US20170138044A1 - Prefabricated panel for a building - Google Patents

Abstract

A prefabricated building element is configured to be connected to a lateral side of a prefabricated building structure for forming a part of a building such that the building element forms a wall or a roof slab or a floor slab of a building. The building element includes a wooden core arranged adjacent to at least one insulating layer, and at least one engagement means for later engagement with the prefabricated building structure by means of a connecting device, wherein the building structure is a prefabricated module or another prefabricated building element.

Description

• This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/373,733, filed 22 Jul. 2014, which is a National Stage Application of PCT/EP2013/051158, filed 22 Jan. 2013, which claims benefit of Serial No. 1250046-8, filed 23 Jan. 2012 in Sweden and Ser. No. 61/589,656, filed 23 Jan. 2012 in the United States and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to a prefabricated building element, and more particularly the invention concerns a wall and/or a slab, which is configured to be connected to a lateral side of a prefabricated module for forming a part of a building.
BACKGROUND
• To manufacture and use prefabricated panels in building systems is today well known. The panels may be provided to form walls, roof, or floor of a building to be constructed, and may thus be provided with different materials and structures in order to fit their purpose. In order to improve the building techniques different solutions have been proposed in the literature.
• EP-A-462,790 discloses a building system which comprises rooms formed from prefabricated room units, wherein the units include walls and a ceiling. The room units are arranged in rows where each row has adjacent pairs of room units and where each pair of units is structural mirror images of each other. Even though the elements are prefabricated, there is still a lot of work to be done with the interior before the building may be ready to use as e.g. a hotel. The work at the construction site is time-consuming and expensive since many workers must be hired to finish the interiors. Hence, this known system involves a high cost which probably is the main reason why it has not been put into practice.
• An even earlier example of prefabricated elements for building structures is disclosed in GB-A-1,213,009.
• US-A-2005/0108957 discloses a prefabricated module which is intended to be used in a multi-storey building. The modules may contain a bathroom, a kitchen, a staircase or a combination of the previous mentioned and may be stacked on top of each other and then installed concurrently with the surrounding structure. One module may be configured to have a dual room layout which means that the module will include e.g. two bathrooms which are a mirror image of each other. Additionally, each module has a vertical shaft which includes features like water supply, waste sewage and ventilation shaft. This known system is complicated and suffers from the same problem as the costly system described above.
• As to background art, WO-A-2006/136853 could be mentioned as well since it discloses a prefabricated service pod. However, this publication does not suggest low-cost prefabrication based on non-complex structures. Hence, the proposed service pods are not suitable for building projects of the type today's market demands.
• Prefabricated elements for buildings do not only include service pods and the like, but also various types of wall and panel elements. An example of such an element is disclosed in EP-A-565,842. However, this known element only constitutes a part of a building and the publication does not suggest any overall solution to the problem of how to construct an entire building which meets today's requirements of low-cost construction projects to be performed under time pressure.
• WO-A-2005/093185 describes a modular building system which comprises a set of panels wherein the panel may be a wall panel, a window panel or a door panel. Each panel has a wooden framework with a skin, wherein the size of the panels may be adjusted so to fulfill the purpose of the panel. A disadvantage with these panels is that they are all custom made which means that the production of the panels must be very flexible and manage a quick adjustment to manage to build a multi-storey building within a short period of time. More adjustments and part projects within the overall project cost money, are time consuming and could lead to more mistakes which will be revealed once the panels are on the building site. These known panels may be delivered open, which means that the insulation and one skin are missing. This will result in more work on site and a need for more workers.
• In view of the above-mentioned disclosures, there is a need for an improved solution for building systems based on prefabricated elements.
SUMMARY
• An object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique for constructing buildings which is improved over prior art.
• A particular object is to provide components and elements for a building method which is cost-effective compared to prior art building methods.
• An additional object is to provide components for a building method which allows a reduction of the on-site building time.
• A yet further object is to provide building components which may be used together with prefabricated modules for providing a wide range of building designs and applications.
• Another object is to provide prefabricated building elements which can be used in combination with modular building systems in an efficient manner and which are well suited for efficient transportation from a prefabrication site to a construction site.
• These objects have now been achieved by a technique having the features set forth in the appended independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
• An idea of the present invention is to provide panels and slabs such that the benefits of modular building techniques can be combined with the benefits of panel-based building techniques in a novel and advantageous way.
• According to a first aspect, there is provided a prefabricated building element configured to be connected to a lateral side of a prefabricated building structure for forming a part of a building such that said building element forms a wall or a roof slab or a floor slab of said part of a building. The building element comprises a wooden core arranged adjacent to at least one insulating layer, and at least one engagement means for later engagement with said prefabricated building structure by means of a connecting device, wherein said building structure is a prefabricated module or another prefabricated building element.
• The wooden core may comprise cross-laminated timber. For the construction of multi-resident buildings, the choice of wood, and in particular cross-laminated timber, has proven to be preferred due to material characteristics and cost effectiveness.
• The insulating layer may be formed as a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer of acoustic damping material and/or fire resistant material, optionally heat insulation material, and an outer layer, preferably of gypsum board. Hence, a very robust and safe construction is provided. Preferably, said building element may be substantially symmetrical along the wooden core.
• The building element may further comprise pre-installed technical installations, such as electrical cables and/or hollow electrical cable guides within the building element. Thus, panels and slabs designed in this way are prepared to be mounted to prefabricated modules, and they will provide a very efficient way of supplying the necessary electricity to a room formed by such panels and slabs.
• At least one of said electrical cables or hollow cable guides may extend from a pre-mounted socket through the building element, which is advantageous in that no further modifications of the building element is required on site.
• The building element may further comprise a window and/or a door opening. The building element may be planar. In a further embodiment, said engagement means may comprise a recess extending into the wooden core of the building element.
• According to a second aspect, a building is provided which comprises a plurality of prefabricated building elements according to the first aspect.
• Preferably, a building according to this second aspect comprises a number of connecting devices engaged with said engagement means of said building elements, wherein said connecting devices comprise static connectors and/or dynamic connectors or connecting units combining static and dynamic connectors.
