Modular construction system and interconnectable block therefore

Abstract

The modular construction system comprises a plurality of interconnectable blocks 302, each comprising a first 304 and a second 306 panel element (e.g., plywood). A core element 308 sandwiched between

Description

Technical Field The present invention relates to a modular construction system and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a modular construction system for constructing architectural structures and furnishings such as cubicles, booths, desks, seating, storage and workstations for internal and external use. Background Modular construction systems for constructing architectural structures including cubicles, dividing walls and workstations are well known. Typically, such modular construction systems consist of metal or plastic framework components, for example, beams and posts, that are assembled to form a framework. Panels, doors and windows are then secured to the framework using fasteners to form the desired structure. Known modular construction systems are often time consuming to assemble, and require specialist fasteners or trained personnel. Furthermore, the use of materials such as plastics or metals from unsustainable sources means that the systems often have a negative ecological impact and manufacture produces a large carbon footprint. Therefore, there exists a need for a more ecologically sustainable modular construction system that is quick to assemble and does not rely on specialist fasteners or trained personnel to assemble. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a modular construction system comprising a plurality of interconnectable blocks, each interconnectable block comprising: a first panel element; a second panel element, and a core element disposed between the first panel element and the second panel element, the core element having at least one interlocking portion which protrudes outwardly from between the first panel element and the second panel element, wherein the first panel element, second panel element and core element are arranged to form at least one socket configured to receive an interlocking portion of another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks such that displacement of said another of the plurality of interconnectable blocks in a direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the socket receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks is prevented. Optionally, at least one of the first panel element and the second panel element of each interconnectable block is configured to abut a corresponding at least one of a first panel element and a second panel element of said another interconnectable block when the socket of one of the plurality of interconnectable blocks receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks. Optionally, the core portion comprises a spacer layer which extends in a plane parallel to the first panel element and the second panel element. Optionally, the spacer layer is configured to provide acoustic insulation. Optionally, the spacer layer is configured to provide thermal insulation. Optionally, the spacer layer comprises a material having a thermal conductivity not greater than 0.1 W / mK. Optionally, the spacer layer is resiliently deformable. Optionally, the spacer layer comprises a wood fibre composite low density fibreboard. Optionally, the first panel element is provided with a plurality of passageways which extend through the first panel element from an outer surface of the first panel element towards the core element. Optionally, each passageway has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening of each passageway is smaller than the outlet opening. Optionally, the core element comprises a first support layer disposed between the first layer and the first panel element. Optionally, the first support layer comprises a wood fibre composite medium density fib re boa rd. Optionally, the first support layer is provided with a plurality of passageways which extend through the first support layer. Optionally, the passageways provided through the first support layer are aligned with the passageways provided through the first panel element. Optionally, each passageway provided through the first support layer has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening corresponds to the outlet opening of the passageway provided through the first panel element with which said passageway provided through the first support layer is aligned. Optionally, the inlet opening each passageway provided through the first panel element is smaller than the outlet opening of each corresponding passageway provided through the first support layer. Optionally, the core element has a waist portion which is configured to correspond to a profile of the interlocking portion such that when an interlocking portion said another of the plurality of interconnectable blocks is received by the socket, the interlocking portion said another of the plurality of interconnectable blocks abuts the waist portion. Optionally, the interlocking portion has a leading upper edge and a leading lower edge which are configured to align the interlocking portion in a socket as the interlocking portion is inserted into a socket of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks. Optionally, at least one of the leading upper edge and the leading lower edge is chamfered. Optionally, the interlocking portion has at least one bearing surface which extends obliquely with respect to the direction in which the socket receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks. Optionally, the at least one bearing surface extends at an angle of 45 degrees to the direction in which the socket receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks. Optionally, the socket has at least one bearing surface which extends in a direction which corresponds to the direction in which the bearing surface of the interlocking portion extends. Optionally, the at least one