Modular building assembly

Abstract

There is disclosed a hybrid building (10) having a lower storey (34) and an upper storey (36), the hybrid building comprising a first building section (28) which is an on-site construction at a final location (32) for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume (94) defining at least one room (178-186) providing a living space within the building, and a modular building assembly (12) forming a second building section (30). One exemplary modular building assembly (12) comprises: a first modular building unit (14) comprising an internal volume (16), the first modular building unit having a footprint (18); at least one further modular building unit (20) comprising an internal volume (22), said further modular building unit configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a first portion (24) of its footprint; and a modular floor unit (26) configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a further portion (27) of its footprint. The modular floor unit forms a floor for an internal space (87) in the upper storey of the building, the internal space defined by the first building section and enclosed by external walls (231, 233, 236, 238) of the building.

Description

[0001] MODULAR BUILDING ASSEMBLY

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular building assembly configured to form at least part of a building, the modular building assembly comprising a first modular building unit, and at least one further modular building unit configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit. The present invention also relates to a building system comprising the modular building assembly, a building comprising the modular building assembly, and a method of constructing a building using the modular building assembly.

[0003] Prefabricated buildings (also known as ‘modular’ buildings) are well known in the construction industry, particularly modular residential buildings such as houses, flats or apartments, and hotels. Modular buildings typically comprise a series of building units which are constructed in a factory, transported to a final location (or site) for the building, and then arranged in a predetermined configuration and coupled together to form the finished building. The modular building units are typically constructed to a substantially assembled form in the factory, in which they can be transported to the final location.

[0004] Construction of the building can involve forming a modular building assembly comprising a first (or lower) modular building unit, and a further (or upper) modular building unit stacked on the first unit. Typically, the first modular building unit has a footprint, and the further modular building unit has a footprint which corresponds to that of the first unit. The second modular building unit is positioned on top of the first modular building unit so that it overlies substantially the entire footprint of the first unit. Whist the modular building assembly may form substantially the entire building, it is common to connect one or more further modular building unit to the assembly to form the completed building. Optionally, the modular building assembly forms a first such assembly of the building, and one or more further modular building assembly is provided which, in conjunction with the first modular building assembly, forms the completed building.

[0005] Hybrid buildings have been developed by the applicant which comprise a first building section that is constructed at a final location for the building, and a second building section comprising one or more modular building unit constructed in a dedicated facility, away from the final location. The hybrid buildings and associated construction techniques are disclosed in International patent publication nos. WO2022 / 243696, WO2022 / 243695, WO2022 / 243694, WO2022 / 243693 and WO2023 / 222853. The hybnd buildings can comprise two or more storeys, and so can include one or more modular building assembly of the type described above, having stacked first and second modular building units.

[0006] The applicant has recognised that it can be desirable, in certain building constructions, to form a modular building assembly comprising first and second modular building units having different footprints, and / or by arranging the second modular building unit so that it only overlies a part of the footprint of the first modular building unit. This can however present certain challenges when it comes to completing a building comprising the modular building assembly. According to a first aspect, there is provided a modular building assembly configured to form at least part of a building, the modular building assembly comprising: a first modular building unit comprising an internal volume, the first modular building unit having a footprint; at least one further modular building unit comprising an internal volume, said further modular building unit configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a first portion of its footprint; and a modular floor unit configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a further portion of its footprint.

[0007] In the modular building assembly of the first aspect, the further modular building unit overlies only the first portion of the first modular building unit footprint, whilst the modular floor unit overlies the further portion. This may provide greater design freedom for an upper storey of a building comprising the modular building assembly, the upper storey including, and / or being formed at least partly by, the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit. For example, living space provided in the upper storey of a building comprising the modular building assembly, and / or access into such living space, may be less restricted by the shape and / or size of a support structure (e.g. a structural frame) of the further modular building unit. Previously, the living space / access had to fit around the structural frame, particularly upright support posts of the frame. The greater design freedom may be provided particularly in a hybrid building comprising the modular building assembly, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0008] The reference to a footprint of the first modular building unit should generally be understood to mean the area (on, in or above the ground) which the unit accommodates, measured from outer surfaces or boundaries of the unit.

[0009] Reference is made to the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit overlying portions of the first modular building unit footprint. It will be understood that said units may overlie the respective portions of the footprint in that they may substantially (or completely) cover said portions of the footprint, when viewed from above or in plan. The footprint portions may each have a respective perimeter, and the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit may extend at least up to the respective perimeter, in order to overlie said footprint portions.

[0010] Reference is made to said further modular building unit, and the modular floor unit, being positioned on top of the first modular building unit. This may effectively require that said further modular building unit, and the modular floor unit, be positioned above, and supported by or on, the first modular building unit. Typically they will be in direct contact with the first modular building unit, and so positioned directly on the first unit.

[0011] However, they may be in indirect contact with the first modular building unit, and so positioned indirectly on the first unit (i.e. not in direct contact, and so for example with an intermediate component, such as a support structure, between them). The further modular building unit and the modular floor unit may be configured so that they together overlie at least a substantial part, and / or a majority, of the footprint of the first modular building unit. The further modular building unit and the modular floor unit may be configured so that they together overlie substantially the entire footprint of the first modular building unit.

[0012] The first modular building unit may provide or define at least part of an access route or pathway, which may provide for access from the first modular building unit to at least one of: a) a floor supported or defined by the modular floor unit; and b) the internal volume of the further modular building unit.

[0013] The first modular building unit may comprise at least a main part of a staircase, which may form said part of the access route. The first modular building unit may comprise a ceiling structure. The first modular building unit and the modular floor unit may be arranged so that an aperture is provided in and / or extending through the ceiling structure (when the modular floor unit is positioned on the first modular building unit). The aperture may communicate with the main part of the staircase. The modular floor unit may comprise an aperture, which may communicate with the main part of the staircase in the first modular building unit when the modular floor unit is positioned on top of the first modular building unit. The further modular building unit may comprise an aperture, which may communicate with the main part of the staircase in the first modular building unit when the further modular building unit is positioned on top of the first modular building unit.

[0014] The modular floor unit may be configured to support or define at least part of a landing, and the access route may open on to, and / or may communicate with, the landing. Where there is an aperture that communicates with the main part of the staircase in the first modular building unit, the aperture may open adjacent to the landing.

[0015] The further modular building unit may be configured to support or define at least part of a landing, and the access route may open on to, and / or may communicate with, the landing. Where the further modular building unit comprises an aperture that communicates with the main part of the staircase in the first modular building unit, the aperture may open adjacent to the landing.

[0016] The modular floor unit may be configured to provide access into the further modular building unit. The modular floor unit may be configured to support or define at least part of a floor, which may: communicate with the internal volume of the further modular building unit; and / or provide access (optionally direct access) into the internal volume of the further modular building unit.

[0017] The modular floor unit may be configured to extend laterally from the further modular building unit. It will be understood that this is during normal use of the modular building assembly, and so with the modular floor unit and the further modular building unit positioned on top of the first modular building unit. The modular floor unit may extend in a generally horizontal direction or plane, and may extend in a direction which is generally away from the further modular building unit. The modular floor unit may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the further modular building unit, in particularly laterally adjacent, considered for example in a generally horizontal plane or direction. The modular floor unit may be configured to be disposed immediately adjacent to the further modular building unit, and / or in contact with said further unit. A perimeter portion of the modular floor unit may be configured to be positioned adjacent, optionally abutting and / or in contact with, a perimeter portion of said further modular building unit. The modular floor unit may define a floor for an internal volume or space defined by a further part of a building comprising the modular building assembly, such as a first building section of a hybrid building. A height of the modular floor unit may therefore be less than a height of the further modular building unit. The modular floor unit may be configured to facilitate circulation or transition within the building during use, e.g. facilitating communication between different parts of the building.

[0018] Where there are a plurality of further modular building units, the modular floor unit may be configured to be positioned adjacent to one of said further units, but could be positioned adjacent to more than one of said further unit depending on the layout / configuration of said further units.

[0019] The further modular building unit may be a second modular building unit. The further portion of the footprint of the first modular building unit which is overlaid by the modular floor unit may be a second portion of the footprint. The modular building assembly may comprise a third modular building unit, which may comprise an internal volume. The third modular building unit may be configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a third portion of its footprint. The second modular building unit, third modular building unit and the modular floor unit may be configured so that they together overlie at least a substantial part, and / or a majority, of the footprint of the first modular building unit. The second modular building unit, third modular building unit and the modular floor unit may be configured so that they together overlie substantially the entire footprint of the first modular building unit.

[0020] The internal volume of the first modular building unit may be configured to form at least part of at least one room of the building. The at least one room may provide living space. The first modular building unit, in particular said part of the at least one room, may comprise a wet facility. The at least one room may be selected from the group comprising: a hallway; a washroom or W / C; and a utility or technical room / space.

[0021] The internal volume of the at least one further modular building unit may be configured to form at least part of at least one room of the building. The at least one room may provide living space. The further modular building unit, in particular said part of the at least one room, may comprise a wet facility. The wet facility may be selected from the group comprising: a washroom or W / C; a bathroom; and an ensuite. Where there are a plurality of further modular building units (e.g. second and third), at least one of said modular building units, and optionally both, may contain a wet facility, or respective wet facilities. The further modular building unit may define part of said room, e.g. in conjunction with a further part of a building comprising the modular building assembly, for example a first building section of a hybrid building, which will be described in more detail below. The further modular building unit may however define substantially the entire room. The first modular building unit may comprise a perimeter, which may comprise a plurality of perimeter portions. Each perimeter portion may be disposed transverse to at least one other perimeter portion. The at least one further modular building unit may be configured to overlap at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit. The at least one further modular building unit may be configured to extend beyond said perimeter portion in order to overlap it.

[0022] The at least one further modular building unit may comprise a perimeter, which may comprise a plurality of perimeter portions. Each perimeter portion may be disposed transverse to at least one other perimeter portion. The at least one further modular building unit may be configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit so that at least one perimeter portion of the further modular building unit is disposed laterally spaced from and / or beyond a perimeter portion of the first modular building unit, which may be a corresponding perimeter portion. Where the further modular building unit overlaps at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit, said perimeter portion of the further modular building unit may be disposed outwardly or outboard of, and / or not within, the footprint. The further modular building unit may be adapted to overhang the first modular building unit, and may be adapted to overhang at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit, which perimeter portion may be at or may define a side of the first modular building unit. An overhanging portion of the further modular building unit may be configured to form at least part of a porch or awning for a building comprising the modular building assembly. A space may be provided beneath the overhanging portion, which space may define a location for the porch. An overhanging portion of the further modular building unit may be configured to form an interior space or volume within the building. Said space may communicate with a further part of the building, in particular with a part of a room defined by the first modular building unit. Said space and said part of the room may together form a completed room in the building.

