Modular building assembly for hybrid building

Abstract

There is disclosed a modular building assembly (12) configured to form part of a hybrid building (10). The modular building assembly comprises a lower modular building unit (14) comprising a ceiling section (22) and an internal volume (24) configured to define at least part (27) of a living space (26) within a lower storey (18) of the building; and an upper modular building unit (16) comprising a floor section (28) and an internal volume (30) configured to define at least part (33) of a living space (32) within an upper storey (20) of the building. The upper modular building unit is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit. The floor section is disposed in a common plane (34) with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit. There is also disclosed a hybrid building (10) comprising the modular building assembly, and a method of constructing a hybrid building.

Description

[0001] MODULAR BUILDING ASSEMBLY FOR HYBRID BUILDING

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular building assembly for a hybrid building, the modular building assembly comprising a lower modular building unit and an upper modular building unit which is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit. The present invention also relates to a hybrid building and a hybrid building system comprising the modular building assembly, and a method of constructing a hybrid building comprising such a 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 lower modular building unit, and an upper modular building unit stacked on (and supported by) the lower modular building unit. Typically, the lower modular building unit has a footprint, and the upper modular building unit has a footprint which corresponds to that of the lower modular building unit. The upper modular building unit is positioned on top of the lower modular building unit so that it is aligned with the lower modular building unit, and overlies the entire footprint of the lower unit. Whilst 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 can include one or more modular building assembly of the type described above, having stacked upper and lower modular building units.

[0006] Whilst modular building assemblies comprising stacked modular building units are common in both modular and hybrid buildings, arranging the modular building units so that they have corresponding footprints, with the upper unit aligned with and overlying the entire footprint of the lower unit, can restrict design options for the building. This is particularly true in hybrid buildings, in which constructional features of the modular building assembly can restrict design choices in the first building section constructed at the final location. According to a first aspect, there is provided a modular building assembly configured to form part of a hybrid building, the modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; and an upper modular building unit comprising a floor section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; in which the upper modular building unit is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor section of the upper modular building unit is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

[0007] According to a second aspect, there is provided a hybrid building comprising: a first building section constructed at a final location for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume; and a second building section positioned at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, the second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; and an upper modular building unit comprising a floor section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; in which the upper modular building unit is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor section of the upper modular building unit is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

[0008] According to a third aspect, there is provided a hybrid building construction system comprising: a first building section configured to be constructed at a final location for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume; and a second building section configured to be positioned at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, the second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; and an upper modular building unit comprising a floor section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; in which the upper modular building unit is configured to be disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor section of the upper modular building unit is configured to be disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit. Optional further features and advantages of the modular building assembly, hybrid building and hybrid building construction system of the first to third aspects are set out below.

[0009] The upper modular building unit of the modular building assembly may comprise a room section defining the internal volume. The floor section may extend laterally from the room section.

[0010] Arranging the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit may provide greater design freedom for a further part or parts of the building comprising the modular building assembly, in particular living space defined by said further part or parts of the building. This is because a shape and / or dimensions of said living space are not restricted by the requirement for the lower and upper modular building units to be stacked one on top of the other, as is common with conventional modular building assemblies. For example, in a conventional assembly of stacked modular building units, a support structure (e.g. a frame) of the upper modular building unit may restrict the shape and / or dimensions of a living space (e.g. a room) that can be formed by the further part or parts of the building which border or accommodate the upper unit. In the context of the second and third aspects, said further part or parts of the building may be provided by the first building section.

[0011] Arranging the floor section of the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed in the common plane with the ceiling section may offer the advantage that a height of the modular building assembly (and so a height of a building comprising the modular building assembly) can be reduced, compared to a conventional assembly of stacked modular building units. This is because, in a conventional such assembly, an intersection between the modular building units comprises the ceiling section of the lower unit and the floor section of the upper unit (which is positioned on top of the ceiling section of the lower unit). The increase in height which results has an impact on material and construction costs, or alternatively reduces the floor to ceiling height provided in the upper modular building unit if an overall building height is restricted. Building services equipment can also be routed between the modular building units by passing the equipment laterally through the ceiling and floor sections, which may be substantially aligned (as they are in the common plane). This may facilitate connection of the building services equipment to the upper modular building unit.

[0012] Reference is made to the upper modular building unit being disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit. This should be taken to be during normal use of the modular building assembly, with the upper modular building unit positioned so that its floor section is in the common plane with the ceiling section. The upper modular building unit may be disposed laterally in that it may be disposed to the side of the lower modular building unit, and / or in that substantially the entire upper modular building unit may be arranged so that it does not overlap, or sit directly above, the lower modular building unit. The lateral disposition of the upper modular building unit may be considered in a generally horizontal sense.

[0013] Reference is made to the floor section of the upper modular building unit being disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit. The common plane may be a horizontal plane. The floor and ceiling sections may be considered to be in a common plane in that the plane may intersect (e.g. pass through) both the ceiling section and the floor section. This contrasts with a conventional modular building assembly of stacked upper and lower modular building units, in which a plane on or in which the lower unit ceiling section lies does not (and cannot) intersect with the floor section of the upper modular building unit, since the floor section of the upper unit sits above and is supported by / rests on the ceiling section.

[0014] Reference is made to features of the modular building assembly (and / or of the hybrid building or hybrid building system comprising the modular building assembly) being positioned above or below another feature or features. This should be taken to be in the normal, vertical sense, and / or considered during use of the modular building assembly when the upper modular building unit is positioned so that its floor section is in the common plane with the ceiling section. At least part of the upper modular building unit, in particular its internal volume, may be disposed or positioned vertically above (but not aligned with) the lower modular building unit.

[0015] In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, the internal volume of the first building section may define a further part of the living space within the lower storey of the building. At least some of the further part may be disposed below the floor section of the upper modular building unit. The upper modular building unit may therefore effectively extend laterally from the lower modular building unit over and / or above said further part of the living space defined by the first building section. The internal volume of the first building section may define a further part of the living space within the upper storey of the building. At least some of the further part may communicate with the internal volume of the upper modular building unit.

[0016] Where the upper modular building unit comprises a room section defining the internal volume, and the floor section extends laterally from the room section, the floor section may have a footprint, and the room section may overlie a portion of the footprint. The floor section may have a perimeter, and the footprint may be described or defined by the perimeter. For example, the footprint may be the area contained within, or bordered by, the perimeter. The room section may be disposed on top of or above the floor section. The room section may be supported by the floor section. The floor section may extend laterally from the room section on or from a side of the room section, which may be a side that faces in a direction towards the lower modular building unit. The room section may have a perimeter, and the floor section may extend from the room section beyond the perimeter. The room section perimeter may comprise a plurality of perimeter portions, each of which may be disposed transverse (e.g. substantially perpendicular) to at least one other perimeter portion. The floor section may extend beyond at least one of the perimeter portions. The floor section may extend from the room section towards the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit. The floor section may bridge a gap or space between the room section and the ceiling section. This may provide a route or pathway between the room section and a further part of the upper storey living space defined by the building.

[0017] The reference to a footprint should generally be understood to mean the area (on, in or above the ground) which the feature in question accommodates, e.g. in the case of the floor section, measured from outer surfaces or boundaries of the section. The floor section may overlap the ceiling section, considered in a vertical sense or direction. The floor section may be substantially aligned with the ceiling section. The floor section may comprise a lateral edge surface or face. The ceiling section may comprise a lateral edge surface or face. The lateral edge surface of the floor section may be configured to face and / or abut the lateral edge surface of the ceiling section. The floor section may be connected to the ceiling section, optionally by : a) connecting the floor and ceiling section together at or proximal their lateral edge surfaces; and / or b) by arranging the ceiling section so that it supports the floor section.

[0018] The lower modular building unit may comprise a vertical support structure, which may be connected to and may support the ceiling section. The vertical support structure may be configured to support: a) loading transferred to it from or by the ceiling section, which may be a load of the ceiling section; and / or b) structural loads imparted on the ceiling section, during use. The vertical support structure may comprise or define one or more wall of the lower modular building unit.

[0019] The lower modular building unit may comprise one or more connection feature, which may serve for connecting the upper modular building unit to the lower modular building unit. The upper modular building unit may be supported by the lower unit, optionally via said connection feature. The connection feature may take the form of a connecting component, which may be connected to one or more of the ceiling section and a vertical support structure of the lower modular building unit. The connecting feature may take the form of a bracket, ledge or the like, which may be configured to support a lower surface of the floor section.

[0020] The lower modular building unit and the upper modular building unit may comprise respective connection features, which may be configured to cooperate for connecting the upper modular building unit to the lower modular building unit. One of the connection features may be a protrusion and the other one of the connection features may be a ledge, shoulder, recess or the like, which may be configured to receive and / or support the protrusion. The connection features may be defined respectively by the floor section and the ceiling section. The protrusion may extend laterally from the lower modular building unit, or the upper modular building unit.

[0021] The ceiling section may comprise an upper surface, which may be configured to support or define a floor structure of the building. In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, the floor structure may define a floor of or for living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section.

[0022] The floor section may comprise an upper surface, which may be configured to: support the room section; and / or support or define a floor structure of the building. In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, the floor structure may define a floor of or for living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section.