• In this context, a building is preferably a multi-room building for several residents. Such buildings may e.g. be a building including a large amount of student apartments, a hotel, a hospital, or similar types of buildings. Further, a part of a building should thus be understood as a part of such multi-resident building, which part corresponds to one apartment, one hotel room, one hospital room, etc.
• By the expression rectangular cuboid shape is meant a box-like structure of general type.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following with reference to the accompanying, schematic drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of the inventive concept.
• FIG. 1 shows a prefabricated module (so-called wet box) placed on a foundation in an initial step of constructing a building.
• FIG. 2 shows how two arrays of modules are aligned on the foundation and spaced by a corridor.
• FIG. 3 shows how floor slabs are placed on the foundation thereby forming floors for the corridor as well as for rooms to be built outside the aligned modules.
• FIG. 4 shows how prefabricated wall panels are mounted vertically and connected to the left line of modules.
• FIG. 5 shows how further wall panels are mounted vertically and connected to the right line of modules, whereas prefabricated facade panels are mounted in sequence to the wall panels of the left side of the building under construction.
• FIG. 6 show how upper slabs are mounted to vertical wall panels on the left side of the building thereby forming a group of rooms, whereas facade panels have been mounted to the wall panels on the right side of the building.
• FIG. 7 shows a complete ground floor of the building and how a first floor is initiated by modules being placed on top of the lower modules.
• FIG. 8 shows the building with a complete ground floor and a complete first floor constructed by modules and panels.
• FIG. 9 is an exploded view ofFIG. 8, where the elements are illustrated separately by way of illustration.
• FIG. 10 show how a building of the type shown inFIGS. 1-9 can be erected in two opposite directions.
• FIG. 11 shows the construction method of a multi-floor building of the type shown inFIG. 10.
• FIG. 12 is a side view of a multi-floor building of the type shown inFIG. 11.
• FIG. 13 is a section along section line13-13 inFIG. 12.
• FIGS. 14A-14G are top views of alternative configurations of buildings constructed in accordance with the principles of the inventive concept.
• FIG. 15 shows how prefabricated elements are produced and transported to the site where the building is to be erected.
• FIG. 16 shows two modules of the system obliquely from above.
• FIG. 17 shows on a larger scale a horizontal section of a module ofFIG. 16 in connection with a corridor.
• FIG. 18 shows a partial vertical section of the left side of the building illustrated inFIG. 8.
• FIG. 19 shows a module ofFIG. 16 from a front side.
• FIG. 20 shows obliquely from below an upper module to be mounted to a lower module.
• FIG. 21 shows from above the lower module on which the module ofFIG. 20 is to be placed.
• FIG. 22 shows on a larger scale anchoring means and guiding means used when stacking modules on each other vertically.
• FIG. 23 shows on a larger scale guiding means and anchoring means used when stacking modules on each other vertically.
• FIG. 24A shows a prefabricated wall panel from a front side.
• FIG. 24B is an end view of the wall panel shown inFIG. 24A.
• FIG. 25 shows the wall panel ofFIG. 24A with certain portions cut away.
• FIG. 26A shows in a horizontal section how a panel ofFIGS. 24-25 is joined to facade panels (cf.FIG. 6).
• FIG. 26B shows in a vertical section how wall panels ofFIGS. 24-25 are joined to slabs (cf.FIG. 9).
• FIG. 27A shows a prefabricated facade panel with two windows.
• FIG. 27B shows three panels and a slab used for forming a room.
• FIG. 28A andFIG. 28B show a wall panel having a window and a door opening, respectively.
• FIG. 29 shows in a partial vertical section a static connecting device before connecting a wall panel to a module.
• FIG. 30 shows the static connector ofFIG. 29 being assembled.
• FIG. 31 shows the static connector ofFIGS. 29-30 in its assembled position (cf.
• FIG. 5).
• FIG. 32 shows a horizontal section of the static connector shown inFIGS. 29-31 (section line32-32 inFIG. 31; cf. alsoFIG. 5).
• FIG. 33 shows a vertical section of a first dynamic connecting device for connecting a panel to a module (cf.FIG. 18).
• FIG. 34 shows a horizontal section of the first dynamic connector ofFIG. 33 (section line34-34 inFIG. 33).
• FIG. 35 shows a horizontal section of a second type of dynamic connector for connecting a slab to a module (cf.FIG. 18).
• FIG. 36 shows a vertical section of the second dynamic connector ofFIG. 35 in a joint between a slab and a module (section line36-36 inFIG. 35).
• FIG. 37 shows a vertical section illustrating an example how façade cladding is attached to a facade panel.
• FIG. 38 shows connection of water supply pipes.
• FIG. 39 shows connection of sewage pipes.
• FIG. 40 shows connection of ventilation ducts.
• FIG. 41 shows a horizontal section of a building with a central corridor having aligned modules and rooms on either side.
• FIG. 42 shows a horizontal section of a building with a corridor having aligned modules and rooms only on one side.
• FIG. 43A shows from above two student rooms of a building in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive concept.
• FIG. 43B shows from above two hotel rooms of a building in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive concept.
• FIG. 43C shows from above a family room of a building in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive concept.
• FIG. 43D shows from above a room for a disabled person included in a building in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive concept.
• FIG. 44 shows in a side view how a building according to an embodiment of the inventive concept can have rooms of different sizes depending on the size of the wall panels used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
• An illustrative example out of an embodiment of a building is shown in the diagrammaticalFIGS. 1-8.
• A building B according to this example is formed of a number of standardized elements (seeFIG. 9). The main elements are prefabricated, box-like modules2,prefabricated panels4 and6 andprefabricated slabs8. Eachmodule2 comprises at least a bathroom area and a service area. There are two general forms ofpanels4,6 wherefirst panels4 are to form inner walls andsecond panels6 are to form outer walls. Thepanels4 to form the inner walls are attached to themodules2 and thepanels6 forming outer walls are attached to thepanels4 forming the inner walls. Theslabs8 are to form floors and roofs of box-like, panel-built rooms R. Theslabs8 may have a varying length. Preferably, the length of aslab8 equals half the length of amodule2. However, the length of aslab8 may also equal the length of a module, or multiples of such length.
• In construction of a building B according to this concept, one starts with afirst module2 such that one lateral side of the first module is in close proximity with a lateral side of an adjacent module. The two alignedmodules2 must not necessarily be attached to each other by rigid fixtures, but may simply be put in close proximity to each other and secured in the correct position by means of alignment means provided on the lower side of the module facing the ground or foundation F, which optionally may have supporting structures, for instance of steel or concrete (not shown). In the shown example themodules2 are placed in two spaced-apart rows, forming a corridor C between the two rows ofmodules2. In order to make benefit of the corridor C the modules are provided with at least one door opening facing the corridor C (seeFIGS. 16-17).
• In anext step slabs8 are attached to themodules2 to form floors in the corridor C and in the rooms R to be formed. Thereafterpanels4 are attached to themodules2 to form the inner walls of the rooms R. Thepanels4 are attached to the side of eachmodule2 opposite to the corridor C. In thenext step panels6 to form the outer walls are attached to the free edge portions of thepanels4 forming the inner walls, opposite themodules2.Façade cladding7 is then attached to theouter panels6 forming the outer walls (seeFIGS. 15 and 37). Asfaçade cladding7 is provided on theouter panels6, thesepanels6 will in the following also be referred to asfaçade panels6.
• The step of attaching theslabs8 andpanels4,6 may be performed fordifferent modules2 in parallel. Hence, the first module may be connected to the panels and slabs at the same time as adjacent modules are arranged in a row, or array. As the modules being arranged adjacent to the first (or central) module are fixated at their respective position, further modules are arranged at these modules at the same time as panels and slabs are attached to the already provided modules. The first and second row may be constructed according to the manner described, i.e. a parallel extension of the rows or arrays.
