Wall building system and process

Abstract

There is provided a wall module for a modular wall building system. The wall module comprises a frame comprising first and second vertical stanchions. At least one of the vertical stanchions has a slanted profile. The slanted profile is for engaging a vertical stanchion of a further wall module of the building system. The further wall module has a corresponding slanted profile. This allows the wall module to be rotatable.

Description

[0001] WALL BUILDING SYSTEM AND PROCESS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a wall module for a modular wall building system. The present disclosure further relates to a modular wall system comprising the wall module and one or more further wall modules. The present disclosure further relates to methods of assembling and disassembling a modular wall.

[0004] Background

[0005] A building may comprise a load-bearing structure or frame that provides the stability and strength of the building and defines therein an interior space. Nonload-bearing structures such as walls can be used to partition or enclose areas or rooms within the interior space. In examples of a conventional building, the nonload-bearing structures comprise lightweight materials such as wood or steel studs as well as insulation and drywall or plasterboard. Conventional non-loading-bearing structures are typically constructed on-site. This can be slow and labour-intensive but does allow for non-load-bearing structures to be customized for each project such that the shape, size, and utility of rooms formed by the non-load-bearing structures is flexible.

[0006] It is desirable to minimize the cost and length of time of a construction project. Modular building systems have previously been proposed to reduce the cost and time required for building internal walls. Examples of such systems comprise a plurality of individual wall modules that are manufactured away from the construction site (e.g. at a factory) and delivered as prefabricated units. Prefabricated wall modules can then quickly and efficiently be assembled on-site to build internal walls, for example. However, in known modular building systems, the increase in efficiency of construction is at the expense of flexibility. Prefabricated wall modules generally have sizes and shapes that are standardized. This places restrictions on the sizes and shapes of the internal rooms that can be constructed using those modules. Similarly, known modular wall systems have very low tolerances. In particular, the surrounding building (e.g. the load-bearing structure) must be built in accordance within the tolerances of the modular wall systems. If the floor or ceiling of the building are misaligned, non-planar or not within a threshold separation, then a wall built with the modular wall system may not fit properly. For example, said wall may not be completely sealed along its top or bottom against the ceiling or floor, respectively. Finally, known modular wall systems have limited reusability which is a problem for the sustainability of the building industry. The sustainable use of resources is of ever-increasing importance in all industries. The construction industry is responsible for a significant portion of all waste production worldwide and in Norway specifically. One cause of waste is in the remodelling of a building. A building may be remodelled, for example, when the intended use of the building changes (e.g. from offices to residential or vice versa) or remodelled to simply change the size, distribution or function of rooms within the building. Changing work patterns, for example an increase in home-working, has caused an increased need for remodelling of office buildings in recent times. This has caused the frequency of remodels to increase. When remodelling, it is usually necessary to remove the original non-load-bearing structures and replace those structures with new non-load-bearing structures in accordance with the new, remodelled, design. Typically, the original non-load-bearing structures are damaged or destroyed in the removal process and so building materials are wasted.

[0007] Furthermore, remodelling typically requires the original non-load-bearing structures to be removed in their entirety. Thus, remodelling can be a slow process that is wasteful of building resources. This can be a problem in both conventional systems (e.g. stud and drywall) and known modular wall systems.

[0008] Summary

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure are defined in the appended independent claims.

[0010] In general terms, there is provided an improved wall building system and process that solves the problems of the prior art.

[0011] In embodiments, there is provided a modular wall building system and process that allows for cheaper, faster, more flexible, and more sustainable construction of a wall or walls (such as internal walls and / or non-load-bearing walls) than conventional wall building systems and conventional processes. For example, the system and process may provide a 50% time saving compared to traditional interior wall building techniques.

[0012] In embodiments, there is provided a wall building system that improves waste prevention and paves the way for a more circular and sustainable construction industry. The wall building system of the present disclosure is dismantlable without damaging or destroying non-load-bearing wall modules. Reusable walls have second-hand value when re-used and reduce the environmental impact in a lifecycle perspective. This may be achieved as a result of the means for connecting individual wall modules and / or as a result of the configuration of individual wall modules. For example, the system may comprise removable clips and / or removable screws that may be arranged to connect or secure individual wall modules to one another. Similarly, the system may comprise removable clips that may be arranged to attach cladding to the frame of individual wall modules. These removable clips and / or screws may simply and reversibly be removed to allow for the system to be deconstructed without damaging or destroying individual wall modules.

[0013] Furthermore, one or more of the wall modules may be arranged to be removable from a wall (built using the wall system) by rotation. In this way, individual wall modules can be removed from a fully assembled wall without totally dismantling that wall. This reduces the risk of damage to individual wall panels when a wall or non-loading-bearing structure is dismantled. This also speeds up the re-modelling process. Furthermore, said wall module may be arranged to enable one-person mounting of individual wall modules.

[0014] Because the modules may be reusable, the actual lifespan of each component is utilized, instead of building materials becoming waste when the building's needs change. At the end of their lifespan, individual modules can be broken up into separate components for reuse in new modules. Furthermore, the materials can ultimately be recycled and save the environment from extracting new resources In embodiments, there is provided a system and process that provides improved flexibility in the construction of a wall or walls compared to the flexibility of known modular wall building systems.

[0015] In embodiments, a more flexible wall building system is provided compared to conventional wall building systems.

[0016] Flexibility may mean that the shape and size of walls built using the wall building system can be non-standard and / or non-discrete. For example, in some embodiments, one or more wall modules for the system are horizontally adjustable, extendable or expandable. For example, said one or more horizontally extendible wall modules may comprise at least one telescopic member that is expandable and / or retractable horizontally. The at least one telescope member may be arranged such that a width of wall module is adjustable. In this way, a wall built using the modular wall building system may have a flexible and non-standard width.

[0017] Flexibility may mean that the that the wall building system can accommodate buildings that fall outside of particular tolerance ranges. For example, in some embodiments, the wall building system may comprise one or more expandable beam assemblies that are arrangeable between the floor or ceiling of a building and one or more wall modules of the system. The height of the expandable beam assembly or assemblies may be adjustable to accommodate for deviations in the ceiling height from the height for which the wall modules were originally fabricated for. In this way, a wall built using the modular wall building system may have a flexible and non-factory determined height.

[0018] In a first aspect, there is provided a wall module or wall panel for a modular wall building system. The wall module may be a prefabricated wall module. The wall module may be a closed wall module. The wall module comprises a frame. The frame comprises a first stanchion. The first stanchion may be a vertical stanchion. The frame further comprises a second stanchion. The second stanchion may be a vertical stanchion. The first and second stanchions may oppose one another. The first and second vertical stanchion may define respective end faces of the wall module.

[0019] At least one of the vertical stanchions of the wall module of the first aspect has a slanted profile. Preferably, both the first and second vertical stanchions have a slanted profile. The or each vertical stanchion may be described as having a sloping geometry.

[0020] The inventors have recognised that, by providing a wall module comprising one or more vertical stanchions with a slanted profile (or sloping geometry), several advantages can be achieved.

[0021] The vertical stanchions having a sloping geometry helps position and tighten the elements against each other. In particular, when the wall module is positioned next to a further wall module of the wall building system, the sloping geometry enables easy positioning and alignment of the wall module of the further wall module. The modules can be tightened against one another. In more detail, the sloping geometry gives guidance when wedging the wall module in place. This guidance can allow for one-person mounting of individual wall modules whereas, conventionally, assembling a wall may require multiple people (even when using conventional wall module systems). The sloping geometry also enables an extremely tight fit, with the wall module locking into place against wall modules during the assembly process. This locking prevents the wall module from continuing to rotate beyond an assembled positioned. This would not be achievable without the sloped profiles.

[0022] Furthermore, the sloping geometry allows a (wall) module in the middle of a wall to be disassembled. In more detail, the removal of an individual wall module from a fully assembled wall can advantageously be made possible. This may be the case even when said wall module is sandwiched between two other wall modules. By providing the one or more vertical stanchions with a slanted profile, the wall module may be rotatable (in at least one direction of rotation) with respect to adjacent wall modules of an assembled wall / wall system. The slanted profile may prevent the module from binding to the fixed, adjacent modules, when the respective wall module is turned or rotated. This binding might otherwise occur if the vertical stanchions had a non-slanting (e.g. rectangular or right-angular) profile. Such a non-slanting profile may result in the respective wall module being non- rotatable. By allowing a single wall module to be removed from a fully assembled wall (by rotation) there may be no need for other modules or portions of the wall to be disassembled. This may convenient when remodelling or reconfiguring an internal space of a building. Only the modules that need to change can be rotated and removed. This make the remodelling process quicker and therefore less expensive. The risk of damaging the wall module to be removed (and / or adjacent wall modules) is also reduced.

[0023] In embodiments where both the first and second vertical stanchion have a sloped profile, the sloped profiles of the two vertical stanchions may be symmetrical to one another. The line of symmetry may be equidistant between the first and second vertical stanchions. The line of symmetry may extend substantially parallel to the first and second vertical stanchion (i.e. may extend vertically).

[0024] As used herein, the “profile” of a stanchion may refer to a shape of a cross-section of the stanchion. For example, the cross-section may be in a plane having a normal that is parallel to the direction of elongation of the stanchion. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the stanchion may comprise a first side. The first side may be connected to a second side at a first end and connected to a third side at a second end, opposite the first end. A first angle may be made between the first side and the second side. A second angle may be made between the first side and the third side. The profile being slanted may mean that the first angle and the second angle may not be a right angle. In other words, the first and second side may be nonperpendicular to one another. The first and third side may be non-perpendicular to one another. The first angle may be different to the second angle. The sum of the first angle and the second angle may be substantially equal to 180 degrees.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first side comprises a step between the first and second ends. In such cases, the (vertical) stanchion may be described as having a stepped slanted profile. A first portion of the first side (forming a first step) may be connected to the second side (when viewed in the cross-section described above). A second portion of the first side (forming as second step) may be connected to the third side (when viewed in the cross-section described above).