[0023] The upper surface of the floor section may be disposed in a common plane with the upper surface of the ceiling section. The floor structure may extend from the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit over the floor section of the upper modular building unit, optionally to the room section. The room section may comprise a floor, which may have a floor level. A floor level of or defined by the floor structure may be in a common plane with the floor level of the room section. This may provide the benefit that a change of level can be avoided when moving between the floor structure and the floor in the room section.

[0024] The ceiling section may comprise a lower surface, which may be configured to support or define a ceiling structure of the building. The ceiling structure may define a ceiling of or for the living space defined by the lower modular building unit.

[0025] The floor section may comprise a lower surface, which may be configured to support or define a ceiling structure of the building. In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, the ceiling structure may define a ceiling of or for a part of a lower living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section, which may be disposed below the floor section. The lower surface of the floor section may be disposed in a common plane with the lower surface of the ceiling section.

[0026] The upper modular building unit may comprise an axis, which may be a main (e.g. longitudinal) axis extending along a main length direction of the unit. The room section and the floor section may be disposed on the axis. The axis may extend from the room section to the floor section. The lower modular building unit may comprise an axis, which may be a main (e.g. longitudinal) axis extending along a main length direction of the unit. The axis of the upper modular building unit may be disposed transverse to, optionally substantially perpendicular to, the axis of the lower modular building unit. The room section may be spaced from the lower modular building unit along the axis of the upper modular building unit.

[0027] The floor section may have a height, and the room section may have a height. The height of the floor section may be less than the height of the room section. The floor section may provide or act as a floor for an internal volume or space defined by a further part of the building, in particular by the first building section.

[0028] The floor section may comprise a first portion, which may be disposed beneath the room section, and which may support the room section. The floor section may comprise a second portion, which may extend from the first portion, optionally towards the ceiling section. The second portion may be configured to define a floor for a part of the upper storey living space defined by a further part or parts of the building. In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, the second portion may define a floor for a further part of the upper living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section. Said part of the upper storey living space may be an internal space, which may be contained within walls of the building. At least some of the walls may be defined by the first building section.

[0029] The floor section of the upper modular building unit may comprise a plurality of structural elements. The structural elements may be joists, beams or the like.

[0030] The structural elements may extend along a main length direction of the floor section, optionally in a direction along (e.g. substantially parallel to) its main axis. At least some of the structural elements: may be connected to the ceiling section, optionally at respective first ends of the structural elements; and / or may be configured to be connected to a further part or parts of the building, optionally at respective second ends. In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, said structural elements may be connected to the first building section, optionally at their second ends. A first load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass through the lower modular building unit. A second load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass through the first building section, for example through a support structure such as a wall. The wall may be internal or external.

[0031] The structural elements may extend transverse to (e.g. substantially perpendicular to) a main length direction of the floor section, optionally transverse to its main axis. At least some of the structural elements may be configured to be connected to a further part or parts of the building, optionally at respective first and second ends. In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, a first load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass through the first building section, for example through a first support structure such as a first wall. A second load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass through the first building section, for example through a second support structure such as a second wall. The walls may be internal or external.

[0032] Building services equipment may be provided within the floor section prior to positioning of the upper modular building unit relative to the lower modular building unit (to thereby form the modular building assembly), so that the equipment is effectively pre -positioned within the floor section. The ceiling section may comprise an internal space or void, which may be configured to contain building services equipment. The ceiling section may comprise one or more aperture, optionally at a perimeter or edge of the ceiling section, through which building services equipment may pass. The floor section may comprise an internal space or void, which may be configured to contain building services equipment. The floor section may comprise one or more aperture, optionally at a perimeter or edge of the floor section, through which building services equipment may pass. The aperture of the floor section may be substantially aligned with the aperture of the ceiling section, so that the building services equipment can pass between the ceiling section and the floor section. This may facilitate connection of the building services equipment to the room section. Where there are a plurality of such apertures, each aperture of the floor section may substantially align with one (or more) aperture of the ceiling section. The floor section may comprise one or more building services connectors, for connecting to building services equipment provided in the room section.

[0033] Building services may be selected from the group comprising: water supply; sewerage / wastewater; power supply (electrical and / or gas); communications; heating / cooling; and ventilation. The building services equipment may be selected from the group comprising: electrical power wires or cables; communication cables; fluid conduits such as for water supply; heating / cooling system conduits; ventilation conduits; and wastewater / sewerage conduits.

[0034] The internal volume of the upper modular building unit (in particular its room section) may define at least part of a room providing the living space. The living space may comprise or contain one or more wet facility, such as a washing facility, which may be selected form the group comprising shower, bath, washbasin and toilet. The building services equipment may connect to the one or more wet facility, and may comprise water supply conduits, and / or wastewater / sewerage conduits connected to the wet facility.

[0035] The living space defined by the lower modular building unit may provide at least part of a room, which may be any suitable room of the building. The living space defined by the first building section may provide at least a part, or parts, of one or more room, which may be any suitable room of the building. Non-limiting examples of suitable rooms include: a living, sitting or leisure room; a kitchen; a dining room; a bedroom; and a room comprising a wet facility (e.g. a washroom or toilet).

[0036] The hybrid building may be a hybrid residential building, such as a house (detached, semi-detached, terraced or townhouse), a block of flats / apartments, or a hotel. 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 lower and upper 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. The building may comprise: at least one further modular building unit, which may form part of the second building section and may be connected to the modular building assembly; a plurality of modular building assemblies each comprising a plurality of modular building units, at least one of which may be an assembly according to the first aspect; and / or one or more further stories, e.g. a lower storey, a first upper storey, and at least one further upper storey.

[0037] The second building section may be substantially completely enclosed within the internal volume of the first building section. The second building section may be enclosed within walls of the building, which may be defined or provided by the first building section. The walls may be internal and / or external walls.

[0038] The lower modular building unit may have a footprint. The upper modular building unit may have a footprint, which may be smaller than the lower modular building unit footprint. The upper modular building unit footprint may have a smaller area than the lower modular building unit footprint. At least one dimension of the upper modular building unit footprint may be smaller than a corresponding dimension of the lower modular building unit footprint.

[0039] In the hybrid building of the second / third aspect, the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit may effectively provide both a ceiling for the lower storey living space defined by the unit, and a floor for a part of the upper storey living space defined by the first building section. The floor section of the upper modular building unit may effectively provide: a floor for supporting the room section of the unit; a floor for a part of the upper storey living space defined by the first building section; and a ceiling for a part of the lower storey living space defined by the first building section. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a hybrid building, the method comprising: constructing a first building section at a final location for the building, comprising providing the first building section with an internal volume; and providing a second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly, and positioning the second building section at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, comprising: providing a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; providing an upper modular building unit comprising a floor section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; arranging the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and arranging the floor section of the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

[0040] The method may comprise providing the upper modular building unit with a room section defining the internal volume. The floor section may extend laterally from the room section.

[0041] The method may comprise arranging the internal volume of the first building section so that it defines a further part of the living space within the lower storey of the building. The method may comprise providing the further part of the lower storey living space below the floor section of the upper modular building unit.

[0042] The method may comprise constructing the lower modular building unit to a substantially assembled form at a location away from the final location, which may comprise providing the lower modular building unit with its internal volume. The method may comprise constructing the upper modular building unit to a substantially assembled form at a location away from the final location, which may comprise providing the upper modular building unit with its internal volume. The method may comprise transporting the lower modular building unit and the upper modular building unit to the final location in their substantially assembled forms, and forming the modular building assembly at the final location by arranging the upper modular building unit and floor section as described above.

[0043] In one option, the method may comprise: forming at least part of a lower storey portion of the first building section at the final location; positioning the lower modular building unit within a part of the internal volume of the first building section defined by the lower storey portion; and then: arranging the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and arranging the floor section of the upper modular building unit so that it is in the common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit. In another option, the method may comprise: positioning the lower modular building unit at the final location; and then: forming at least part of a lower storey portion of the first building section at the final location, comprising arranging said lower storey portion so that the lower modular building unit is positioned at least partly within an internal volume defined by the lower storey portion; arranging the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and arranging the floor section of the upper modular building unit so that it is in the common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

[0044] In both options, the method may further comprise forming an upper storey portion of the first building section at the final location: a) following arranging of the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; or b) prior to arranging the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit.

[0045] 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 or more of the first to third aspects.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a modular building assembly configured to form part of a hybrid building, the modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; an upper modular building unit comprising an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; and a floor module configured to support the upper modular building unit; in which the upper modular building unit is positioned on the floor module and disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor module is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

[0047] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a hybrid building comprising: a first building section constructed at a final location for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume; and a second building section positioned at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, the second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; an upper modular building unit comprising an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; and a floor module configured to support the upper modular building unit; in which the upper modular building unit is positioned on the floor module and disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor module is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

[0048] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a hybrid building construction system for use in constructing a hybrid building having the features of the sixth aspect.

[0049] Optional further features and advantages of the modular building assembly, hybrid building and hybrid building construction system of the fifth to seventh aspects are set out below.

