be stored in the batteries. The roof may compromise one or more channels or funnels for mounting one or more wind turbines in. Such channels and/or funnels may have the effect of accelerating wind towards the wind turbine to maximise the energy generated by a turbine located in the channel/funnel. One or more channels on or in the roof may alternatively or additionally be used to channel rainwater down the roof and into the guttering system 8. One or more hydro-electric turbines may be located in such a channel to convert kinetic/potential energy of the water into electrical energy to be stored in the batteries 20. Such a channel may be located in one or more of the roof members 16 to transfer rainwater to the guttering system 8. In a similar manner, the gutter 8 may be located in or be an integral part of the horizontal front support member 31 forming the front of the building. Such an arrangement provides an internal/integral guttering system which is protected from the elements, particularly from wind and the ingress of dirt and leaves for example.

The energy stored in the batteries 20 located within the building may be used to warm the building at night and/or cooling during the day, lighting the interior of the building, pumping water, powering electrical tools or devices, or may be sold to grid or through local distribution, or the like.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the building comprises an underlying primary framework including horizontal 14 and vertical 12, 18, 30 elongate support members and angled elongate roof members 16. A secondary framework (not shown) of purlins, studs and joists may be arranged substantially perpendicularly to the primary framework for providing additional rigidity to the structure and forming roof, wall and floor structures of the building. The primary framework comprises steel, such as hot rolled steel, and/or wooden sections and any secondary framework comprises cold-rolled, galvanised strip profiles. Aptly, the primary framework has a thicker gauge than any secondary framework.

The primary framework may include open web joists or so-called Posi-joists which are composite timber and steel joists forming an open web design which provide the reduced weight of timber relative to steel yet the strength of a steel web. Posi-Joists are lightweight, strong, easy to install and available in long lengths. The open web design helps to eliminate costly cutting and drilling when installing services, as such services can be fed through the open webs, and allows modern ventilation and heat recycling systems to be easily incorporated into the building structure which can help to achieve higher Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) levels.

The purlins, joists and roof members 16 support an underlying intermediate roof layer 10 which may comprise wood or sheet panelling and/or a rigid liner suitable to seal the building from rain and wind and to insulate the building. The PV array is mounted on to this intermediate layer and attaches to the intermediate layer or the underlying roof structure. The PV array may alternatively mount directly to the primary and/or secondary framework. The floor joists support a floor (not shown) for equipment, furniture, or the like, contained within the building and the wall studs support wall panels attached thereto. The support members are connected at their respective ends by suitable fasteners such as bolts and nuts requiring few tools and minimal skills. The support members may be aluminium or steel or wooden standard profile sections. The support members may be hot- rolled and/or cold-rolled sections to form suitable joist and purlin sections for the base and roof members respectively.

The base footprint of the structure is relatively large compared to the height of the structure to provide stability, particularly in a windy environment. The area of the roof is relatively large to provide maximum area for solar energy capture. The area of the front of the building is relatively small compared to the rear side of the building to reduce the flat surface area at the front of the building exposed to a prevailing wind. The building may be available in different sizes to suit different applications. For example only, the building may have a length along a front side of the building of 12, 15, 18 or 21 m. An assembled building according to certain embodiments of the present invention may have a ground length of about around 20m, a ground width of about around 12m, a roof height above ground at the rear of the building of about around 5.5m and a roof height above ground at the front of the building of about around 1 .5m. Of course, other suitable dimensions, sizes, volumes or areas are envisaged.

Each elongate member comprises elongate portions each having a maximum length of about around 14 feet (4.27m) or about around 30 feet (9.14m). A plurality of differently sized elongate portions may be provided to allow differently sized elongate members to be assembled. The elongate portions are simply bolted together to form a respective elongate member of a desired length. Disassembled elongate portions of about around 14 feet or about around 30 feet conveniently allow a disassembled building structure to be easily handled during assembly or disassembly and easily transported in a conventional shipping container in a disassembled state.

As shown in Figure 6, a plurality of building structures 1 are interconnected by suitable fastening techniques, such as bolting, to connect individual structures together at their respective rear and/or sides to form a modular building assembly 50. Of course, other arrangements of building structures 1 can be envisaged for a variety of applications and locations.

The building 1 requires no foundations or anchoring which would otherwise require piling into the ground which is undesirably time consuming and costly. The building includes a plurality of ballast members 26 located at each corner of the building and at locations along the front and rear edges of the building. Such ballast members may comprise ballast containers for containing suitable ballast such as aggregate or water, for example. The guttering system may be connected to such ballast containers to fill the ballast containers when the building has been erected which may be particularly suitable for areas subject to relatively heavy rain conditions. Each ballast member 26 includes a channel formation extending inwardly from a lower outer surface to allow the ballast member to mount over and saddle a respective base member 14. The channel formation may be complementarily shaped with the base member and may be located centrally along the outer surface of the ballast member (as shown mounted over an inner base member) or near an edge portion of the ballast member (as shown mounted over an edge base member) such that a major portion of the ballast member extends into the building. The ballast members are shown as substantially square ballast members but may take any suitable shape such as rectangular, circular, or the like. The base members may be placed on the ground before the ballast members are mounted thereover. Alternatively, a trench may first be provided in the ground for receiving a respective base member, each trench having a depth which is substantially the same as a height of each base member. The ballast member may also be located in a portion of the trench or may sit on the ground and engage the base member to locate the same in the trench. Alternatively or additionally, the ballast members may each take the form of a substantially vertically oriented ballast member which is located in a bore in the ground and to which a respective base member is secured. This form of ballast member may have a cylindrical, square, or the like, cross section, and may be hollow for receiving suitable ballast, such as aggregate or water, or may be a solid material such as concrete which may be easily mixed and cured on site. A concrete ballast member may be formed before being located in a trench portion or bore or may be formed after pouring uncured concrete into a trench portion or bore.

The rear of the building includes a number of windows 32 running along the length of the rear panel 3 to allow light inside the building. Further windows may be included on the side panels 2 of the building as desired. One or more doors 34 may also be included as desired. One or more vents (not shown) may also be provided. The framework of the windows and doors is incorporated into the secondary framework.

The building structure or modular building assembly may house plant and equipment which can be powered by the PV array in order to undertake water pumping, desalination, cooling and storage, telecommunications, local industry, accommodation and other such uses. Certain embodiments of the present invention may therefore provide a multipurpose building which is self-powered, resilient to the elements of wind and rain, easily assembled and transported, and securely located in situ without the need for foundations or invasive anchoring. The building may be a standalone building or may form part of a modular building assembly of two or more interconnected building structures according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a free-standing, energy generating building which can have multifunctional usage. The building may be delivered and positioned anywhere in the world which has road access and where there is a need for energy and shelter, typically being developing regions which are off-grid. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a building which is designed and constructed in steel and/or in structural wood and which is wedge-shaped and supporting a roof covered in PV panels to generate about around 50,000-80,000 kWh per annum. This energy can be distributed to about around 20-40 dwellings or it can be used within the building to pump and purify water or to store water, food or medicines in a cooled environment. The energy can be captured in batteries and used for other systems or devices within the building. The building in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention may be constructed as a single module or grouped together to form larger buildings. The building may be 12-21 m in width and 20-22m long, for example. No foundations or heavy excavations are required and can be erected without needing heavy construction plant machinery. The building may be delivered to a site in a single standard shipping container by road including the simple tools and instructions required for assembly and erection.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to" and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.