[0026] In some embodiments, each of the first and second vertical stanchions lie in a first plane. A stanchion lying in the first plane may mean that the stanchion is elongated in a first direction that lies in the first plane. In some embodiments, the slanted profile is defined by a side face of the wall module or stanchion. This side face of the wall module or stanchion may form the first side of the cross-section of the cross-section described above. The side face may be angled with respect to a normal of the first plane.

[0027] In some embodiments, the or each slanted profile has a slant angle. As used herein, the “slant angle” may refer to an angle made by the side face or side face portion of the respective (vertical) stanchion and a normal of the first plane. In some embodiments, the first angle (between the first side and the second side of the crosssection) may be substantially equal to 90 degrees plus the slant angle. The second angle (between the first side and the second side of the cross-section) may be substantially equal to 90 degrees minus the slant angle.

[0028] The inventors have found that the provision of a non-zero slant angle enables the wall module to be removable from an assembled wall by rotation. This may not be possible with a zero-slant angle because, in such cases, the end face may collide and / or bind with the adjacent wall module. With a non-zero slant angle, the wall module may not be blocked from rotating. The inventors have found that the exact minimum slant angle needed to enable rotation may depend on a width of the wall module. The inventors have found that less slant is needed when the width of the module is greater and that the opposite is true for narrower modules. In some embodiments, the slant angle may be non-zero, optionally greater than or equal to 5 degrees. Optionally, the slant angle may be greater than or equal to 10 degrees. Testing has shown that for a module width of 600 millimetres, a 10-degree slant angle is sufficient.

[0029] In some embodiments, the wall module is for a modular building system that comprises a plurality of wall modules. In such embodiments, the or each slanted profile (of respective stanchions of the wall module) is arranged for engaging a vertical stanchion of a further wall module of the building system. The vertical stanchion of the further wall module may have a corresponding slanted profile. As used herein, the vertical stanchion of the further wall module having a corresponding slanted profile may mean that the side face of the wall module is arranged to abut the side face of the further wall module. This may be such that the wall module and the further module are arrangeable side by side. The wall module and further module may be arrangeable side by side such that the wall module and further wall module are substantially parallel while the respective side faces of the wall module and further wall module abut one another.

[0030] In some embodiments, the or each slanted profile of the (vertical) stanchions of the wall module are arranged such that, if or when the respective slanted profile is engaged with a vertical stanchion of a further wall module of the building system, the wall module is rotatable in one of an anticlockwise or clockwise direction. The wall module may be non-rotatable in the other of the anticlockwise and clockwise direction in some embodiments. The axis of rotation may be parallel to the vertical stanchions. The axis of rotation may be substantially centrally located between the first and second vertical stanchions.

[0031] In some embodiments, the or each vertical stanchion has a stepped slanted profile. In such embodiments, each vertical stanchion may comprise a first angled portion, a second angled portion and a step therebetween. In such embodiments, the first side of the cross-section of the stanchion (described above) may also comprise a first angled portion, a second angled portion and step therebetween. The first angle may be made between the first angled portion and the second side. The second angle may be made between the second angled portion and the third side. The first and second angled portions may each make substantially the same angle with a normal of a plane of the wall module (the first plane).

[0032] The wall module may have a height. Said height may be defined in the first direction (in other words, in the direction of elongation of the vertical stanchions). The wall module may have a width. Said width may be defined between the first and second vertical stanchions. Said width may be defined in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. When the wall module abuts a further wall module of a wall building system, the wall modules may be in an end-to-end relationship extending in the second direction. In other words, the wall module and further wall module may combine to have an increased width in the second direction. The wall module may have a thickness. Said thickness may be defined in a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second direction. The third direction may be parallel to the normal of the first plane.

[0033] As used herein, “vertical” refers to the first direction. The vertical direction refers to the height of the wall module. The first direction may be substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. In other words, the first direction may correspond to the normal of the horizontal plane. In use, the horizontal plane may correspond to the floor or ceiling. The vertical stanchions are elongated in the first direction. The vertical stanchions may be substantially upstanding when the wall module is in use forming an internal wall.

[0034] Unless otherwise stated, the stanchion may be referred to herein as a strut or a support. The vertical stanchions may comprise or consist of steel or wood in embodiments.

[0035] In some embodiments, the wall module further comprises insulation. Said insulation may comprise or consist of mineral woold insulation or wood-based insulation. The wood-based insulation may be wood-based sound insulation. In some embodiments, the wall module further comprises a fabric cover. The fabric cover may be arranged to prevent dusting from the insulation during transport (of the wall module) and assembly of a wall (using the modular wall building system). In some embodiments, the wall module further comprises a sealing strip along the periphery of the (wall) module. Optionally, two sealing strips are provided along the periphery of the (wall) module. The sealing strip or strips may be arranged to be compressible. When a wall is assembled using the wall module, the sealing strip or strips are compressed. This may advantageously help with sound and smoke sealing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the wall module may have a height of 30, 100 or 150 centimetres. The wall module may be stackable with other wall modules. The inventors have found that combinations of wall modules with 30, 100 and 150 centimetre heights can be used to form walls of most heights with 10 centimetre increments. As will be described below, the wall building system may comprise a vertically telescopic top and bottom beam that has a combined adjustment range of 10 cm. This, in combination with wall modules having a height of 30, 100 or 150 centimetres, may allow a wall to be assembled to substantially any wall height (with the right combination of wall modules).

[0037] In some embodiments, the frame further comprises first and second horizontal stanchions. Each horizontal stanchion may extend between the first and second vertical stanchions. The first horizontal stanchion may extend between the first and second vertical stanchions at a first end of the first and second vertical stanchions. The second horizontal stanchion may extend between the first and second vertical stanchions at a second end of the first and second vertical stanchions, the second end being opposite to the first end. The first and second vertical stanchions and first and second horizontal stanchions may define substantially quadrilateral (e.g. square or rectangular) wall module.

[0038] As used herein, “horizontal” refers to the second direction and is perpendicular to vertical. The horizontal direction may refer to the width of the wall module. In use, the floor and ceiling of a building may be horizontal or parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0039] In a second aspect, there is provided a wall module for a modular wall building system. The wall module may be a prefabricated wall module. The wall module may be a closed wall module. The wall mode comprises a frame. The frame comprises a first stanchion or strut. The first stanchion may be a vertical first stanchion. This may mean that stanchion is elongated in the first direction, as described above in relation to the first aspect. The frame comprises a second stanchion or strut. The second stanchion may be a vertical second stanchion. The first and second stanchions may oppose one another. The frame further comprises at least one telescopic member. The or each telescopic member may extend between the first and second (vertical) stanchions. The or each telescopic member may be attached to, or otherwise fixed or engaged to, the first and second stanchions. For example, a first portion of a telescopic member may be attached, fixed, or engaged to the first stanchion. A second portion of the respective telescopic member may be attached, fixed, or engaged to the second stanchion. The telescopic member may be expandable horizontally. The telescopic member may be retractable horizontally. In other words, the telescopic member may be adjustable horizontally or telescopic horizontally. The length of the telescopic member horizontally may be adjustable. The telescopic member may be elongated and extend in the second direction, described above in relation to the first aspect. In other words, the telescopic member may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the extension of the first and second vertical stanchions. The telescopic member may be described as extending horizontally.

[0040] The telescopic member may be arranged such that a distance between the first and second vertical stanchions is adjustable. A separation between the first and second vertical stanchions may be determined by the telescopic member. Thus, by adjusting the telescopic member, the distance between the first and second vertical stanchions can also be adjusted. A width of the wall module may be defined by the distance between the first and second vertical stanchions. Thus, the telescopic module may be arranged such that a width of the wall module is adjustable.

[0041] The inventors have recognised that the provision of a wall module having an adjustable width (because the telescopic module is expandable horizontally) enables flexibility in the size of walls that can be built. Prefabricated wall modules typically have standard sizes / widths determined in the factory that manufactures the wall modules. This places restrictions on the size (width) of walls that can be built using those modules. A telescopic module allows for any specific wall dimensions. The dimensions of walls that can be built becomes a continuous range, rather than discrete. Furthermore, the inventors have recognised that this flexibility can be achieved by providing a limited number of expandable walls. For example, a modular wall building system may comprise mostly wall modules of a standard width (e.g. 600 millimetres). Flexibility can be achieved however by providing one or more expandable wall module.

[0042] In some embodiments, the telescopic module is lockable. This may mean that the telescopic module is locked in place. Locking may prevent adjustment / expansion of the telescopic module. Thus, the telescopic module may be locked to retain the expandable wall module at a desired width. In some embodiments, the telescopic module is arranged such that a distance between the first and second vertical stanchions (or a width of the wall module) is adjustable over a range of 100 millimetres or greater, optionally 200 millimetres or greater, optionally 250 millimetres or greater. In some embodiments, the telescoping module has an (adjustable) width of 300 to 550 millimetres; or 550 to 900 millimetres.

[0043] In some embodiments, the frame comprises a first (horizontally) telescopic member and a second (horizontally) telescopic member. The first telescopic member may extend between respective first ends of the first and second vertical stanchions. The first telescopic member may be attached to said first ends. The second telescopic member may extend between respective second ends of the first and second vertical stanchions. The second telescopic member may be attached to said second ends. The respective first end of each vertical stanchion may oppose the respective second end of the vertical stanchion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the or each telescopic member comprises a first portion secured to the (respective portion of the) first vertical strut. The or each telescopic member may comprise a second portion secured to the (respective portion of the) second vertical struct. The first portion of the or each telescopic member may be moveable with respect to the second portion. The or each telescopic member may be arranged such that the first portion is fixable in place with respect to the second portion with screws or a clip. In some embodiments, the first portion of the or each telescopic member is received within the second portion of the respective telescopic member. In some embodiments, the or each telescopic member comprises a third portion. The portion may be referred to as a splice. The third portion may be arranged to partially receive an end of the first portion and partially receive an end of the second portion or to receive said ends of the first and second portion of the telescopic member. The first and second portions may be moveable with respect to the third portion.