[0023] The at least one further modular building unit may be configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit so that at least one perimeter portion of said further unit is disposed inwardly or inboard of at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit. The at least one perimeter portion of said further modular building unit may be disposed inwardly or inboard of, and / or within, the footprint.

[0024] The first modular building unit may be elongate, and / or may comprise a main axis extending along a main or primary length direction. The modular floor unit may be elongate, and / or may comprise a main axis extending along a main or primary length direction. The at least one further modular building unit may be elongate, and / or may comprise a main axis extending along a main or primary length direction. The modular floor unit may be configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit so that the main axis of the modular floor unit is disposed substantially parallel to the main axis of the first modular building unit. The at least one further modular building unit may be configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit so that the main axis of the at least one further modular building unit is disposed substantially parallel to the main axis of the first modular building unit. The at least one further modular building unit may be configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit so that the main axis of the at least one further modular building unit is disposed transverse to the main axis of the first modular building unit, optionally substantially perpendicular. This may apply for example where the at least one further modular building unit overlaps at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit.

[0025] The footprint of the first modular building unit may be a first footprint. The at least one further modular building unit may comprise a footprint, which may be a second footprint. The second footprint may be different to the first footprint, e.g. the second footprint may have a different shape to the first footprint, and / or at least one dimension of the second footprint (such as a length or width) may differ from a corresponding dimension of the first footprint. The second footprint may be substantially the same as the first footprint (e.g. the same shape and / or dimensions). Said further modular building unit may be configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit so that the second footprint partially overlaps the first footprint, and / or so that the first and second footprints are not aligned. At least part of the second footprint may overhang a perimeter portion of the first modular building unit.

[0026] The first modular building unit may comprise a ceiling structure. The ceiling structure may be configured to support at least one of the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit. The ceiling structure may comprise at least one support surface for the further modular building unit and / or modular floor unit. The first modular building unit may comprise a base, which may be defined by a floor structure of the unit. The at least one support surface may be at a height above the base. Where there are a plurality of support surfaces, the support surfaces may be at a common height above the base. A support surface or surfaces for the at least one further modular building unit and the modular floor unit may be disposed at a common height above the base.

[0027] The modular floor unit may comprise a floor support surface. The at least one further modular building unit may comprise a floor support surface. The modular floor unit and the at least one further modular building unit may be configured so that their floor support surfaces are disposed at a common height above a base of the first modular building unit. The floor support surface of the modular floor unit may be configured to support a generally planar floor structure forming a floor of said unit. The floor support surface of the at least one further modular building unit may be configured to support a generally planar floor structure forming a floor of said unit. The generally planar floor structures may be configured to receive a decorative floor covering. The modular floor unit and the at least one further modular building unit may each have a base, and may be configured so that their bases are disposed at a common height above a base of the first modular building unit.

[0028] The modular floor unit may comprise a floor support structure. The floor support structure may define the floor support surface. The floor support structure may comprise a structural frame, which may be of a metallic, timber or timber-based material. Suitable materials can include hot-formed steel, cold-formed steel (e.g. light gauge steel), timber, composite timber materials such as plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), and combinations of these materials. The floor support structure may be or may comprise a substantially uniform or one-piece structure, such as a sheet e.g. of a cementitious or timber-based material.

[0029] The first modular building unit, the at least one further modular building unit, and / or the modular floor unit, may be constructed or constructable to a substantially assembled form away from a final location for a building comprising the modular building assembly. The first modular building unit, the at least one further modular building unit, and / or the modular floor unit, may be transportable in the substantially assembled form, e.g. to a final site or location for a building comprising the assembly.

[0030] The modular building assembly may be configured to define a circulation space (which may also be referred to as a circulation zone or transition space / zone), which may provide at least one access function for the building, during use. The access function may be selected from the group comprising: access between upper and lower living spaces of the building (e.g. between upper and lower storeys); access between a first living space and at least one further living space, said living spaces optionally being isolated from one another within another part of the building, optionally on a same level / storey (e.g. via a hallway / landing and one or more doorway or walkway); and access into the building from the outside / exterior (e.g. via one or more doorway or walkway, and optionally also a hallway). The first modular building unit may be configured to define at least part of the circulation space. The further modular building unit may be configured to define at least part of the circulation space. The modular floor unit may be configured to define at least part of the circulation space. The first modular building unit, the further modular building unit, and / or the modular floor unit, may be configured to together form the circulation space, and so two or more may of said units may each form a part of the circulation space.

[0031] The ceiling of the first modular building unit, and / or the modular floor unit, may be configured to provide a route for the connection of services, optionally building services equipment, to the further modular building unit, and / or between the further modular building unit and the first modular building unit. For example, the further modular building unit may comprise at least one wet facility, and the services may be connectable to said wet facility. Suitable wet facilities are discussed elsewhere in this document, and can comprise e.g. a bath, shower, washbasin and toilet. The services may comprise water supply conduits and / or waste conduits for connection to said wet facility. Other services may be selected from the group comprising: electrical power (provided by suitable cables or wires); water heating pipes; ventilation which may comprise air supply and / or extraction (provided by ducts or conduits); and communications (which may be provided by telecommunication / data cables or wires). The ceiling and / or the modular floor unit may comprise a space or void by or through which services may be connected to the further modular building unit.

[0032] The modular building assembly, optionally the further modular building unit, may comprise a service module configured to connect services, e.g. building services equipment, between the first and the further modular building unit. The service module may contain one or more building services connector, for connecting building services equipment in the first modular building unit to building services equipment in the further modular building unit. The one or more building services connector may comprise ducting, conduit, pipe, cable, wire or the like connectable to equivalent ducting etc. and / or other equipment in the first and further modular building units. The service module may be provided separately from the further modular building unit and may be connectable to it. Connection may occur at the site or during manufacture, prior to transportation to the site. The service module may be positionable on or above the modular floor unit. This may facilitate access to the equipment contained by the service module e.g. for maintenance or replacement. The service module may comprise a frame or outer support structure defining an internal void or space containing said building services connector.

[0033] According to a second aspect, there is provided a building system comprising a first building section and a second building section, the first and second building sections together configured to form at least part of a building, in which the second building section comprises a modular building assembly, the modular building assembly comprising: a first modular building unit comprising an internal volume, the first modular building unit having a footprint; at least one further modular building unit comprising an internal volume, said further modular building unit configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a first portion of its footprint; and a modular floor unit configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a further portion of its footprint.

[0034] According to a third aspect, there is provided a building comprising a first building section and a second building section, the first and second building sections together forming at least part of the building, in which the second building section comprises a modular building assembly, the modular building assembly comprising: a first modular building unit comprising an internal volume, the first modular building unit having a footprint; at least one further modular building unit comprising an internal volume, said further modular building unit positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a first portion of its footprint; and a modular floor unit positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a further portion of its footprint.

[0035] Optional further features of the building system and / or building are as follows.

[0036] The building may be a hybrid building, in particular a hybrid residential building. The first building section may be an on-site construction at a final location for the building. An internal volume of the second building section may be defined at least partly by the modular building assembly, and may be defined substantially entirely by the modular building assembly. The first and at least one further modular building units may be configured to be constructed away from a final location for the building, for example in a factory or facility that is spaced from the final location. The facility may be located away from a site containing the final location, but could be located on the site, e.g. in the case of a large building site containing multiple plots, each plot forming a final location for a building. The first and second building sections may be configured to be connected / fitted together at the final location to form the building.

[0037] The building may be a modular building comprising a plurality of modular building units. At least some of the modular building units may be arranged to form a modular building assembly or assemblies according to the second / third aspect. An internal volume of the building, optionally excepting an upper or outer roof of the building, may be formed entirely by said units / assemblies.

[0038] The hybrid building may have a lower storey and an upper storey. The first building section may comprise an internal volume defining at least one room which may provide a living space within the building. The internal volume of the at least one further modular building unit may define at least one room providing a further living space within the building. The first building section and the second building section may together form at least part of the building. The modular floor unit may form a floor for an internal space in the upper storey of the building. The internal space may be defined by the first building section, and may be enclosed by the walls.

[0039] The first building section may form at least some external walls of the building, and the internal space may be at least partly enclosed by one or more of said external walls. The first building section may form at least one internal wall of the building, and the internal space may be at least partly enclosed by said internal wall. The internal space may be enclosed in that it may not open (e.g. directly) to an exterior of the building, other than via a walkway, window or the like. The internal space may be at least partly enclosed by one or more wall of the further modular building unit.

[0040] Further features of the building system / building, in particular of the modular building assembly, may be derived from the text set out elsewhere in this document, in particular in or with reference to the first aspect.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a building comprising the steps of: constructing a first building section; constructing a second building section at least partly comprising a modular building assembly; and connecting the first and second building sections at a final location for the building; in which the step of constructing the second building section comprises: at a location away from the final location, constructing a first modular building unit to a substantially assembled form, comprising providing the first modular building unit with an internal volume and a footprint; at a location away from the final location, constructing at least one further modular building unit to a substantially assembled form, comprising providing said further modular building unit with an internal volume; at a location away from the final location, constructing a modular floor unit to a substantially assembled form; transporting the first modular building unit, the at least one further modular building unit and the modular floor unit to the final location in their substantially assembled forms; positioning the first modular building unit at the final location; and forming the modular building assembly by: positioning the at least one further modular building unit on top of the first modular building unit so that it overlies a first portion of its footprint; and positioning the modular floor unit on top of the first modular building unit so that it overlies a further portion of its footprint. The method may comprise arranging the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit so that they together overlie at least a substantial part, and / or a majority, of the footprint of the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit so that they together overlie substantially the entire footprint of the first modular building unit.

[0042] The method may comprise arranging the first modular building unit so that it defines at least part of an access route or pathway, which may provide access from the first modular building unit to at least one of: a) a floor supported or defined by the modular floor unit; and b) the internal volume of the further modular building unit.

[0043] The method may comprise providing the first modular building unit with at least a main part of a staircase, which may form said part of the access route. The step of constructing the first modular building unit may comprise providing the unit with a ceiling structure. The method may comprise arranging the first modular building unit and the modular floor unit so that an aperture is provided in and / or extending through the ceiling structure when the modular floor unit is positioned on the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the aperture so that it communicates with the main part of the staircase. The method may comprise providing the modular floor unit with an aperture, and arranging the aperture so that it communicates with the main part of the staircase in the first modular building unit. The method may comprise providing the further modular building unit with an aperture, and arranging the aperture so that it communicates with the main part of the staircase in the first modular building unit.