• If the building B is to have further stories, the above steps are repeated, whereby themodules2 of an upper storey are attached to themodules2 of the storey below. As indicated inFIGS. 10 and 11 starting with onemodule2further modules2 may be attached in any longitudinal direction of the building B and on top of theother modules2. Since the building B is constructed in this manner, the work is very efficient. One team of construction workers can concentrate on aligning and stackingmodules2 using cranes (not shown), whereas another team of construction workers can concentrate on laying outslabs8 and mountingpanels4,6 to form the rooms R. The construction work moves from a starting point (vertical plane V inFIGS. 10-11) in two opposite horizontal directions, and at the same time in the vertical direction as is shown by arrows. This on-site concept of building saves time and thereby reduces costs. Sometimes it may be preferred to gradually construct the building in only one direction, but also then the work is efficient since stacking ofmodules2 can be performed upwards at the starting point meanwhile the panel-build rooms R are formed in sequence in horizontal direction.
• To finalize the building B further parts are added, such as a main entrance, elevators and staircases, but these parts are optional and will not be described in detail here. InFIGS. 12 and 13 there is shown an example of a six-floor building B built by means of the general inventive method. One end of the building B may have a reception area RA and an elevator or lift shaft LS. It is to be understood that these areas RA and LS may be of different kind depending on the type of building. In an alternative embodiment, the reception area RA and the lift shaft LS may be integrated in the building B. Further to this, the lateral sides of the building B may be covered by façade cladding elements commonly used for improving the quality and resistance of the building itself.
• InFIGS. 14A-14G various ways of combining the standardized elements to form different types of buildings are indicated. All these variants are based on the same idea of aligning and stacking modules in the shape of so-calledwet boxes2 in two parallel arrays spaced by a corridor C. The panel-built rooms R are formed outside each array ofwet boxes2. It is understood that many other configurations are feasible than the ones shown inFIG. 14.
• As shown inFIG. 15 and according to the concept themodules2, thewall panels4 and6 as well as thefacade cladding7 and theslabs8 are pre-fabricated in a specialized production site PS and then transported to the building or erection site ES. The sizes of the prefabricated elements are such that they may be transported on standard trucks T.
• Preferably, the external dimensions of themodules2 are adapted to standard sizes of trucks. For instance, amodule2 of the type shown inFIG. 16 may have a length of 6.5-7.0 m, a depth of 2.5 m and a height of 3.0 m. Then twomodules2 can be carried on a standard truck T. Module size can of course be modified in order to adopt to truck sizes of different kind in various states. In similar way, the dimensions of thepanels4,6,7 andslabs8 are adapted to match the size of a standard truck T. This means that the production, transportation and distribution can be optimized so that costs are kept low. Due to the standardization, planning of a construction project is facilitated and furthermore it is easy to calculate construction costs for various projects. It should be mentioned, that dimensions and sizes of the prefabricated elements may vary depending on national standards and requirements specific from state to state. However, the inventive concept is flexible in this regard and easy to adapt to specific criteria.
• InFIG. 16 twomodules2 are illustrated, each of which defining a rectangular cuboid shape Themodules2 may have slightly different fittings depending on the intended use, but a kind ofbathroom10 is present in allmodules2. If themodules2 for instance are intended for use in nursing homes, the bathroom may have other types of fittings than aregular bathroom10. In somemodules2 there is akitchen part12 and inother modules2 thekitchen part12 may be replaced for instance by wardrobes and/or coat hangers214 (seeFIG. 43B). A common feature of themodules2 is that they have a ready-to-use wet area with waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor and optionally also on the ceiling.
• In eachmodule2 there is at least one vertical throughventilation duct16, (seeFIG. 17). At the top of eachmodule2, there is aspace18 for different kinds of pipes, cables etc (seeFIG. 18). Eachmodule2 has at least onedoor20 that opens towards the corridor C. Preferably, there is also a so-called shaft orservice door21 which opens towards the corridor C in order to provide access to supply units (water, electricity, etc) in a space S (seeFIG. 17). Optionally, there may also be adoor22 that opens towards the room R on the opposite side of themodule2 with respect to the corridor C.
• Themodules2 may be completed in the factory with all fittings required for the intended use of themodule2 in the finalized building B. The term fittings also includes complete finishing, fixtures, set-ups, etc. Thus, acomplete bathroom10, including abathroom door24, an optionalcomplete kitchen part12, possiblecomplete wardrobes214 and alladditional doors20,21,22 are installed in themodules2 already in the production site PS. All cables are pre-installed, such as main electrical and low voltages supplies, switch board meters, internet connections, etc. Furthermore, all types of water conduits—such as tubings for heated and tap water as well as cooling and sprinkler systems—are installed in the factory of the production site PS. The same goes for all ventilation ducts and the sewage conduit system. These assemblies are also installed in themodules2 at the production site PS. In summary, all so-called shaft assemblies and technical installations are pre-installed in themodule2.
• Due to the standardization and pre-installation of fittings and supplies, themodules2 are basically ready-to-use when arriving by truck at the erection site ES. Furthermore, the well-planned arrangement of cables and conduits makes it easy to connect all supplies when themodules2 are aligned and stacked on the erection site ES. Erection of the building B can be performed by staff mainly trained in construction work, whereas the requirement of highly skilled staff such as electricians and plumbers can be kept on a very low level which reduces construction time significantly.
• The vertical section ofFIG. 18 shows how twostacked modules2 may be connected to panel-built rooms R, each of which defining a further rectangular cuboid shape in addition to the cuboid shapes defined by themodules2. The connections shown schematically inFIG. 18 will be described later.
• FIG. 19 is a front view of amodule2 illustrating twocorridor doors20 and aservice door21 between the two compartments of themodule2.
• As best shown inFIG. 20, eachmodule2 has a number of relativelylong rods26 and a number ofshort rods28 directed downwards from a lower side of themodule2. In the shown embodiment, the downwardly projectingrods26 and28 have circular cross section and the diameter of theshort rods28 is larger than the diameter of thelong rods26. Each corner of the lower side of themodule2 has along rod26, and both long andshort rods26,28 are placed at the outer edges of the lower side of themodule2. As seen inFIG. 21, themodule2 hastop openings30,32 which match and are configured to receive the long andshort rods26,28 of amodule2 which is stacked on top of thelower module2. When theupper module2 is lowered, theshort rods28 are inserted in theopenings32 of thelower module2 adapted to receive theshort rods28.
• Hence, when stackingmodules2 on top of each other therods26,28 are inserted in the matchingopenings30,32 respectively, as is shown in detail inFIGS. 22-23. This means that therods26,28 serve as guiding and alignment means which facilitate the stacking procedure which is performed by means of cranes (not shown). When the stacking of twomodules2 on top of each other is completed, therods26,28 serve as anchoring means which secure themodules2 to each other in all directions. Hereby, the stack of aligned modules is stable when the on site construction operations continue with forming the panel-built rooms R on either side of the corridor C. Therods26 and28 also contribute to the overall stability of the complete building B with respect to forces which may occur, such as wind, minor quakes, etc.