[0045] Feature described in relation to the wall module of the first aspect may be applicable to the wall module of the second module. For example, the first and second vertical stanchions of the second aspect may comprise wood or steel. In another example, at least one of the vertical stanchions may have a slanted profile and / or sloping geometry. In some embodiments, the first vertical stanchion may have a slanted profile (as described in relation to the first aspect) and the second vertical stanchion may have a flat profile. This may mean that the second vertical stanchion does not have a slanted profile. Instead, the second vertical stanchion may have a substantially rectangular profile. For example, a side face of the second vertical stanchion may make an angle of zero degrees with a normal of the first plane. In this way, the telescopic module may act as an interface between the slanted profile of the “standard” module (of the first aspect) and any flat surface, such as existing building walls, door openings etc.

[0046] In a third aspect, there is provided a modular wall system. The modular wall system comprises a first wall module. The first wall module may be a wall module as defined in either or both of the first aspect or the second aspect above. For example, the first wall module may comprise one or more vertical stanchions having a slanted profile and / or the first wall module may be horizontally expandable.

[0047] In some embodiments, the modular wall system comprises a first telescopic beam arrangement. The first telescopic beam arrangement may comprise a first part attachable to the first wall module. The beam may contain interfaces for clips (such as metal clips) that are suitable for fastening the beam to the wall module. The first telescopic beam arrangement may comprise a first part attached to the first wall module (e.g. fastened using (metal) clips). The first telescopic beam may comprise a second part attached or attachable to a ceiling or a floor of a building.

[0048] The first part of the first telescopic beam arrangement may be moveable with respect to the second part. This may be such that a wall comprising the first telescopic beam arrangement and the first wall module is height adjustable. Thus, the first part may be moveable with respect to the second part in the first direction (described in relation to the first aspect).

[0049] The inventors have found that the provision of one or more telescopic beam arrangements allows for the wall building system to accommodate normal building tolerances and facilitates precise construction of the wall. For example, since the wall modules are prefabricated to a set ceiling height, the (telescopic) beams will pick up (e.g. compensate for) any deviations from this.

[0050] In some embodiments, the frame of the first wall module comprises a first horizontal member. The first horizontal member may extend between the first and second vertical stanchions. The first horizontal member may be a fixed horizontal stanchion. The first horizontal member may be a telescopic member as described in the second aspect.

[0051] The first part of the first telescopic beam arrangement may be attached to the first horizontal member.

[0052] The first telescopic beam arrangement may be a telescopic beam, such as a telescopic metal beam, such as a telescopic steel beam. In some embodiments, the first telescopic beam arrangement is a top beam. In such embodiments, the second part of said beam may be attachable or attached to a ceiling (of a building).

[0053] In some embodiments, the modular wall system further comprises a second telescopic beam arrangement. The second telescopic beam arrangement may comprise a first part attached or attachable to (e.g. fastened or fastenable to) the first wall module. This may be on an opposing side of the wall module to the first telescopic beam arrangement. The second telescopic beam arrangement may comprise a second part attachable to the floor.

[0054] In some embodiments, the frame of the first wall module comprises a second horizontal member. The second horizontal member may extend between the first and second vertical stanchions. The first part of the second telescopic beam arrangement may be attached to the second horizontal member. In some embodiments, the second telescopic beam arrangement is a bottom beam. In such embodiments, the second part of said beam may be attachable or attached to a floor (of a building).

[0055] In some embodiments, the or each telescopic beam arrangement comprises insulation. Said insulation may be contained between the first and second parts. The insulation may be compressible and expandable. Thus, the insulation may compress and expand with the (respective) beam.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first wall module is a wall module according to the first aspect. The system may further comprise a second wall module. Such a system may or may not comprise the above-described telescopic beam arrangements.

[0057] The second wall module may comprise a vertical stanchion comprising a slanted profile. The system may be arranged such that a slanted profile of the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module may be engaged or engageable with the slanted profile of the vertical stanchion of the second wall module. The system may be arranged such that, when the slanted profile of the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module is engaged with the slanted profile of the vertical stanchion of the second wall module, the first and second wall module are arranged / positioned side-by-side.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second wall module is a wall module as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

[0059] In some embodiments, the modular wall system comprises a third wall module. The third wall module may comprise a vertical stanchion comprising a slanted profile. The system may be arranged such that a slanted profile of the second vertical stanchion of the first wall module may be engaged or engageable with the slanted profile of the vertical stanchion of the third wall module. Thus, the first wall module may be positioned between the second and third wall modules. In other words, the first wall module may be sandwiched between the second and third wall module. When the first wall module is engaged to the second wall module, the first wall module may be rotatable with respect to the second wall module in one of an anticlockwise or clockwise direction. The first wall module may not be rotatable with respect to the second wall module in the other of the anticlockwise or clockwise direction.

[0060] As used herein, the first wall module being engaged to the second wall module means that the slanted profile of the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module is engaged with (e.g. in contact with) the slanted profile of the vertical stanchion of the second wall module. This may mean that the side faces of the respective stanchions of the first and second wall modules are engaged with (e.g. in contact with) one another.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first and second wall modules are fixed or fixable together using screws or bolts. Screws may be used when the vertical stanchions of the first and second wall modules comprise wood. In such cases, a vertical track may be provided on the first and / or second wall module. The vertical track may provide a guide for where screws should be positioned. Bolts may be used when the vertical stanchions of the first and second wall modules comprise steel. In such cases, a vertical stanchion of the first wall module may comprise a pre-mounted sleeve and a vertical stanchion of the second wall module may comprise a corresponding control pipe. The pre-mounted sleeve and control pipe may be arranged to be in alignment when the first and second wall module are in place in the wall. A bolt may be receivable through the pre-mounted sleeve and control pipe to secure the first wall module to the second wall module.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first and second wall modules are removable fixed or fixable together using one or more removeable clips. In such embodiments, a first cut may be provided in a first vertical stanchion of the first wall module. A corresponding second cut may be provided in the vertical stanchion of the second wall module. The second cut corresponding the first cut may mean that the first cut and second cut are substantially adjacent one another when the wall is assembled and the first and second wall module are abutting one another (such that respective vertical stanchions of the wall modules abut one another). The system may further comprise a clip comprising a pair of legs. A first leg (of the pair of legs) may be receivable in the first cut. A second leg (of the pair of legs) may be receivable in the second cut. In this way, the clip may fix the first wall module to the second wall module. The legs of the clip (and the cuts on the vertical stanchions) may be dimensioned such that the clip provides a tension force holding the first and second wall module tightly together. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second cut has a sloping edge. The sloping edge(s) may be arranged such that a separation between the first and second cut varies (e.g. increases) in the first / vertical direction (i.e. the direction of extension of the vertical stanchion). This may be such that, as the clip is moved in the direction of increasing separation, the tension force provided by the clip increase. Again, this may press the first and second wall modules together. The inventors have found that this cam-like arrangement of the clip legs with the (sloping edges) cuts provides an easy means for inserting the clips at a position of reduced separation while providing increased tension force holding the walls together as the clip is slide into a position of increased seperation.

[0063] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more cladding plates or panels. The cladding plates or panels may be for mounting to the wall modules. The cladding plates may be arranged to extend at least substantially between the vertical stanchions of the wall modules, and over the vertical stanchions themselves. The cladding plates may be removable from the wall modules. This allows for flexibility in the aesthetic design of the wall module, reducing the need to manufacture a large number of different wall modules to suit all desired applications and appearances. Instead, appropriate cladding can be attached to a standardised wall module frame.

[0064] In systems comprising a first beam arrangement (e.g. a first telescopic beam arrangement) at the bottom of the wall, a first part of the beam arrangement comprise a bottom rail. The bottom rail may be configured to receive an end portion of one or more cladding plates. The bottom rail may be arranged to carry a weight of the cladding plate. In an example, the system comprises a first telescopic beam arrangement (as described above) arranged at a bottom of a wall assembled using the wall building system. The first part of the first telescopic beam arrangement may comprise a bottom rail configured to receive an end portion of a cladding plate.

[0065] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a (horizontal) rail. The (horizontal) rail may be fixable to the vertical stanchions of the wall modules using clips or screws. In some embodiments, one or more cladding plates comprise a plurality of clips arranged to engage the horizontal rail.

[0066] In a fourth aspect there is provided a method of disassembling a modular wall. The modular wall may be a wall that has been assembled using the wall system of the third aspect. The modular wall comprises a first wall module and a second wall module. The first wall module is a wall module according to the first aspect. Thus, the first wall module comprises a first vertical stanchion having a slanted profile and second vertical stanchion. The second wall module comprises a vertical stanchion having a corresponding slanted profile. This may be a first vertical stanchion of the second wall module. The second wall module may further comprise a second wall module. The second wall module may also be a wall module according to the first aspect. Prior to disassembly, the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module is engaged to the vertical stanchion of the second wall module. In particular, the slanted profiles of the respective vertical stanchions may be engaged to one another. The method (of disassembly) comprises disengaging the first wall module from the wall by rotating the first wall module. The method may comprise removing the (rotated) first wall module.

[0067] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of assembling a modular wall. The method comprises the step of providing a first wall module as defined in the first aspect. The method further comprises the step of providing a second wall module comprising a vertical stanchion comprising a slanted profile. The second wall module may also be a wall module according to the first aspect. The method further comprises the step of engaging the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module to the vertical stanchion of the second wall module. In particular, the slanted profiles of the respective vertical stanchions may be engaged to one another. As described in relation to the first aspect, the slanted profiles enable the rotation of the first wall module with respect to the second wall module.

[0068] Features described in relation to one aspect may be applicable to one or more other aspects. For example, features of the wall module of the first aspect may be applicable to the wall modules of the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects.