[0044] The method may comprise arranging the modular floor unit so that it supports or defines at least part of a landing, and arranging the access route so that it opens on to, and / or communicates with, the landing. The method may comprise arranging the aperture so that it opens adjacent to the landing.

[0045] The method may comprise arranging the further modular building unit so that it supports or defines at least part of a landing, and arranging the access route so that it opens on to, and / or communicates with, the landing. The method may comprise arranging the aperture so that it opens adjacent to the landing.

[0046] The method may comprise arranging the modular floor unit so that it provides access into the further modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the modular floor unit so that it supports or defines at least part of a floor, and optionally arranging the floor so that it: communicates with the internal volume of the further modular building unit; and / or provides access (optionally direct access) into the internal volume of the further modular building unit.

[0047] The further modular building unit may be a second modular building unit. The further portion of the footprint of the first modular building unit which is overlaid by the modular floor unit may be a second portion of the footprint. The step of constructing the second building section may further comprise: at a location away from the final location, constructing a third modular building unit, comprising providing the third modular building unit with an internal volume. The method may further comprise: transporting the third modular building unit to the final location in its substantially assembled form; and positioning the third modular building unit on top of the first modular building unit overlying a third portion of its footprint. The method may comprise arranging the second modular building unit, the third modular building unit and the modular floor unit so that they together overlie at least a substantial part, and / or a majority, of the footprint of the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the second modular building unit, third modular building unit and the modular floor unit so that they together overlie substantially the entire footprint of the first modular building unit.

[0048] The method may comprise arranging the internal volume of the first modular building unit so that it forms at least part of at least one room of the building. The at least one room may be selected from the group comprising: a hallway; a washroom or W / C; and a utility or technical room / space.

[0049] The method may comprise arranging the internal volume of the at least one further modular building unit so that it forms at least part of at least one room of the building. The at least one room may provide living space. The further modular building unit, in particular said part of the at least one room, may comprise a wet facility. The wet facility may be selected from the group comprising: a washroom or W / C; a bathroom; and an ensuite. Where there are a plurality of further modular building units (e.g. second and third), at least one of said modular building units, and optionally both, may be arranged so that it contains a wet facility, or respective wet facilities.

[0050] The method may comprise providing the first modular building unit with a perimeter, which may comprise a plurality of perimeter portions, each perimeter portion optionally disposed transverse to at least one other perimeter portion. The method may comprise arranging the at least one further modular building unit so that it overlaps at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the at least one further modular building unit so that it extends beyond said perimeter portion.

[0051] The method may comprise providing the at least one further modular building unit with a perimeter, which may comprise a plurality of perimeter portions, each perimeter portion optionally disposed transverse to at least one other perimeter portion. The method may comprise arranging the at least one further modular building unit so that at least one perimeter portion of the further modular building unit is disposed laterally spaced from and / or beyond a perimeter portion of the first modular building unit, which may be a corresponding perimeter portion. The method may comprise arranging the further modular building unit so that it overhangs the first modular building unit, in particular so that it overhangs at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit, which perimeter portion may be at or may define a side of the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the further modular building unit so that an overhanging portion of said unit forms at least part of a porch or awning for the building. The method may comprise arranging the further modular building unit so that an overhanging portion of said unit forms an interior space or volume within the building.

[0052] The method may comprise positioning the at least one further modular building unit so that at least one perimeter portion of said further unit is disposed inwardly or inboard of at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit. The at least one perimeter portion of said further modular building unit may be disposed inwardly or inboard of, and / or within, the footprint. The first modular building unit may be elongate, and / or may comprise a main axis extending along a main or primary length direction. The modular floor unit may be elongate, and / or may comprise a main axis extending along a main or primary length direction. The at least one further modular building unit may be elongate, and / or may comprise a main axis extending along a main or primary length direction. The method may comprise arranging the modular floor unit so its main axis is disposed substantially parallel to the main axis of the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the at least one further modular building unit so that its main axis is disposed substantially parallel to the main axis of the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the at least one further modular building unit so that its main axis is disposed transverse to the main axis of the first modular building unit, optionally substantially perpendicular.

[0053] The footprint of the first modular building unit may be a first footprint. The method may comprise providing the at least one further modular building unit with a footprint, which may be a second footprint. The method may comprise arranging the second footprint so that it is different to the first footprint, e.g. providing the second footprint with a different shape to the first footprint, and / or so that at least one dimension of the second footprint (such as a length or width) differs from a corresponding dimension of the first footprint. The method may comprise arranging the second footprint so that it is substantially the same as the first footprint (e.g. the same shape and / or dimensions). The method may comprise arranging the further modular building unit so that the second footprint partially overlaps the first footprint, and / or so that the first and second footprints are not aligned. The method may comprise arranging at least part of the second footprint so that it overhangs a perimeter portion of the first modular building unit.

[0054] The method may comprise providing the first modular building unit may with a ceiling structure, and arranging the ceiling structure so that it supports at least one of the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit. The method may comprise providing the ceiling structure with at least one support surface for the further modular building unit and / or modular floor unit. The method may comprise providing the first modular building unit with a base, which may be defined by a floor structure of the unit. The at least one support surface may be provided at a height above the base. Where there are a plurality of support surfaces, the support surfaces may be at a common height above the base. The method may comprise providing a support surface or surfaces for the at least one further modular building unit and the modular floor unit at a common height above the base.

[0055] The method may comprise providing the modular floor unit with a floor support surface, and providing the at least one further modular building unit with a floor support surface. The method may comprise arranging the modular floor unit and the at least one further modular building unit so that their floor support surfaces are disposed at a common height above a base of the first modular building unit. The method may comprise arranging the floor support surface of the modular floor unit so that it supports a generally planar floor structure forming a floor of said unit. The method may comprise arranging the floor support surface of the at least one further modular building unit so that it supports a generally planar floor structure forming a floor of said unit. The generally planar floor structures may be configured to receive a decorative floor covering. The method may comprise providing each of the modular floor unit and the at least one further modular building unit with a base, and arranging the bases at a common height above a base of the first modular building unit.

[0056] The method may comprise constructing the first modular building unit, the at least one further modular building unit, and / or the modular floor unit, to a substantially assembled form away from the final location. The method may comprise transporting the first modular building unit, the at least one further modular building unit, and / or the modular floor unit, to the final location in the substantially assembled form.

[0057] The method may comprise positioning the first modular building unit at the final location, and then positioning the modular floor unit on top of the first modular building unit so that it overlies a further portion of its footprint. The method may comprise positioning the modular floor unit on top of the first modular building unit so that it overlies a further portion of its footprint, and then transporting the first modular building unit (with the modular floor unit positioned on top of it) to the final location, and positioning the first modular building unit.

[0058] The method may be a method of constructing a hybrid building, in particular a hybrid residential building. The method may comprise constructing the first building section on-site at the final location. The method may comprise forming an internal volume of the second building section at least partly using the modular building assembly, and optionally substantially entirely using the modular building assembly. The first and at least one further modular building units may be constructed away from the final location, for example in a factory or facility that is spaced from the final location. The method may comprise connecting and / or fitting the first and second building sections together at the final location to form the building.

[0059] The second building section may be assembled at the final location prior to construction and connection of the first building section to the second building section. The first modular building unit may be positioned at the final location, and a part of the first building section then constructed (e.g. a lower floor / storey) and optionally connected to the first modular building unit. The at least one further modular building unit, and the modular floor unit, may then be positioned on the first modular building unit, and a further part of the first building section (e.g. an upper floor / storey) may be constructed and optionally connected to one or more of the first modular building unit, said further modular building unit and the modular floor unit.

[0060] The first building section may be constructed at the final location and the second building section then assembled and optionally connected to the first section, for example during assembly. The second building section may be assembled within a perimeter or boundary defined by the first building section.

[0061] The method may be a method of constructing a modular building comprising a plurality of modular building units. The method may comprise arranging at least some of the modular building units to form the modular building assembly or modular building assemblies according to the fourth aspect. An internal volume of the building, optionally excepting an upper or outer roof of the building, may be formed entirely by said units / assemblies. Further features of the method may be derived from the text set out elsewhere in this document, particularly in or with reference to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0062] Reference is also made to the hybrid building and associated construction methods disclosed in International patent publication nos. WO2022 / 243696, WO2022 / 243695, WO2022 / 243694 WO2022 / 243693 and WO2023 / 222853, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

[0063] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a building comprising a first building section, and a second building section defined by a modular building assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0065] Fig. 2 is an enlarged, detailed isometric view of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 1, with certain features removed for ease of illustration, the assembly drawn to a larger scale and viewed from a rear left corner;

[0066] Fig. 3 is a side view of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 2, taken in the direction of the arrow A in Fig. 1;

[0067] Figs. 4 and 5 are floorplan views of lower and upper storeys, respectively, of the building shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0068] Figs. 6 is a plan view of a floor frame portion of a structural frame forming part of a lower modular building unit of the assembly shown in Fig. 2;

[0069] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the modular building assembly of Fig. 2, following stacking of an upper modular building unit of the assembly on the lower modular building unit;

[0070] Fig. 8 is a further enlarged view of a part of the lower modular building unit of Fig. 2, viewed from a different angle;

[0071] Fig. 9 is a further enlarged isometric view of the modular building assembly of Fig. 2, showing a front left corner region of a ceiling frame portion of the lower modular building unit;

[0072] Fig. 10 is an enlarged side view of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 3, showing a rear part of the ceiling frame portion of the lower modular building unit;

[0073] Fig. 11 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of part of a foundation of the building shown in Fig. 1, showing the lower modular building unit located on the foundation; Fig. 12 is a detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, similar to Fig. 2;

[0074] Fig. 13 is an enlarged side view of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 12, taken in the direction of the arrow B in Fig. 12;

[0075] Fig. 14 is a detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention, similar to Fig. 2;

[0076] Fig. 15 is an enlarged, detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly according to a still further embodiment of the invention, similar to Fig. 2;

[0077] Fig. 16 is a side view of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 15, taken in the direction of the arrow C in Fig. 15;

[0078] Fig. 17 is a detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention, similar to Fig. 2;

[0079] Fig. 18 is a highly schematic front view of a building comprising the modular building assembly of Fig. 17;

[0080] Fig. 19 is a floorplan view of an upper storey of the building shown in Fig. 18, viewing in the direction of the arrow D-D (taken just above a lower storey); and

[0081] Fig. 20 is an exploded isometric view of the modular building assembly shown in Figs. 2 to 10, illustrating an option for routing building services between the lower and upper modular building units.