• FIGS. 20-21 illustrate that eachmodule2 has generally fourouter walls34a-34d, afloor slab36 and aroof slab38. It is also shown that themodule2 may have at least oneinner partition wall35. The technical installations of themodule2 as well as its equipment will be further described in the following.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 24-25, 26A and 26B, eachpanel4 for forming the room walls normally has a wooden bearing wall orcore41,gypsum boards43, gypsum board frames, fire andsound insulation45 and optionally heat insulation (not shown), pre-installed electrical andlow voltage cabling47 and pre-installed sockets and switches49. Thepanels4 are prefabricated in the factory as indicated above. At the upper and lower edges of each panel4 a wooden batten44aand44bis arranged, fastened to the wooden bearing wall of thepanel4. Each batten44a,44bprojects outside thepanel4 on opposite sides of thepanel4. Thus, in end view thepanel4 will have an I shape (seeFIG. 24B).
• FIG. 26A shows in a vertical section that the free front edge portion of thewall panel4 has alateral projection53 matching arecess51 offaçade panels6 for facilitating the joining and forming a close fit joint.
• FIG. 26B illustrates twoslabs8 forming floors. Eachprefabricated slab8 has a wooden core element46 on top of which adry layer48 is placed. Theslab8 normally also has an insulatinglayer50 and a lower layer52. The upper layers end shortly before the edge of the wooden core element46, whereby arecess54 is formed at the joint between twoslabs8 in assembly of the floor. In therecess54 between theslabs8, the batten44aof apanel4 is to be received. Eachpanel4 is fixed to aslab8 by means of fastening screws56,58 going through thebattens44a,44bof thepanel4 and into the wooden core element46 of theslab8.
• Afacade panel6′ with two windows is shown inFIG. 27A. Thefacade panel6′ is preferably of similar structure as thewall panels4. Hence, it has awooden core41, agypsum board43 andinsulation45. Thefacade panels6 are fastened to the upright free edge portions of thewall panels4, for instance by relatively long screws (not shown) or other fastening means which are driven into the panel wall edge portions from the outside of the façade panel.
• This type offacade panel6′ may have the length of two rooms which then will include two windows, one for each room. Normally, alarge facade panel6′ of this type is not provided with any electrical and low voltage cabling or installed sockets and switches but may in another embodiment be. Thepanel6′ may be fixed to thepanels4 and to theslab8 according to the above mentioned fixing procedure.
• Preferably, thewooden cores41 and46 described above are made of cross-laminated timber (CLT), but other wooden structures are of course feasible. However, CLT cores have proven very good results for prefabricated panels and slabs of this kind. The strength is excellent and it is easy to handle. In particular embodiments, themodule2 is constructed as a load-bearing structure carrying the weight of the building. Further, the walls and panels may also be constructed as load-bearing structures thus reducing the need for further structural components necessary for securing the robustness of the building.
• FIG. 27B shows a standard one-window facade panel6 in its position between twoinner panels4. Thepanel6 has a preinstalled window W (shown schematically inFIG. 27B) which may be replaced by a balcony door depending on whether the building will be constructed with balconies or not (cf.FIG. 44).Façade cladding7 are attached to the outside of thefacade panels6 by the arrangement shown inFIG. 37. Basically, thefaçade cladding7 is hung on thefacade panels6. Thefaçade cladding7 may be of any colour and material depending on the kind of building and the budget of the construction project. The façade formed by thefaçade cladding7 is easily mounted to the outside of thepanel6 on the building site or on the production site without any need for specially trained staff.
• InFIGS. 28A and 28B, two different embodiments of afront panel6 are shown. In the first embodiment, the prefabricatedfront panel6 is provided with a pre-mounted window W. Alternatively, the prefabricatedfront panel6 may be provided with a pre-mounted door D instead as is shown inFIG. 28B.
• InFIGS. 29-32 there is shown a static connectingdevice60,70 with three main parts: afirst connector member60, asecond connector member70 and an anchoring element in the shape of arod65.
• Thefirst connector member60 comprises abase plate62 and aflange64 projecting therefrom (FIG. 32). Thebase plate62 is normally connected to thewall panel4 by means of at least onepin66 inserted with a close fit in a matching bore68 in thewall panel4, or by screws or similar fasteners (not shown). Theflange64 is arranged in a cut-away61 in thepanel4, and it has anopening63 for receiving therod65.
• Thesecond connector member70 comprises abase plate72 and aflange74 projecting therefrom (FIG. 32). Thebase plate72 is connected to themodule2 by means of at least onepin76 inserted in a matching bore78 in themodule2. Theflange74 of thesecond connector member70 projects from themodule2, and it has an opening73 for receiving therod65.
• Thebores68,78 of the respective connectingdevices60,70 as well as the recess or cut-away61 may form an engagement means integrated in thewall panel4 ormodule2, respectively. The engagement means contribute to the attachment and use of the static connectingdevice60,70.
• When mounting thewall panel4 to themodule2, thepanel4 is moved towards themodule2, which is installed on ground or on a foundation F or stacked on another module, in the direction of arrow A inFIG. 29 until theflange74 of thesecond connector member70 is received in the cut-away61 of the panel4 (FIG. 30). In this position, therod65 is pushed through the alignedopenings63 and73 of the twoflanges64 and74 and the static connection is established; shown inFIG. 31. In the horizontal section ofFIG. 32, the static connectingdevice60,70 is shown in detail.
• The underlying idea with thestatic connectors60,70 is that they should fit integrated engagement means (cut-aways, anchoring means, etc) of the elements to be connected.
• In addition to the static connectingdevices60,70 other types of connectors may be used, namely so called dynamic connectors. This type of dynamic connectingdevice80 is provided for decreasing or eliminating the small gaps between building elements that may be left after connecting thestatic connectors60,70.FIGS. 33-36 show suchdynamic connectors80,80′ which are used when mountingpanels4 tomodule2 andslabs8 tomodule2. Thedynamic connector80 may also be used when mounting the twodifferent panels4,6 together.
• The type ofdynamic connector80 shown inFIGS. 33-34 consists of twobars82,84 which have external threads and which are joined by asleeve86 having internal threads. In use, thefirst bar82 is inserted in a bore of the wall of themodule2 and fastened, for instance by glueing. Thesleeve86 is “hidden” inside the wall of themodule2. Thepanel4 is moved into abutment with the wall of themodule2 and the free end of thesecond bar84 is threaded into thesleeve86. In order to complete the dynamic connection, counter means are used in the shape of a nut-washer assembly88 received in a cut-away89 of thepanel4.
• The bore of the module wall, as well as the recess or cut-away89, may form engagement means integrated in the wall of themodule2 and the panel, respectively. The engagement means contribute to the attachment and use of the dynamic connectingdevice80. Tightening of theconnector80 is accomplished by a standard wrench (not shown) engaging the nut of the nut-washer assembly88.
• A similar type ofdynamic connector80′ can be used for module-slab connection as is shown inFIGS. 35-36. The structure of thisconnector80′ is basically the same as theconnector80 described above, but the cut-away89′ is of a slightly different shape. The bore which receives thebar82′ in the module wall and the recess or cut-way89′ may be regarded as integrated engagement means of the type described above. Tightening is accomplished in the same way as described above.
• The idea behind the dynamic connecting operation is that the elements to be connected shall have prefabricated means so that the tightening can be performed swiftly on the erection site. The recessed cut-aways89,89′ and the pre-installed fastening bars82,82′ and connectingsleeves86,86′ make it possible to achieve quick tightening by use of tools with are easy to handle.
• In a preferred embodiment, a single connector may be utilized which acts as both a static and a dynamic connector. Hence, theconnectors60,80 or70,80 may be replaced by a single connector forming a combined connecting unit.
• Preferably, sealing strips with rubber strings (not shown) are inserted in the joints between wooden elements of the building.
