Abstract: A substrate element 14 with a face 18 is provided, which includes two attachment formations 28,30 that extend along edges of the element that protrude beyond the face and two attachment formations 38,40 that extend along two edges of the element that are recessed from the face. The attachment formations on each protruding edge are complementary to the attachment formations on each recessed edge. One attachment formation 28 on a protruding edge and its complementary attachment formation 38 on a recessed edge of an adjacent element, are lockingly engagable to form a lockable set of attachment formations. One attachment formation 30 on a protruding edge and its complementary attachment formation 40 on a recessed edge of an adjacent element, are slidingly engagable with an interference fit to form an adjustable set of attachment formations. The invention also extends to a modular tiling element 12, a system of interlocking mechanisms and a method of tiling, all incorporating the substrate element.

Abstract: A modular structural element, including a planar surface layer of cladding material. A substrate layer is bonded to the surface layer and includes an outwardly-extending attachment flange defined by the thickness of the substrate layer and proximal to the surface layer around two adjacent side edges for receiving fastener elements through the thickness of the substrate layer and into the support member. A tongue projects outwardly from the flange remote from the surface layer. Two spaced-apart elements define a groove therebetween extending along adjacent sides of the substrate layer for receiving the tongue of a complementary adjacent structural element. The flange resides at all points intermediate the tongue and the surface layer for permitting the tongue to float within the groove of the complementary structural element for preventing damage to the surface layer resulting from relative movement between adjacent structural elements.