[0082] Turning firstly to Fig. 1, there is shown an isometric view of a building according to an embodiment of the invention, the building indicated generally by reference numeral 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the building 10 is a residential building, in particular a hybrid residential building in the form of a detached house. The principles of the invention can however apply to other types of house, including semi-detached, terraced and townhouses. In addition, the principles of the invention can apply to other residential buildings such as flats / apartments and hotels, and indeed to non -residential buildings, e.g. industrial or commercial buildings. In general, the principles of the invention can apply to any building having a plurality of storeys.

[0083] The building 10 comprises a modular building assembly, which is shown in solid outline in Fig. 1, and indicated by reference numeral 12. The modular building assembly 12 is shown separately in Fig. 2, which is a detailed isometric view of the assembly, with certain features (particularly internal and / or external wall panels) removed, for ease of illustration. The assembly 12 is drawn to a larger scale in Fig. 2, and viewed from a rear left comer of the building 10. Fig. 3 is also referred to, which is a side view of the modular building assembly 12 shown in Fig. 2, taken in the direction of the arrow A in Fig. 1. The assembly 12 comprises a first modular building unit 14 comprising an internal volume 16, the first modular building unit having a footprint (shown cross-hatched in Fig. 1 and indicated by numeral 18). The assembly 12 also comprises at least one further modular building unit 20 comprising an internal volume 22, the further modular building unit configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit 14 overlying a first portion of its footprint (shown cross-hatched in Fig. 1 and indicated by numeral 24). The assembly also comprises a modular floor unit 26 configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit 14 overlying a further portion of its footprint (shown cross-hatched in Fig. 1 and indicated by numeral 27).

[0084] The modular building unit 14 forms a lower unit of the assembly 12, and the further modular building unit 20 forms an upper unit of the assembly. The upper modular building unit 20 is stacked on the lower modular building unit 14. In the illustrated embodiment, only a single further modular building unit is provided (the unit 20), although in further embodiments which will be described below, a modular building assembly can be provided comprising a plurality of such further (upper) modular building units.

[0085] In the hybrid building 10 of this embodiment, the building comprises a first building section 28, shown in broken outline in Fig. 1, and a second building section 30. The first building section 28 is an on-site construction at a final location 32 for the building, and is approximately L-shaped in plan-view (although not restricted to that shape). The second building section 30 is formed or defined by the modular building assembly 12 and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a generally rectangular shape in plan-view, defined by the first modular building unit footprint 18. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 3, viewed from the side, the modular building assembly 12 is generally L-shaped. The lower modular building unit 14, upper modular building unit 20, and modular floor unit 26 are all constructed to a substantially assembled form away from the final location 32, for example in a dedicated factory or facility. The units 14, 20 and 26 are each transported to the final location 32 in their substantially assembled form, and arranged to form the modular building assembly 12 (and so the second building section 30). The lower modular building unit 14 and the upper modular building unit 20 are of the same general construction, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0086] As explained in detail in International patent publication nos. WO2022 / 243696, WO2022 / 243695, WO2022 / 243694, WO2022 / 243693 and WO2023 / 222853, the hybrid building 10 is formed by connecting the first and second building sections 28 and 30 together at the final location 32. Numerous construction options exist, as will be explained briefly below. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the second building section 30 (defined by the modular building assembly 12) is effectively built-in to the first building section 28, the first section being constructed around the second building section so as to enclose or encapsulate it within the structure of the first section.

[0087] Reference is also made to Figs. 4 and 5, which are floorplan views of lower 34 and upper 36 storeys respectively of the building 10 shown in Fig. 1. The lower and upper modular building units 14 and 20 are shown in bold outline in the drawings. The modular building unit 14 comprises a structural frame, indicated generally by numeral 38. The structural frame 38 comprises a floor frame portion 40 configured to support a planar floor structure, a ceiling frame portion 42, and a support structure 44 extending between and connecting the floor frame portion to the ceiling frame portion. Numerous options for forming the structural frame 38 exist.

[0088] Preferred options include a metallic frame, which can be of a cold-formed metal or metal alloy (e.g. light gauge steel), a hot formed metal or metal alloy (e.g. hot rolled steel), or combinations of the two. A hot-formed metallic frame may provide a sufficiently rigid structure so that additional perimeter support posts and bracing struts can be dispensed with (or the number of posts / struts reduced). Other options include timber-based frames. In the illustrated embodiment however, the structural frame 38 is formed from a combination of hot-formed steel and cold-formed steel, comprising elongate members which may be of a generally hollow box shape in cross-section, or channels having a C, L or U-shape. The floor frame portion 40 and the ceiling frame portion 42 comprise respective perimeter frames (or ring beams) 46, 48 formed from structural elements of hot-rolled steel. The support structure 44 forms external side walls of the modular building unit 14, and typically comprise cold-formed structural elements. For example, and referring to internal end wall 49 of the unit 14 shown in Fig. 2, the end wall comprises: comer support posts or columns 50 and 52: intermediate support posts or columns 54 and 56; cross brace 58; and ‘K-braces’ 60 and 62. Connection methods for structural components of the frame can include welding (metallic frames, particularly hot-formed components), bonding and mechanical fixations such as nut and bolt assemblies, rivets and self-drilling screws (‘tek screws’).

[0089] As can be seen from Figs. 1 , 4 and 5, the second building section 30 fits with the generally L-shaped first building section 28 in order to form a building having a generally rectangular shape in plan-view. Other shapes are of course possible. The lower modular building unit 14 can have any suitable dimensions, with the proviso that it will generally be required to be transported e.g. by road or rail from the factory to the final location 32. The illustrated unit 14 is around 5300mm to 5400mm in length, and around 2500mm to 2600mm in width, which is particularly suited to such transportation. The lower unit 14 is smaller than many conventional modular building units, which can facilitate transportation and handling, as well as material, weight and cost savings. Although the illustrated lower unit 14 extends only part way between the front and back of the building 10, other units according to the invention may extend the full length of the building, and so may e.g. have a greater length dimension. The upper modular building unit 20, and the modular floor unit 26, are of course arranged to fit on top of the lower modular building unit 14, and so of generally the same width, but smaller length. The upper unit 20 is of similar construction to the lower unit 14, and will not be described in detail here.

[0090] As can be seen particularly from Figs. 1 and 2, the upper modular building unit 20 overlies only the first footprint portion 24, whilst the modular floor unit 26 overlies the further footprint portion 27. This may provide greater design freedom for the upper storey 36 of the building 10, the upper storey including, and / or being formed at least partly by, the upper modular building unit 20 and the modular floor unit 26. For example, living space provided in the upper storey of the building 10, and access into such living space, may be less restricted by the shape and / or size of a structural frame 64 of the upper unit 20 (in particular a support structure 66 of the upper unit). This is because the living space / access is less restricted by a requirement to fit around the structural frame 64, particularly upright support posts of the frame. Reference will now be made to Fig. 6, which is a plan view of the floor frame portion 40 of the lower modular building unit structural frame 38, and Fig. 7, which is a plan view of the assembly 12 following stacking of the upper unit 20 on the lower unit 14. The footprint 18 of the lower modular building unit 14 is the area on, in or above the ground which the unit accommodates, measured from outer surfaces or boundaries of the unit. In this embodiment, the lower unit 14 comprises front 67, rear 68, left side 70 and right side 72 boundaries which together define the footprint 18 (the footprint being the area bound or bordered by the boundaries). These boundaries are effectively defined by the floor frame portion 40, and the sides of the unit 14.

[0091] The first and second portions 24, 27 of the footprint which are overlaid respectively by the upper modular building unit 20, and the modular floor unit 26, are shown in Fig. 6 cross-hatched. The upper unit 20 and modular floor unit 26 overlie the respective portions 24 and 27 of the footprint in that they substantially cover the portions of the footprint, when viewed from above or in plan. The footprint portions 24 and 27 each have a respective perimeter, and the upper unit 20 and modular floor unit 26 extend at least up to the respective perimeter, in order to overlie the footprint portions. This is best shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The upper unit 20 and the modular floor unit 26 are configured so that they together overlie a majority of the footprint 18, excepting a stairwell aperture 74 shown in Fig. 6, which will be described in more detail below.

[0092] The lower modular building unit 14 defines at least part of an access route or pathway, which provides for access from the lower unit to at least one of: a) a floor 76 (Figs. 2 and 3) supported or defined by the modular floor unit 26; and b) the internal volume 22 of the upper modular building unit 20. In this embodiment, the lower unit 14 provides access to the floor 76 of the modular floor unit 26, which in turn provides access into the internal volume 22 of the upper modular building unit 20, via a walkway aperture in the form of a doorway 78. The access route is provided by means of a staircase 80 in the modular building assembly 12, shown in Fig. 8, which is a further enlarged view of a part of the lower unit 14 of Fig. 2, viewed from a different angle. The lower modular building unit 14 comprises a main part 82 of the staircase 80, which is positioned in the internal volume 16 of the lower unit. The main staircase part 82 is typically installed during construction of the lower unit 14, and so in the factory / facility. The staircase 80 is typically completed at the final location, following positioning of the modular floor unit 20 on the lower unit 14, for example by connecting an uppermost riser / step portion (not shown) to an uppermost step 84 of the main staircase part 82.

[0093] The lower modular building unit 14 comprises a ceiling structure, which in this embodiment is the ceiling frame portion 42. The stairwell aperture 74 extends through the ceiling frame portion 42, to provide access to the floor 76 when the modular floor unit 26 is positioned on the lower modular building unit 14. The modular floor unit 26 includes a corresponding aperture 86, which aligns with the aperture 74 in the lower unit ceiling frame portion 42. This facilitates the required communicate with the main staircase part 82 in the lower unit 14 when the modular floor unit 26 has been positioned on top of the lower unit.

[0094] The modular floor unit 26 forms a floor for an internal space within the upper storey 36 of the building 10, the internal space indicated generally by numeral 87 in the drawings. The internal space 87 is effectively defined by the first building section 28, and is enclosed by walls of the building 10. The first building section 28 forms at least some external walls of the building 10, and in the illustrated embodiment forms front wall 231, back wall 233, left-side wall 236 and right-side wall 238. The internal space 87 is at least partly enclosed by one or more of the external walls 231, 233, 236 and 238, and in the illustrated embodiment is effectively completely enclosed within these external walls. The first building section 28 additionally forms various internal walls of the building, two such walls in the upper storey 36 indicated by numerals 243 and 245. These internal walls 243 and 245 border the internal space 88, and may be considered to partly enclose the internal space 87. The internal walls 243 and 245, together with a perimeter portion 92 of the upper modular building unit 20 (which defines a wall of the unit) and the left side external wall 236, may be considered to completely enclose the internal space 87. It will be understood that the internal space 87 may be enclosed in that it may not open (e.g. directly) to an exterior of the building 10, other than via a closable walkway, window or the like.