[0050] Features of the modular building assembly, hybrid building and hybrid building construction system of the fifth to seventh aspects which are common to the modular building assembly, hybrid building and hybrid building construction system of the first to third aspects may have any of the further features set out above in relation to the first to third aspects. In this regard, further features of the floor module may be derived from the text relating to the floor section in the first to third aspects. The floor module of the fifth to seventh aspects may provide a floor section having at least some of the features described in relation to the first to third aspects. Further features of the upper modular building unit of the fifth to seventh aspects may be derived from the text relating to the room section in the first to third aspects. The upper modular building unit of the fifth to seventh aspects may effectively provide a room section having at least some of the features described in relation to the first to third aspects.

[0051] The floor module may be configured to be constructed to a substantially assembled form away from a final location for the building, for example in a factory or facility that is spaced from the final location. The floor module may be transportable to the final location in its constructed form. The upper modular building unit may be connectable to the floor module at the final location, following positioning of the floor module.

[0052] In the hybrid building of the sixth / seventh aspect, the internal volume of the first building section may define a further part of the living space within the lower storey of the building. At least some of the further part may be disposed below the floor module of the upper modular building unit. The floor module may therefore effectively extend laterally from the lower modular building unit over and / or above said further part of the living space defined by the first building section. The internal volume of the first building section may define a further part of the living space within the upper storey of the building. At least some of the further part may communicate with the upper modular building unit.

[0053] The floor module may extend laterally from the upper modular building unit. The floor module may have a footprint, and the upper modular building unit may overlie a portion of the footprint. The floor module may have a perimeter, and the footprint may be described or defined by the perimeter. For example, the footprint may be the area contained within, or bordered by, the perimeter. The upper modular building unit may be disposed on top of or above the floor module. The upper modular building unit may be supported by the floor module. The floor module may extend laterally from the upper modular building unit on or from a side of the room module, which may be a side that faces in a direction towards the lower modular building unit. The upper modular building unit may have a perimeter, and the floor module may extend from the upper modular building unit beyond the perimeter. The upper modular building unit perimeter may comprise a plurality of perimeter portions, each of which may be disposed transverse (e.g. substantially perpendicular) to at least one other perimeter portion. The floor module may extend beyond at least one of the perimeter portions. The floor module may extend from the upper modular building unit towards the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit. The floor section may bridge a gap or space between the upper modular building unit and the ceiling section. This may provide a route or pathway between the upper modular building unit and a further part of the upper storey living space defined by the building.

[0054] The floor module may overlap the ceiling section, considered in a vertical sense or direction. The floor module may be substantially aligned with the ceiling section. The floor module may comprise a lateral edge surface or face. The ceiling section may comprise a lateral edge surface or face. The lateral edge surface of the floor module may be configured to face and / or abut the lateral edge surface of the ceiling section. The floor module may be connected to the ceiling section, optionally by : a) connecting the floor module and ceiling section together at or proximal their lateral edge surfaces; and / or b) by arranging the ceiling section so that it supports the floor module.

[0055] The lower modular building unit may comprise one or more connection feature, which may serve for connecting the floor module to the lower modular building unit. The floor module may be supported by the lower unit, optionally via said connection feature. The connection feature may take the form of a connecting component, which may be connected to one or more of the ceiling section and a vertical support structure of the lower modular building unit.

[0056] The lower modular building unit and the floor module unit may comprise respective connection features, which may be configured to cooperate for connecting the floor module to the lower modular building unit. One of the connection features may be a protrusion and the other one of the connection features may be a ledge, shoulder, recess or the like, which may be configured to receive and / or support the protrusion.

[0057] The floor module may comprise an upper surface, which may be configured to: support the upper modular building unit; and / or support or define a floor structure of the building. In the hybrid building of the sixth / seventh aspect, the floor module may define a floor of or for living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section.

[0058] The upper surface of the floor module may be disposed in a common plane with an upper surface of the ceiling section. The floor structure may extend from the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit over the floor module, optionally to the upper modular building unit. The upper modular building unit may comprise a floor, which may have a floor level. A floor level of or defined by the floor module may be in a common plane with the floor level of the upper modular building unit. The floor module may comprise a lower surface, which may be configured to support or define a ceiling structure of the building. In the hybrid building of the sixth / seventh aspect, the ceiling structure may define a ceiling of or for a part of a lower living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section, which may be disposed below the floor module. The lower surface of the floor section may be disposed in a common plane with a lower surface of the ceiling section.

[0059] The floor module may comprise an axis, which may be a main (e.g. longitudinal) axis extending along a main length direction of the module. The upper modular building unit may be disposed on the axis. The axis of the floor module may be disposed transverse to, optionally substantially perpendicular to, a main axis of the lower modular building unit. The upper modular building unit may be spaced from the lower modular building unit along the axis of the floor module.

[0060] The floor module may comprise a first portion, which may be disposed beneath the upper modular building unit, and which may support the upper modular building unit. The floor module may comprise a second portion, which may extend from the first portion, optionally towards the ceiling section. The second portion may be configured to define a floor for a part of the upper storey living space defined by a further part or parts of the building. In the hybrid building of the sixth / seventh aspect, the second portion may define a floor for a further part of the upper living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section.

[0061] The floor module may comprise a plurality of structural elements. The structural elements may be joists, beams or the like.

[0062] The structural elements may extend along a main length direction of the floor module, optionally in a direction along (e.g. substantially parallel to) its main axis. At least some of the structural elements: may be connected to the ceiling section, optionally at respective first ends of the structural elements; and / or may be configured to be connected to a further part or parts of the building, optionally at respective second ends. In the hybrid building of the sixth / seventh aspect, said structural elements may be connected to the first building section, optionally at their second ends. A first load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass from the floor module through the lower modular building unit. A second load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass from the floor module through the first building section, for example through a support structure such as a wall.

[0063] The structural elements may extend transverse to (e.g. substantially perpendicular to) a main length direction of the floor module, optionally transverse to its main axis. At least some of the structural elements may be configured to be connected to a further part or parts of the building, optionally at respective first and second ends. In the hybrid building of the sixth / seventh aspect, a first load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass from the floor module through the first building section, for example through a first support structure such as a first wall. A second load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground may pass from the floor module through the first building section, for example through a second support structure such as a second wall. Building services equipment may be provided within the floor module prior to positioning of the floor module relative to the lower modular building unit, and prior to positioning of the upper modular building unit on the floor module (to thereby form the modular building assembly). The equipment may therefore effectively be pre- positioned within the floor module. The floor module may comprise an internal space or void, which may be configured to contain building services equipment.

[0064] The floor module may comprise one or more aperture, optionally at a perimeter or edge of the floor module, through which building services equipment may pass. The aperture of the floor module may be substantially aligned with an aperture of the ceiling section, so that the building services equipment can pass between the ceiling section and the floor section. This may facilitate connection of the building services equipment to the upper modular building unit.

[0065] The floor module may comprise one or more building services connector, for connecting to building services equipment provided in the upper modular building unit. The one or more building services connector may be connected to building services equipment provided within the floor module. For example, a connector may be provided on a terminal end of a water supply conduit located in the floor module, which may be connectable to a water supply conduit of a wet facility contained within the upper modular building unit.

[0066] The upper modular building unit may comprise one or more building services connector, for connecting to building services equipment provided in the floor module. The one or more building services connector may be connected to building services equipment provided within the upper modular building unit. For example, a connector may be provided on a terminal end of a water supply conduit connected to a wet facility in the upper modular building unit, which may be connectable to a water supply conduit contained within the floor module.

[0067] The upper modular building unit may define at least part of a room providing the living space. The living space may comprise or contain one or more wet facility.

[0068] The lower modular building unit may have a footprint. The floor module may have a footprint, which may be smaller than the lower modular building unit footprint. The floor module footprint may have a smaller area than the lower modular building unit footprint. At least one dimension of the floor module footprint may be smaller than a corresponding dimension of the lower modular building unit footprint.

[0069] The upper modular building unit may have a footprint, which may be smaller than the floor module footprint. The upper modular building unit footprint may have a smaller area than the floor module footprint. At least one dimension of the upper modular building unit footprint may be smaller than a corresponding dimension of the floor module footprint.

[0070] The floor module may comprise one or more mounting component, for mounting the upper modular building unit on the floor module. The one or more mounting component may provide a releasable connection between the floor module and the upper modular building unit. The one or more mounting component may form a predefined location for the upper modular building unit on the floor module. Where there is one or more connector for building services equipment, a position of said connector relative to the one or more mounting component may be predetermined and arranged to facilitate connection of the building services equipment following mounting of the upper modular building unit on the floor module.

[0071] In the hybrid building of the sixth / seventh aspect, the floor module may effectively provide: a floor for supporting the upper modular building unit; a floor for a part of the upper storey living space defined by the first building section; and a ceiling for a part of the lower storey living space defined by the first building section.

[0072] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a hybrid building, the method comprising: constructing a first building section at a final location for the building, comprising providing the first building section with an internal volume; and providing a second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly, and positioning the second building section at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, comprising: providing a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; providing an upper modular building unit comprising an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; providing a floor module configured to support the upper modular building unit; arranging the floor module so that it is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit; and positioning the upper modular building unit on the floor module so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit.