[0069] Brief description of the drawings

[0070] Specific embodiments are described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

[0071] Figure l is a perspective view of a wall built using a wall building system according to the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of a telescopic metal top beam of the wall building system;

[0073] Figure 2B shows a perspective view of a top portion of the wall of Figure 1 showing the telescopic metal top beam of Figure 2A in more detail;

[0074] Figure 3 A shows a cross-sectional view of a telescopic metal bottom beam of the wall building system;

[0075] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of a bottom portion of the wall of Figure 1 showing the telescopic metal bottom beam of Figure 3 A in more detail;

[0076] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a first example of a standard module of the wall building system of the present disclosure, the standard module comprising steel stanchions in this example;

[0077] Figure 4B shows a perspective view of a second example of a standard module of the wall building system of the present disclosure, the standard module comprising wood stanchions in this example; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of a wall comprising three wall modules in which a first wall modules has been rotated;

[0078] Figure 6A shows a top view of the wall modules of Figure 5 in which the first wall module has not been rotated;

[0079] Figure 6B shows the top view of the wall modules of Figure 5 in which the first wall has been rotated at a similar angle of rotation to what is shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a technical module of a wall building system of the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of first example of a horizontally telescopic wall module comprising steel stanchions;

[0081] Figure 8B shows a perspective view of second example of a horizontally telescopic wall module comprising wood stanchions;

[0082] Figure 9A shows a perspective view of third example of a horizontally telescopic wall module comprising steel stanchions;

[0083] Figure 9B shows a perspective view of fourth example of a horizontally telescopic wall module comprising wood stanchions;

[0084] Figure 10A shows a front perspective view of a corner module of a wall building system of the present disclosure;

[0085] Figure 10B shows a rear perspective view of the corner module of Figure 10A;

[0086] Figure 11 A shows a perspective view of a function wall module for a cistern;

[0087] Figure 1 IB shows a perspective view of a function wall module for a sink;

[0088] Figure 11C shows a perspective view of a function wall module for a fire hose cabinet;

[0089] Figure 12A shows a perspective view of a portion of the finished wall of Figure 1 as well as a magnified portion of that finished wall showing a removable module joining clip used to join wall modules vertically;

[0090] Figure 12B shows a close-up perspective view of the joining clip of Figure 12A;

[0091] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a portion of a first wooden vertical stanchion of a first wall module engaged with a portion of a second wooden vertical stanchion of a second wall module;

[0092] Figure 14A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a first steel vertical stanchion of a first wall module and a portion of a second steel vertical stanchion of a second wall module;

[0093] Figure 14B shows a perspective view of the portions of the first and second vertical stanchions of Figure 14A with a cut-through view of a control pipe and sleeve thereof;

[0094] Figure 14C shows a similar perspective of Figure 14B but additionally with a bolt in the control pipe and sleeve;

[0095] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an example of horizontal attachment of steel modules with a removable clip; Figure 16 shows a front view of an example of a finished wall built using a wall building system according to the present disclosure, the wall comprising technical infrastructure;

[0096] Figure 17A shows a perspective view of a portion of a finished wall in which each of the wall modules has been covered with cladding panels;

[0097] Figure 17B shows a perspective view of a bottom portion of the finished wall of Figure 17A;

[0098] Figure 18A shows a perspective view of a first example of a clip used to support cladding;

[0099] Figure 18B shows a perspective view of the clip of Figure 18A snapped into place in an opening cut into a vertical stanchion of a wall module;

[0100] Figure 18C shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the clip of Figure 18A snapped into a vertical stanchion of wall module and supporting a cladding panel; Figure 19A shows a perspective view of a second example of a clip used to support cladding;

[0101] Figure 19B shows a perspective view of the clip of Figure 19A slid into place in openings cut into a vertical stanchion of a wall module;

[0102] Figure 19C shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the clip of Figure 19A slid into place on a vertical stanchion of wall module and supporting a cladding panel; Figure 21A shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of an outer corner wall module of a wall building system according to the present disclosure with cladding;

[0103] Figure 21B shows a perspective of the cladding of Figure 21A;

[0104] Figure 22A shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of an inner corner wall module of a wall building system according to the present disclosure with cladding;

[0105] Figure 22B shows a perspective of the cladding of Figure 22A.

[0106] Detailed Description

[0107] Background

[0108] Disclosed herein is a system and process that offers a building process with the goal of cheaper, faster, and more sustainable construction of walls. The system can replace (for the most part) all types of traditional non-bearing built-in walls; from a light and narrow constructed wall module that is quick to build, to walls with special fire and sound barriers and with a high degree of technology. In examples, the system comprises prefabricated closed wall modules that are delivered ready for assembly on the construction site. In examples, this offers a wall with only steel components and one consisting of vertical stanchions in wood. Brief Summary

[0109] The modules are typically delivered with the highest possible degree of standardization and constructed for easy disassembly so that the system can be reused. In examples, a finished wall comprises standard modules, telescopic modules, and optionally function modules. The module widths are typically 60 cm (center to center), and have a depth of 98 mm. When high fire and sound requirements are needed, two modules can be used in depth. In examples, the surfaces are mounted with a steel clip that will provide tight plate joints and make chipping and other dusty work unnecessary. The disclosed system and process are described in greater detail below with reference to preferred embodiments that are exemplary, but non-limiting to the inventive concept.

[0110] Figure 1 shows a portion of finished wall 100 built using a modular wall building system according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the finished wall with a cut-away portion such that the interior of the wall is visible.

[0111] The finished wall 100 comprises a plurality of individual wall modules 102. In this example, each individual wall module 102 comprises a frame 110 comprising horizontal 112 and vertical stanchions 114 made of steel. The frames 110 visible in Figure 1 appear in the cut-away portion of the figure. As the stanchions in this example are made of steel, the wall module 102 may be referred to as a steel module. The portion of finished wall 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises only “standard” wall modules 102. However, as will be described below, the finished wall 100 and / or wall building system may comprise other types of wall module (such as technical, corner, or horizontally telescopic wall modules).

[0112] The finished wall 100 further comprises a top beam 104 and a bottom beam 106. The top and bottom beams 106 in this example are (vertically) telescopic beam assemblies, as will be described in more detail below.

[0113] The frames 110 of the wall modules 102 each comprise cladding mounting 118. The cladding mounting 118 comprises clips that fit into opening on the frame 110. Again, this will be described in more detail below. The clips are used to hold cladding 120 in place. The finished wall 100 further comprises floor trim 122 and ceiling trim 124.

[0114] Figure 1 shows how the finished wall 100 has a width in an x-direction, a height in a y-direction and a depth in a z-direction. The x-, y-, and z- direction form an orthogonal cartesian coordinate system. The y-direction corresponds to the first direction, described in the summary above. The x-direction corresponds to the second direction, described in the summary above. The z-direction corresponds to the third direction, described in the summary above.

[0115] Height adjustment

[0116] Top beam

[0117] The interface to the ceiling consists of an insulated, telescopic metal beam that is attached to and sealed against the ceiling. The lower part of the beam is lowered to the top of the wall modules and seals against the gaskets on the top of the wall module. The beam contains interfaces to metal clips that fastens the top beam and the wall modules. Wall modules can also be hung from the top beam without supporting. Adjustment screws allow adjustment of the two halves during assembly. Locking screws or self-drilling plate screws lock the halves in position. The insulation inside the sill will compress and expand with the beam.

[0118] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the telescopic metal top beam 104. The cross-section of Figure 2A is in the y-z plane. The telescopic metal top beam 104 comprises a first (lower) part 202 and a second (upper) part 204. A portion of the second part 204 is received by the first part 202 in this example, although this could be reversed. The first part 202 is moveable with respect to the second part 204 in the y-direction (such that the height of the telescopic metal top beam 104 is adjustable in the y-direction - this could also be described as the telescopic metal beam 104 being telescopic / expandable in the y-direction). Adjustment screws allow adjustment of the two parts during assembly. Locking screws or self-drilling plate screws lock the halves in position. The adjustment screws, locking screws and self-drilling plate screws are not shown in the drawings.

[0119] The first part 202 of the telescopic metal top beam 104 is attached to first and second wall modules 102. This is shown more clearly in Figure 2B which is a perspective view of a top portion of the finished wall 100. In this example, a top surface of the wall modules 102 comprises a gasket which is not shown in the drawings. In the assembly process of the finished wall 100, the first part 202 of the telescopic metal beam 104 is lowered to the top of the wall modules 102 to seal against the gaskets. The first part 202 of the beam 104 is fastened to the wall modules 102 using removeable clip 1202 (shown in Figure 12). One half of the clip interacts with opening 206 on the top beam 104 and the other half of the clip interacts with openings 208 at the top of the wall modules 102. The openings 206 on the top beam 104 may be referred to as pre-defined attachment points.

[0120] The second part 204 of the telescopic metal beam 104 is attachable to a ceiling of a building. The ceiling is not shown in the drawings. The second part 204 seals against the ceiling. This provides good sound or thermal insulation and, in some examples, helps prevent accidental fires from spreading from one side of the finished wall 100 to the other.

[0121] Collectively, the first and second parts 202, 204 enclose a cavity or chamber 210. As the first part 202 is moved relative to the second part 204, the size of the cavity in the y-direction will vary (i.e. the height of the cavity will vary). The cavity 210 is filled with insulation, not shown in the drawings. The insulation is compressible and expandable. Thus, the presence of the insulation in cavity 206 does not prevent the first and second parts 202, 204 from being moveable with respect to one another. Instead, the insulation will compress or expand in response to adjustment of the telescopic metal top beam 104.

[0122] Bottom beam

[0123] The wall modules are placed on a bottom beam that is attached to and sealed against the floor. Like the top beam, the bottom beam is a telescopic metal beam that is mounted to the floor and shimmed and height-adjusted before the wall modules are installed on the beam. The bottom beam also has predefined attachment points for removable steel clips that ensures that the wall modules are placed correctly.

[0124] Figure 3 A shows a cross-sectional view of the telescopic metal bottom beam 106. The cross-section of Figure 3 A is in the y-z plane. Like the top beam, the telescopic metal bottom beam 106 comprises a first (upper) part 302 and a second (lower) part 304. A portion of the second part 304 is received in the first part 302 in this example, although this could be reversed. The first part 302 is moveable with respect to the second part 304 in the y-direction (such that the height of the telescopic metal bottom beam 106 is adjustable in the y-direction - this could also be described as the telescopic metal bottom beam 106 being telescopic / expandable in the y-direction). Adjustment screws allow adjustment of the two parts during assembly. Locking screws or self-drilling plate screws lock the halves in position. The adjustment screws, locking screws and self-drilling plate screws are not shown in the drawings.