bearing surface extends at an angle of 45 degrees to the direction in which the socket receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks. Optionally, the interlocking portion is provided with a first retaining feature and at least one of the first panel element and the second panel element is provided with a second retaining feature, the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature are configured to engage each other when the interlocking portion is received by the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks so as to inhibit removal of the interlocking portion from the socket of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks. Optionally, the first panel element and / or the second panel element comprises plywood. Optionally, each of the first panel element, second panel element and core element is manufactured from a sustainable product, such as a sustainable wood product. Optionally, the interconnecting blocks are configured such that, when connected, the first panel elements and / or the second panel elements of the connected interconnecting blocks form a continuous surface. Optionally, at least one of the interconnectable blocks comprises at least one of a conduit, a power socket, a communication port, a light source, and an air vent. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a block for a modular construction system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the block comprises: a first panel element; a second panel element, and a core element disposed between the first panel element and the second panel element, the core element having at least one interlocking portion which protrudes outwardly from between the first panel element and the second panel element, wherein the first panel element, second panel element and core element are arranged to form at least one socket configured to receive an interlocking portion of another of block such that displacement of said another block in a direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the socket receives the interlocking portion of said other block is prevented. Certain aspects of the invention provide a reusable and reconfigurable modular construction system having individual interconnectable blocks that are compact, versatile and easy to transport. Certain aspects of the invention provide a modular construction system having components made predominantly or exclusively of a sustainable product, such as a sustainable wood produce. 5 Certain aspects of the invention provide a modular construction system comprising a plurality of interconnectable blocks which, when assembled into a structure, distribute vertical loading both vertically and laterally (e.g. horizontally). Certain aspects of the invention provide a modular construction system comprising a plurality 10 of interconnectable blocks which, when assembled into a structure, provide thermal and / or acoustic insulation. Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims. 15 Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which: Figure 1 shows a cubicle constructed using a modular building construction system; Figures 2 and 3 show an interconnectable block used to construct the cubicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a section of the interconnectable block shown in Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a portion of the section shown in Figure 4; Figures 6 and 7 show a core element of the interconnectable block shown in Figures 2 and 3 in isolation; Figure 8 illustrates assembly of two interconnectable blocks; Figure 9 shows the cubical shown in Figure 1 without the first panel elements of the interconnectable blocks visible; Figures 10a to lOi shows alternative embodiments of interconnectable blocks; Figure 11 is an exploded view of selected components of a modular building construction system; Figure 12 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system; Figure 13 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system; Figure 14 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system; Figure 15 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system; Figure 16 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system; Figure 17 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system; Figure 18 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system; and Figure 19 is a further example of an architectural structure and furnishings constructed using a modular building construction system. Detailed Description Figure 1 shows a cubicle 102 constructed from a modular construction system comprising a plurality of interconnectable blocks 202, 302, 402, 502, 602. Figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of an interconnectable block 202, such as that used to construct the cubicle 102 shown in Figure 1. The interconnectable block 202 comprises a first panel element 204, a second panel element 206 and a core element 208. The core element 208 is disposed between the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 such that it is sandwiched between the two. The interconnectable block 202 has a longitudinal direction and lateral direction, which extend parallel to the plane in which the first interconnectable block 202 extends, and a depth direction which is perpendicular to the plane in which the first interconnectable block 202 extends, as described below. The first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 have the same thickness, length and width. In the embodiment shown, the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 have a length of 495mm, a width of 495mm, and a thickness of 18mm (the thickness is defined in the depth direction of the first interconnectable block 202. The first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 may be rectangular, for example square. The first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 each comprise a sustainable product, in particular a sustainable wood produce such as plywood. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the first panel element 204 is provided with a plurality of passageways 210 which extend through the first panel element 204 from an outer surface of the first panel element 204 towards the core element 208. In the embodiment shown, the first panel element 204 is provided with not fewer than 100 passageways 210. Each passageway 210 is in the form of a through-bore which extends in a direction which is perpendicular to an outer surface of the first panel element 204 which faces away from the core element 208. With reference particularly to Figure 5, each passageway 210 has an inlet opening 212 and an outlet opening 214. The inlet opening 212 is smaller than the outlet opening (i.e. the inlet opening has a flow cross-sectional area which is significantly less than a flow cross-sectional area of the outlet opening 214). For example, the flow cross-sectional area of the inlet opening 212 may be l / 10th of the flow cross-sectional area of the outlet opening 214. In the embodiment shown, each passageway 210 has a first portion 216 and a second portion 218. The first portion 216 extends from the inlet opening 212 to approximately midway along the passageway 210. The second portion 218 extends from the first portion 216 to the outlet opening 214. The first portion 216 has a circular flow cross-sectional area which is constant along the length of the first portion 216 and which is equal to the flow cross-sectional area of the inlet opening 212. The second portion 218 also has a circular flow cross-sectional area which is constant along the length of the second portion 218 and which is equal to the flow cross-sectional area of the outlet opening 214. The increase in the flow cross-sectional area of the second portion 218 compared with the flow cross-sectional area of the first portion 216 means that each passageway 210 can be considered to be divergent from the inlet opening 212 to the outlet opening 214 in the direction of the core element 208. Figures 6 and 7 show the core element 208 in isolation. The core element 208 is substantially planer, having opposing planer surfaces 219a, 219b and a bearing surface 219c that extends around the periphery of the core element 208. The core element 208 is oblong and has a first interlocking portion 220 at a first end and a second interlocking portion 222 at a second end. The core element 208 has a waist portion 224 which extends from the first interlocking portion 220 to the second interlocking portion 222. The waist portion 224 has a mid section 226 having a width in the lateral direction of the core element 208 which is less than the maximum width of the core element 208. The first and second end sections 228, 230 diverge from the mid section 226 in the longitudinal direction of the core element 208 and parallel to the plane in which the core element 208 extends such that the respective portions of the bearing surface 219c extending along the first and second end sections 228, 230 of the waist portion 224 are inclined at 45 degrees to the portion of the bearing surface 219c extending along the mid section 226 of the waist portion 224. It will be appreciated that the respective portions of the bearing surface 219c extending along the first and second end sections 228, 11 230 diverge such that they are inclined at 90 degrees with respect to each other (i.e. at a right angle). In the embodiment shown, the width of the waist portion is 224 is 302.8mm and the maximum width is 499.5mm. The lateral width of the mid section 226 is equal to the maximum width of the core element 208 less the amount by which each interlocking portion 220, 222 projects from the waist portion 224. The waist portion 224 has a length which is equal to the length of the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206, and a maximum width (at the ends adjoining the first interlocking portion 220 and the second interlocking portion 222, respectively) which is substantially equal to the width of the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206. Each interlocking portion 220, 222 converges from a respective end of the waist portion 224 towards the respective first or second end of the core element 208 in the longitudinal direction of the core element 208 and parallel to the plane in which the core element 208 extends. The core element 208 can be considered to be 'bone-shaped'. The angle at which each interlocking portion 220, 222 converges corresponds to the angle at which the first and second end sections 228, 230 of the waist portion 224 diverge. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the bearing surface 219c at the end of each interlocking portion 220, 222 extends in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first interconnectable block 202. Each interlocking portion 220, 222 converges from the waist portion 224 such that the respective portions of the bearing surface 219c extending from the waist portion 224 to the end of each interlocking portion 220, 222 are inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the core element 208. It will be appreciated that the respective portions of the bearing surface 219c extending from the waist portion 224 to the portion of the bearing surface 219c at the end of each first and second end section 228, 230 are inclined at 90 degrees with respect to each other (i.e. at a right angle). Each the interlocking portion 220, 222 has a leading upper edge and a leading lower edge which are configured, for example as a chamfered edge, in order to align the interlocking portion 220, 222 in a socket as the interlocking portion 220, 222 is inserted into a socket of another interconnectable block. The profile of the waist portion 224 is configured to correspond to the profile of the interlocking portions 220, 222 such when an interlocking portion 220, 222 of one interconnectable blocks 202 is receivable by the waist portion 324 of another, the portions of the bearing surface 219c of said interlocking portion 220,222 abut the portions of the bearing surface 