Prefabricated packaged utility surface

Abstract

A prefabricated packaged utility surface 10, 100 adapted to be wall-mounted is provided. The prefabricated packaged utility surface 10, 100 comprises one or more panels 12a, 12b, 12c, 102a, 102b for mounting one or more utility units. In some embodiments, the or each panel 12a, 12b, 12c, 102a, 102b can be provided with one or more flanges 14a, 14b which provide structural rigidity to the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10, 100. In some embodiments, the or each panel 12a, 12b, 12c, 102a, 102b comprises a pre-formed laminate structure being formed from a sheet material and comprising at least a first layer and a core layer bonded together.

Description

The present invention relates to a prefabricated packaged utility surface, particularly but not exclusively for mounting onto a wall in a utility room. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION In residential construction projects, it is necessary to install utilities such as heating, ventilation and electrical power. This requires installation of a number of utility units such as a water heating unit, a distribution board for the electricity supply, a mechanical ventilation unit, and sometimes appliances such as washing machines or tumble driers. The units and appliances must be connected to utilities conduits such as electrical power cables, ventilation ducts, gas supply and water flow and return pipes. In larger projects such as apartment buildings, it may be necessary to repeat a number of identical installations. It has been found that significant cost and time savings can be obtained by providing the facilities in packaged utility surfaces. This allows a significant amount of standardised work to be performed off-site, simplifying the overall construction process. The benefits of using packaged utility surfaces are well established, but problems that have arisen are that packaged utility surfaces can be expensive to manufacture, are large and unwieldy to handle and can be heavy. They generally require multiple workers to install them, posing a health and safety risk. Recently, prefabricated packaged utility surfaces have been made from steel for its strength. Unfortunately, steel is relatively difficult to cut and fold, resulting in higher production costs, particularly when producing panels featuring a number of cut slots and folded tabs. As a result, time and effort is required to shape and fabricate the steel to a desired shape. Various coating processes are also required which adds time and expense. Additionally, the panels of the prefabricated packaged utility surfaces must be shaped before being transported to an assembly plant where fittings and utilities are installed, reducing packing efficiency, resulting in higher costs for transportation and higher fuel usage. Steel is also a relatively dense material which further increases transportation costs and fuel usage, both to the assembly plant and to the final installation site. During transportation and installation prefabricated packaged utility surface can suffer surface damage in the form of scratches and dust. To achieve an aesthetically pleasing finish subsequent remedial work often has to be carried out. This further increases the time and cost. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prefabricated packaged utility surface adapted to be wall-mounted (or wall-hung) comprising: one or more laminated panels, each laminated panel having a pre-formed laminate structure being formed from a sheet material comprising at least a first layer and a core layer bonded together, the first layer being a metal layer or melamine layer; and at least one of the laminated panels (optionally each of the laminated panels) mounting one or more utility units. Advantageously, this provides strength and rigidity to the prefabricated packaged utility surface without needing an external frame or bracing to support the panels. This also reduces the overall manufacturing and installation costs of the prefabricated packaged utility surface. In embodiments where a plurality of laminated panels is provided, two or more smaller laminated panels may be connected together to form the prefabricated packaged utility surface. This means that the prefabricated packaged utility surface can be provided in multiple parts which can be easily brought on-site, for example, through the door or using a hoist, and installed by a single worker or a lesser number of workers. This helps to simplify and speed up installation because multiple workers are not required. The panels also do not need to be craned into the building or room which can take a lot of time. The use of multiple smaller laminated panels allows the size of the prefabricated packaged utility surface to be adapted to different room configurations or to what is desired by the user. The pre-formed laminate structure is formed from a sheet material. Each sheet material may have a substantially constant thickness. The thickness may be at least about 1.52 mm. The thickness may be up to about 18 mm. In some cases, the thickness may be between 1.6 mm to 14 mm, or between 1.6 mm to 7.3 mm, or between 2 mm to 6 mm, or between 2.6 mm to 5.4 mm. The thickness may be in a range or sub-range having a lower boundary and / or an upper boundary each independently selected from any of these values. The materials of the first layer and the core layer may be dissimilar. The mechanical properties of the first layer and the second layer may be dissimilar. The core layer may be less dense than the first layer, that is to say the density of the core layer material may be less than the density of the first layer material. The provision of layers of dissimilar materials allows properties of the pre-formed laminate structure to be