[0073] The method may comprise arranging the floor module so that it extends laterally from the upper modular building unit.

[0074] 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 or more of the first to seventh aspects.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a hybrid building comprising a first building section, and a second building section defined by a modular building assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0077] Fig. 2 is an enlarged, detailed isometric view of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 1, the assembly drawn to a larger scale and viewed from a front left comer, and shown with certain parts removed for illustration purposes;

[0078] Figs. 3 and 4 are floorplan views of lower and upper storeys, respectively, of the building shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0079] Fig. 5 is a simplified front view of parts of the hybrid building shown in Fig. 1, illustrating an arrangement of upper and lower modular building units forming the modular building assembly;

[0080] Fig. 6 is a view of the modular building assembly corresponding to Fig. 2, but showing lower and upper modular building units of the assembly prior to connection;

[0081] Fig. 7 is a view of the modular building assembly corresponding to Fig. 6, drawn to a different scale and viewed from a front right comer;

[0082] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 2, drawn to a larger scale, and illustrating a connection between the modular building units;

[0083] Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the building shown in Fig. 1, illustrating a connection option, for connecting the upper modular unit to the lower modular building unit;

[0084] Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of the building shown in Fig. 1 , illustrating an alternative connection option, for connecting the upper modular unit to the first building section;

[0085] Fig. 11 is a view of the building corresponding to Fig. 5, but illustrating building services equipment extending between the modular building units of the modular building assembly;

[0086] Fig. 12 is an enlarged, detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, and which can form part of the hybrid building shown in Fig. 1, the modular building assembly viewed from a front left comer and with certain parts removed for illustration purposes; and

[0087] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a part of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 12, drawn to a larger scale and viewed from a different angle, and illustrating a connection option for the modular building units;

[0088] Fig. 14 is a view corresponding to Fig. 11, but showing the modular building units prior to connection; Fig. 15 is an enlarged, detailed isometric view of a modular building assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, and which can form part of the hybrid building shown in Fig. 1, the modular building assembly viewed from a front right comer, with certain parts removed for illustration purposes, and illustrating parts of the modular building assembly prior to connection; and

[0089] Fig. 16 is a further enlarged view of parts of the modular building assembly shown in Fig. 15.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The hybrid building 10 comprises a modular building assembly, which is shown in outline form only in Fig. 1, and indicated by reference numeral 12. The modular building assembly 12 is shown separately in Fig. 2, which is an enlarged, detailed isometric view of the modular building assembly, drawn to a larger scale and viewed from a front left comer. In Fig. 2, certain features (particularly internal and / or external wall panels) have been removed, to facilitate understanding of structural features and internal layouts.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the modular building assembly 12 generally comprises a lower modular building unit 14, and an upper modular building unit 16, the modular building units together forming the modular building assembly. As will be appreciated from the following description, the modular building assembly 12 may comprise further modular building units, which may be connected to one or more of the modular building units 14 and 16. For example, a further lower modular building unit (not shown) may be provided, connected to the lower modular building unit 14, or spaced from the lower unit and not connected to it. A further upper modular building unit (not shown) may be provided, connected to the upper modular building unit 16, or again spaced from the upper unit and not connected to it. Optionally, the hybrid building 10 can comprise at least one further modular building assembly (not shown), each assembly comprising a plurality of modular building units. At least one of the modular building assemblies would take the form of the assembly 12 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. One or more further modular building assembly can take the form of the assembly 12, or may take a different form, for example an assembly of stacked upper and lower units, where the upper unit sits above / on the lower unit.

[0093] The hybrid building 10 shown in the drawings comprises a lower storey 18 and an upper storey 20. The building 10 may however comprise more than two storeys, and may for example comprise a second upper storey (not shown). In that situation, the modular building assembly 12 may comprise one or more further modular building unit, which may for example be connected to or otherwise associated with the upper modular building unit 16, although the further upper storey may be formed by a further part of the building 10, and so not by the modular building assembly 12.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower modular building unit 14 comprises a ceiling section 22, and an internal volume 24 configured to define at least part of a living space 26 within the lower storey 18 of the building 10. Figs. 3 and 4 are referred to here, which are floorplan views showing an optional arrangement of living space within the building 10, in the lower and upper storeys 18 and 20, respectively. The part of the living space defined by the internal volume 24 of the lower modular building unit 14 is indicated generally by reference numeral 27 in Fig. 3, and will be described in more detail below.

[0095] The upper modular building unit 16 comprises a floor section 28, and an internal volume 30 configured to define at least part of a living space 32 within the upper storey 20 of the building 10. The part of the living space defined by the upper modular building unit is shown in the floorplan view of Fig. 4 and given the reference numeral 33. As best shown in Fig. 2, the upper modular building unit 16 is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit 14. In addition, the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit 16 is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit 14. This is shown in Fig. 5, which is a simplified front view of parts of the hybrid building 10 shown in Fig. 1. The common plane is indicated in broken outline in the drawing, and given the reference numeral 34. The common plane 34 is a generally horizontal plane, and the floor section 28 and the ceiling section 22 may be considered to be in the common plane in that the plane intersects (e.g. passes through) both the ceiling section and the floor section.

[0096] The hybrid building 10 incorporating the modular building assembly 12 comprises a first building section 36 which is constructed at a final location 38 for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume 40. Numerous options exist for constructing the first building section, as described for example in the International patent publications mentioned above (the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference). A particularly preferred option may however involve constructing the first building section 36 from structural insulated panels (SIPs), comprising structural insulated panel. As is well known in the construction industry, a SIP is a composite panel comprising an insulating layer of a relatively rigid insulating material which is sandwiched between two outer layers of a structural material, such as oriented strand board (OSB).

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the modular building assembly 12 forms a second building section positioned at least partly within the internal volume 40 of the first building section 36. The reference numeral 12 will be used to refer to both the modular building assembly, and the second building section defined by the modular building assembly. The invention extends to a hybrid building construction system for constructing the hybrid building 10, and which comprises the first building section 36 and the second building section 12. The first building section 36 is configured to be constructed at the final location 38, and the second building section 12 is defined at least partly by the modular building assembly 12, and configured to be positioned at least partly within the internal volume 40 of the first building section. The lower modular building unit 14 is configured to define at least part of the living space 26 within the lower storey 18 of the building 10, and the upper modular building unit 16 is configured to define at least part of the living space 32 within the upper storey 20. The upper modular building unit 16 is also configured to be disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit 14, and its floor section 28 is configured to be disposed in the common plane 34 with the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit 14.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper modular building unit 16 comprises a room section 42 which defines the internal volume 30 of the upper unit, and the floor section 28 extends laterally from the room section. This can clearly be seen in Fig. 6, which is a view of the modular building assembly 12 corresponding to Fig. 2, but showing the lower and upper modular building units 14, 16 prior to connection. Fig. 7 is also referred to, which is a view of the modular building assembly 12 corresponding to Fig. 6 but drawn to a different scale and viewed from a front right comer. Arranging the floor section 28 so that it extends from the room section 42 in this way offers certain advantages during use, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0099] Arranging the upper modular building unit 16 so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit 14 can provide greater design freedom for parts of the living space 26, 32 defined by the first building section 36. In particular, a shape and / or dimensions of the part of the upper storey living space 32 defined by the first building section 36 is not restricted by a requirement for the lower and upper modular building units 14 and 16 to be stacked one on top of the other, as is common with conventional modular building assemblies. In addition, arranging the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit 16 so that it is disposed in the common plane 34 with the ceiling section 22 may offer the advantage that a height of the modular building assembly 12 (and so a height of the building 10 comprising the modular building assembly) can be reduced, compared to a conventional assembly of stacked modular building units. Further, and as will be discussed in more detail below, building services equipment can also be routed between the modular building units 14 and 16 by passing the equipment laterally through the ceiling and floor sections 22 and 28, which are substantially aligned (as they are in the common plane 34). This may facilitate connection of the building services equipment to the upper modular building unit 16, and / or routing of the equipment between the upper and lower modular building units 16, 14.

[0100] As shown particularly in Fig. 5, a part of the upper modular building unit 16 is disposed vertically above the lower modular building unit 14, during use of the modular building assembly 12 (when the upper modular building unit is positioned so that its floor section 28 is in the common plane 34 with the ceiling section 22). In particular, the internal volume 30 of the upper modular building unit 16, defined by the room section 42, is disposed vertically above (but not aligned with) the lower modular building unit 14.

[0101] As discussed above, part of the living space 26 within the lower storey 18 of the building 10 is defined by the internal volume 40 of the first building section 36. The living space defines a number of rooms within the building, one of which is a lounge or living room 44. At least a part of the living room 44 is disposed below the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit 16, as best shown in Fig. 5. The upper modular building unit 16 effectively extends laterally from the lower modular building unit 14 over the living room 44 defined by the first building section 36. The first building section 36 also defines a further part of the living space 26, which is within the upper storey 20 of the building 10. This includes first, second and third bedrooms 46, 48 and 50, which communicate with the internal volume 30 of the upper modular building unit room section 42. This is achieved via a landing area 52 in the upper storey 20 which is defined partly by the first building section 36, and partly by the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit 16.