• FIG. 37 shows an example device for attaching afaçade cladding7 to afacade panel6. This device, which basically is a hanger arrangement, includes a first hanger element90, asecond hanger element92 and screws94a-94c. The first hanger element90 is attached to thepanel6 by means of ascrew94aat its lower part. A gap between the upper part of the first hanger element90 and thepanel6 is formed. Thesecond hanger element92 is attached to thefaçade cladding7 by means of ascrew94bat its lower part. Its upper part is in the shape of an upside down U which seizes the upper part of the first hanger element90 extending from the gap between thepanel6 and the first hanger element90 and around the upper part of the first hanger element90. Anadditional screw94cis provided to make sure that the first andsecond hanger elements90,92 are securely fixed to each other.
• The hanger arrangement shown inFIG. 37 makes it possible to mount thefaçade cladding7 to thefacade panels6 in a very efficient manner. Thehanger elements90,92 are preferably elongated profiles, but they may also be shorter profiles or brackets (not shown). Owing to the hanger design, it is possible to easily replacefaçade claddings7 by other types of external panels or elements if that is desired.
• As shown inFIGS. 38-40, themodule2 further includes three different supply assemblies.FIG. 38 shows awater pipe96 extending from anupper module2 and being attached to awater pipe98 from alower module2 by means of a slideabletubular element97. When connecting the two vertically alignedwater pipes96,98, thetubular element97 is pulled in the direction of the arrow, from thelower water pipe98 to theupper water pipe96. When thetubular element97 spans the gap between the twowater pipes96,98 the upper and lower end of thetubular element97 will be crimped in place by means of a hand tool (not shown). Water connection between twomodules2 stacked on each other has thus been established. Thepipes96,98 as well as the connectingelement97 may consist of metal, preferably stainless steel.
• A similar technique is used for connecting twodrain pipes100,102 between twomodules2, as is shown inFIG. 39. However, in this case thepipes100,102 as well as the connectingelement103 consist of plastics, which means that the crimping of tubular connectingelement103 is performed by means of electricity. When the connectingelement103 spans the gap between the aligneddrain pipes100,102, an electric current is applied to theelement103 via twosockets103a,103bwhereby the diameter of thetube element103 is decreased so that it is crimped and welded onto the aligned end portions of thedrain pipes100,102. Drain water connection has been established between two vertically stackedmodules2.
• FIG. 40 shows two vertically alignedventilation ducts106,108 which extend between twomodules2 and where thelower ventilation duct106 is provided with aflexible element107 which may be pulled up toward theupper ventilation duct108 where it will be attached by screws or other suitable fastening means (not shown). Thus, the gap between the twoventilation ducts106,108 is eliminated by theflexible element107 and ventilation connection is established between the twostacked modules2.
• The supply arrangements shown inFIGS. 38-40 may be assembled at a service shaft of themodule2, namely in the space S andventilation shaft16 shown inFIG. 17. Easy access to the space S is provided by the opening to the corridor C. Further installations may be arranged in this service shaft, such as meters, control panels, etc.
• The building B may be constructed in many different ways, and two alternatives are shown inFIGS. 41-42.FIG. 41 shows a layout with a corridor C in the centre and a set of similar rooms R on both sides of the corridor C. On either side of the corridor C, themodules2 form an array where themodules2 of the opposite side of the corridor C are facing each other. Themodules2 are arranged in such a way that thebathrooms10 of the two arrays are facing each other. The building then continues by the rooms R extending in a direction away from the corridor C.
• FIG. 42 shows an alternative layout where there is only one array of rooms R next to the corridor C. Instead of the other array of rooms R a sound barrier SB is provided. This is an advantage when the building is situated close to a noisy area, e.g. a highway.
• As well as there are different layouts of the overall building B there are also different layouts of the rooms R, especially themodules2.
• FIG. 43A shows twosimilar rooms111 configured to be used as student homes. Eachroom111 has a wet area compartment which includes a bathroom110 and akitchenette112. The bathroom110 is fully equipped with awater closet150, asink152, ashower cabin154, etc. The surfaces of the bathroom110 fulfill waterproof requirements and the like. The same goes for thekitchenette12 which is equipped with asink156, cooking facilities such ashot plates158,cupboards160, etc. The so-called wet area is ready to use from the outset. All installations of themodule2 related to wet area requirements are made at the prefabrication site which makes it easy to secure quality control, etc.
• The panel-built part of the student home may be fully furnished with furniture after construction, for instance a table162, chairs164, abed166, etc. In order to keep costs low, the furniture may be standardized.
• FIG. 43B shows two slightlydifferent rooms211 configured to be used in a hotel. Each room has abathroom210 which may be similar to the student home bathroom110, that is with awater closet250, asink252, ashower cabin254, etc. However, the kitchenette has been replaced by coat hangers and/orwardrobes214. A hotel room may e.g. be furnished with alarge bed216, a table262 and chairs264, as well as other light installations, air conditioning, sprinkler systems, etc (not shown).
• InFIG. 43C there is shown a third type ofroom311 designed as a family room which is twice as big as the student andhotel rooms111,211 described above. The main difference is that there is adoor380 which provides mutual access to bothcompartments312aand312bof the room. Thebathroom310 is larger but contains the same basic equipment, namely awater closet350, asink352 and ashower cabin356. The kitchenette is expanded to alarger kitchen312 with an eating area, but the kitchen equipment remains basically the same (sink356, cooking means358 and cupboards370). The furniture of the panel-built part of thefamily room311 may include at least a table362, chairs364 and at least onebed366. Depending on the number of guests of thefamily room311, there may be anadditional bed368 in one of the compartments.
• A fourth example of aroom411 is shown inFIG. 43D which is configured to give enough space for a disabled person. Similar to thefamily room311, themodule2 has been modified so that theroom411 is twice as big as astudent room111 or ahotel room211. Themodule area2 now contains alarge bathroom410 and alarge kitchen area412. Adoor480 provides access between the twocompartments412a,412bof theroom411.
• Thebathroom410 of this type ofroom411 is adapted for a disabled person and it comprisesspecial equipment490,492 for this purpose. In the same manner, thekitchen area412 may include certain special equipment not described in detail here. Further modifications have been made in order to facilitate for a disabled person to move a wheelchair within the room. Hence, door hinges have been switched and in an embodiment not shown here it is also feasible that the door openings are made somewhat wider in order to give room for wheelchair movements.
• FIG. 44 is a schematic side view of an alternative building where the rooms R of rectangular cuboid shape have different sizes depending on where in the building they are located. The biggest rooms R1 are on the ground floor and as you move up the rooms R2-R5 get smaller. The rooms R2-R5 on the first floor or above havebalconies500 mounted to the roof of the floor below. The arrangement of thewet boxes2, each of which having a rectangular cuboid shape, and the corridor C extending therebetween is the same for this type of building as for the buildings B shown inFIGS. 1-13. The difference lies in the size of the panel-built rooms R1-R5, which size is easily modified by usingwall panels6 of different length. Of courseslabs8 of corresponding dimensions need to be used. However, thefacade panels6 and thefacade cladding7 can be the same as in the buildings previously described. It should also be mentioned that the same static and dynamic connecting devices can be used when constructing a building of the type shown inFIG. 44.
• The building method described above, and in particular the inventive prefabricated building elements, may be used together with a general method of connecting prefabricated modules (including wet boxes and technical installations such that it is ready to be occupied by a resident) to prefabricated panels in order to form at least a part of a building. Such a general method is preferably provided according to the following aspects.