selected more easily. For example, the composite material may be tailored to have the same rigidity and durability as a particular material, but the weight may be minimised. The pre-formed laminate structure may comprise a second layer. The second layer and the core layer may be bonded together. The second layer may be bonded to a surface of the core layer on a side of the core layer opposite the first layer. The second layer may be substantially the same or identical to the first layer. The first layer and / or the second layer may comprise aluminium. The first layer and / or the second layer may comprise an aluminium alloy. The aluminium alloy may be an alloy comprising aluminium with other elements such as iron, silicon, copper, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Advantageously, this enhances properties such as strength, density, workability and corrosion resistance when compared with aluminium. The first layer and / or the second layer may have a surface coating. The surface coating may improve durability and / or other mechanical properties of the first and / or second layer. A polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride coating may be provided on the first layer and / or second layer. Advantageously, the coating provides the first and / or second layer with a good surface finish. This is ideal for aesthetic preferences in domestic and / or commercial environments where the appearance of the utility room is an important aspect. Compared to steel, it does not require spray painting after the installation of the prefabricated packaged utility surface to achieve a good surface finish. An exposed surface of the first layer may form the visible part of the laminated panel when fitted, i.e. when mounted onto the wall. The first layer and / or the second layer may have a substantially constant thickness. The thickness may be at least 0.01 mm. The thickness may be up to 2 mm. In some cases, the thickness may be between 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or between 0.1 to 0.9 mm, or between 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The thickness may be in a range or sub-range having a lower boundary and / or an upper boundary each independently selected from any of these values. When the first layer and / or the second layer is a metal layer, the thickness may be about 0.4 mm. When the first layer and / or the second layer is a melamine layer, the thickness may be between 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm. The core layer may be a polymeric core or plastic core. The core layer may comprise a thermoplastic. The core layer may comprise polyethylene. The polyethylene may be a high-density polyethylene. Advantageously, high-density polyethylene has high stiffness, strength, toughness, resistance to chemicals and moisture, and is easy to process and form. The core layer may be an A2 grade polyethylene. The core layer may comprise a mineral polymer. The core layer may comprise a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure may comprise a material or metal such as aluminium. The core layer may have a substantially constant thickness. The thickness may be at least 1.5 mm. The thickness may be up to 17.98 mm. In some cases, the thickness may be between 1.5 mm to 10 mm thick, or between 1.5 to 5.5 mm, or between 2 mm to 4.4 mm. The thickness may be in a range or sub-range having a lower boundary and / or an upper boundary each independently selected from any of these values. When the core layer is a polymeric layer or polyethylene layer, the thickness may be about 3.2 mm. When the core layer is a chipboard layer, the thickness may be between 17.9 mm to 17.98 mm. The thickness of the melamine layer may be selected such that the overall thickness of the panel is about 18 mm. Advantageously, the use of a polymer, preferably polyethylene, in the pre-formed laminate structure reduces the weight of the pre-formed laminate structure. In some cases, the weight is reduced by half compared to just using aluminium, for example. Polyethylene also has an economical advantage since the cost of the material is lower compared to using steel or other metals as the main material in the pre-formed laminate structure. In some embodiments, the first layer may be a polymeric layer such as a melamine layer. The core layer may comprise chipboard. The pre-formed laminated structure may be melamine chipboard. Melamine chipboard can provide a particularly cost-effective option for the prefabricated packaged utility surface. The exposed surface of the core layer, or in some embodiments, the exposed surface of the second layer may form the back or rear surface, that is to say the hidden surface when mounted onto the wall. The pre-formed laminate structure may be made from an aluminium composite material. Advantageously, the aluminium composite material is a light and durable material. The aluminium composite material may be made from recyclable materials. It may also be recycled after use. Since aluminium composite material can be stored and transported as a flat pack, lorries are able to carry and transport a greater number of pre-formed laminate structures at a given time. This increases the packing efficiency in lorries resulting in lower costs for transportation and less fuel usage. This has the added benefit of reducing the impact on the environment. Furthermore, this means that the manufacturing site is also able to store more aluminium composite materials, or preformed laminate structures, in a small space. The use of aluminium composite material also allows for easier manufacture of the prefabricated packaged utility surface. Its hardness is lower than steel therefore, the use of complex cutting tools such as a laser cutter is not required. This increases speed of manufacturing. The