[0102] It will be understood from the above and the accompanying drawings that a portion of the living space within the hybrid building 10 is defined by the second building section 12 (and so provided by the modular building assembly), and a portion by the first building section 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the first building section 36 is arranged to define living space which fits around and incorporates the second building section 12. Thus for example the first building section forms the bedrooms 46-50 (excepting parts of bedroom walls formed by the room section 42 of the upper modular building unit 16), and floor structures for the bedrooms. The internal layout of the upper storey 20, in particular of the bedrooms 46-50 (and their floor structures), is arranged to provide access to the interior of the room section 42, which in this embodiment provides a bathroom for the building 10.

[0103] Referring back to Fig. 7, it can be seen that the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit 16 has a footprint 54, which is the effective surface area that the floor portion accommodates. The floor section 28 has a perimeter 56, and the footprint 54 is described or defined by the perimeter. Specifically, the footprint 54 is the area contained within, or bordered by, the perimeter 56. The room section 42 is disposed on top of and is supported by the floor section 28, and overlies a portion 58 of the footprint 54. The floor section 28 extends laterally from the room section 42 on or from a side 60 of the room section, which side faces in a direction towards the lower modular building unit 14. The room section 42 also has a perimeter 62, and the floor section 42 extends from the room section beyond its perimeter 62. Specifically, the room section perimeter 62 comprises a plurality of perimeter portions (two shown in Fig. 7 and given the numerals 64, 66), each of which is perpendicular to the adjacent perimeter portions. The floor section 28 extends beyond the perimeter portion 66 towards the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit 14, and bridges a gap or space 68 (Fig. 5) between the room section 42 and the ceiling section 22. This provides a pathway between the room section 42 and the upper storey living space 32 defined by the first building section 36.

[0104] Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is an enlarged view of a part of the modular building assembly 12 shown in Fig. 2, drawn to a larger scale, and illustrating a connection between the modular building units 14, 16. As can be seen in numerous drawings, the floor section 28 effectively overlaps the ceiling section 22, considered in a vertical direction. The floor section 28 is substantially aligned with the ceiling section, as best shown in Fig. 5, and comprises a lateral edge surface or face 70. The ceiling section 22 similarly comprises a lateral edge surface or face 72, and the lateral edge surface 70 of the floor section 28 is configured so that it faces and abuts the lateral edge face 72 of the ceiling section. The floor section 28 is connected to the ceiling section at or proximal their lateral edge faces 70 and 72, the upper modular building unit 16 thereby being connected to the lower modular building unit 14. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by arranging the ceiling section 22 so that it supports the floor section 28. To this end, the lower modular building unit 14, specifically its ceiling section 22, comprises one or more connection feature 74, which serves for connecting the upper modular building unit 16 to the lower modular building unit 14. The upper modular building unit 16 is therefore supported by the lower unit 14, via the connection feature 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection feature 74 takes the form of an elongate bracket, ledge or the like, which supports a lower surface 76 of the floor section 28. Multiple (optionally smaller) such brackets 74 may be provided if desired, which may be spaced apart along a dimension of the lower modular building unit 14.

[0105] The lower modular building unit 14 also comprises a vertical support structure 78 (Fig. 2), which is connected to and supports the ceiling section 22. The vertical support structure 78 supports both a load of the ceiling section 22, and structural loads imparted on the ceiling section, during use. The vertical support structure 78 effectively defines one or more wall of the lower modular building unit, specifically external walls including left side wall 80, front wall 82 and right side wall 84 shown in Figs. 2 and 7. The external walls 80-84 extend between the ceiling section 22 and a floor section 85 of the lower unit 14.

[0106] The ceiling section 22 also comprises an upper surface 86 (Fig. 5), which is configured to support or define a floor structure of the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 86 supports a floor structure for a part of the living space 32 defined by the internal volume 40 of the first building section 36, in the upper storey 20. Specifically, the upper surface 86 supports a floor structure 88 (also Fig. 2) which forms part of a floor for the second bedroom 48 and an ensuite 90 for the first bedroom 46. The floor section 28 similarly comprises an upper surface 92, which is configured both to support the room section 42, and to support a floor structure for a part of the living space 32 defined by the internal volume 40 of the first building section 36, in the upper storey 20. Specifically, the upper surface 92 supports a floor structure 94 (Fig. 2) which forms part of the landing 52. The floor structure 94 can also extend under, and provide a floor for, the room section 42.

[0107] The upper surface 92 of the floor section 28 is disposed in a common plane 96 with the upper surface 86 of the ceiling section 22. The floor structures 88 and 92 are arranged so that a continuous floor is provided which extends from the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit 14 over the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit 16 to its room section 42. The room section 42 also comprises a floor 98, which has a floor level. A floor level defined by the floor structure 94 is in a common plane with the floor level of the room section 42, which provides the benefit that a change of level can be avoided when moving between the floor structure 94 and the floor 98 in the room section 42.

[0108] The ceiling section 22 also comprises a lower surface 100, which is configured to support a ceiling structure 102 which forms a ceiling for the living space 26 defined by the lower modular building unit 14. The floor section 28 similarly comprises a lower surface 104, which is configured to support a ceiling structure 106 of the building which forms a ceiling for part of the lower living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section disposed below the floor section, specifically for the living room 44. The lower surface 104 of the floor section 28 is disposed in a common plane 108 with the lower surface 100 of the ceiling section 22.

[0109] The upper modular building unit 16 also comprises a main longitudinal axis 110 (Fig. 7) extending along a main length direction of the unit. The room section 42 and the floor section 28 are both disposed on the main axis 100, the axis effectively extending from the room section to the floor section. The lower modular building unit 14 similarly comprises a main longitudinal axis 112 extending along a main length direction of the unit. The main axis 110 of the upper modular building unit 16 is disposed transverse, suitably substantially perpendicular to, the main axis 112 of the lower modular building unit 14. The room section 42 is spaced from the lower modular building unit 14 along the main axis 110.

[0110] The floor section 28 comprises a first portion 114 (Fig. 2) which is disposed beneath and supports the room section 42, and a second portion 116 which extends from the first portion 114 towards the ceiling section 22. The second floor portion 116 is configured to define the part of the landing 52 discussed above. In the hybrid building 10, the second floor section portion 116 effectively defines a floor for the further part of the upper living space 32 defined by the internal volume 40 of the first building section 36, which is an internal space contained within walls of the building, which may be external and / or internal walls. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls are left and right side walls 118 and 120, and front and back walls 122 and 124 (Fig. 3), and are defined by the first building section 36. An internal wall defined by the room section side 60 also borders the internal space. It will be understood however that other walls enclose or border the internal space, including of the bedroom 46. A person moving from the floor structure 88 (supported by the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit 14), on or into the upper modular building unit 16 effectively steps into a part of the upper storey 30 defined by the first building section 36, in order to access the room section 42, via a walkway opening (doorway) 43 of the room section.

[0111] The upper modular building unit 16 also comprises a ceiling section 125 which is connected to its floor section 28 via a vertical load-bearing structure 17 (Fig. 2) defining walls of the room section 42. The building 10 comprises a separate roof structure 19, which extends over the upper modular building unit 16. The roof structure 19 is typically supported by load-bearing external walls of the first building section 36, so that loading of the roof is not transmitted to the modular building assembly 12.

[0112] Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a schematic plan view of the building 10. The floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit 16 comprises a perimeter frame (or ring beam) 127, and a plurality of structural elements in the form of elongate joists, beams or the like, various joists 128 being shown in the drawing. The j oists 128 extend along a main length direction of the floor section between end frame members 129 and 131 of the perimeter frame 127, in a direction parallel to the main axis 110 of the upper modular building unit 16 (the axis has been omitted from Fig. 9). The joists 128 each comprise a first end 130 which is effectively connected to and supported by the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit 14, via the support bracket 74. Specifically, each first end 130 of the joists 128 is effectively supported by a side frame member 132 of a perimeter frame (or ring beam) 134 of the ceiling section 28, via the end frame member 129 and the bracket 74 which supports it. The joists 128 also each comprise a second end 136 which is connected to the first building section 36, specifically to its left side wall 118, via the end frame member 131 and a connection feature such as a bracket or brackets 142 (Fig. 5) on the left side wall. This is also true of side frame members 138 and 140 of the floor section perimeter frame 127. Ceiling joists 144 of the lower unit ceiling section 22 are also shown in the drawing, and extend between side frame members 132 and 133 of the ceiling perimeter frame 134, parallel to the floor section joists 128. By this arrangement, a first load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit 16 to the ground at the final location 38 effectively passes through the lower modular building unit 14. The load transfer occurs from the joists 128 and side frame members 138 and 140 to the end frame member 129, and from the end frame member to the side frame member 132 of the ceiling perimeter frame 134 of the lower modular building unit 14 (via the bracket 74). The loading is transferred to the ground through the walls forming the vertical support structure 78 of the lower unit 14. A second load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit 16 to the ground effectively passes through the first building section 36. The load transfer occurs from the joists 128 and side frame members 138 and 140 to the end frame member 131, and from the end frame member to the left side wall 128 (via the bracket 142). It will be understood that alternative or additional options include load transfer to other parts of the building 10, including the front wall 122, and an internal load bearing wall (not shown) within the internal volume 40 of the first building section 36.