[0095] The modular floor unit 26 is configured to define at least part of a landing, and in the illustrated embodiment, defines a complete landing 88 (Figs. 2, 8). The access route provided by the staircase 80 opens on to the landing 88. This is achieved by arranging the aperture 86 of the modular floor unit 26 so that it opens adjacent to the landing 88. An occupant of the building 10 may therefore pass from the lower storey 34 of the building 10 by entering the lower modular building unit 14, passing up the staircase 80 through the aligned apertures 74 and 86, and stepping on to the landing 88 defined by the floor 76. This provides access not only to the internal volume 22 of the upper modular building unit 20, but also to areas of the building 10 defined by the first building section 28, including living space such as bedrooms, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0096] As can be seen particularly in Figs. 2 and 3, the modular floor unit 26 extends laterally from the upper modular building unit 20, following positioning on top of the lower modular building unit 14. The modular floor unit 26 extends in a generally horizontal direction or plane, generally away from the upper modular building unit 20. The modular floor unit 26 is positioned laterally adjacent to the upper modular building unit 20, and in contact with the upper unit. This provides for the required access from the floor 76 into the upper unit internal volume 22. A perimeter portion 90 of the modular floor unit 26 is positioned adjacent to, and in abutment with, a perimeter portion 92 of the upper modular building unit 20 (see Fig. 2), the perimeter portion communicating with or including the doorway 78.

[0097] The modular floor unit 26 effectively defines a floor for an internal volume or space defined by a further part of the building 10, in particular by the first building section 28. This can be seen by comparing Fig. 1 with Figs. 4 and 5. The first building section 28 comprises an internal volume 94, which includes a generally L -shaped portion 95 having a footprint 96, shown cross-hatched in Fig. 1. The internal volume 94 also includes a further generally cubic or cuboid portion 98 which is effectively disposed above the modular floor unit 26. The modular floor unit 26, in particular its floor 76, therefore defines a floor for the cuboid internal volume portion 98. A height Hi (Fig. 3) of the modular floor unit 26 is therefore considerably less than a height H2 of the upper modular building unit 20.

[0098] The internal volume 16 of the lower modular building unit 14 is configured to form at least part of at least one room of the building, in particular a room comprising a wet facility. Referring to Fig. 4, it can be seen that the internal volume 16 of the lower unit 14 comprises a washroom or W / C 100, containing wet facilities in the form of a toilet 102 and a sink or washbasin 104. The lower unit 14 additionally defines a hallway 106, and a utility or technical room 107. The technical room 107 contains equipment providing service functions within the building 10, including but not limited to a ventilation system, water heating and storage equipment, space heating equipment and laundry facilities (e.g. washer / drier). The internal volume 22 of the upper modular building unit 20 is similarly configured to form at least part of at least one room of the building, again particularly a room comprising a wet facility. Referring to Fig. 5, it can be seen that the internal volume 22 of the upper unit 20 defines a bathroom, containing wet facilities in the form of a bath 108, toilet 110 and a sink or washbasin 112.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 6, the lower modular building unit 14 comprises a perimeter, which is defined by a plurality of perimeter portions. The front 67, rear 68, left side 70 and right side 72 boundaries of the floor frame portion 40 define respective perimeter portions, each of which is disposed transverse to the adjacent perimeter portions. Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, the upper modular building unit 20 also comprises a perimeter, which is defined by a plurality of perimeter portions. The perimeter portion 92 discussed above forms a rear perimeter portion, and the upper unit 20 further comprises front 114, left side 116 and right side 118 perimeter portions, each perimeter portion again disposed transverse to the adjacent perimeter portions. The upper modular building unit 20 is configured to be positioned on top of the lower modular building unit 14 so that its front 114, left side 116 and right side 118 perimeter portions align with the respective perimeter portions 67, 70 and 72 of the lower unit 14. The rear perimeter portion 92 of the upper unit 20 is however disposed laterally spaced from the rear perimeter portion 68 of the lower unit 14, and so inwardly or inboard of the rear perimeter portion 68, and within the footprint 18.

[0100] Referring back to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the lower modular building unit 14 is generally elongate, comprising a main axis 120 extending along a main length direction of the unit. The modular floor unit 26 is similarly elongate, comprising a main axis 122 extending along a main or primary length direction. The upper modular building unit 20 in this embodiment is generally cubic or cuboid in shape, comprising a main axis 124 extending in a front-to-back direction. The modular floor unit 26 and the upper unit 20 are configured to be positioned on top of the lower unit 14 so that their main axes 122, 124 are disposed substantially parallel to the main axis 120 of the lower unit. This provides the aligned arrangement of the units 14, 20 and 26 shown in Fig. 2, forming the generally L-shaped structure, viewed from the side.

[0101] The upper modular building unit 20 comprises its own footprint 126 (Fig. 1), which forms a second footprint of the assembly 12. The second footprint 126 is of course different to the first footprint 18 of the lower unit 14, the second footprint having a different shape, and a different length. This is also true of the modular floor unit 26, which has a footprint 128 (Fig. 1) forming a third footprint of the assembly 12. The second and third footprints 126 and 128 together match (and so substantially overlie) the first footprint 18, when the upper unit 20 and modular floor unit 26 are positioned on top of the lower unit 14. Referring back to Fig. 3, the ceiling frame portion 42 (forming the ceiling structure of the lower modular building unit 14) is configured to support both the upper modular building unit 20 and the modular floor unit 26. The ceiling frame portion 42 comprises at least one support surface for the upper modular building unit 20 and the modular floor unit 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling frame portion 42 comprises a plurality of support surfaces for the upper unit 20, and a plurality of support surfaces for the modular floor unit 26.

[0102] In more detail, the ceiling frame portion 42 comprises a plurality of mounting members for each of the upper unit 20 and floor unit 26, each mounting member taking the form of a block, post, stub, pin or peg. Two floor mounting posts 130 and 132 are shown in Fig. 3, and two module mounting posts 134 and 136, although it will be understood that additional mounting posts are provided spaced around the ceiling frame portion 42. The mounting posts (e.g. 130-136) all extend upwardly from the ceiling perimeter frame 48. A series of apertures are defined between adjacent pairs of mounting posts, spaced around the perimeter of the frame 48. Service conduits can be routed through the apertures, including for the supply of services from the modular building assembly 12 (forming the second building section 30) to the first building section 28. One such aperture shown in Fig. 3 is labelled with the numeral 140. The service conduits, and / or other service equipment, can be contained within and / or routed through an internal space or void 138 (shown in broken outline in Fig. 3) bordered by the perimeter frame 48, and routed out through the apertures (e.g. 140) to the first building section 28. The service conduits can include, amongst other things, electrical power wires or cables, communication cables, fluid conduits such as for water supply, ventilation conduits, and wastewater / sewerage conduits. Three such service conduits are shown in Fig. 3, which are an electrical power conduit 139, a water supply conduit 141 and a ventilation conduit 143. Generally speaking, a mounting post will be provided for main structural members of both the upper modular building unit 20 and the modular floor unit 26, particularly at intersections between the main structural members. For example, and referring to Fig. 2, it will be noted that in addition to the mounting posts 130-134, further mounting posts e.g. 142 and 144 are provided for the floor unit 26.

[0103] Referring to Fig. 9, there is shown an enlarged view of the modular building assembly of Fig. 2, showing a front left comer region of the ceiling frame portion 42 of the lower modular building unit 14, and the connection between the lower unit and the upper unit 20. A floor frame portion 146 of the upper unit 20 is shown in the drawing, and comprises a floor perimeter frame (or ring beam) 148. The mounting post 136 shown in the drawing comprises an upper mounting surface 150. A base or bottom surface 152 of the upper unit 20 is defined by the perimeter frame 148, and is seated on the mounting surface 150. The mounting member 136 typically comprises a mounting component, such as a tapered pin (not shown), which can be located in a socket (not shown) provided in the perimeter frame 148, to locate the units 14 and 20 relative to each another.

[0104] The lower modular building unit 14 comprises a base 154 (Fig. 2), which is defined by the floor frame portion 40 (which forms a floor structure of the unit), in particular by the floor perimeter frame 46. The support surfaces defined by the various mounting posts (e.g. the surface 150 of the mounting post 136), for both the upper modular building unit 20 and the modular floor unit 26, are at a common height H3 (Fig. 3) above the base 154. The upper modular building unit 20 and modular floor unit 26 have respective bases 155 and 157, and are configured so that their bases are disposed at a common height above the base 154 of the lower modular building unit 14. This is the same height H3, since the upper unit base 155 and the floor unit base 157 rest on the support surfaces (e.g. 150) defined by the lower unit 14 mounting posts. A benefit to this is that the floor structures of the upper unit 20 and the floor unit 26 can be of substantially the same height (the height Hi), which can facilitate standardisation of components.

[0105] The modular floor unit 26 also comprises a floor support surface 156, part of which can be seen in the enlarged side view of Fig. 10. The floor support surface 156 supports the floor 76, and is defined by frame members forming a perimeter frame (or ring beam) 158 of the modular floor unit 26. The part of the support surface 156 shown in Fig. 10 is that defined by an end frame member 160 of the perimeter frame 158. The upper modular building unit 20 similarly comprises a floor support surface 162 (Fig. 3), which supports a floor 164 of the unit (shown in Fig. 2). The modular floor unit 26 and the upper modular building unit 20 are configured so that their floor support surfaces 156 and 162 are disposed at a common height H4 (Figs. 3 and 10) above the base 154 of the first modular building unit. A benefit to this is that it avoids a requirement to accommodate a significant change in height at the intersection between the modular floor unit 26 and the upper modular building unit 20.

[0106] The modular floor unit 26 further comprises a floor support structure, which is best shown in Fig. 2, the support structure indicated generally by numeral 166 and taking the form of a structural frame. The structural frame 166 comprises the perimeter frame 158 which, like the floor and ceiling frame portions 40 and 42 of the lower unit 14, is formed from structural elements of hot-rolled steel. The structural frame 166 also comprises an intermediate beam 168 extending in the length direction of the floor unit 26 between end beams of the perimeter frame 158. The intermediate beam 168 is also formed from hot-rolled steel and, together with the perimeter frame 158, defines or describes the aperture 86 which communicates with the stairwell aperture 74 in the lower unit 14. The structural frame 166 further comprises a plurality of joists extending in the width direction, between a side of the perimeter frame 158 and the intermediate beam 168. One such joist is labelled 172 in the drawing. The various joists are typically of cold-formed (e.g. cold rolled) steel.