or each laminated panel may be folded along at least two edges to form flanges for providing structural rigidity. The flanges may extend approximately orthogonally away from a main body of the or each laminated panel. The flanges may be provided on opposite edges of the or each laminated panel. The flanges may extend substantially along the entire edge of the or each laminated panel. The flanges may be continuous or discontinuous. That is to say that the flanges may each independently be a single continuous flange or a multipart flange with each part being separated by a cut or a notch. The flanges may be considered to be a wall on the peripheral edges of the or each laminated panel. The or each laminated panel may comprise at least two fold lines. The fold lines may be formed by an area of weakness in at least one of the layers of the pre-formed laminate structure. The fold lines may be formed by an area of reduced thickness in the pre-formed laminate structure. The pre-formed laminate structure may comprise at least two substantially V-shaped cuts. The substantially V-shaped cuts may be considered the fold lines of the flanges. The V-shaped cuts may be considered V-shaped grooves. Each V-shaped cut may extend through at least a portion of the core layer, preferably with the point of the V ending at or near the first layer. This allows the at least two edges of the or each laminated panel to be folded. In some embodiments, each V-shaped cut may extend partially into the first layer. In embodiments with a second layer, each V-shaped cut extends entirely through the second layer. Each V-shaped cut may form a mitre. Each V-shaped cut may provide two sloped surfaces. Each sloped surface may have an angle which when combined provides a predetermined angle for the flange. For example, each sloped surface may have a 45° angle. When folded, the sloped surfaces with 45° angle may abut or be in close proximity to each other to form the flange that extends approximately orthogonally from the plane of the main body of the laminated panel. The first layer of the main body of the laminated panel may be continuous with the first layer of the flanges. The core layer of the flanges may be substantially discontinuous with the core layer of the main body of the laminated panel. This allows the first layer to be folded which provides a continuous surface of the first layer. The pre-formed laminate structure may be formed from a single piece of sheet material. A removable plastic protective film may be provided for protecting a surface of the first layer of the pre-formed laminate structure. Advantageously, this prevents damage on the surface of the laminated panel during transport and installation of the prefabricated packaged utility surface. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a prefabricated packaged utility surface adapted to be wall-mounted (or wall-hung) comprising: one or more panels, each comprised of a flat sheet of material mounting one or more utility units, the or each panel being made from aluminium composite material or melamine chipboard; one or more edges of the or each sheet being strengthened with one or more flanges extending rearwardly. The second aspect of the present invention has similar advantages to the first aspect of the present invention. Any feature or features of the first aspect of the invention may be provided in this second aspect. At least two edges of the or each sheet may be strengthened with one or more flanges extending rearwardly, preferably two edges or opposing edges. The first aspect and second aspect of the present invention may include any of the following optional or preferred features. A first reinforcing member may extend substantially along a lower edge of the or each panel or laminated panel and / or a second reinforcing member may extend substantially along an upper edge of the or each panel or laminated panel. The first and second reinforcing members provides support and improves rigidity of the prefabricated packaged utility surface. Having the reinforcing members avoids the need to add additional material or further process the laminate panels to improve their rigidity. An interlocking means or panel-to-panel connection means may be provided for each panel or laminated panel. This allows the panel or laminated panel to interlock with another panel or laminated panel, for example before the panel or laminated panel is fixed to the wall. The interlocking means or panel-to-panel connection means may include one or more tongue and groove connections. The tongue and groove connections (or other interlocking means) removes the likelihood of gaps or misalignment during install. At least a portion of the first reinforcing member may protrude from the lower edge of the or each panel or laminated panel for slotting into a channel between the flanges of another panel or laminated panel. In some embodiments, this may be the interlocking feature of the panel or laminated panel. The second reinforcing member may be substantially inset from the upper edge of the or each panel or laminated panel. When more than one panel or laminated panel is provided, the first reinforcing member of one panel or laminated panel may abut the second reinforcing member of another panel or laminated panel when assembled together. Either or both of the first and second reinforcing members may be made from a preformed laminate structure comprising at least a first layer and a core layer bonded together. The first layer may be a metal layer. The pre-formed laminate structure of the reinforcing members may comprise a second layer. In the reinforcing member(s), the second layer and the core layer may be bonded together. A surface of the second layer may be bonded to a surface of the core layer on a side of the core