[0113] In a variation which is shown in Fig. 10, the floor section joists 128 are arranged so that they extend transverse to a main length direction of the floor section 28, perpendicular to its main axis 110 (omitted from the drawing). The floor joists extend between and are connected to the side frame members 138 and 140 of the floor perimeter frame 127. In this variation, the joists 128 are effectively connected to and supported by the first building section 36. Specifically, each first end 130 of the joists 128 is connected to the front wall 122 of the first building section 36, via the side frame member 138, and a bracket or brackets (not shown) similar to the bracket 142 described above. Each second end 136 of the joists 128 is connected to an internal load-bearing wall 145 of the first building section 36, via the side frame member 140. The joists 128 and / or the side frame member 140 may be seated directly on e.g. an upper surface of the internal wall 145, or the wall may carry a connection feature such as a bracket or brackets (not shown) for supporting them, similar to the bracket 142 described above. By this alternative arrangement, both first and second load paths for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit 16 to the ground at the final location 38 passes through the first building section 36, specifically through its front wall 122 and its internal load-bearing wall 145. Again, alternative or additional options include load transfer to other parts of the building 10, including the back wall 124, and other internal load bearing walls (not shown) within the internal volume 40 to the first building section 36.

[0114] Turning now to Fig. 11, there is shown a view of the building corresponding to Fig. 5, but illustrating building services equipment extending between the modular building units 14 and 16. The building services equipment is indicated generally in broken outline in the drawing and given the reference numeral 150, and is located within a space or void 151 the floor section 28, prior to positioning of the upper modular building unit 16 relative to the lower modular building unit 14. The building services equipment 150 is therefore effectively prepositioned within the floor section 28, and is typically installed within the floor section during construction, e.g. in the off-site facility where the modular building units 14 and 16 are constructed. The space 151 is provided within the perimeter frame 127 of the floor section 28. In a variation, the building services equipment 150 may be installed within the floor section 28 at a separate location, and may be installed at the building site (e.g. at or near the final location), suitably prior to positioning of the upper modular building unit 16 and its connection to the lower modular building unit 14. The ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit 14 comprises an internal space or void, which is indicated generally at 152 in the drawing. The space 152 is provided within the perimeter frame 134 of the ceiling section 22, above its ceiling structure 102, and is also configured to contain the building services equipment 150.

[0115] Referring back to Figs. 7 and 8, the floor section 28 also comprises a plurality of mounting members 154 which extend from the perimeter frame 127. These mounting members 154 support the room section 42 and the floor structure 94. The mounting members 154 also serve to increase the height of the space 151, providing greater flexibility on the type, quantity and / or shape of building services equipment 150 which can be located within the floor section 28. Similarly, the ceiling section 22 also comprises a plurality of mounting members 156 which extend from its perimeter frame 134. The mounting members 156 support the floor structure 88, and similarly increase the height of the internal space 152 within the ceiling section 22, providing the same benefits. The mounting members 154 and 156 each take the form of a block, post, stub, pin or peg which is connected to the respective perimeter frame 127 and 134, e.g. by welding where the perimeter frames are metallic e.g. hot formed metal frames (which will be described below). Other options include forming the perimeter frames 127 and 134 so that they integrally provide the mounting members 145 and 156, e.g. by forming the perimeter frames from sheet metal and cold-forming the perimeter frames to include the mounting members (e.g. by folding or bending the material forming the frames).

[0116] The ceiling section 22 also comprises one or more aperture, and in the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of apertures, one indicated with the numeral 158 in Fig. 8. As can be seen, the apertures 158 are provided at a perimeter or edge of the ceiling section 22, specifically between an adjacent pair of the mounting members 156. The floor section 28 similarly comprises one or more aperture, one indicated with numeral 160 in Fig. 7. The apertures 160 are provided at a perimeter or edge of the floor section 28, again between an adjacent pair of the mounting members 154. The aperture 160 of the floor section 28 aligns with the aperture 158 of the ceiling section 22, so that the building services equipment 150 can pass between the ceiling section and the floor section. This facilitates connection of the building services equipment 150 to the room section 42 of the upper modular building unit 16, the building services equipment passing laterally between the ceiling section 22 and the floor section 28, along the spaces 152 and 151 of the respective ceiling and floor sections. Where there are a plurality of such apertures 160, each aperture of the floor section 28 may substantially align with one (or more) aperture 158 of the ceiling section 22.

[0117] The building services which can be provided may be selected from the group comprising: water supply; sewerage / wastewater; power supply (electrical and / or gas); communications; heating / cooling; and ventilation. The building services equipment 150 may be selected from the group comprising: electrical power wires or cables; communication cables; fluid conduits such as for water supply; heating / cooling system conduits; ventilation conduits; and wastewater / sewerage conduits. In general terms, the ceiling section 22 and the floor section 28 can accommodate any building services equipment suitable or necessary for providing services within the building, specifically to and / or from the room section 42 of the upper modular building unit 16. The building services are typically supplied into the building 10 at or in the region of a mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) space or room 162, which may contain equipment associated with the services which are to be provided, including but not limited to: a boiler or other water heating device; electrical supply connections and meter; gas supply connections and meter; ventilation system components, such as a ventilation unit for providing flows of fresh external air and stale internal air to be ejected from the building, heat exchanger and controller; wastewater / sewerage connections; and communications equipment. The building services equipment 150 which is to be connected to the room section 42 is fed upwardly from the MEP room 162 into the internal space 152 within the ceiling section 22, before being routed laterally into the internal space 151 of the floor section and then upwardly into the room section 42. Similarly, building services equipment which is to be fed from the room section 42 back to the MEP room 162 (e.g. wastewater pipes) is fed in the reverse direction along the same path. It will be understood that the above also provides for feeding building services to other parts of the building 10, for example to parts of the building internal volume 40 defined by the first building section 36. This can be achieved by directing the building services equipment laterally through a selected aperture or apertures 158, 160, as well as upwardly or downwardly to or from the ceiling section 22 and floor section 28.

[0118] Referring back to Fig. 9, the routing of the floor section joists 128, which are substantially parallel to the ceiling joists 144, may be a preferred option for routing the building services equipment 150 between the modular building units 14 and 16. This is because wires, pipes, ducts and the like can be located within the gaps between adjacent joists in the ceiling and floor sections 22 and 28, running e.g. parallel to the joists in the gaps between them. It will be understood though that building services equipment 150 may pass over the joists, facilitated by the mounting members 154 and 156. Similar such mounting members (not shown) may be provided on some or all of the floor and ceiling joists 128, 144 to preserve space for routing the building services equipment 150 in this way.

[0119] The internal volume of the upper modular building unit 16, in particular its room section 42, defines at least part of a room providing some of the upper living space 32 within the building 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the part of the living space 32 defined by the room section 42 comprises or contains one or more wet facility, such as a washing facility. The wet facility may be selected form the group comprising a shower and / or bath 164, a washbasin 166 and a toilet 168. The building services equipment 150 connects to these wet facilities, and may comprise e.g. water supply conduits for supplying hot and cold water from a water heater in the MEP room 162 to the bath 164 and washbasin 166, and wastewater conduits connected to the bath and the washbasin for directing wastewater to the MEP room (and so out of the building via a sewerage connection).

[0120] The living space 27 defined by the internal volume 24 of the lower modular building unit 14 can provide at least part of a room, which may be any suitable room of the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the living space 26 provides a washroom or W / C 170, as well as the MEP room 162. The lower unit 14, specifically its internal volume 24, also defines at least part of a circulation space for the building 10, which provides a number of functions, comprising: access into the building from the exterior (via a main walkway 172 in the form of a front door for the building and a hallway 173); access to the upper storey 20 (via a staircase 174); and optionally (depending on room configuration) access between different areas within the building which are isolated from one another, e.g. on the same storey (for example between the living room 40 and a kitchen 176 in the first building section 36, and optionally between different bedrooms in the upper storey 20, again in the first building section).

[0121] As discussed above, the first building section 36 is an on-site construction at the final location 38. The internal volumes 27 and 33 of the second building section are defined at least partly by the modular building assembly 12, and in the illustrated embodiment, substantially entirely by the modular building assembly. The lower and upper modular building units 14 and 16 are configured to be constructed away from the final location 38, 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 38, 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 36 and 12 are configured to be connected / fitted together at the final location 38 to form the building. The building 10 may comprise: at least one further modular building unit (not shown), which may form part of the second building section and may be connected to the modular building assembly 12; a plurality of modular building assemblies (not shown) each comprising a plurality of modular building units, at least one of which may be an assembly according to the invention; and / or one or more further stories (not shown), e.g. a lower storey, a first upper storey, and at least one further upper storey.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the second building section defined by the modular building assembly 12 is substantially completely enclosed within the internal volume 40 of the first building section 36. The second building section 12 is enclosed within the walls 118-124 of the building 10, which are defined or provided by the first building section 36. The walls which enclose the second building section 12 can be external walls as shown, but at least some could be internal walls. In a variation, the second building section 12 may define at least part of an external perimeter and / or external face(s) or walls(s) of the building 10, and so may not be fully enclosed by the first building section 36 (or indeed may not be enclosed by the first building section, e.g. the building sections may have faces which abut or face towards one another when the sections are connected).