219c of the waist portion 324 of said other interconnectable block 302 (as described further with reference to Figure 8). The core element 208 comprises a spacer layer 232 disposed between a first support layer 234 and a second support layer 236. The first support layer 234 is provided with a plurality of passageways 238 which extend through the first support layer 234. In the embodiment shown, the first support layer 234 is provided with not fewer than 80 passageways 238. Each passageway 238 extends in a direction which is perpendicular to a plane in which the first support layer 234 extends. With reference again to Figure 5, each passageway 238 has an inlet opening 240 and an outlet opening 242. The inlet opening 240 of each passageway 238 is aligned with a corresponding outlet opening 214 of a respective passageway 210 through the first panel element 204. The inlet opening 240 and the outlet opening 242 of each passageway 238 has a cross-sectional area which is equal to the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening 214 of the passageway through the first panel element 204 with which it is aligned. The first support layer 234 is provided with first retaining features in the form of respective recesses 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d. Each recess 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d has a semi cylindrical shape and is oriented to extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the core element 208. The spacer layer 232 comprises a sustainable product, in particular a sustainable wood produce such as low density fibreboard which is configured to provide acoustic insulation and thermal insulation. The acoustic insulation should be sufficient to prevent a substantial amount of audible sound from being transmitted through the spacer layer, for example an amount that would be recognised as a noticeable decrease by a person. The thermal insulation should be sufficient to prevent a substantial amount of heat from being transmitted through the spacer layer, for example the thermal insulation should be sufficient to enable a difference between the internal temperature of a cubicle constructed using the modular construction system and an external temperature to be maintained for several hours. In the embodiment shown, the spacer layer 232 is a low density fibreboard. The fibreboard has a thermal conductivity of 0.047 W / mK for a 20mm thick board and 0.044 W / mK for a 35m, 52mm and 60mm thick board. The fibreboard is particularly suitable because it can be manufactured to satisfactory tolerances for the intended application. The spacer layer 232 is also resiliently deformable in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which it extends. In the embodiment shown, the spacer layer 232 has a thickness of 40mm. The first support layer 234 and the second support layer 236 comprise a sustainable product, in particular a sustainable wood produce such as medium density fibreboard (MDF). In the embodiment shown, the first support layer 234 and the second support layer 236 each have a thickness of 6mm. It will be appreciated that the actual dimensions of the individual component of an interconnectable block 202 may be selected in accordance with requirements and that other suitable materials may be used provided that they have sufficient rigidity, strength, resiliency and optional thermal and / or acoustic properties to satisfy any such requirements. Referring back to Figures 2 to 4, the core element 208 is arranged between the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 so as to overlay the mid section 226 of the core element 208. The first panel element 204, second panel element 206 and the core element 208 are arranged to form a first socket 246 along a first side of the interconnectable block 202 and a second socket 248 along an opposite side of the interconnectable block 202. The width of each socket 246, 248 corresponds to the width of the interlocking portions 220, 222 and the depth of each socket 246, 248 corresponds to the distance by which each interlocking portion 220, 222 protrudes outwardly from between the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206. Each socket 246, 248 has a profile configured to receive an interlocking portion of another interconnector block 202. The interlocking portions 220, 222 extend outwardly from the region of the core element 208 overlaid by the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 and so are exposed for insertion into a socket of another of the interconnectable blocks. Referring to Figure 4, the first panel element 204 and the second panel element 206 are provided with second retaining features in the form of respective protrusions 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d. Each protrusion 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d has a semi cylindrical shape that corresponds to the shape of a respective recesses 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d of the first support layer 234 of the core element 208. Each protrusion may be formed from a section of wooden dowel which is bonded within a recess provided in a respective recess provided in the first panel element 204 or the second panel element 206. Each protrusion 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d is located with a socket 246, 248 and oriented to extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the core element 208 and arranged to engage with a recess 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d an interlocking portion 220 of another first interconnectable block 202 is inserted into the a socket 246, 248. In order to assemble an architectural structure, such as the cubicle 102 shown in Figure 1, the interconnectable blocks 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 are connected to each other. Figure 8 shows how a first interconnectable block 202 is connected to a second identical interconnectable block 302 by first aligning by a first interlocking portion 220 