• According to one aspect, a method for providing at least a part of a building is provided. The method comprises the step of prefabricating a module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof to form a rectangular cuboid shape, providing at least one compartment within said cuboid shape, providing waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor of said compartment for creating a wet area within said module; arranging technical installations within said cuboid shape, and providing interior equipment within said cuboid shape. The method also comprises the steps of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs, and connecting said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of said module for providing said part of a building such that said lateral side of said module together with said plurality of prefabricated panels and slabs form a further rectangular cuboid shape.
• The waterproof layers may be provided on parts of the interior wall and floor surfaces of the compartment within the module, or on the complete interior wall and floor surfaces of the compartment. Optionally, also the inner surface of the roof may to at least some extent be covered by the waterproof layers.
• The further rectangular cuboid shape mentioned above forms a room for a resident, for instance a student of a student home or a guest of a hotel, etc.
• The step of prefabricating the module may further comprise providing interior partition walls for forming at least two compartments within the cuboid shape.
• The step of providing interior partition walls may be performed such that two separated compartments are formed, and wherein each one of said compartments is ready to be occupied by its own resident. This is advantageous in that a single module may comprise the necessary wet areas for two rooms, each one of the room being provided for its own resident.
• The interiors of the two separated compartments may be symmetrical along a centre line of said module. Hence, the manufacturing cost of the entire module is reduced.
• The module may be formed with dimensions of approximately 6.5-7.0 m in length, about 2.5 m in depth, and about 3.0 m in height. Such dimensions are particularly advantageous due to logistics reasons, since such dimensions correspond to the normal loading capacity of a trailer. Thus, a truck may carry a number of modules put on a connected trailer from the manufacturing site to the building site with a minimum of unused loading capacity. Preferably, the modules are designed in such a way that two modules can be carried on a standard trailer.
• The method may further comprise the step of providing said four walls, floor, and roof by arranging a planar wooden core adjacent to at least one insulating layer for each one of said walls, roof, and floor. For the construction of multi-resident buildings, the choice of wood, and in particular cross-laminated timber, has proven to be preferred due to material characteristics and cost effectiveness.
• The method may further comprise the step of providing said insulating layer as a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer of acoustic damping material and/or fire resistant material, optionally heat insulation material, as well as an outer layer, preferably gypsum board. Hence, a very robust and safe construction is provided.
• The step of prefabricating the module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof may be performed such that the upper edges of said four walls extend beyond the outer surface of the roof. This is advantageous in that a service space is provided on top of the module, which service space may be used to store and allow access to parts of the technical installations.
• The step of prefabricating the module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof may be performed such that the lower edges of said four walls extend beyond the outer surface of the floor. Also this is advantageous in that an additional service space is provided under the module.
• The step of assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof may further comprise providing at least one opening on the wall forming a part of the further rectangular cuboid shape, and at least one opening on the opposite wall of said module, said openings optionally being provided with doors. Hence, resident access to the interior of the module is provided in an easy manner.
• The step of providing waterproof layers for creating a wet area within said module may be performed by covering a part of the interior sides of said walls and slabs with said waterproof interior layers. Hence, no additional structures are needed for providing the wet area which reduces the cost and complexity when manufacturing the module. Moreover, the waterproof interior layers are only provided where they are actually needed.
• The step of providing waterproof interior layers for creating a wet area within said module may on the other hand be performed by covering the complete interior sides of said walls and slabs with said waterproof interior layers.
• The step of providing waterproof interior layers is preferably performed by applying solid layers or liquid layers.
• Preferably, the step of providing waterproof layers for creating a wet area within said module is performed by covering the complete, or a part of, the interior sides of said walls and slabs by applying solid or liquid waterproof interior layers.
• The step of arranging technical installations within said cuboid shape may comprise arranging at least one ventilation duct, at least one mains electricity cable, at least one low voltage electrical cable optionally connected to at least one distribution board, at least one water supply pipe, at least one water sewage pipe; preferably also a water-based heating system, a cooling system, and/or a sprinkler system within said module. This is advantageous in that all necessary installations which may possible be needed are already provided for in the module, which makes the module completely finished and ready for the mounting and connection to the panels and slabs.
• A coupling means end of at least one technical installation is preferably accessible in the area formed above the roof of said module, i.e. the service space above the module, or in the area formed below the floor of said module.
• The step of providing at least one compartment may be performed such that two major compartments are formed, and at least one shaft is formed for said technical installations. Hence, the technical installations are located at dedicated areas, whereby the interior of the major compartments, which will be occupied by residents, may be designed in a very attractive manner without any disturbing conduits, shafts, or the like.
• At least one ventilation duct may extend within a first shaft, and preferably the at least one mains electricity cable, the at least one low voltage electrical cable, including the optional distribution board, the at least one water supply pipe, and the at least one water sewage pipe may extend within a second shaft. Such disposition of technical installations is very efficient and may provide easy access for service and maintenance of the technical installations. In an embodiment, said first and second shafts may be formed in a common space.
• The step of providing interior equipment within said cuboid shape may comprise installing a bathroom and optionally a kitchenette in the module. Further, the step of providing interior equipment within said cuboid shape may comprise installing furniture and/or fixtures in the module. By having such equipment pre-installed, the quality of the equipment installations may be extremely high since it is prefabricated in a factory. Further, the construction site building time is greatly reduced. In alternative embodiments, certain fixtures and/or pieces of furniture are preinstalled in an off-site factory and other fixtures/furniture pieces may be installed on site after construction of the building.
• The method may further comprise the step of providing the module with at least one engagement means for later engagement with a prefabricated panel or slab or another prefabricated module by means of a connecting device. By having such engagement means pre-mounted to the module, the construction may be very precisely done thus increasing the quality of the building and facilitating the constructional work.
• The step of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs may be performed by arranging a planar wooden core adjacent to at least one insulating layer for each one of said panels and slabs. Hence, the panels and slabs may be made in the same material as the walls of the module which reduces the amount of different equipment needed for manufacturing the necessary parts. Further, the panels and slabs may preferably be manufactured at the same facility manufacturing the module, whereby the entire logistics of the building method may be optimized.
• As for the walls of the modules, the planar wooden core may be formed by cross-laminated timber, preferably glued or nailed. In certain circumstances, so-called wood welding may be used for obtaining suitable cross-laminated timber.