[0123] The modular building units 14 and 16 can be of any suitable construction, but in the illustrated embodiment they each generally comprise a structural frame. 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 frames are 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. Connection methods for structural components of the frames can include welding (metallic frames, particularly hot-formed components), bonding and mechanical fixations such as nut and bolt assemblies, rivets and selfdrilling screws (‘tek screws’). Similar to the upper modular building unit 16, the lower modular building unit 14 has a footprint 178, which is shown in Fig 7. The upper modular building unit footprint 54 is smaller than the lower modular building unit footprint 178, having a smaller area than the lower unit footprint. At least one dimension of the upper modular building unit footprint 54 is smaller than a corresponding dimension of the lower modular building unit footprint 178. In this embodiment, a length of the upper unit 16, measured in a direction along its main axis 66, is smaller than the length of the lower unit 14 measured in a direction along its main axis 112.

[0124] The invention extends to a method of constructing the hybrid building 10. Features of the method will be evident from the foregoing description, and will not be discussed again here.

[0125] In one construction option, the method comprises: forming at least part of a lower storey portion 180 (Fig. 5) of the first building section 36 on a foundation 181 at the final location 38; positioning the lower modular building unit 14 within a part of the internal volume 40 of the first building section defined by the lower storey portion; and then: arranging the upper modular building unit 16 so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and arranging the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit so that it is in the common plane 34 with the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit (as shown e.g. in Figs. 2 and 5).

[0126] In another construction option, the method comprises: positioning the lower modular building unit 14 on the foundation 181 at the final location 38; and then: forming at least part of the lower storey portion 180 of the first building section 36 at the final location, comprising arranging said lower storey portion so that the lower modular building unit is positioned at least partly within the internal volume 40 defined by the lower storey portion; arranging the upper modular building unit 16 so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and arranging the floor section 28 of the upper modular building unit so that it is in the common plane 34 with the ceiling section 22 of the lower modular building unit (again e.g. Figs. 2 and 5).

[0127] In both construction options, the method may further comprise forming an upper storey portion 182 of the first building section 36 at the final location: a) following arranging of the upper modular building unit 16 so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit 14; or b) prior to arranging the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit. Reference is made generally to the construction methods disclosed in the Intemation patent applications mentioned above for further details and options.

[0128] 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 modular building 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 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. In this embodiment, the modular building assembly 12a again comprises a lower modular building unit 14a, and an upper modular building unit 16a. The lower modular building unit has a ceiling section 22a, and the upper modular building unit 16a has a floor section 28a and a room section 42a. The lower modular building unit 14a is substantially the same as the unit 14 of the assembly 12 and will not be described again. The modular building assembly 12a differs from the assembly 12 in relation to features of its upper modular building unit 16a, and the way in which it is connected to the lower modular building unit 14a.

[0129] In more detail, the upper modular building unit 16a in this embodiment is located in a different position relative to the lower modular building unit 14a, when compared to the units 16, 14 of the modular building assembly 12. Specifically, and as can be seen from Figs. 1 to 4, the upper modular building unit 16 of the assembly 12 is staggered relative to the front wall 122 of the first building section 36, with the third bedroom 50 positioned between the upper unit and the front wall. It will be understood that the upper modular building unit may however be located in any desired position relative to the lower modular building unit, provided that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower unit with the arrangement of floor and ceiling sections discussed above. One alternative arrangement of the upper and lower modular building units is shown in Fig. 12, where the upper modular building unit 16a is positioned further forward, adjacent the front wall 122 of the first building section 36. It will be understood that other arrangements of the modular building units are possible, including mirror images of both Figs. 2 and 12, and indeed positioning of the upper modular building unit further forward, or further behind the lower modular building unit, e.g. extending from its front or back wall. The references to the upper modular building unit being disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit should be interpreted accordingly.

[0130] The upper modular building unit 16a also differs in that its room section 42a overlies substantially an entire footprint of the floor section 28a. Accordingly, the floor section 28a of this embodiment does not extend laterally outwardly from the room section 42a (or extends only a short distance for connection purposes, as will be described below). A person moving from the floor structure 88a on or into the upper modular building unit 16a effectively steps directly into an internal volume 30a of the upper unit (on to a floor 98a of the room section). This is achieved by appropriate positioning of the room section walkway 43a e.g. facing towards the floor structure 88a. In a variation, and as with the modular building assembly 12, a person moving from a floor structure 88a supported by the ceiling section 22a of the lower modular building unit 14a on or into the upper modular building unit 16a may step into a part of the upper storey 30 defined by the first building section 36 in order to subsequently access the room section 42.

[0131] Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, an alternative connection option for connecting the upper modular building unit 16a to the lower modular building unit 14a will now be described. Whilst the alternative connection option is described in relation to the modular building assembly 12a, it will be understood that it may also be used for connecting the modular building units 14, 16 of the modular building assembly 12 shown in Figs. 1 to 11. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of part of the modular building assembly 12a, drawn to a larger scale, and viewed from a different direction to Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a view corresponding to Fig. 13, but showing the modular building units 14a, 16a prior to connection. In this embodiment, the upper and lower modular building units 16a and 14a comprise respective connection features, which are configured to cooperate for connecting the upper modular building unit to the lower modular building unit. One of the connection features takes the form of a protrusion and the other a ledge, shoulder, recess or the like, which receives and supports the protrusion. Specifically, the floor section 28a of the upper modular building unit 16a comprises a protrusion 146 which seats on a ledge 148 provided by the ceiling section 22a of the lower modular building unit 14. The protrusion 146 is takes the form of a box section beam (or other suitable structural element), and extends laterally beyond an end frame member of the floor section perimeter frame 127 a (the end frame member is not shown in Figs. 13 or 14, but corresponds to the end frame member 129 of the upper unit floor section 28 discussed above). The ledge 148 is provided by mounting members of the lower unit ceiling section 22a, one of which is shown in the drawings and indicated at 156a. As best shown in Fig. 14, the protrusion 146 extends laterally a short distance beyond the end frame member of the floor section perimeter frame 127a, so that it can seat on the ledges 148 defined by the mounting members 156a. In this way, the upper modular building unit 16a is effectively connected to, and supported by, the lower modular building unit. Load transfer occurs downwardly through a vertical support structure 78a of the lower unit 14a, as described above.

[0132] The arrangement of protrusion and ledge may be reversed, so that a protrusion is provided by the ceiling section 22a and a ledge by the floor section 28a. It will also be understood that the connection option for the modular building units 14a and 16a may apply equally to the units 14 and 16. Furthermore, the connection arrangement for the lower and upper modular building units 14, 16 may be used for connecting the upper and lower modular building units 14a, 16a. If desired, the upper modular building unit 16b may be supported by the first building section 36, e.g. between its front external wall 122 and internal load-bearing wall 145, in the same way as described for the modular building assembly 12 in Fig. 10.

[0133] Turning now to Fig. 15, 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 modular building 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 may 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.

[0134] In this embodiment, the modular building assembly 12b again comprises a lower modular building unit 14b, and an upper modular building unit 16b. In addition, the modular building assembly 12b comprises a floor module configured to support the upper modular building unit 16b. The floor module is similar to the floor section 28 of the modular building unit 16, and is given the reference numeral 28b due to its similarity with the floor section 28. The upper modular building unit 16b is similar to the room section 42 of the modular building unit 16. In effect, the modular building assembly 12b of this embodiment involves separating the room section 42 from the floor section 28 of the modular building unit 16, to form separate structures which are independently constructed and coupled together during construction of the building 10, e.g. at the final location 38. This can provide benefits which may include facilitating construction, transportation, handling and assembly of the modular building assembly 12.

[0135] The lower modular building unit 14b again comprises a ceiling section 22b, and is substantially the same as the unit 14 of the assembly 12, and so will not be described again. The upper modular building unit 16b comprises an internal volume 30b configured to define a part 33 of living space within the upper storey 20 of the building 10. As discussed above, the floor module 28b supports the upper modular building unit 16b which, when it is positioned on the floor module, is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit 14b. This is effectively the same as for the modular building assembly 12 described above. In the constructed building 10 comprising the modular building assembly 12b, the floor module 28b is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit, in the same way as the floor section 28 is disposed in the common plane 34 with the lower modular building unit ceiling section 22. The common plane is not shown in Fig. 15, but is essentially the same as the plane 34, once the floor module 28b is connected to the ceiling section 22b of the lower modular building unit 14b.

[0136] Any of the connection options described above in relation to the modular building assemblies 12 and 12a can be used for connecting the floor module 28b to the lower modular building unit 14b. In the illustrated embodiment, a connection feature 74b is provided which again takes the form of a bracket that supports a lower surface 76b of the floor module 28b. The bracket 74b is connected to a side frame member 132b of the lower modular unit ceiling section 22b. Of course, the upper modular building unit 16b may alternatively be supported by the first building section 36 walls as described above.