[0125] The first part 302 of the telescopic metal bottom beam 106 is attached to third and fourth wall modules 102. This is shown more clearly in Figure 3B which is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the finished wall 100. In this example, a bottom surface of the wall modules 102 comprises a gasket which is not shown in the drawings.

[0126] In the assembly process of the finished wall, the second part 304 of the telescopic metal bottom beam 106 is mounted / attached to the floor of a building and sealed. The floor of the building is not shown in the drawings. The height of the telescopic metal bottom beam 106 is adjusted (e.g. using the adjustment screws mentioned above and, optionally, shimmed). This height adjustment may compensate for building tolerances (e.g. differences between the actual between the floor and ceiling and the sum of the heights of the wall modules forming the finished wall 100).

[0127] The first part 302 of the bottom beam 106 is fastened to the wall modules 102 using removeable clips 1202 (shown in Figure 12). One half of the clip interacts with opening 306 on the bottom beam 106 and the other half of the clip interacts with openings 308 at the bottom of the wall modules 102. The openings 308 on the bottom beam 106 may be referred to as pre-defined attachment points.

[0128] Like the top beam 104, the bottom beam 106 comprises a cavity or chamber 310 defined between the first and second parts 302, 304 which comprises compressible and expandable insulation.

[0129] Telescopic top and bottom beams allows the system to accommodate normal building tolerances and facilitates precise construction of the rest of the wall. Since the wall modules are prefabricated to a set ceiling height, the beams will pick up any deviations from this. The module clips allow individual modules to be removed for remodelling.

[0130] Modules with slanted profile

[0131] Standard module

[0132] The standard module includes a frame with vertical stanchions in wood or steel, mineral wool insulation, and a fabric cover that prevents dusting from the insulation during transport and assembly. In cases where the wall's requirements allow it, the modules can be insulated with wood-based sound insulation (Hunton). Two wood modules are fastened with wood screws and the steel modules with bolts or clips. The vertical stanchions have a sloping geometry that helps position and tighten the elements against each other and allows a module in the middle of a wall to be disassembled.

[0133] Along the periphery of the module are two sealing strips that are compressed during assembly to help with sound and smoke sealing.

[0134] The elements are mounted with module clips in the height. The module heights are typically 30, 100, and 150 cm. These sizes can be stacked and combined to create wall heights with 10 cm increments. The bottom and top beams are telescopic and have a combined adjustment range of 10cm. This allows the wall to be assembled to any wall height.

[0135] Figures 4A and 4B show, respectively, perspective views of examples of a wall module 402, 412 of the wall building system of the present disclosure (without cladding). The wall modules 402, 450 may be referred to as the “standard” module. This may be because the wall modules 402, 450 are the main wall module used in the wall building system. The wall building system may additionally comprise specialised modules such as the corner module and the technical module described below. The wall modules 402, 450 are examples of the wall module 102 shown in other drawings.

[0136] The wall module 402 of Figure 4A comprises a frame 410 comprising first and second horizontal stanchions 412,413 and first and second vertical stanchions 414,415. The horizontal and vertical stanchions together form a rectangular shaped wall module. The vertical stanchions define left and right side faces 420, 422 of the wall module 402. The horizontal stanchions define top and bottom faces 424, 426 of the wall module 402. The top horizontal stanchion 412 comprises openings or predefined attachment points 408. The bottom horizontal stanchion 413 comprises openings or predetermined attachment points 406. The frame contains insulation, not shown in the drawings.

[0137] In the example of Figure 4A, the wall module 402 is double thickness. This means that the wall module 402 comprises a second, identical, frame behind the frame 410. The second frame also contains insulation. Examples having double thickness may have utility in applications requiring relatively high sound or thermal insulation requirements, for example, or when reducing fire risk is a priority. In other examples, the wall module 402 may be single thickness (i.e. only comprising frame 410 and features associated with that frame).

[0138] In the example of Figure 4 A, each of the vertical and horizontal stanchions comprise (e.g. consists of) steel. The example of Figure 4B is similar to that of Figure 4A. However, the horizontal and vertical stanchions 462,463,464,465 of the frame 460 of the example of Figure 4B comprise (e.g. consist of) wood rather than steel.

[0139] A key feature of the disclosed embodiments is the profile on the vertical stanchions. The stepped, slanted profile allows a single module to be removed from a fully assembled wall. The slanted profile prevents the module from binding to the fixed, adjacent modules when turned. Testing has shown that for a module width of 600mm, 10 ° slant angle is sufficient whilst 5° is not enough. For modules with greater than 600mm width, less slant is needed, and the opposite is true for narrower modules.

[0140] Figure 5 is a perspective view of three wall modules (each wall module of Figure 5 corresponding to one of the wall modules 402 or 450 shown in Figure 4A and 4B). A first wall module 502 is between second and third wall modules 504, 506. The first wall module 502 has been rotated relative to the second and third wall modules 504, 506. The axis of rotation of the first wall module 502 is represented by dashed (broken) line 510 of Figure 5. The axis of rotation is in the y direction (parallel to the height of the wall module) and is centrally positioned in the width and thickness of the first wall module 502. The rotation is in an anti-clockwise direction when viewed from above in the x-z plane. The first, second and third wall modules 502 to 506 were originally (prior to rotation) in an end-to-end relationship such that each of the wall modules was parallel to the others and the side faces of adjacent wall modules are in contact with one another. This rotation is enabled as a result of the slanted profile / angled geometry of the vertical stanchions of the wall modules 502, 504, 506. This is shown more clearly in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0141] Figures 6A and 6B are both top views looking down on the wall modules 502, 504, 506 (in an x-z plane). Figure 6A shows the wall modules 502, 504, 506 prior to rotation. Figure 6B shows the wall modules 502, 504, 506 during rotation of the first wall module 502 in an anticlockwise direction.

[0142] Figure 6A shows a portion of the first and second wall modules 502, 504 magnified such that the slanted profile of the vertical stanchions / side faces of the wall modules can be more clearly seen. The slanted profile refers to the fact that the side faces of the wall modules are angled with respect to the y-z plane or with respect to a normal of the x-y plane. Rather than forming a right angle and being perpendicular to the width direction of the wall modules, the side faces are angled. The slant angle is represented by the angle 600 shown in Figure 6A. In this example, the slant angle is 10 degrees or greater.

[0143] Figure 6A also shows how the side face has two angled portions, a first angled portion 602 and a second angled portion 604, and a step 606 therebetween. The slant angle of the first angled portion 602 is equal to the slant angle of the second angled portion 604. This is not essential. In some embodiments, the profile is not stepped and comprises a single angled portion.

[0144] The slant angle of the slanted profiles enables the first wall module 502 to be rotatable with respect to the second and third wall modules 504, 506. Without the slanted profiles, rotation of the first wall module 502 be blocked by the second and third wall modules 504, 506.

[0145] Technical module

[0146] The technical module acts as a guide for technical equipment, primarily electrical and ICT. The technical module includes the same vertical profiles as the standard module and is joined by two wooden fiber boards (3 -5mm thick) which are glued into the profiles. In the core of the module is 50 mm insulation (Glava / Rockwool / Hunton). The technical module is 200mm wide and otherwise has the same dimensions as the basic modules.

[0147] Like the standard module, the technical module is offered with wooden or steel stanchions.

[0148] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a technical module 700. The technical module comprises horizontal steel stanchions 704, vertical steel stanchions 702, and wood fiber boards 706. In examples, the wall building system according to the present disclosure comprises one or more technical modules 700. Alternatively, one or more standard modules 402 may be used for technical equipment.

[0149] Width adjustment

[0150] Telescopic module

[0151] With the telescopic module, the system can deviate from the strict 600 mm center width of the standard modules. The telescopic module can be expanded horizontally and locked in place. The module allows for any specific wall dimensions. With a building system comprising the telescopic modules rooms of all sizes can be built. The telescopic module also acts as an interface between the slanted profile in the standard modules and any flat surface, such as existing building walls door openings etc. The telescopic module can also interface with the corner module (see next page).

[0152] There are two width options for the telescoping module, 300mm to 550mm and 550mm to 900mm. In terms of production, the only difference is the length of the inner part of the horizontal, telescopic member.

[0153] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of a first example of a horizontally telescopic wall module 802 - telescopic module (steel). The telescopic wall module 802 comprises a frame comprising a (first) vertical stanchion 804 and a (second) vertical stanchion 806. Rather than comprising rigid, non-adjustable horizontal stanchions (as in the standard module), the frame comprises horizontally adjustable member in the form of telescopic member 808.

[0154] The telescopic member 808 comprises a first part 810 which is fixedly attached to the first vertical stanchion 804 and a second part 812 which is fixedly attached to the second vertical stanchion 806. The first part 810 is at least partially received in the second part 812. The first part 810 is moveable with respect to the second part 812. In particular, the first part 810 is moveable with respect to the second part in the x-direction. The effect of this is that the telescopic member is expandable and retractable / compressible in the x-direction. A width of the wall module 802 in the x-direction is defined by the distance between the first and second vertical stanchions. This distance (and so the width of the wall module 802) can be adjusted by adjusting the telescopic members 808.

[0155] In this example, the first vertical stanchion 804 has a flat profile and so may be referred to as vertical stanchion (flat). The second vertical stanchion 806 has a slanted profile, similar to the angled geometry of the vertical stanchions of the standard module. The flat profile of the first vertical stanchion 804 may be suitable for engaging another flat surface, for example a wall of a building such as a loadbearing wall of the building or wall module (such as a corner module) with a flat side surface. The slanted profile of the second vertical stanchion 806 may be suitable for engaging a slanted profile of a vertical stanchion of the standard module. In other examples, both of the vertical stanchions 804, 806 comprise flat profiles or slanted profiles.

[0156] The vertical stanchions 804, 806 of Figure 8A comprise or consist of steel. Figure 8B shows another example of a horizontally telescopic wall module 852 - telescopic module (wood). This time, the first and second vertical stanchions 854, 856 comprise or consist of wood. Otherwise, the wall module 852 has corresponding features to the wall module 802.