• The method may further comprise the step of providing at least one of said insulating layers as a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer of acoustic damping material and/or fire resistant material, optionally heat insulation material, and an outer layer, preferably of gypsum board.
• Further, the method may comprise the step of providing hollow electrical cable guides within said panels and/or slabs. Hence, the panels and slabs are prepared to be mounted to the prefabricated modules, and they will provide a very efficient way of arranging the necessary installations to the room formed by said panels. Electrical cables as well as other technical installations needed in the panels/slabs may also be preinstalled in factory before delivery to the erection site.
• The method may further comprise the step of providing said panels and slabs with at least one engagement means for later engagement with a prefabricated module or another prefabricated panel or slab by means of a connecting device. By having such engagement means pre-mounted to the panels and/or slabs, the panels and/or slabs may be very precisely done, thus increasing the quality of the building and facilitating the constructional work.
• The step of connecting said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of said module may be performed by connecting a first wall to one lateral side edge of said module, a second wall to another lateral side edge of said module, a third wall to the center portion of said module, a first floor slab to the first and third wall, respectively, a second floor slab to the second and third wall, respectively, a fourth wall to the free lateral edge portion of the first and third wall, respectively, a fifth wall to the free lateral edge portion of the second and third wall, respectively, a first roof slab to the free upper edge portions of the first and third wall, respectively, and a second roof slab to the free upper edge portions of the second and third wall, respectively. Hence, a two-room part of a building is provided, whereby the module is divided into two separate wet areas.
• Said fourth wall and said fifth wall may be formed as one piece, or said fourth wall and/or said fifth wall may be formed as one piece with a wall arranged vertically aligned with said fourth or fifth wall. This is advantageous in cases where transportation and logistics allow for larger panels.
• The step of connecting said plurality of panels and slabs to a lateral side of said module may comprise providing at least one static connector and at least one dynamic connector for connecting at least one of said panels and/or slabs to said module. This combination of one static and one dynamic connector has proven to be very efficient and provides a very robust connection while at the same time providing easy handling. By static connection is here generally meant interconnecting two or more building members by a kind of mechanically static engagement. By dynamic connection is here generally meant interconnecting two or more building members by pulling these together, so that the members are pressed against each other in a tight connection.
• The method may further comprise the step of connecting at least two prefabricated modules to each other in the direction of the length of the modules and/or the step of connecting at least two prefabricated modules to each other in the direction of the height of the modules. Hence, the modules are provided as a back bone of an elongated building which is highly advantageous since the modules are including the wet areas and the technical installations. By having all the technical installations aligned the pipes and conduits needed may be provided in a reliable and efficient manner.
• The method may further comprise the step of aligning a first module with an adjacent module by means of alignment recesses provided on the upper edge portion of said first module and corresponding alignment protrusions on the bottom edge portion of said adjacent module. By having such alignment protrusions and recesses prepared on the modules, a very accurate alignment may be achieved. The arrangement of the protrusions and recesses may also be interchanged, such that the alignment protrusions are provided on upper edge portion of the first module, and the alignment recesses are provided on the bottom edge portion of the adjacent module.
• The alignment means, i.e. the protrusions and the corresponding recesses, also serve as stabilizing anchoring means contributing to stabilizing the entire building in case of strong winds, minor quakes, etc.
• According to another aspect, a method for constructing a multi-room building is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first part of a building according to the above aspect, providing a corridor extending along one lateral side of said first part; and providing a second part of a building according to the above aspect, wherein said second part of said building is arranged on the opposite side of said corridor.
• The method may further comprise the step of extending said multi-room building in a vertical direction such that each part of the building, provided according to the method of the above aspect, of a specific floor is vertically aligned with the underlying part of the building.
• The method may further comprise the step of extending said multi-room building in a horizontal direction such that each part of the building, provided according to the method of the above aspect, of a first side of the corridor is aligned with a corresponding part of the building on the opposite side of the corridor.
• According to a further aspect, a part of a building is provided. The part of the building comprises a prefabricated module having a rectangular cuboid shape formed by four walls extending between a floor and a roof, wherein said module comprises at least one compartment within said cuboid shape, waterproof interior layers on the interior walls and floor of said compartment for creating a wet area within said cuboid shape, technical installations within said cuboid shape, and interior equipment within said cuboid shape, and wherein said part of the building further comprises a plurality of prefabricated panels and slabs connected to a lateral side of said module such that said lateral side of said module together with said plurality of prefabricated panels and slabs form a further rectangular cuboid shape.
• According to yet another aspect, a multi-room building is provided. The building comprises a corridor extending horizontally, and at least a first part of a building according to the above aspect arranged on a first side of said corridor, and a second part of a building according to the above aspect arranged on the opposite side of said corridor, wherein said second part of the building is aligned with the first part of the building.
• The multi-room building may further comprise additional parts of a building arranged on top of the parts of the building already provided such that a part of a building of a specific floor is vertically aligned with the underlying part of the building.
• According to an additional aspect, a method of constructing a multi-room building is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing prefabricated, ready-to-use modules with interior wet areas, pre-installed electrical cable guides, water supply and waste conduits, and ventilation ducts, providing prefabricated wall panels with pre-installed electrical cable guides, arranging the modules aligned, and forming rectangular panel-built rooms in connection with the modules, one wall of a module defining one side of each room and three prefabricated panels defining the three remaining sides of the room, such that said modules and panel-built rooms form at least one floor of said building.
• The method may further comprise the step of arranging additional prefabricated modules on top of each other for forming a multi-floor building with panel-built rooms extending perpendicular from the aligned modules.
• The methods previously mentioned may further comprise the step of providing façade cladding on the outer surface of said module and/or panels.
• The concept also concerns a kit of building components comprising: at least one prefabricated module, a number of prefabricated panels and slabs, and a number of connecting devices for connecting the building components.
• It is to be appreciated that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments described herein, and many modifications are feasible within the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. For instance, other materials can be used for the elements included in the building constructions. Furthermore, other connection means can be used as long as reliable joining of the elements is achieved.