layer opposite the first layer. In the reinforcing member(s), the second layer may be substantially the same or identical to the first layer. Either or both of the first and second reinforcing members may be a U-shaped member having its ends facing towards the panel or laminated panel. That is, may have a U-shaped cross-section where the ends of the U are at the panel. Either or both of the first and second reinforcing members may include at least one tab. This allows the first and / or second reinforcing member to be fixed to the panel or laminated panel and provide structural support or rigidity to the panel or laminated panel. The at least one tab may be provided to an end, i.e. an end of an arm, of the U-shaped reinforcing member. Ends of the first and / or second reinforcing member may include at least one further tab. This allows the flanges of the or each panel or laminated panel to be fixed to the first and / or second reinforcing member. This helps to maintain the flanges of the or each panel or laminated panel in their folded position. The or each panel or laminated panel may include at least one fixing means for mounting the one or more utility units. The utility units may be services and / or conduits. The fixing means may be provided on the side of the pre-formed laminate structure visible in use. Examples of one or more utility units which may be fixed to the prefabricated packaged utility surface include: Heat interface unit (HIU), MVHR ventilation system, Electrical consumer unit and switchgear, Underfloor heating (UFM) system, Provision for telecoms infrastructure, Water meter, Tenant valve or mains water isolation, Electric meter board, - Chilled interface unit (ClU), and - Waste pipework for washing machine or similar. Note that any independent selection from of the above list may be selectively included and / or excluded in the invention. One or more adjustable feet may be provided on the panels, or connectable to the panels. This allows the prefabricated packaged utility surface to be adjusted so that it is level. In some embodiments, the prefabricated packaged utility surface may include (or consist of) two panels. The panels may be a left panel and a right panel. In some embodiments, particularly the two-panel version, there may be no horizontal joins. In other words, the or each panel may extend substantially most or all of the way from the floor to the ceiling. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a prefabricated packaged utility surface adapted to be wall-mounted comprising: a plurality of panels, each comprised of a flat sheet of material mounting one or more utility units, and at least one panel of the plurality of panels comprising interlocking means for connecting to another panel of the plurality of panels; one or more edges of the or each sheet being strengthened with one or more flanges extending rearwardly. The third aspect of the present invention has similar advantages to the first and second aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, this allows smaller panels to be attached or connected together to form the prefabricated packaged utility surface, which can be easily installed by a single worker or a lesser number of workers than conventionally required. Any feature or features of the first and / or second aspect of the invention may be provided in the third aspect. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method of installing or constructing a prefabricated packaged utility surface as set out in the first or second aspects, the method comprising the step of: providing a first panel or laminated panel; positioning and abutting the panel or laminated panel to a wall; and fixing (e.g. screwing) the first panel or laminated panel to the wall. By fixing the panels to the wall, one panel at a time, this obviates the need for a costly external frame or bracing which would otherwise be needed to support a free-standing unit. It also means that the prefabricated utility surface can be moved or carried around individually as smaller modules. The first reinforcement member of a second panel or laminated panel may be slotted into a channel between the flanges of the first panel or laminated panel. This allows the second panel or laminated panel to be held or to be secured above the first panel or laminated panel. The second panel or laminated panel may be fixed to the wall. A further panel or laminated panel may be provided, and the optional steps may be repeated for the further panel or laminated panel. The utility units may be attached to the panel or laminated panels before assembly. A second prefabricated packaged utility surface may be positioned next to or abut the (first) prefabricated packaged utility surface. The second prefabricated packaged utility surface may be fixed next to and extend along the same plane as the first prefabricated packaged utility surface. Alternatively, the second prefabricated packaged utility surface may be fixed next to and extend along a plane substantially perpendicular to the first prefabricated utility surface. This can provide an L-shaped or corner arrangement. The second prefabricated packaged utility surface may be interlocked or interconnected with the first prefabricated packaged utility surface. One or more additional prefabricated packaged utility surface may be provided, and the optional steps may be repeated for the or each additional prefabricated packaged utility surface. The or each additional prefabricated packaged utility surface may be positioned next to or abut the first or second or other additional prefabricated packaged utility surface. In preferred embodiments of any of the aspects, the prefabricated packaged utility surface is wall-hung, made of aluminium composite material, has a number of interlocking panels (although a single panel can be provided) and lacks an external frame (although reinforcing members or bars may be provided at the panel-to-panel connections). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a prefabricated packaged utility surface; Figure 2 shows a partially-exploded perspective view of the prefabricated packaged utility surface of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the prefabricated packaged utility surface of Figure 2 with reinforcing members fixed to panels (some parts of the panels being shown as transparent for clarity); Figure 4 shows a side view of the panels and reinforcing members before assembly; Figure 5 shows a side view of the panels and reinforcing members when assembled together; Figure 6 shows a front view of the prefabricated packaged utility surface of Figure 1 having utility units mounted to it, disposed next to a second embodiment of a prefabricated packaged utility surface; and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an adjustable foot attachable to the prefabricated packaged utility surfaces of Figures 1 and 6. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figure 1, a first embodiment of a prefabricated packaged utility surface adapted for mounting onto a wall is indicated generally at 10. In this embodiment, three rectangular panels 12a, 12b and 12care connected vertically to each other. In other words, a second panel 12b is disposed above a first panel 12a and a third panel 12c is disposed above the second panel 12b. However, in other embodiments, a different number of panels may be provided. In some other embodiments, for example, a single panel may be provided. The panels 12a, 12b, 12c are the same width but have different lengths or heights. The panels can be adapted to the desired size. This allows them to be configured to fit within different room layouts and different handings. Each panel 12a, 12b, 12c is folded along its left and right side edges. This forms a right flange 14a and left flange 14b on each panel, which provides structural rigidity to the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10. The flanges 14a, 14b extend rearwardly from the corresponding panel and are perpendicular to a main body of the panel. This provides a channel extending along the length of the panel at a rear of the panel. When the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10 is mounted onto the wall, the channel forms a space between the main body of the panel and the wall. In this embodiment, each panel 12a, 12b, 12c is made from a pre-formed laminate structure (not shown). Advantageously, this allows the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10 to be made from a cheaper and light - but still durable - material. However, in other embodiments, a single layer of material, for example, a single metal layer, may be used to form the panel(s). The pre-formed laminate structure is formed from a sheet material. In this embodiment, the pre-formed laminate structure comprises a first layer, a second layer (or a core layer), and a third layer. The first layer is bonded to a first surface of the second layer and the third layer is bonded to a second surface of the second layer opposite the first surface. In other words, the second layer is disposed between the first and third layers. The first layer forms the visible surface of the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10, in which utility units, such as services and / or conduits, can be attached using fixing means. In this embodiment, the first and second layer are metal layers, and the core layer is a polymeric layer. Preferably, the first and second layers are made from aluminium and the core layer is made from polyethylene. In other words, the panels are made from aluminium composite material. This material can be stored and transported as a flat pack and therefore increases the packing efficiency and reduces costs for transportation. The flanges 14a, 14b can be folded on-site during installation. A V-shaped cut (not shown) is formed at the fold line of the flanges 14a, 14b of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c. In this embodiment, the V-shaped cuts extend entirely along the whole length of each panel allowing the flanges to be folded at the fold lines. The V- shaped cuts are provided along a portion of the core layer and entirely through the second layer. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a first elongate U-shaped reinforcing member 16a is provided substantially along a lower edge of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c and a second elongate U-shaped reinforcing member 16b is provided substantially along an upper edge of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c. The elongate U-shaped reinforcing members 16a, 16b extend between the right 14a and left 14b flanges within the channel at the rear of the main body of each panel. In the Figures, not all of the reinforcement members are shown. In this embodiment, an end of a first arm of the U-shaped reinforcing members 16a, 16b includes two rectangular tabs 18 (although it will be appreciated that other shapes of tab could be provided). Each tab 18 extends in a direction from the first arm to towards the other arm of the corresponding U-shaped reinforcing member 16a, 16b. The tabs 18 are spaced apart from each other along each reinforcing member and extend substantially parallel to the main body of the panel. Fixing means, for example, rivets or screws are used to fix the tabs and reinforcing member to the corresponding panel. The fixing means may extend through pre-formed apertures in the panel and tabs 18. A second arm of the U-shaped cross-section reinforcing members 16a, 16b includes a cut-out or recess disposed directly opposite the tabs. That is, cut-outs