[0137] The floor module 28b again carries building services equipment, which comprises one or more building services connectors, for connecting to building services equipment provided in the upper modular building unit 16b. In a similar way to the room section 42, the upper modular building unit 16b of this embodiment may form a bathroom comprising wet facilities such as a bath / shower 164b, washbasin 166b and toilet 168b. An exemplary wastewater pipe 186 is shown in the drawing, which connects to an outlet (not shown) of the bath 164b. The wastewater pipe 186 comprises a pipe connector 188 which is configured to receive a pipe 190 associated with the bath outlet for connecting the outlet to the wastewater pipe, so that wastewater can be directed from the upper modular building unit 16b to the lower modular building unit 14b for discharge from the building. This is best shown in Fig. 16, which is a further enlarged view of parts of the modular building assembly 12b. It will be understood that connectors appropriate to further building services equipment (e.g. of the type described above) may be provided within the floor module 28b, in order to achieve rapid connection of the services on positioning of the upper modular building unit 16b on the floor module 28b.

[0138] In this regard, it will be noted that the floor module 28b has a similar construction to the floor section 28, with a perimeter frame 127 and mounting members 156b extending from the perimeter frame. These mounting members 156b provide space for accommodating the building services equipment, and apertures of the type described above, for passing the equipment laterally between the floor module 28b and the lower unit ceiling section 22b. This will not be described in detail again here. The mounting members 156b also support both the upper modular building unit 16b, and a floor structure 94b which bridges a space between the upper unit and a floor structure 88b of the lower unit 14b.

[0139] The mounting members 156b of the floor module 28b provide a releasable connection between the floor module and the upper modular building unitl6b, and effectively define or form a predefined location for the upper modular building unit on the floor module. Where there is one or more connector for building services equipment (e.g. pipe connector 188), a position of said connector relative to the mounting members 156b is predetermined, and arranged to facilitate connection of the building services equipment following mounting of the upper modular building unit 16b on the floor module 28b.

[0140] Various modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 modular building assembly configured to form part of a hybrid building, the modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; and an upper modular building unit comprising a floor section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; in which the upper modular building unit is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor section of the upper modular building unit is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

2. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the upper modular building unit comprises a room section defining the internal volume, and the floor section extends laterally from the room section.

3. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the floor section has a footprint, and the room section overlies a portion of the footprint.

4. A modular building assembly as claimed in either of claims 2 or 3, in which the room section is disposed on top of and is supported by the floor section.

5. A modular building assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the floor section extends laterally from a side of the room section which faces in a direction towards the lower modular building unit, and the floor section bridges a space between the room section and the ceiling section.

6. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the floor section overlaps the ceiling section, considered in a vertical direction.

7. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which: the floor section is substantially aligned with the ceiling section, the floor section comprising a lateral edge surface; and the ceiling section comprises a lateral edge surface, the lateral edge surface of the floor section abutting the lateral edge surface of the ceiling section.

8. A modular building assembly as claimed claim 7, in which the floor section and the ceiling section are connected at or proximal their lateral edge surfaces.

9. A modular building assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the floor section is connected to the ceiling section and the ceiling section supports the floor section.

10. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lower modular building unit comprises one or more connection feature, which serves for connecting the upper modular building unit to the lower modular building unit, and in which the upper modular building unit is supported by said connection feature.

11. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which the connection feature takes the form of a connecting component connected to one or more of the ceiling section and a vertical support structure of the lower modular building unit.

12. A modular building assembly as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11, in which the connecting feature take the form of a bracket which supports a lower surface of the floor section.

13. A modular building assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the lower modular building unit and the upper modular building unit comprise respective connection features which cooperate for connecting the upper modular building unit to the lower modular building unit.

14. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 13, in which one of the connection features is a protrusion and the other one of the connection features is a ledge which receives and supports the protrusion.

15. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 14, in which the connection features are defined respectively by the floor section and the ceiling section, and the protrusion extends laterally from the floor section.

16. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the ceiling section and the floor section comprise respective upper surfaces which are configured to support or define a floor structure of the building.

17. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the ceiling section comprises an upper surface configured to support or define a floor structure of the building, and the floor section comprises an upper surface which supports the room section.

18. A modular building assembly as claimed in either of claims 16 or 17, in which the upper surface of the floor section is disposed in a common plane with the upper surface of the ceiling section.

19. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the ceiling section comprises a lower surface configured to support or define a ceiling structure for living space defined by thelower modular building unit, and in which the floor section comprises a lower surface which is configured to support or define a ceiling structure for a further part of the building.

20. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 19, in which the lower surface of the floor section is disposed in a common plane with the lower surface of the ceiling section.

21. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the upper modular building unit comprises a main longitudinal axis extending along a main length direction of the unit, and the room section and the floor section are disposed on the axis, the room section being spaced from the lower modular building unit along the axis.

22. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 21, in which the lower modular building unit comprises a main longitudinal axis extending along a main length direction of the unit, and in which said main axis of the upper modular building unit is disposed transverse to said main axis of the lower modular building unit.

23. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim, in which the upper modular building unit comprises a main longitudinal axis extending along a main length direction of the unit, and in which the floor section comprises a plurality of structural elements which extend substantially parallel to its main axis.

24. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 23, in which at least some of the structural elements are: connected to the ceiling section at respective first ends; and configured to be connected to a further part of the building at respective second ends; so that, in use, a first load path for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground passes through the lower modular building unit, and a second load path passes through said further part of the building.

25. A modular building assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, in which the upper modular building unit comprises a main longitudinal axis extending along a main length direction of the unit, and in which the floor section comprises a plurality of structural elements which extend transverse to its main axis.

26. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 25, in which at least some of the structural elements are configured to be connected to further parts of the building at respective first and second ends so that, in use, first and second load paths for transferring loading from the upper modular building unit to the ground pass through said further parts of the building.

27. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which building services equipment is provided within the floor section prior to positioning of the upper modular building unit relative to the lower modular building unit.

28. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the ceiling section comprises an internal space which contains building services equipment, and one or more aperture at a perimeter of the ceiling section through which building services equipment passes.

29. A modular building assembly as claimed in claim 28, in which the floor section comprises an internal space which contains building services equipment, and one or more aperture at a perimeter of the floor section through which building services equipment may pass, said aperture of the floor section being substantially aligned with said aperture of the ceiling section, the building services equipment passing between the ceiling section and the floor section through the apertures.

30. A modular building assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lower modular building unit has a footprint, and the upper modular building unit has a footprint which is smaller than the lower modular building unit footprint.

31. A hybrid building comprising: a first building section constructed at a final location for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume; and a second building section positioned at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, the second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; and an upper modular building unit comprising a floor section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; in which the upper modular building unit is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor section of the upper modular building unit is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

32. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 31, in which the internal volume of the first building section defines a further part of the living space within the lower storey of the building, at least some of said further part disposed below the floor section of the upper modular building unit.

33. A hybrid building as claimed in either of claims 31 or 32, in which the internal volume of the first building section defines a further part of the living space within the upper storey of the building, at least some of said further part communicating with the internal volume of the upper modular building unit.

34. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33, in which the ceiling section comprises an upper surface which supports or defines a floor structure for living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section.

35. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34, in which: the upper modular building unit comprises a room section defining the internal volume, and the floor section extends laterally from the room section; and the floor section comprises an upper surface which supports the room section, and which supports or defines a floor structure defining a floor for living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section.

36. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 35, in which the ceiling section comprises a lower surface which supports or defines a ceiling structure for living space defined by the lower modular building unit.

37. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 36, in which the floor section comprises a lower surface which supports or defines a ceiling structure defining a ceiling for a part of a lower living space defined by the internal volume of the first building section which is disposed below the floor section.

38. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 35, in which the floor section comprises a first portion which is disposed beneath and supports the room section, and a second portion which extends from the first portion towards the ceiling section, the second portion defining a floor for a part of the upper storey living space defined by the first building section.

39. A hybrid building as claimed in claim 38, in which said part of the upper storey living space is an internal space contained within walls of the building.

40. A hybrid building as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 39, in which the second building section is substantially completely enclosed within the internal volume of the first building section.

41. A method of constructing a hybrid building, the method comprising: constructing a first building section at a final location for the building, comprising providing the first building section with an internal volume; and providing a second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly, and positioning the second building section at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, comprising: providing a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; providing an upper modular building unit comprising a floor section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; arranging the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; andarranging the floor section of the upper modular building unit so that it is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

42. A modular building assembly configured to form part of a hybrid building, the modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; an upper modular building unit comprising an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; and a floor module configured to support the upper modular building unit; in which the upper modular building unit is positioned on the floor module and disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor module is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

43. A hybrid building comprising: a first building section constructed at a final location for the building, the first building section comprising an internal volume; and a second building section positioned at least partly within the internal volume of the first building section, the second building section defined at least partly by a modular building assembly comprising: a lower modular building unit comprising a ceiling section and an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within a lower storey of the building; an upper modular building unit comprising an internal volume configured to define at least part of a living space within an upper storey of the building; and a floor module configured to support the upper modular building unit; in which the upper modular building unit is positioned on the floor module and disposed laterally relative to the lower modular building unit; and in which the floor module is disposed in a common plane with the ceiling section of the lower modular building unit.

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