of a first interconnectable block 202 with a first socket 346 of a second adjacent interconnectable block 302 (the numbering for the features of the second identical interconnectable block 302 corresponds to the references used for the first interconnectable block 202 with '3' used as the first integer instead of '2'). The first interlocking portion 220 of the first interconnectable block 202 is then inserted into the first socket 346 of the second adjacent interconnectable block 302 in an insertion direction which is parallel to the plane in which the first interconnectable block 202 extends. As the first interlocking portion 220 of the first interconnectable block 202 is inserted into the first socket 346 of the second adjacent interconnectable block 302, the resilience of the spacer layer 232 allows the first interlocking portion 220 to be compressed slightly as it passes underneath the protrusions 250a, 250c within the socket 346 with which it comes into contact. Once the interlocking portion 220 is fully inserted into the socket 346, the recesses 244a, 244b are in alignment with the protrusions 250a, 250c and so the spacer layer 232 in the vicinity of the recesses 244a, 244b expands such that the protrusions 250a, 250c locate within each of the respective recesses 244a, 244b. Once inserted, the passageways 238 provided through the first support layer 234 forming the first interlocking portion 220 of the first interconnectable block 202 align with respective passageways 310 which extend through the first panel element 304. Once the first interlocking portion 220 is fully inserted in the socket 346, displacement of the first interconnectable block 202 with respect to the second interconnectable block 302 is prevented in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the first interconnectable block 202 and the second interconnectable block 302 extend. In particular, the portion of the bearing surface 219c at the end of the first end section 228 of the first interconnectable block 202 bears against the portion of the bearing surface 319c extending along the waist portion 324 of the second interconnectable block 302. In addition, the respective portions of the bearing surface 219c extending each side from the waist portion 224 to the end of the first interlocking portion 220 bear against the corresponding portions of the bearing surface 319c extending along the first and second end sections 328, 330 of the second adjacent interconnectable block 302. The inclination of the portions of the bearing surfaces 219c, 319c against which the first interconnectable block 202 and the second adjacent interconnectable block 302 bear against each other means that the loading on an interconnectable block, particularly the vertical loading on an interconnectable block where blocks are connected above, is distributed by the bearing surfaces both vertically and laterally. A structure constructed from the first interconnectable blocks 202,302 is therefore very robust. Furthermore, location of the protrusions 250a, 250c within the respective recesses 244a, 244b inhibits removal of the interlocking portion 220 from the socket 346 and, in conjunction with the engagement of the first interlocking portion 220 with the socket 346, also prevents displacement of the first interlocking portion 220 with respect to the second adjacent interconnectable block 302 in a lateral direction. The resilience of the spacer layer 232 does, however, allow the first interconnectable block 202 and the second interconnectable block 302 to be separated if a sufficient pulling force is applied in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The first interconnectable block 202 and the second interconnectable block 302 are thus detachably connectable. Additional interconnectable blocks can be connected to each of the first and second interconnectable blocks 202, 302 in order to assemble a structure have a desired configuration, such as the cubicle shown in Figure 1. Once assembled, the first panel elements 204, 304 are in abutting engagement with each other such that they form a continuous outer surface of the structure. The spacer layers 232, 332 provides a continuous layer of acoustic insulation and thermal insulation. This is advantageous because the structure has no gaps between the blocks 202,302 between which sound or heat can pass easily. The acoustic insulation is augmented by the passageways 210, 238 through the first panel element 204 and the first support layer 234, respectively. It is to be appreciated that the passageways 210, 238 are preferred features, but could be omitted in certain embodiments. Sound waves arriving at the outer surface provided by the first panel elements 204, 304 propagate through the inlet openings 212 along the passageway 210. On entry to the passageway 238, the sound waves diffract into the passageway 238 before arriving at the spacer layer 232. This means that the spacer layer 232 absorbs a much greater proportion of the sound energy arriving at the first panel elements 204, 304 resulting in improved acoustic insulation. Figure 9 shows an arrangement of the core elements of the interconnectable blocks without the first panel elements visible. As can be seen from Figure 9, the core elements can be arranged such that the spacer layers 232, 332 tesselate and so form a continuous layer of acoustic and thermal insulation. A benefit of the arrangement is that the vertical wall loading is distributed both horizontally and vertically by the inclined bearing surfaces of each interconnectable block. The structure is therefore both robust and stable. Figures 10a to lOi shown variants of interconnectable blocks that may comprise the modular construction system including: an end block 402, a window block 502, a door block 602, a conduit corner block 702 and a conduit block 802 through which a conduit for cables, pipes or similar is provided through the core element of the block, a first electrical block 902 having power sockets and / or communication