[0107] The lower modular building unit structural frame 38, upper modular building unit structural frame 64, and modular floor unit structural frame 166 are typically of a metallic materials as discussed above, but can be of other materials such as a timber or timber-based material. Suitable materials can include hot-formed steel, cold- formed steel (e.g. light gauge steel), timber, composite timber materials such as plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), and combinations of these materials. In a variation, the floor support structure 166 of the modular floor unit 26 may be or may comprise a substantially uniform or one-piece structure, such as a sheet e.g. of a cementitious or timber-based material (not shown). Also, the floors 76 and 164 of the floor unit 26 and upper modular building unit 20 are generally planar and, although not shown in the drawings, configured to receive a decorative floor covering of any suitable type, including but not limited to tiles, carpet, laminate / composite materials and the like.

[0108] The modular building assembly 12 defines a circulation space configured to provide one or more access function for the hybrid building 10. This is shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the circulation space indicated by numeral 176, and shown in broken outline and cross-hatched in the drawings. In the illustrated embodiment, the circulation space 176 provides three access functions. One such function is access between lower 178 and upper 180 living spaces of the building 10, provided respectively by the lower and upper storeys 34 and 36 in the first building section 28. This is achieved by means of the staircase 80, the main part 82 of which is located in the lower modular building unit 14 (but could be achieved e.g. via a lift shaft and lift). The living space 178 forms an open-plan kitchen / dining room, whilst the living space 180 forms a bedroom, and the circulation space 176 therefore provides access between these different living spaces. The first building section 28 also comprises further living space in the form of a lounge or sitting room 182 which is accessed via the kitchen / dining room 178, and so the circulation space effectively also provides access between the bedroom 180 and the lounge.

[0109] Another such function is access between a first living space and at least one further living space of the building 10, the living spaces being isolated from one another within another part of the building. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the first building section 28 comprises the living space 180 (bedroom), and further living spaces 184 and 186, which form second and third bedrooms. The circulation space 176 provides access between these living spaces 180, 184 and 186, by means of walkway openings in the form of doorways 188, 190 and 192, and the landing 88 (which effectively form part of the circulation space). The circulation space 176 additionally provides access between the lower living space 178 (and also the space 182) and the upper living spaces 180, 184 and 186, which are effectively isolated from one another within the first building section 28.

[0110] Another such function is access into the building 10 from an exterior 194 of the building, via a walkway opening in the form of a doorway 196 of the lower unit 14, which in this case forms a front or main doorway for the building. The doorway 196 opens on to the hallway 106 to provide access to the staircase 80 (for access to the upper living spaces 180, 184 and 186), and an internal walkway in the form of a doorway 198 (for access to the lower living spaces 178 and 182).

[0111] Whilst the illustrated modular building assembly 12 comprises a circulation space 176 which provides all three access functions described above, it will be understood that variations may provide only one or only some of the stated functions.

[0112] It will also be understood that the lower modular building unit 14 and the modular floor unit 26 are each configured to define a part of the circulation space 176. In particular, the lower unit 14 comprises the main part 82 of the staircase, the stairwell aperture 74, the main or front doorway 196, the hallway 106, and the internal doorway 198, which may be considered to form part of the circulation space 176. Similarly, the modular floor unit 26 can comprise part of the staircase 80, and comprises the aperture 86 and the landing 88. The upper modular building unit 20 may also or alternatively be configured to define at least part of the circulation space, as will be described below in relation to further embodiments.

[0113] As explained in the International patent publications mentioned above, numerous construction options exist for the hybrid building 10. The second building section 30 (defined by the modular building assembly 12) may be assembled at the final location 32 prior to construction and connection of the first building section 28 to the second building section. The first (lower) modular building unit 14 may be positioned at the final location 32, and a part of the first building section 30 then constructed (e.g. a lower floor / storey portion) and optionally connected to the first modular building unit. The further (upper) modular building unit 20, and the modular floor unit 26, may then be positioned on the lower modular building unit 14, and a further part of the first building section 28 (e.g. an upper floor / storey portion) may be constructed and optionally connected to one or more of the lower modular building unit, upper modular building unit and the modular floor unit.

[0114] In a variation, the first building section 28 may be constructed at the final location and the second building section 30 then assembled and optionally connected to the first section, for example during assembly. The second building section 30 may be assembled within a perimeter or boundary defined by the first building section 28. This may be achieved by locating the lower modular building unit 14 within the perimeter of the first building section, and then locating the upper modular building unit 20 and the modular floor unit 26 on the lower unit 14. A first storey portion of the first building section 28 may be constructed first, and then the lower modular building unit 14 located within its perimeter. A second storey portion of the first building section 28 may then be constructed and the upper modular building unit 20 and modular floor unit 26 positioned within the perimeter, on the lower unit 14. Whichever construction option is followed, the use of structural insulated panels (SIPs) may be a particularly preferred construction option for the first building section 28.

[0115] A roof structure 204 (Fig. 1) is typically assembled on site, extending over the first and second building sections 28, 30 and connected to them. Numerous options exist including forming the roof structure 204 from roof trusses (not shown), or as a modular (transportable) structure. Joists (not shown) forming ceilings of the lower and upper storeys 21 and 23 in the first building section 28 are connected to and supported by the lower modular building unit 14, and the upper modular building unit 20, respectively. The lower storey ceiling joists in the first building section 28 will typically be connected to the lower unit 14 prior to building up e.g. the SIP panels forming the upper storey portion and connecting them to the upper unit 20.

[0116] The first and second building sections 28 and 30 may rest on a common foundation 206. This is shown in Fig. 11 , which is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of part of the foundation, showing the lower modular building unit 14 located on it. The foundation 206 supports both the second building section 30 (defined by the modular building assembly 12), and the first building section 28, which has been omitted from the drawing. The foundation 206 is an insulated foundation, comprising a load bearing structure 208 and thermal insulation 210. The modular building unit 14 is located on the foundation 206 so that the load bearing structure 208 provides structural support for the unit, and so that the thermal insulation 210 thermally insulates the modular unit relative to the ground 212. The load bearing structure 208 can take the form of a layer of reinforced concrete, which can be formed at the final location 32 for the building in a conventional fashion. Numerous options for forming the thermal insulation 210 exist, including constructing it from a series of shaped blocks (not shown) of a suitable insulating material which can bear the load of the completed building 10.

[0117] Turning now to Fig. 12, there is shown a detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly 12a according to another embodiment of the invention, similar to the view of the assembly 12 in Fig. 2. Like components of the modular building assembly 12a with the assembly 12 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffix ‘a’. The modular building assembly 12a is also shown in Fig. 13, which is an enlarged side view taken in the direction of the arrow B in Fig. 12. The modular building assembly 12a can form part of the building 10 and so be provided in place of the assembly 12 shown in Fig. 1. Only substantive differences between the assembly 12a and the assembly 12 will be described in detail here.

[0118] The modular building assembly 12a in this embodiment comprises a lower modular building unit 14a, a second modular building unit 20a, a third modular building unit 214, and a modular floor unit 26a. The second and third modular building units 20a and 214 are each upper units, positioned on top of the lower unit 14a in the same way as the upper unit 20 is positioned on top of the lower unit 14 in the assembly 12. The modular floor unit 26a is likewise positioned on top of the lower unit 14, in the same way as the floor unit 26 is positioned on the lower modular unit 14 in the assembly 12. The third modular building unit 214 defines an internal volume 216, and comprises a structural frame 218, similar to the modular building unit 20 in the assembly 12.

[0119] A footprint 18a of the lower modular building unit 14a is shown schematically in the side view of Fig. 13. The second (upper) modular building unit 20a overlies a first portion 24a of the footprint 18a. The modular floor unit 26a overlies a second portion 27a of the footprint 18a. The third (upper) modular building unit 214 is configured to be positioned on top of the first modular building unit 14a overlying a third portion 220 of its footprint 18a. The second modular building unit 20a, third modular building unit 214 and the modular floor unit 26a are configured so that they together overlie a majority of the footprint 18a, excepting a stairwell aperture 74a. The modular floor unit 26a again comprises an aperture 86a which communicates with the stairwell aperture 74a, and a main staircase portion (not shown) in the lower unit 14a.

[0120] The second modular building unit 20a comprises a wet facility, in this case a bathroom again containing a bath 108a, toilet 110a and washbasin 112a. The third modular building unit 214 also comprises a wet facility, the unit in this case forming an ensuite bathroom or washroom for a bedroom in the building 10, particularly for the bedroom 180 (which may form a main or master bedroom). In a variation, one or more of the second and third modular building units 20a and 214 may be arranged to define a room in the building 10 in conjunction with the first building section 28. For example, one or more of the units 20a, 214 may be arranged with an open side, so that their interior volume 22a, 216 forms part of a room in the building 10, and the first building section 28 may define a further part of the room.

[0121] It will be noted that the lower modular building unit 14a in the assembly 12a is somewhat longer than the corresponding unit 14 in the assembly 12. This may be for numerous reasons, including but not limited to: providing a larger internal volume 16a within the lower unit 14a, for accommodating additional equipment, larger dimension internal rooms / spaces, or additional rooms / spaces: providing a ‘front-to-back’ module layout, in which the lower unit 14 extends from a front wall to a back wall of the building 10; and providing a proportionally similar internal volume in the modular building assembly (as the assembly 12 does in the building 10) within a larger volume and / or footprint building. Turning now to Fig. 14, there is shown a detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly 12b according to another embodiment of the invention, similar to the view of the assembly 12 in Fig. 2. Like components of the modular building assembly 12b with the assembly 12 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffix ‘b’. The modular building assembly 12b can form part of the building 10 and so be provided in place of the assembly 12 shown in Fig. 1 . Only substantive differences between the assembly 12b and the assembly 12 will be described in detail here.