[0157] Figures 9A and 9B shows further examples of telescopic modules. The first and second vertical stanchions 904, 906 of Figure 9A comprise or consist of steel whereas the vertical stanchions of Figure 9B comprise or consist of wood. The telescopic modules further comprise telescopic members 908. The telescopic members 908 are slightly different to the examples of Figure 8A and 8B. In particular, the telescopic members 908 comprise three parts rather than two. A first part 910 of the telescopic member 908 is fixed to the first vertical stanchion 904 and a second part 912 of the telescopic member 908 is fixed to the second vertical stanchion 906. The telescopic member 908 further comprises a third joint part 914. The joint part 914 receives a portion of the first part 910 and a portion of the second part 912. The joint part 914 supports the first part 910 and the second part 912. The joint part 914 allows the first part 910 to be moveable relative to the second part 912. Thus, the wall module 802 is expandable in the width / x-direction.

[0158] Other Modules

[0159] Corner module

[0160] The corner module provides a prefabricated 90° corner for easy installation. The corner modules’ vertical stanchions have a flat interface that connects to the telescopic module. This means that a telescopic module precedes a corner and ensures flexibility in terms of the precise placement of the corner. As all modules in the system the corner modules exists in three height variations (300mm, 1000mm and 1500mm). The corner module connects to the adjacent modules via the same clips as used for vertically connecting modules (module clips). The corner module is insulated in the same way as the standard modules and also has holes in the metal profiles for routing cables.

[0161] Figures 10A and 10B show perspective views of a corner module 1002. Figure 10A shows a view of the front of the corner module 1002 and Figure 10B shows a rear view of the corner module 1002.

[0162] Function module

[0163] Where water supply and drainage pipes are required, function modules are used. They can comprise pre-assembled elements for sink, toilet, fire cabinets etc. and receive water supply from the technical modules. These modules can be standardized as much as possible by offering a standardized selection of elements, and to offer tailor-made solutions if other elements are preferred. The functional modules can be delivered without the lower stanchion to easily connect to a drainage pipe and can be reinforced with plates or steel brackets where necessary. In function modules where it is not possible to insulate with mineral wool, it will be compensated with Fermacell-platers.

[0164] Below are non-limiting examples of functions modules.

[0165] Figure 11A and 11B shows perspective views of modules for cistern and sink. In particular, Figure 11 A shows a module 1102 for a cistern and Figure 1 IB shows a module 1104 for a sink. Note that the element for the cistern is deep and requires double framing. The modules can be reinforced with metal brackets or plates, if necessary. Figure 11C shows a module 1106 for fire hose cabinet. Note that the depth of the cabinet makes it necessary with double framing.

[0166] Joining Modules

[0167] Joining modules vertically

[0168] Module joining clips are used to join the modules to the bottom and top beams and ensure that the modules are placed in the correct position. It ensures that the module is in the correct position, and small tolerances will be compensated for in the joints ( / seals) rather than propagated. The brackets are also used when the modules are assembled on top of each other.

[0169] The module joining clips are removable. Thus, the finished wall 102 can be disassembled by simply removing the module joining clips, without damaging the wall modules.

[0170] Figures 12A and 12B show preferred embodiments of the joining clips. Figure 12A shows a perspective view of a portion of the finished wall of Figure 1 as well as a magnified portion of that finished wall showing a removable module joining clip 1202 used to attach / join wall modules vertically. Figure 12B shows a close-up perspective view of a removable module joining clip 1202 in isolation. The clip is integrally formed, in this example, as a single piece of steel. The clip comprises a first leg 1204 and a second leg 1206. If the clip is used to attach or join modules vertically, the first leg 1204 is insertable into an opening 206 or predefined attachment point on the frame of a first wall module and the second leg 1206 is insertable into an opening 206 or predefined attachment point on the frame of a second wall module. Similarly, if the clip is used to attach or join a wall module to a telescopic beam, the first leg 1204 is insertable into an opening 206 or predefined attachment point on the frame of a first wall module and the second leg 1206 is insertable into an opening or predefined attachment point on the beam.

[0171] Joining modules horizontally

[0172] The wood modules are attached with screws. This is in examples comprising wood modules, i.e. comprising vertical stanchions comprising or consisting of wood (rather than steel, for example). The position of the screw is given by a track on the front.

[0173] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a portion of a first wooden vertical stanchion 1304 of a first wall module engaged with a portion of a second wooden vertical stanchion 1306 of a second wall module (such that the first and second modules are engaged horizontally in a side to side relationship). In this example, the first and second wooden vertical stanchions 1304, 1306 differ in length to one another. Figure 13 shows how the second wooden vertical stanchion 1306 comprises a track 1302. This track 1302 provides guidance for where screws should be positioned, the screws being used to attach the first and second wooden wall modules together.

[0174] The steel modules are attached with bolts through pre-mounted sleeves and control pipes.

[0175] Figures 14A to 14C shows an example of the attachment of steel modules with bolts.

[0176] Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view in the x-z plane showing a portion of a first steel vertical stanchion 1402 of a first wall module and a portion of a second steel vertical stanchion 1404 of a second wall module. The first and second steel vertical stanchions 1402,1404 are in contact with one another (such that the first and second wall modules are engaged horizontally in a side to side relationship). Figure 14A shows how the second steel vertical stanchion 1404 comprises a pre-mounted control pipe 1406 and the first steel vertical stanchion comprises a pre-mounted sleeve 1408. When the first and second wall modules are in contact with one another, as is shown in Figure 14A, the sleeve 1408 and control pipe 1406 are aligned with one another. The sleeve 1408 is threaded, thus a bolt inserted into the control pipe 1406 and screwed into the threaded sleeve 1408 can be used to attach the first and second wall modules.

[0177] Figure 14B shows a perspective view of the portions of the first and second vertical stanchions 1402,1404 with the control pipe 1406 and sleeve 1408 cut through. Figure 14C shows a similar perspective view but differs because, in Figure 14C, a bolt 1410 is present. The bolt 1410 is similarly cut through in the view of Figure 14C.

[0178] The view of Figure 14A provides another view of modules comprising stepped slanted profiles. The control pipe 1406 meets the sleeve 1408 at the step 1416 between the first and second angled portions 1412, 1414.

[0179] An alternative solution is a clip that brings the modules together using cuts with sloping edges on the vertical stanchions. As this clip is moved down, it presses two modules together.

[0180] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an example of the attachment of steel modules with a clip 1550. Figure 15 shows a portion of a first steel vertical stanchion 1502 of a first wall module and a portion of a second steel vertical stanchion 1504 of a second wall module. The first and second steel vertical stanchions 1502,1504 are in contact with one another (such that the first and second wall modules are engaged horizontally in a side to side relationship). In this example, each of the first and second wall modules comprise pre-defined cuts or openings 1506. For each cut 1506 in the first steel vertical stanchion 1502 there is provided a cut 1506 in the second steel vertical stanchion 1504. The cuts 1506 are substantially diamond shaped and so have sloping sides. The cuts extend substantially in the y-direction (height direction). Because of the sloping sides of the cuts, the distance between the edges of the cuts 1506 in the x-direction (width direction) varies with distance in the y-direction. In particular, the distance in the x- direction is shortest at the centre of the cut (in the y-direction) and increases as the distance from the centre of the cut in the positive y and negative y direction increases.

[0181] In this example, the clip 1550 comprise a first pair of legs 1552 and a second pair of legs 1554. A first leg of the first pair of legs 1552 is received in a first cut 1506a on the first vertical stanchion 1502 and a second leg of the first pair of legs 1552 is received in a first cut 1506b on the second vertical stanchion 1502. A first leg of the second pair of legs 1554 is received in a second cut 1506c on the first vertical stanchion 1502 and a second leg of the first pair of legs 1552 is received in a second cut 1506d on the second vertical stanchion 1502. The distance between the first and second legs in each pair is fixed. The distance is such that the legs of the clip can easily be inserted in the cuts 1506a to d when aligned substantially with the centre of the respective cuts. Then, as the clip is slid downwards from the centre (or upwards from the centre) the legs of the clip press against the sides of the respective cuts 1506. This has the effect of pressing the modules together. In effect, the clips acts as a cam. The linear motion in the y-direction of the clip is converted into a pressing force on the wall modules in the x-direction.

[0182] In examples, the clip may comprise only a single pair of legs. In examples, the cuts may not be diamond shaped. The cuts merely need to comprise at least one sloping side which acts to convert a substantially y-direction motion of the clip into a substantially x-direction pressing force.

[0183] Technical infrastructure

[0184] As with traditional walls, the disclosed modular system offers the possibility to run technical infrastructure such as ventilation, cable bridges and sprinkler systems through the wall. The building process will differ based on whether the infrastructure is in place before or after the walls. In situations where the wall is set up before the technical infrastructure, a module can be delivered with pre-mounted sleeves. Since the placement of ventilation pipes and so on is not very precise, the sleeve can be adjusted in the module by having an oversized hole and a mounting plate that covers the hole regardless of its location. Alternatively, standard modules can be assembled up to the openings, and the open area with openings can be built in a traditional way.

[0185] Figure 16 shows a front view of a finished wall 1602 comprising technical infrastructure. The technical infrastructure is shown schematically as a rectangle 1604 and a circle 1606. For example, the circle could represent a ventilation pipe.

[0186] Cladding

[0187] To make the modules lighter and more manageable, the cladding will be installed on the construction site. Like a traditional building process, the cladding will be installed later in the building process to avoid damage, as well as providing access for installations such as electrical components, water pipes etc.

[0188] The disclosed system employs a fastening method (clips and rails) that makes it possible to reuse the cladding plates.

[0189] Figure 17A shows a perspective view of a portion of a finished wall 1702 in which each of the wall modules assembled to form the wall has been covered with cladding panels 1704.

[0190] A bottom rail is integrated in the bottom beam and is configured to support the weight of the cladding plates.