ports provided in a panel element, a second electrical block 1002 have an alternative configuration, a lighting block 1102 in which a light source is provided in a panel element and a vent block 1202 in which a vent is provided in a panel element. Each of the variants shown can be interconnected with one or more of the other interconnectable blocks 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902,1002, 1102,1202, in order to construct a desired architectural or furnishing structure. Figure 11 is an exploded view of selected components of a modular building construction system including interconnectable blocks 202, 302 and half blocks 402 together with pillar blocks 1402 and beam blocks 1502 which are provided with interlocking portions that enable connection with blocks 202, 302, 402 having a socket. It will be appreciated that the modular construction system is particularly suitable for the construction of architectural structures and furnishings, such as cubicles, workstations, partition walls, suspended ceilings, furniture, etc, it may be used to build other rigid structures quickly and efficiently in which the interconnectable blocks become one spanning material with few or no exposed lines / joints which would otherwise be detrimental to sound and insulation properties and structural requirements. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the interconnectable blocks may be interchangeable and disassembled and reassembled in various configurations and for different applications. The blocks can be easily 'clicked' together and 'unclicked' to separate making structures quick and easy to assemble and disassemble. This makes the system very versatile and can be used for many construction processes with a demount ability of speed due to its connectivity. Each block is comprises almost entirely of wood or wood composite and so can be produced sustainably and also recycled. The construction system can therefore be part of a circular economy in which all components can be manufactured from recycled material and recycled themselves. Figure 12 shows an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct a room, such as a salon or barbers, and furnishings within the room, such as partitions and benches. Figure 13 shows an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct a room, such as a boutique, and furnishings within the room, such as changing cubicles, clothes booths, payment counters and bench seats. Figure 14 shows an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct furnishings within the room, such a desk. Figure 15 shows an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct a room, such as an open plan office, and furnishings within the room, such as work stations having desks. Figure 16 shows an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct a room, such as an office , and furnishings within the room, such as desks and a suspended ceiling. Figure 17 shows an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct furnishings within the room, such as retail desks and bench seats. Figure 18 shows a an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct a room, such as a retails store, and furnishings within the room, such as product shelving, trolleys and retail desks. Figure 19 shows a an example arrangement in which blocks are used to construct a room, such as a tea station. The system is versatile, reconfigurable and made of entirely sustainable material that is also recyclable in itself. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" or "comprising"should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having"should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes"should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an"should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular construction system comprising a plurality of interconnectable blocks, each interconnectable block comprising:5 a first panel element;a second panel element, anda core element disposed between the first panel element and the second panel element, the core element having a first interlocking portion which protrudes outwardly from between the first panel element and the second panel element at a first end and a10 second interlocking portion which protrudes outwardly from between the first panel element and the second panel element at a second end, wherein the first panel element, second panel element and core element are arranged to form a first socket and a second socket each configured to receive an interlocking portion of another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks such that displacement of said another of the plurality of15 interconnectable blocks in a direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the socket receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks is prevented, wherein the first socket is formed along a first side of the interconnectable block and the second socket is formed along an opposite side of the interconnectable block and wherein the core element has a waist portion which is20 configured to correspond to a profile of the interlocking portion such that when an interlocking portion of said another of the plurality of interconnectable blocks is received by the socket, the interlocking portion of said another of the plurality of interconnectable blocks abuts the waist portion.25 2. The modular construction system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first panelelement and the second panel element of each interconnectable block is configured to abut a corresponding at least one of a first panel element and a second panel element of said another interconnectable block when the socket of one of the plurality of interconnectable blocks receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality30 of interconnectable blocks.20 08 243. The modular construction system of claim 1, wherein the core portion comprises a spacer layer which extends in a plane parallel to the first panel element and the second panel element.