or recesses are provided on the side of the reinforcing member opposite each tab. This allows easy access to the tabs when fixing to the panel. Each end of the reinforcing members 16a, 16b includes folded portions which form further tabs 20. This is most clearly seen in Figures 4 and 5, which show a side view of the first 12a and second 12b panels. The further tabs 20 are parallel to the flanges 14a, 14b. The further tabs 20 on each end of the reinforcing members 16a, 16b have an approximately triangular shape and are disposed adjacent to each other. Fixing means such as rivets or screws can be used to fix the further tabs respectively to the left 14b and right 14a flanges of the panels. The fixing means may extend through preformed apertures in the panel and further tabs 20. A portion of the first reinforcing member 16a protrudes from the lower edge of each panel as can be more clearly seen in Figures 4 and 5. The second reinforcing member 16b is substantially inset from the upper edge of the panel as can be more clearly seen in Figures 4 and 5. The reinforcing members 16a, 16b are attached to the panels before the assembly of the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10. The method of assembling the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10 is discussed below. To assemble the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10 as shown in Figure 1, the first panel 12a is fixed to the wall, for example of a room or a building. The second panel 12b is positioned above the first panel 12a, and the first reinforcement member 16a of the second panel is slotted into a channel ofthe first panel and above the second reinforcing member 16b of the first panel. The first reinforcing member 16a allows the second panel to be held in position above the first panel. This also allows the panels to be properly aligned with each other. The first reinforcement member 16a of the second panel and the second reinforcement member 16b of the first panel are disposed next to and substantially abut each other. The second panel 12b is then fixed to the wall. The third panel 12c is attached to the second panel 12b in the same way. In other words, the third panel is positioned above the second panel and the first reinforcement member 16a ofthe third panel is slotted into the channel ofthe second panel 12b. The third panel is then fixed to the wall. The lower reinforcing member 16a allows each panel to be held in position above another panel whilst it is secured. Because the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10 is provided with multiple smaller panels, a single worker or a lesser number of workers are able to bring the panels onsite and install the prefabricated packaged utility surface 10. This also allows the speed of installation because multiple workers and a crane for lifting the panels is not required. Figure 6 shows the first embodiment 10 of the prefabricated packaged utility surface and a second embodiment 100 ofthe prefabricated packaged utility surface disposed next to each other, with utility units attached to them. The second embodiment 100 comprises of two panels 102a, 102b. The features of the panels and the reinforcing members of the second embodiment 100 are similar to the panels and reinforcing members ofthe first embodiment 10. If required, further prefabricated packaged utility surfaces can be provided adjacent the first and second embodiments to provide a large overall unit. Two adjustable feet 22 are provided an either side at the bottom of the first panel of both surfaces 10, 100, as can be seen in Figure 6. A close-up view of one of the adjustable feet 22 is shown in Figure 7. The adjustable feet 22 are fixed to the second reinforcing member 16a of the first panel 12a. It will be appreciated that the feet 22 may be provided in the Figure 1 embodiment. In variations of the Figure 6 embodiment, there may be no horizontal joins between panels. That is, there may be a single left panel 100 and a single right panel 10 abutting or disposed next to each other (optionally with other panels to either side). In further variations of the Figure 6 embodiment, there may be no horizontal joins and no vertical joins. That is, there may be a single panel providing the prefabricated packaged utility surface. In another embodiment (not shown), a single panel having a vertical fold may be provided as an L-shaped prefabricated packaged utility surface. This allows the panel to be provided or mounted in a corner of the room, for example. In another embodiment (not shown), a single left panel may be provided on one wall of the room and a single right panel may be provided adjacent to the single left panel on an adjacent wall in the room. This creates an L-shaped arrangement which can be provided in a corner of the room. A vertical join may be provided between the single left and right panels, for example using rivets or screws, to provide an L-shaped unit. Advantageously, the present invention allows multiple panels to be provided which can be easily handled and installed by a single worker or a lesser number of workers. Therefore, this makes the installation of the prefabricated packaged utility surface onsite to be easier. Furthermore, the smaller panels can be brought on-site through a door or on a hoist, rather than being craned into position. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A prefabricated packaged utility surface adapted to be wall-mounted comprising:one or more panels which are laminated panels, each laminated panel having a pre-formed laminate structure being formed from a sheet material comprising at least a first layer and a core layer bonded together, the first layer being a metal layer or melamine layer;and at least one of the laminated panels mounting one or more utility units.

2. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in claim 1, in which the preformed laminate structure comprises a second layer bonded to the core layer on a side of the core layer opposite the first layer.

3. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in whichthe first layer comprises aluminium, and / orwhen dependent on claim 2, the second layer comprises aluminium.

4. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in whichthe first layer is between 0.01 mm to 2 mm thick, and / orwhen dependent on claim 2, the second layer is between 0.01 mm to 2 mm thick.

5. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the core layer comprises polyethylene or chipboard.

6. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the core layer is around 1.5 mm to 17.98 mm thick.

7. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pre-formed laminate structure is made from an aluminium composite material.

8. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each laminated panel is folded along at least two edges to form flanges for providing structural rigidity.

9. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in claim 8, in which a V-shaped cut in at least a portion of the core layer is provided for allowing the at least two edges to be folded.

10. A prefabricated packaged utility surface adapted to be wall-mounted comprising:one or more panels, each comprised of a flat sheet of material mounting one or more utility units, the or each panel being made from aluminium composite material or melamine chipboard;11. one or more edges of the or each sheet being strengthened with one or more flanges extending rearwardly. A prefabricated package utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each panel includes an interlocking means for allowing the panel to interlock with another panel.

12. A prefabricated packaged utility surface adapted to be wall-mounted comprising:a plurality of panels, each comprised of a flat sheet of material mounting one or more utility units, and at least one panel of the plurality of panels comprising interlocking means for connecting to another panel of the plurality of panels;one or more edges of each sheet being strengthened with one or more flanges extending rearwardly.

13. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a first reinforcing member extends substantially along a lower edge of the or each panel and / or a second reinforcing member extends substantially along an upper edge of the or each panel.

14. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 8, in which at least a portion of the first reinforcing member protrudes from the lower edge of the or each panel for slotting into a channel between the flanges of another panel.

15. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, in which the second reinforcing member is inset from the upper edge of the or each panel.

16. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, in which the first reinforcing member and / or second reinforcing member is made from a pre-formed laminate structure comprising at least a first layer and a core layer bonded together, the first layer being a metal layer.

17. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, in which the first reinforcing member and / or second reinforcing member has a U-shaped cross-section having ends facing towards the panel.

18. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, in which the first reinforcing member and / or second reinforcing member includes at least one first tab for fixing onto the panel.

19. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, when dependent on claim 8, in which ends of the first reinforcing member and / or second reinforcing member include at least one second tab for fixing to the flanges of the or each panel.

20. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each panel includes at least one fixing means for mounting the one or more utility units.

21. A prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or more adjustable feet are provided.

22. A method of constructing or installing a prefabricated packaged utility surface as claimed in any preceding claim, the method comprising the step of: providing a first panel or laminated panel;positioning and abutting the panel or laminated panel to a wall; andfixing the first panel or laminated panel to the wall.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, when dependent on claim 13, further comprising the step of slotting the first reinforcement member of a second panel or laminated panel into a channel between the flanges of the first panel or laminated panel for holding or securing the second panel or laminated panel above the first panel or laminated panel.

24. A method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, further comprising the step of fixing the second panel or laminated panel to the wall.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising the step of providing one or more further panels or laminated panels and repeating the steps in claim 23 5 or claim 24 for each of the one or more further panels or laminated panels.21

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