[0191] Figure 17B shows a perspective view of a bottom portion of the finished wall 1702. In Figure 17B, the side face of the module is exposed such that the bottom beam is exposed. This shows how the first (upper) part 1703 of the bottom beam 1706 comprises a rail 1705 or upstanding lip provided along a front face of the bottom beam 1706. This rail 1705 can also be seen in Figure 3A. The cladding panel 1704 comprises a corresponding notch. The cladding panel 1704 can therefore rest in the rail 1705 with the rail 1705 fitting into the notch. In this way, the rail 1804 supports the weight of the cladding plates or panels 1704 from below.

[0192] The cladding is mounted to the wall modules with clips. A bottom rail is integrated into the bottom beam and carries the weight of the cladding plates, while the clips hold the plates against the wall. There are two varieties of clips, one that slides into place and one that snaps into place, and both can be adapted to the wood and steel stanchions. Figures 18A to 18C show an example of a clip that snaps into place. Figure 18A shows a perspective view of the clip 1800. The clip 1800 comprises two arms 1804, 1806 attached at a curved portion 1807. Each arm comprises a flange 1808.

[0193] Figure 18B shows a perspective view of the clip 1800 snapped into place in an opening 1810 cut into a vertical stanchion 1812 of a wall module. The curved portion 1807 is inserted first into the opening 1810. The flanges 1808 are arranged to be slightly deformable and sized such that they are deformed as the clip 1800 is pushed into the opening 1810. Once the flanges 1808 pass the opening 1810, they spring back to their original shape, locking the clip 1800 in place in the opening 1810 with the arms 1804,1806 protruding out of the opening 1810 for engaging a cladding panel.

[0194] Figure 18C shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of clip 1800, vertical stanchion 1812 and a cladding panel 1820 attached to the clip. The cladding panel 1820 comprises a blind cavity 1822. The walls of the blind cavity 1822 are angled. The blind cavity 1922 and the arms 1804,1806 of the clip are arranged such, as the clip 1800 is inserted into the blind cavity 1922 the arms 1804, 1806 are deformed slightly (pushed together). The angles sides of the blind cavity 1822 are such that, once the clip 1800 passes the mid-point of the blind cavity 1822, the arms 1804, 1806 start to move back towards their original position. This retains the cladding panel 1820 in place with respect to the vertical stanchion. In other words, clip 1800 holds the cladding panel.

[0195] Figures 19A to 19C show an example of a clip that slides into place. Figure 19A shows a perspective view of the clip 1900. The clip 1900 comprises a body 1902. Attached to the body 1902 are two front facing arms 1904a and 1904b. A partially enclosed cavity 1906 is defined between the front facing arms 1904a, 1904b and the body 1902. Two rear facing arms 1908a and 1908b are also attached to the body 1902.

[0196] Figure 19B shows a perspective view of the clip 1900 slid into place in a vertical stanchion 1912 of a wall module. The stanchion 1912 comprises two openings 1910a, 1910b. A rear facing arm of the clip 1900 is slid into a respective opening. A friction fit holds the clip in place such that the clip 1900 is effectively held in place with respect to the vertical stanchion 1912.

[0197] Figure 19C shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of vertical stanchion 1912 and a cladding panel 1920 attached to two clips 1900. When installing several cladding plates in the height a horizontal rail is mounted between them. This rail makes the plate joints minimal by ensuring the cladding plates are precisely aligned and will ensure that the weight of the top plate is evenly distributed to the bottom rail.

[0198] A portion of the horizontal rail 2000 is shown in Figure 20 which is a perspective view.

[0199] Prefabricated corner cladding ensures nice and consistent corners, rather than constructing a corner from standard plates. Corners are especially vulnerable to damage and having the corner as an easily replaceable piece might prove beneficial. Corner clips are mounted to the corner profiles and will be part of the fastening system to the standard cladding plates.

[0200] Figures 21A and 21B show an example of cladding on / for an outer corner.

[0201] Figure 21A shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a corner wall module 2102 comprising cladding panels 2104 and outer corner cladding 2106. The outer corner cladding 2106 comprises two clips 2108a and 2108b which clip into hollows formed between the cladding panels 2104 and the corner wall module 2102. In this way, the outer corner cladding 2106 is held in place.

[0202] Figure 2 IB shows a perspective view of a portion of outer corner cladding 2106 on its own.

[0203] Figures 22A and 2 IB show an example of cladding on / for an inner corner.

[0204] Figure 22A shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a corner wall module 2202 comprising cladding panels 2204 and inner corner cladding 2206. The inner corner cladding 2206 comprises two clips 2208a and 2208b which clip into hollows formed between the cladding panels 2204 and the corner wall module 2202. In this way, the inner corner cladding 2206 is held in place.

[0205] Figure 22B shows a perspective view of a portion of outer corner cladding 2206 on its own.

[0206] Considerations for fire safety and sound insulation

[0207] The system offers at least three different walls:

[0208] • Single thickness wall with cladding on each side

[0209] • Single thickness wall with two layers of cladding on each side

[0210] • Double wall with cladding on each side The highest fire and sound ratings will be achieved by cladding the wall with one or more layers of Fermacell. In addition, double walls can be built to increase the soundproofing. Lower fire and sound ratings can be achieved with other surface types.

[0211] The prophetic properties shown in the table are based on the Sintef Technical Approval for the Fermacell partition wall system.

[0212] Prophetic properties for single (E) and double (D) walls with one (101) or two (202) cladding plates on each side

[0213] Sustainability

[0214] Circularity and sustainability throughout the wall's lifetime are important attributes of the disclosed system. With standardized and robust modules with a long lifespan, the system offers a flexible system that can be reusedmultiple times.

[0215] By reusing the modules, the actual lifespan of each component is utilized, instead of building materials becoming waste when the building's needs change. After its lifespan, the products can be easily separated into pure fractions for reuse of components and materials in new modules. The materials can ultimately be recycled and save the environment from extracting new resources.

[0216] The construction industry is responsible for a significant portion of all waste production worldwide and in Norway specifically. The disclosed system improves waste prevention and paves the way for a more circular and sustainable construction industry. Reusable walls have second-hand value when re-used and reduce the environmental impact in a life-cycle perspective. Annex

[0217] Title: Wall Building System and Process

[0218] [See Figure 1]

[0219] Background

[0220] Disclosed herein is a system and process that offers a building process with the goal of cheaper, faster, and more sustainable construction of walls. The system can replace (for the most part) all types of traditional non-bearing built-in walls; from a light and narrow constructed wall module that is quick to build, to walls with special fire and sound barriers and with a high degree of technology. The system comprises prefabricated closed wall modules that are delivered ready for assembly on the construction site and offers a wall with only steel components and one consisting of vertical stanchions in wood.

[0221] Brief Summary

[0222] The modules are typically delivered with the highest possible degree of standardization and constructed for easy disassembly so that the system can be reused. A finished wall comprises standard modules, telescopic modules, and optionally function modules. The module widths are typically 60 cm (center to center), and have a depth of 98 mm. When high fire and sound requirements are needed, two modules can be used in depth. The surfaces are mounted with a steel clip that will provide tight plate joints and make chipping and other dusty work unnecessary. The disclosed system and process are described in greater detail below with reference to preferred embodiments that are exemplary, but nonlimiting to the inventive concept.

[0223] [See Figure 1]

[0224] Reference numerals:

[0225] 104 = Top beam 124 = Ceiling trim 102 = Steel module 118 = Cladding mounting 120 = Cladding 122 = Floor trim 106 = Bottom beam

[0226] Top beam

[0227] The interface to the ceiling consists of an insulated, telescopic metal beam that is attached to and sealed against the ceiling. The lower part of the beam is lowered to the top of the wall modules and seals against the gaskets on the top of the wall module. The beam contains interfaces to metal clips that fastens the top beam and the wall modules. Wall modules can also be hung from the top beam without supporting. Adjustment screws allow adjustment of the two halves during assembly. Locking screws or self-drilling plate screws lock the halves in position. The insulation inside the sill will compress and expand with the beam.

[0228] [See Figures 2A and 2B]

[0229] Bottom beam

[0230] The wall modules are placed on a bottom beam that is attached to and sealed against the floor. Like the top beam, the bottom beam is a telescopic metal beam that is mounted to the floor and shimmed and height-adjusted before the wall modules are installed on the beam. The bottom beam also has predefined attachment points for a steel clips that ensures that the wall modules are placed correctly.

[0231] [See Figures 3A and 3B]

[0232] Telescopic top and bottom beams allows the system to accommodate normal building tolerances and facilitates precise construction of the rest of the wall. Since the wall modules are prefabricated to a set ceiling height, the beams will pick up any deviations from this. The module clips allow individual modules to be removed for remodeling.

[0233] Standard module

[0234] The standard module includes a frame with vertical stanchions in wood or steel, mineral wool insulation, and a fabric cover that prevents dusting from the insulation during transport and assembly. In cases where the wall's requirements allow it, the modules can be insulated with wood-based sound insulation (Hunton). Two wood modules are fastened with wood screws and the steel modules with bolts or clips. The vertical stanchions have a sloping geometry that helps position and tighten the elements against each other and allows a module in the middle of a wall to be disassembled.

[0235] Along the periphery of the module are two sealing strips that are compressed during assembly to help with sound and smoke sealing.

[0236] The elements are mounted with module clips in the height.

[0237] The module heights are typically 30, 100, and 150 cm. These sizes can be stacked and combined to create wall heights with 10 cm increments. The bottom and top beams are telescopic and have a combined adjustment range of 10cm. This allows the wall to be assembled to any wall height.

[0238] [See Figures 4A and 4B] Standard module

[0239] A key feature of the disclosed embodiments is the profile on the vertical stanchions. The stepped, slanted profile allows a single module to be removed from a fully assembled wall. The slanted profile prevents the module from binding to the fixed, adjacent modules when turned. Testing has shown that for a module width of 600mm, 10 ° slant angle is sufficient whilst 5° is not enough. For modules with greater than 600mm width, less slant is needed, and the opposite is true for narrower modules.

