Prefabricated service pod

Abstract

The present invention relates to a prefabricated service pod comprising: a central framework adapted to accommodate at least one utility means, said utility means being selected from: an electricity supply, a telecommunications / data supply, a water supply, a waste fluid drainage conduit, and a ventilation supply; and at least two sections attached to said framework selected from: a kitchen section, a bathroom section, and a staircase section. The present invention also describes a method of constructing a building using a prefabricated service pod.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to prefabricated service pods and specifically but not exclusively, prefabricated service pods that can be used in the construction of buildings and the like.BACKGROUND[0002]Prefabricated building units are well known and allow an entire room including the exterior walls, ceiling and floor together with the room's interior fittings to be constructed in a factory located remotely from a building site in a controlled factory environment. These building units can then be delivered to the site, typically by road, where they can be secured in position. Once secured into position the utilities can be installed, such utilities including a supply of electricity, water, telecommunications etc. Therefore, in a relatively short period of time from the completion of a building's foundations, a building can be erected and ready for occupation.[0003]These prefabricated building units have several clear advantages over traditional buildings...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Access means may be provided to facilitate ease of installation and maintenance of the utility means during the use of the pod.

[0047]Also, the transport means that can be present on the service pod may provide the potential to upgrade and resell the service pod, thus the pod will provide an adaptable and flexible life-long solution for the building and the user.

Problems solved by technology

Indeed, one drawback with these units is that it is difficult to alter the external appearance of the finished building, and this can compromise their suitability for a particular purpose.

A further drawback is that it is inefficient to transport whole building units from the factory to the building site as a large proportion of the transported unit is the interior of a room and, in effect, empty space.

This drawback can be particularly problematic where national law restricts the size of the units that may be transported on public roads.

Also, the size and weight of the building unit needs to be carefully considered as large and heavy units require specialised on-site lifting apparatus which is expensive to operate and, thus, reduces the economic efficacy of such units.

A further drawback is that known prefabricated building units are often deemed not to be sufficiently robust to be used for anything other than mere functional buildings, such as single storey temporary offices, schools and the like.

Universities can often fail to offer all students, particularly first year students, accommodation.

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