[0122] The modular building assembly 12b comprises a lower modular building unit 14b, an upper modular building unit 20b, and a modular floor unit 26b. The upper modular building unit 20b, together with the modular floor unit 26b, overlie an entire footprint 18b of the lower modular building unit 14b, which is shown schematically in the drawing. The second modular building unit 20b and the modular floor unit 26b are positioned on top of the lower unit 14b in the same way as the upper unit 20 and modular floor unit 26 are positioned on top of the lower unit 14 in the assembly 12. The upper modular building unit 20b comprises an internal volume 22b, and a structural frame 64b, similar to the modular building unit 20 in the assembly 12. In this embodiment however, the internal volume 22b of the upper unit 20b is arranged to define a plurality of rooms or areas, in this case a bathroom 222 and a room 224 comprising or defining at least part of a circulation space. The room 224 comprises an aperture 86b which communicates with a stairwell aperture 74b defined by the lower modular building unit 14b, and a landing 88b adjacent the aperture 86b. A side wall structure of the upper modular building unit 20b in the vicinity of the aperture 86b has been removed, so that the internal structure can be better seen. The landing 88b is provided by a floor of the second unit 20b, which has been omitted from the drawing. The aperture 86b and landing 88b are thus formed in the upper modular building unit 20b, rather than by the modular floor unit 26b.

[0123] In this embodiment, the upper modular building unit 20b, together with the modular floor unit 26b, effectively overlie the entire footprint 18b of the lower unit 14b. This is because, although the upper unit 20b comprises the aperture 86b, the structural frame 64b of the upper unit 20b comprises a ceiling frame portion 226 which extends over the length of the unit, and so effectively over the aperture 86b. This is in contrast to the modular floor unit 26 of the assembly 12, where the floor unit may not be considered to overlie the footprint portion 27 since the internal volume above the aperture 86 is defined by (and so covered by) structure forming the first building section 28.

[0124] In a variation (not shown) on the modular building assembly 12b, the assembly may comprise a plurality of upper modular building units, for example a second modular building unit forming the bathroom 222, and a third modular building unit forming the room 224. The variation may effectively be a combination of the embodiments 12a and 12b of Figs. 11 -13, and Fig. 14.

[0125] Turning now to Fig. 15, there is shown a detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly 12c according to another embodiment of the invention, similar to the view of the assembly 12 in Fig. 2. Like components of the modular building assembly 12c with the assembly 12 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffix ‘c’. The modular building assembly 12c can form part of the building 10 and so be provided in place of the assembly 12 shown in Fig. 1 . Only substantive differences between the assembly 12c and the assembly 12 will be described in detail here.

[0126] The modular building assembly 12c of this embodiment comprises a lower modular building unit 14c which is similar in structure and design to the unit 14 of the assembly 12, excepting a ceiling frame portion 42c which will be discussed below. The assembly 12c also comprises a further modular building unit in the form of an upper unit 20c, and a modular floor unit 26c. The upper modular building unit 20c and the modular floor unit 26c are both positioned on top of the lower unit 14c.

[0127] A footprint 18c of the lower modular building unit 14a is shown schematically in the side view of Fig. 16, which is taken in the direction of the arrow C in Fig. 15. It will be noted that the footprint 18c excludes a part 228 of a ceiling frame portion 42c of the lower unit 14c, which extends beyond a front perimeter portion 67c of the lower unit defining a front boundary of the footprint 18c. The upper modular building unit 20c again comprises a wet facility, defining a bathroom, and overlies a first portion 24c of the footprint 18c. The modular floor unit 26c overlies a second portion 27c of the footprint 18c. The second modular building unit 20c and the modular floor unit 26c are configured so that they together overlie a majority of the footprint 18c, excepting a stairwell aperture 74c. The modular floor unit 26c again comprises an aperture 86c which communicates with the stairwell aperture 74c, and a main staircase portion (not shown) in the lower unit 14c.

[0128] In this embodiment, a portion 230 of the upper unit 20c overhangs the lower modular building unit 14c, extending beyond and overhanging the front perimeter portion 67 c of the lower unit. This overhanging portion 230 of the upper unit 20c forms at least part of a porch or awning for a building comprising the modular building assembly 12. A space 232 is provided beneath the overhanging portion 230, and defines a location for the porch, the space shown in broken outline in Fig. 15 and cross-hatched at the side. In this way, a front perimeter portion 234 of the upper modular building unit 20c is disposed outwardly or outboard of lower unit footprint 18c.

[0129] The ceiling frame portion 42c of the lower unit 14c comprises a perimeter frame 48c, again typically of a hot- formed metallic material. The ceiling frame portion 42c is longer than a floor frame portion 40c of the lower unit 14c, so that its part 228 extends beyond the front perimeter portion 67c of the lower unit 14c. This overhanging part 228 of the ceiling frame portion 42c is effectively cantilevered beyond the front perimeter portion 67c, and supports the overhanging part 230 of the upper unit 20c. In addition, the overhanging part 228 can provide a route for services to and from the bathroom provided in the upper unit 20c, such as water conduits and sewerage conduits servicing a bath 108c, toilet 110c and washbasin 112c. The services are shown schematically in Fig. 16, in broken outline and indicated by numeral 235. These conduits may extend laterally to a position above a technical room 107c in the lower unit 14c, where they are connected to feed / discharge conduits extending upwardly from the technical room.

[0130] In a variation, the overhanging portion 230 may be configured to form an interior space or volume within the building 10, and may communicate with a further part of the building, in particular with part of a room defined by the first modular building unit 14c. By way of example, the lower unit 14c may be configured to define a part of a washroom or W / C adjacent the space 232, and open on a side facing the space. The space 232, together with the part of the washroom in the lower unit 14c, may form a completed washroom in the building 10.

[0131] Turning now to Fig. 17, there is shown a detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly 12d according to another embodiment of the invention, similar to the view of the assembly 12 in Fig. 2. Like components of the modular building assembly 12d with the assembly 12 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffix ‘d’. The modular building assembly 12d can form part of a building lOd, which is shown in the highly schematic front view of Fig. 18. Only substantive differences between the assembly 12d and the assembly 12 will be described in detail here.

[0132] The modular building assembly 12d of this embodiment comprises a lower modular building unit 14d which is similar in structure and design to the unit 14 of the assembly 12. The assembly 12d also comprises a further modular building unit in the form of an upper unit 20d, and a modular floor unit 26d. The upper modular building unit 20d and the modular floor unit 26d are both positioned on top of the lower unit 14d. The lower unit 14d defines a footprint 18d. The upper unit 20d has its own footprint 126d and, in the illustrated embodiment, this is different to the lower unit footprint 18d, being of a greater length along a main axis 124d (compared to a length of the lower unit 14d along a main axis 120d). The upper modular building unit 20d is configured to be positioned on top of the lower modular building unit 14d so that the second footprint 126d partially overlaps the first footprint 18d, and so that the first and second footprints are not aligned.

[0133] Specifically, the upper modular building unit 20d is positioned so that its main axis 124d is disposed transverse to the main axis 120d of the lower unit 14d. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper unit 20d is arranged so that its axis 124d is substantially perpendicular to the lower unit axis 120d. The upper unit 20d therefore overlaps a right side perimeter portion 72d of the lower unit 14d, a part 230d of the upper unit overhanging the lower unit 14d.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 18, the lower unit 14d extends part way along a width dimension of the building lOd, whilst the upper unit 20d may extend across a greater extent of the width dimension. External walls of the building lOd (left and right such walls 236 and 238 shown) are provided by the first building section 28d, and enclose or encapsulate the modular building assembly 12d, which forms a second section 30d of the building.

[0135] The upper modular building unit 20d has an internal volume 22d which is arranged to define a plurality of rooms or areas, in this case a bathroom 222d and a room 224d comprising or defining at least part of a circulation space, zone or area 176d. The room 224d is open on a side facing an aperture 86d of the modular floor unit 26d, which communicates with a stairwell aperture 74d defined by the lower modular building unit 14d (and a main staircase portion 82d in the lower unit 14d.). The room 224d also comprises a landing 88d, which is disposed adjacent the aperture 86d, and which defines or is provided said part of the circulation space 176d. The landing 88d is provided by a floor 164d of the upper unit 20d. An internal volume 94d of the building formed by the first building section 28d includes a generally cubic or cuboid portion 98d, which is effectively disposed above the modular floor unit 26d, in the vicinity of the aperture 86d.

[0136] In this embodiment, the upper unit 20d is supported partly by the lower unit 14d, and partly by the first building section 28d. Specifically, a portion of the upper unit 20d including a first end 239 (and a part of the circulation room 224d) is supported by the lower unit 14d, whilst a second opposite end 241 (and a part of the overhanging portion 230d) is supported by the external wall 238 of the first building section 28d. The external walls of the first building section 28d (and so including the walls 236, 238) can be of various constructions, but may in particular be formed from SIPs as discussed above. The end 241 of the upper unit 14d may for example be connected to SIPs forming the external wall 236, such as via mounting brackets, one shown in Fig. 18 and given the numeral 242.

[0137] The upper modular building unit 20d (specifically part of the circulation room 224d) overlies a first portion 24d of the footprint 18d, and the modular floor unit 26d overlies a second portion 27d of the footprint. The second modular building unit 20d and the modular floor unit 26d are configured so that they together overlie a majority of the footprint 18d, excepting the stairwell aperture 74d.

[0138] The modular building assembly 12d may provide additional flexibility in the overall design of the building lOd, in that the wet facilities provided by the upper unit 20d (bathroom 222d) are not constrained to being arranged in-line with the lower unit 14d, specifically with its main axis 120d. Positioning of the bathroom 222d in the overhanging portion 230d may provide greater flexibility on the positioning of bedrooms in the first building section lOd, which are served by the bathroom, since a doorway 240 providing access into the ensuite from the bedroom can be disposed outside of the footprint 18d, and facing e.g. generally sideways in the building, as shown in Fig. 17.

[0139] For example, and turning to Fig. 19, there is shown a floorplan view of an upper storey 36d of the building lOd, viewing in the direction of the arrow D-D in Fig. 18 (taken just above a lower storey 34d). The modular building assembly 12d is drawn with double lines for easy identification. The drawing shows one possible configuration of bedrooms in the building lOd, which in this embodiment is a four-bedroom house comprising bedrooms 180d, 184d, 186d and 244. Access into the various bedrooms is provided via the circulation space 176d, specifically landing 88d and respective doorways 188d, 190d, 192d and 246. A main or front doorway 196d is provided by the lower modular building unit 14d, and is also shown in the drawing.