[0240] [See Figure 5]

[0241] [See Figure 6A; Assembled wall]

[0242] [See Figure 6B; Removing module]

[0243] Technical module

[0244] The technical module acts as a guide for technical equipment, primarily electrical and ICT. The technical module includes the same vertical profiles as the standard module and is joined by two wooden fiber boards (3-5mm thick) which are glued into the profiles. In the core of the module is 50 mm insulation (Glava / Rockwool / Hunton). The technical module is 200mm wide and otherwise has the same dimensions as the basic modules.

[0245] Like the standard module, the technical module is offered with wooden or steel stanchions.

[0246] [See Figure 7]

[0247] Reference numerals:

[0248] 704 = Horizontal steel stanchions 702 = Vertical stanchions 706 = Wood fiber boards

[0249] Telescopic module

[0250] With the telescopic module, the system can deviate from the strict 600 mm center width of the standard modules. The telescopic module can be expanded horizontally and locked in place. The module allows for any specific wall dimensions. The telescopic module also acts as an interface between the slanted profile in the standard modules and any flat surface, such as existing building walls door openings etc. The telescopic module can also interface with the corner module (see next page).

[0251] [See Figure 8A; Telescopic module (steel)]

[0252] [See Figure 8B; Telescopic module (wood)] Reference numerals:

[0253] 808 = Telescopic member

[0254] 806 = Vertical stanchion

[0255] 804 = Vertical stanchion (flat)

[0256] There are two width options for the telescoping module, 300mm to 550mm and 550mm to 900mm. In terms of production, the only difference is the length of the inner part of the horizontal, telescopic member.

[0257] Corner module

[0258] The corner module provides a prefabricated 90° corner for easy installation. The corner modules' vertical stanchions have a flat interface that connects to the telescopic module. This means that a telescopic module precedes a corner and ensures flexibility in terms of the precise placement of the corner. As all modules in the system the corner modules exists in three height variations (300mm, 1000mm and 1500mm). The corner module connects to the adjacent modules via the same clips as used for vertically connecting modules (module clips). The corner module is insulated in the same way as the standard modules and also has holes in the metal profiles for routing cables.

[0259] [See Figures 10A and 10B]

[0260] Function module

[0261] Where water supply and drainage pipes are required, function modules are used. They can comprise pre-assembled elements for sink, toilet, fire cabinets etc. and receive water supply from the technical modules. These modules can be standardized as much as possible by offering a standardized selection of elements, and to offer tailor-made solutions if other elements are preferred. The functional modules can be delivered without the lower stanchion to easily connect to a drainage pipe and can be reinforced with plates or steel brackets where necessary. In function modules where it is not possible to insulate with mineral wool, it will be compensated with Fermacell-platers.

[0262] Below are non-limiting examples of functions modules.

[0263] [See Figures 11A and 11B; Modules for cistern and sink. Note that the element for the cistern is deep and requires double framing. The modules can be reinforced with metal brackets or plates, if necessary.]

[0264] [See Figure 11C; Module for fire hose cabinet. Note that the depth of the cabinet makes it necessary with double framing.] Joining Modules

[0265] Joining modules vertically

[0266] Module joining clips are used to join the modules to the bottom and top beams and ensure that the modules are placed in the correct position. It ensures that the module is in the correct position, and small tolerances will be compensated for in the joints ( / seals) rather than propagated. The brackets are also used when the modules are assembled on top of each other. Preferred embodiments of the joining clips are shown below.

[0267] [See Figures 12A to 12C]

[0268] Joining modules horizontally

[0269] The wood modules are attached with screws. The position of the screw is given by a track on the front.

[0270] [See Figure 13]

[0271] The steel modules are attached with bolts through pre-mounted sleeves and control pipes. An alternative solution is a clip that brings the modules together using cuts with sloping edges on the vertical stanchions. As this clip is moved down, it presses two modules together.

[0272] [See Figures 14A to 14C and 15]

[0273] Technical infrastructure

[0274] As with traditional walls, the disclosed modular system offers the possibility to run technical infrastructure such as ventilation, cable bridges and sprinkler systems through the wall. The building process will differ based on whether the infrastructure is in place before or after the walls.

[0275] In situations where the wall is set up before the technical infrastructure, a module can be delivered with pre-mounted sleeves. Since the placement of ventilation pipes and so on is not very precise, the sleeve can be adjusted in the module by having an oversized hole and a mounting plate that covers the hole regardless of its location. Alternatively, standard modules can be assembled up to the openings, and the open area with openings can be built in a traditional way.

[0276] [See Figure 16] Cladding

[0277] To make the modules lighter and more manageable, the cladding will be installed on the construction site. Like a traditional building process, the cladding will be installed later in the building process to avoid damage, as well as providing access for installations such as electrical components, water pipes etc.

[0278] The disclosed system employs a fastening method (clips and rails) that makes it possible to reuse the cladding plates.

[0279] [See Figure 17A]

[0280] A bottom rail is integrated in the bottom beam and is configured to support the weight of the cladding plates.

[0281] [See Figure 17B]

[0282] The cladding is mounted to the wall modules with clips. A bottom rail is integrated into the bottom beam and carries the weight of the cladding plates, while the clips hold the plates against the wall. There are two varieties of clips, one that slides into place and one that snaps into place, and both can be adapted to the wood and steel stanchions.

[0283] [See Figures 18A to 18C and 19A to 19C]

[0284] When installing several cladding plates in the height a horizontal rail is mounted between them. This rail makes the plate joints minimal by ensuring the cladding plates are precisely aligned and will ensure that the weight of the top plate is evenly distributed to the bottom rail.

[0285] [See Figure 20]

[0286] Prefabricated corner cladding ensures nice and consistent corners, rather than constructing a corner from standard plates. Corners are especially vulnerable to damage and having the corner as an easily replaceable piece might prove beneficial. Corner clips are mounted to the corner profiles and will be part of the fastening system to the standard cladding plates.

[0287] [See Figure 21A and 21B; Outer corners]

[0288] [See Figure 22A and 22B; Inner corners]

[0289] Considerations for fire safety and sound insulation

[0290] The system offers at least three different walls:

[0291] Single thickness wall with cladding on each side • Single thickness wall with two layers of cladding on each side

[0292] • Double wall with cladding on each side

[0293] The highest fire and sound ratings will be achieved by cladding the wall with one or more layers of Fermacell. In addition, double walls can be built to increase the soundproofing. Lower fire and sound ratings can be achieved with other surface types.

[0294] The prophetic properties shown in the table are based on the Sintef Technical Approval for the Fermacell partition wall system.

[0295] Prophetic properties for single (E) and double (D) walls with one (101) or two (202) cladding plates on

[0296] Sustainability

[0297] Circularity and sustainability throughout the wall's lifetime are important attributes of the disclosed system. With standardized and robust modules with a long lifespan, the system offers a flexible system that can be reused multiple times.

[0298] By reusing the modules, the actual lifespan of each component is utilized, instead of building materials becoming waste when the building's needs change. After its lifespan, the products can be easily separated into pure fractions for reuse of components and materials in new modules. The materials can ultimately be recycled and save the environment from extracting new resources.

[0299] The construction industry is responsible for a significant portion of all waste production worldwide and in Norway specifically. The disclosed system improves waste prevention and paves the way for a more circular and sustainable construction industry. Reusable walls have second-hand value when re-used and reduce the environmental impact in a life-cycle perspective.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wall module for a modular wall building system, the wall module comprising a frame comprising first and second vertical stanchions; wherein at least one of the vertical stanchions has a slanted profile.

2. A wall module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each slanted profile is for engaging a vertical stanchion of a further wall module of the building system, the further wall module having a corresponding slanted profile.

3. A wall module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each slanted profile is arranged such that, when the respective slanted profile is engaged with a vertical stanchion of a further wall module of the building system, the wall module is rotatable in one of an anticlockwise or clockwise direction.

4. A wall module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second vertical stanchions lie in a first plane and wherein the slanted profile is defined by a side face of the vertical stanchion, the side face being angled with respect to a normal of the first plane.

5. A wall module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each vertical stanchion has a stepped slanted profile.

6. A wall module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each slanted profile has a slant angle of more than 5 degrees, optionally 10 degrees or greater.

7. A wall module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame further comprises at least one telescopic member extending between the first and second vertical stanchions; wherein the telescopic module is expandable horizontally such that a distance between the first and second vertical stanchions is adjustable.

8. A wall module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second vertical stanchions comprise steel.

9. A wall module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second vertical stanchions comprise wood.

10. A modular wall system comprising a first wall module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a second wall module, wherein the second wall module comprises a vertical stanchion comprising a slanted profile; and wherein a slanted profile of the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module is engaged or engageable with the slanted profile of the vertical stanchion of the second wall module.

11. A modular wall system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first wall module is engaged to the second wall module and the first wall module is rotatable with respect to the second wall module in one of an anticlockwise or clockwise direction and is not rotatable with respect to the second wall module in the other of the anticlockwise or clockwise direction.

12. A modular wall system as claimed in claim 10 or 11, further comprising a first telescopic beam arrangement comprising a first part attached to the first wall module and a second part attachable to a ceiling or a floor of a building; wherein the first part of the first telescopic beam arrangement is moveable with respect to the second part such that a wall comprising the first telescopic beam arrangement and the first wall module is height adjustable.

13. A modular wall system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module comprises a first cut and the vertical stanchion of the second wall module comprises corresponding second cut, and wherein the system further comprises a clip comprising a pair of legs, a first leg being receivable in the first cut and a second leg being receivable in the second cut; and wherein at least one of the first and second cut has a sloping edge arranged such that a separation between the first and second cut in a horizontal direction varies in a vertical direction.

14. A method of disassembling a modular wall, the modular wall comprising a first wall module and a second wall module, the first wall module comprising a first vertical stanchion having a slanted profile and a second vertical stanchion, the second wall module comprising a vertical stanchion having a corresponding slanted profile, wherein the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module is engaged to the vertical stanchion of the second wall module, the method comprising: removing the first wall module from the wall by rotating the first wall module.

15. A method of assembling a modular wall using a modular wall building system, the method comprising: providing a first wall module as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9; providing a second wall module comprising a vertical stanchion comprising a slanted profile; andengaging the first vertical stanchion of the first wall module to the vertical stanchion of the second wall module.

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