4. The modular construction system of claim 3, wherein the spacer layer is configured to provide acoustic insulation.

5. The modular construction system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the spacer layer is configured to provide thermal insulation.

6. The modular construction system of claim 5, wherein the spacer layer comprises a material having a thermal conductivity not greater than 0.1 W / mK.

7. The modular construction system of any one of the claims 3 to 6, wherein the spacer layer is resiliently deformable.

8. The modular construction system of anyone of the claims 3 to 7, wherein the spacer layer comprises a wood fibre composite low density fibreboard.

9. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel element is provided with a plurality of passageways which extend through the first panel element from an outer surface of the first panel element towards the core element.

10. The modular construction system of claim 9, wherein each passageway has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the inlet opening of each passageway is smaller than the outlet opening.

11. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core element comprises a first support layer disposed between the spacer layer and the first panel element.

12. The modular construction system of claim 11, wherein the first support layer comprises a wood fibre composite medium density fibreboard.20 08 2413. The modular construction system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the first support layer is provided with a plurality of passageways which extend through the first support layer.5 14. The modular construction system of claim 13 ,when dependent on claim 9, wherein thepassageways provided through the first support layer are aligned with the passageways provided through the first panel element.

15. The modular construction system of claim 14, wherein each passageway provided through 10 the first support layer has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening corresponds to the outlet opening of the passageway provided through the first panel element with which said passageway provided through the first support layer is aligned.

16. The modular construction system of claim 15, wherein the inlet opening each passageway 15 provided through the first panel element is smaller than the outlet opening of each corresponding passageway provided through the first support layer.

17. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlocking portion has a leading upper edge and a leading lower edge which are 20 configured to align the interlocking portion in a socket as the interlocking portion is inserted into a socket of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks.

18. The modular construction system of claim 17, wherein at least one of the leading upper edge and the leading lower edge is chamfered.2519. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlocking portion has at least one bearing surface which extends obliquely with respect to the direction in which the socket receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks.3020. The modular construction system of claim 19, wherein the at least one bearing surface of the interlocking portion extends at an angle of 45 degrees to the direction in which the20 08 24socket receives the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks.

21. The modular construction system of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the socket has at least 5 one bearing surface which extends in a direction which corresponds to the direction in which the bearing surface of the interlocking portion extends.

22. The modular construction system of claim 21, wherein the at least one bearing surface of the socket extends at an angle of 45 degrees to the direction in which the socket receives 10 the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks.

23. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlocking portion is provided with a first retaining feature and at least one of the first panel element and the second panel element is provided with a second retaining feature, 15 the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature are configured to engage each other when the interlocking portion is received by the interlocking portion of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks so as to inhibit removal of the interlocking portion from the socket of said another of said plurality of interconnectable blocks.20 24. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the firstpanel element and / or the second panel element comprises plywood.

25. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, each of the first panel element, second panel element and core element is manufactured from a 25 sustainable product, such as a sustainable wood product.

26. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interconnecting blocks are configured such that, when connected, the first panel elements and / or the second panel elements of the connected interconnecting blocks 30 form a continuous surface.

27. The modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the interconnectable blocks comprises at least one of a conduit, a power socket, acommunication port, a light source, and an air vent.20 08 24

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