[0140] Turning finally to Fig. 20, there is shown an exploded isometric view of the modular building assembly 12 shown in Figs. 2 to 10, illustrating an option for routing building services between the lower modular building unit 14 and the upper modular building unit 20. The modular building assembly 12 further comprises a service module 248 which is configured to connect services, in particular building services equipment, between the lower and upper modular building units 14, 20. The service module 248 is shown both separately, and in a final position, in the drawing. The service module 248 contains one or more building services connector 249, for connecting building services equipment 250 in the lower modular building unit 14 to building services equipment 252 in the further modular building unit 20. The one or more building services connector 249 may comprise ducting, conduit, pipe, cable, wire or the like, connectable to equivalent ducting etc. in the first and further modular building units.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, the service module 248 comprises two service connectors in the form of ducts 249 and 249’. Duct 249 serves for connecting a stale air extraction duct 254 in the lower unit 14 to an extraction duct 252 in the upper unit 20, which serves to extract stale air from its internal volume 22 (which in this embodiment defines a bathroom). Duct 249’ serves for connecting a fresh air supply duct 254’ in the lower unit 14 to a supply duct 252’ in the upper unit 20, which serves to supply fresh external air into the upper storey 36 of the building, in the vicinity of the internal space 87 discussed above. These extract and supply ducts 254 and 254’ are connected to a ventilation unit 256 in the technical room 107 of the lower unit 14. It will be understood that ventilation ducts represent just one example of building services equipment which can be connected between the lower and upper units 14 and 20, and that appropriate additional or alternative connectors may be provided, for example selected from the list discussed above.

[0142] The service module 248 can be provided separately from the upper modular building unit 20, and may be connectable to it. Connection may occur at the site during assembly of the module building assembly 12 (when the upper unit 20 is positioned on the lower unit 14), or during manufacture and prior to transportation to the site. The service module 248 is positionable on or above the modular floor unit 26, and is provided externally of the upper unit internal volume 22. This may facilitate access to the equipment (ducts 249, 249’) contained by the service module, e.g. for maintenance or replacement. The service module 248 comprises a frame or outer support structure 258, which defines an internal void or space 260 containing the building services connectors (ducts 249, 249’). It will be understood of course that the space 260 may contain other building services equipment beyond connectors, e.g. the ventilation unit 256, water heating equipment, and / or a hot water storage tank.

[0143] It will be understood that further embodiments can comprise the features of any one or more of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 20 and described above. For example, a variation of the modular building assembly 12a shown in Fig. 12 may comprise a single upper modular building unit defining a plurality of rooms or areas, like the upper unit 20b shown in Fig. 14. A variation of the modular building assembly 12c shown in Fig. 15 may comprise two or more further (upper) modular building units, like the upper units 20a and 214 shown in Fig. 12. In this variation, one of the upper modular building units may be located entirely on the overhanging part 228 of the ceiling frame (i.e. in the position accommodated by the overhanging portion 230 of the upper unit 20c). A variation of the modular building assembly 12d shown in Fig. 17 may comprise two or more further (upper) modular building units, like the upper units 20a and 214 shown in Fig. 12.

[0144] Various modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, reference is made to said further modular building unit, and the modular floor unit, being positioned on top of the first modular building unit. This may effectively require that said further modular building unit, and the modular floor unit, be positioned above, and supported by or on, the first modular building unit. Typically they will be in direct contact with the first modular building unit, and so positioned directly on the first unit. However, they may be in indirect contact with the first modular building unit, and so positioned indirectly on the first unit (i.e. not in direct contact, and so for example with an intermediate component, such as a support structure, between them).

[0145] Where there are a plurality of further modular building units, the modular floor unit may be configured to be positioned adjacent to one of said further units, but could be positioned adjacent to more than one of said further unit depending on the layout / configuration of said further units.

[0146] Further aspects and / or embodiments of the invention may combine the features of one or more aspect and / or embodiment disclosed in this document. Accordingly, such further aspects and / or embodiments may comprise one or more feature selected from one or more aspect or embodiment of the invention disclosed in this document.

[0147] Unless explicitly implied by context or stated in the document, the features of any method or process disclosed in this document need not necessarily be performed in the precise order set out in the relevant text and / or drawings. Accordingly, any method or process disclosed in this document may be capable of being performed in an order other than that specifically set out in the relevant text / drawings, if circumstances permit.

[0148] Features disclosed in this document (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, features disclosed in this document may represent only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hybrid building having a lower storey and an upper storey, the hybrid building comprising: a first building section which is an on-site construction at a final location for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume defining at least one room providing a living space within the building; and a modular building assembly forming a second building section, the modular building assembly comprising: a first modular building unit comprising an internal volume, the first modular building unit having a footprint; at least one further modular building unit comprising an internal volume defining at least one room providing a further living space within the building, said further modular building unit positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a first portion of its footprint; and a modular floor unit positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a further portion of its footprint; in which the first building section and the second building section together form at least part of the building; and in which the modular floor unit forms a floor for an internal space in the upper storey of the building, the internal space defined by the first building section and enclosed by walls of the building.

2. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 1, in which the first building section forms at least some external walls of the building, and in which the internal space is at least partly enclosed by one or more of said external walls.

3. A hybrid building as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, in which the first building section forms at least one internal wall of the building, and in which the internal space is at least partly enclosed by said internal wall.

4. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit together overlie a majority of the footprint of the first modular building unit.

5. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first modular building unit defines at least part of an access route, the access route providing access from the first modular building unit to at least one of: a) a floor supported or defined by the modular floor unit; and b) the internal volume of the further modular building unit.

6. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first modular building unit comprises at least a main part of a staircase and a ceiling structure, and in which the first modular building unit and the modular floor unit are arranged so that an aperture is provided which extends through the ceiling structure, the aperture communicating with the main part of the staircase.

7. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 6, in which the modular floor unit is configured to define at least part of a landing, and the aperture opens adjacent to the landing.

8. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the first modular building unit comprises at least a main part of a staircase, and the further modular building unit comprises an aperture which communicates with the main part of the staircase.

9. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 8, in which the further modular building unit defines at least part of a landing, and the aperture opens adjacent to the landing.

10. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the modular floor unit defines at least part of a floor which provides direct access into the internal volume of the further modular building unit.

11. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which: the further modular building unit is a second modular building unit; the further portion of the footprint of the first modular building unit which is overlaid by the modular floor unit is a second portion of the footprint; and the modular building assembly comprises a third modular building unit, the third modular building unit comprising an internal volume and being positioned on top of the first modular building unit overlying a third portion of its footprint.

12. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 11, in which the second modular building unit, the third modular building unit and the modular floor unit are configured so that they together overlie a majority of the footprint of the first modular building unit.

13. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which: the internal volume of the first modular building unit forms at least part of at least one room of the building, the at least one room selected from the group comprising a hallway, a room comprising a wet facility, and a technical room; and the at least one room defined by the at least one further modular building unit comprises a wet facility.

14. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 11, in which the second and third modular building units each comprise respective wet facilities.

15. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which: the first modular building unit comprises a perimeter, the perimeter comprising a plurality of perimeter portions, each perimeter portion disposed transverse to at least one other perimeter portion; and the at least one further modular building unit overlaps at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit.

16. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 15, in which: the at least one further modular building unit comprises a perimeter, the perimeter comprising a plurality of perimeter portions, each perimeter portion disposed transverse to at least one other perimeter portion; and the at least one further modular building unit is positioned so that at least one perimeter portion of the further modular building unit is disposed laterally spaced from a corresponding perimeter portion of the first modular building unit.

17. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 16, in which said perimeter portion of the further modular building unit is disposed outboard of the footprint of the first modular building unit.

18. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the further modular building unit overhangs at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit, which perimeter portion defines a side of the first modular building unit.

19. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 18, in which an overhanging portion of the further modular building unit forms at least part of a porch for the building.

20. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one further modular building unit is positioned so that at least one perimeter portion of said further unit is disposed inboard of at least one perimeter portion of the first modular building unit.

21. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which: the first modular building unit and the at least one further modular building unit each comprise respective main axes extending along main length directions of the units; and the at least one further modular building unit is positioned so that the main axis of the at least one further modular building unit is disposed substantially parallel to the main axis of the first modular building unit.

22. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, in which: the first modular building unit and the at least one further modular building unit each comprise respective main axes extending along main length directions of the units; and the at least one further modular building unit is positioned so that the main axis of the at least one further modular building unit is disposed transverse to the main axis of the first modular building unit.

23. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which: the footprint of the first modular building unit is a first footprint; the at least one further modular building unit comprises a footprint, which is a second footprint of the modular building assembly; and the second footprint is different to the first footprint.

24. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 23, in which: the second footprint has a different shape to the first footprint; and / or at least one dimension of the second footprint differs from a corresponding dimension of the first footprint.

25. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, in which: the footprint of the first modular building unit is a first footprint; the at least one further modular building unit comprises a footprint, which is a second footprint of the modular building assembly, the second footprint being substantially the same as the first footprint; and said further modular building unit is positioned so that the second footprint partially overlaps the first footprint.

26. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 25, in which at least part of the second footprint overhangs a perimeter portion of the first modular building unit.

27. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first modular building unit comprises: a ceiling structure which supports the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit, the ceiling structure comprising a plurality of support surfaces for the further modular building unit and the modular floor unit; and a floor structure defining a base of the first modular building unit; in which the support surfaces for the at least one further modular building unit and the modular floor unit are disposed at a common height above the base.

28. A hybrid building as claimed in any preceding claim, in which: the modular floor unit comprises a floor support surface; the at least one further modular building unit comprises a floor support surface; and the modular floor unit and the at least one further modular building unit are configured so that their floor support surfaces are disposed at a common height above a base of the first modular building unit.

29. A method of constructing a hybrid building having a lower storey and an upper storey comprising the steps of: constructing a first building section at a final location for the building, comprising arranging the first building section so that it comprises an internal volume defining at least one room providing a living space within the building; constructing a second building section at least partly comprising a modular building assembly; and connecting the first and second building sections at the final location; in which the step of constructing the second building section comprises:at a location away from the final location, constructing a first modular building unit to a substantially assembled form, comprising providing the first modular building unit with an internal volume and a footprint; at a location away from the final location, constructing at least one further modular building unit to a substantially assembled form, comprising providing said further modular building unit with an internal volume defining at least one room configured to provide a further living space within the building; at a location away from the final location, constructing a modular floor unit to a substantially assembled form; transporting the first modular building unit, the at least one further modular building unit and the modular floor unit to the final location in their substantially assembled forms; positioning the first modular building unit at the final location; and forming the modular building assembly by: positioning the at least one further modular building unit on top of the first modular building unit so that it overlies a first portion of its footprint; and positioning the modular floor unit on top of the first modular building unit so that it overlies a further portion of its footprint; and in which the method further comprises arranging the first building section so that it defines an internal space in the upper storey of the building which is enclosed by walls of the building, and arranging the modular floor unit so that it forms a floor for the internal space.

Images