Claims (26)

1-14. (canceled)

15. A prefabricated wall panel for forming a part of a building, the prefabricated wall panel comprising:

(a) a wooden core comprising cross-laminated timber and forming a cross-laminated timber first side and a cross-laminated timber second side, wherein the cross-laminated timber is a load bearing element constructed to carry a load of a multi-story building;

(b) the wall panel has an upper edge, a lower edge, a first wall panel side, a second wall panel side, an upper batten located along the upper edge of the wall panel, and a lower batten located along the lower edge of the wall panel; and

(c) the upper batten and the lower batten project beyond the wall panel first side and the wall panel second side, and the wall panel is constructed to extend between a floor and a ceiling.

16. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 15, further comprising:

(a) an insulating layer arranged adjacent one of the cross-laminated timber first side or the cross-laminated timber second side.

17. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 16, wherein:

(a) the insulating layer is formed as a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer of acoustic damping material and/or fire resistant material, and an outer layer.

18. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 15, further comprising:

(a) technical installations including electric cables or hollow guides for electric cables.

19. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 18, further comprising:

(a) at least one engagement element constructed for engagement with a prefabricated building structure by means of a connecting device, wherein the prefabricated building structure is a prefabricated module or another prefabricated building element, said engagement element comprises a recess extending into the wooden core of said wall panel.

20. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 18, wherein:

(a) at least one of said electrical cables or said hollow guides extend from a pre-mounted socket through the prefabricated wall panel.

21. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 15, further comprising:

(a) a window and/or a door opening.

22. A building comprising the prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 15.

23. The building according toclaim 22, wherein:

(a) the building comprises two slabs forming a joint between the two slabs, and one of the upper batten or the lower batten is configured to be received in a recess at a joint between the two slabs.

24. The building according toclaim 23, wherein:

(a) the wall panel is configured to be fixed to the two slabs at said joint by means of fasteners through the battens and into said slabs.

25. The building according toclaim 24, wherein:

(a) the fasteners comprise screws.

26. The building according toclaim 24, wherein;

(a) the fasteners extend through the battens at a portion of the battens projecting beyond the wall panel first side and the wall panel second side.

27. A prefabricated wall panel for forming a part of a building, the prefabricated wall panel comprising:

(a) a wooden core comprising cross-laminated timber and forming a cross-laminated timber first side and a cross-laminated timber second side, wherein the cross-laminated timber is a load bearing element constructed to carry a load of a multi-story building;

(b) a board covering one of the cross-laminated timber first side or the cross-laminated timber second side;

(c) the wall panel has an upper edge, a lower edge, a first wall panel side, a second wall panel side, an upper batten located along the upper edge of the wall panel, and a lower batten located along the lower edge of the wall panel; and

(d) the upper batten and the lower batten project beyond the wall panel first side and the wall panel second side, and the wall panel is constructed to extend between a floor and a ceiling.

28. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 27, further comprising:

(a) an insulating layer arranged between the cross-laminated timber and the board covering one of the cross-laminated timber first side or the cross-laminated timber second side.

29. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 28, wherein:

(a) the insulating layer is formed as a multi-layer structure comprising an inner layer of acoustic damping material and/or fire resistant material, and an outer layer.

30. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 27, further comprising:

(a) technical installations including electric cables or hollow guides for electric cables.

31. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 27, wherein:

(a) the board comprises gypsum board.

32. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 27, further comprising:

(a) at least one engagement element constructed for engagement with a prefabricated building structure by means of a connecting device, wherein the prefabricated building structure is a prefabricated module or another prefabricated building element, said engagement element comprises a recess extending into the wooden core of said wall panel.

33. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 30, wherein:

(a) at least one of said electrical cables or said hollow guides extend from a pre-mounted socket through the prefabricated wall panel.

34. The prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 27, further comprising:

(a) a window and/or a door opening.

35. A building comprising the prefabricated wall panel according toclaim 27.

36. The building according toclaim 35, wherein:

(a) the building comprises two slabs forming a joint between the two slabs, and one of the upper batten or the lower batten is configured to be received in a recess at a joint between the two slabs.

37. The building according toclaim 36, wherein:

(a) the wall panel is configured to be fixed to the two slabs at said joint by means of fasteners through the battens and into said slabs.

38. The building according toclaim 37, wherein:

(a) the fasteners comprise screws.

39. The building according toclaim 37, wherein;

(a) the fasteners extend through the battens at a portion of the battens projecting beyond the wall panel first side and the wall panel second side.

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