CORE FOR BUILDING
A core for a building is adapted for use with a centralized, modular functional performance infrastructure system affording highly efficient use of floorplan. The core includes a structural frame forming a plurality of compartments containing the functional performance infrastructure system components that may be accessed readily for servicing, maintenance, and replacement. An integrated network interconnecting the compartments affords flexibility in the functional performance infrastructure system component locations in the core, while providing common locations for interfacing the components with distribution and collection systems servicing the building.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/770,361 filed on Nov. 21, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDIn various embodiments, the present invention relates generally to advanced architectural infrastructure systems for various types of buildings, including construction dwellings and habitable structures, including those that are off-grid and those that are partially or wholly grid-connected. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention relate to a core for centralizing the functional performance infrastructure of a building or habitable structure, for example including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, in a modular accessible structure for integration into a dwelling. Although the invention will be described in connection with an implementation that includes MEP systems, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the core system described herein may be used in connection with a myriad of systems, as well as the MEP system. For example, for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, building infrastructure could also include energy systems, structural systems, waste management systems, technology systems, civil building codes and regulations systems, environmental systems, recycling systems, and BMI systems.
BACKGROUNDConventional architectural approaches to designing buildings (e.g., hotels, hospitals, schools, factories, habitable dwellings, and the like) entail designating certain areas of the structure for living spaces and at least one utility room or other area for locating the central working elements of the MEP systems, with collection and distribution networks extending throughout the dwelling and beyond. In many applications, especially with larger single-family homes and estates with outbuildings, multiple utility rooms are distributed throughout the various structures.
A relatively large volume of interior floorplan and areas immediately appurtenant to the dwelling must be provided to accommodate installation and access to equipment associated with mechanical systems (e.g., heating furnaces or boilers, ventilation blowers, and air conditioning compressors and evaporators), electrical systems (e.g., meter boxes, circuit breaker panels, and distribution panels), and plumbing systems (e.g., potable water supply filtration, grey water collection tanks and filtration, and black water collection tanks).
Because different trades are responsible for installing and servicing the various MEP systems, conflicts routinely arise during the planning and construction phases over layout of the systems in the utility room and routing of the interconnection to the primary and secondary collection and distribution systems servicing the building. Accordingly, a larger volume and greater floorplan are typically provided in the utility room to accommodate the MEP systems, in an attempt to avoid the inevitable conflicts. The costs associated with construction delay, negotiation, and rework to address conflicts amongst the trades can be significant and, in some instances, can result in changes to the architectural aesthetic plan to accommodate change orders required during construction to address system spatial interference.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved approach to designing and integrating working elements of functional performance infrastructure systems, including MEP systems, in buildings, including habitable and other structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONFor the purpose of clarity, the present invention will be described in terms of habitable dwellings, such as single- and multi-family homes, condominiums, apartments, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the principles and procedures described herein are equally applicable to any building type and the invention is not to be construed as being limited just to habitable dwellings. The core, as described herein, is the hub or center for the physical manifestation of various infrastructure systems. More specifically, the core is designed to allow connecting all type of tangible and intangible infrastructure network system types (pipes, conduits, broadbands, fiberoptic, air ducts, new wireless infrastructure technologies, etc.
In various embodiments, the core for a building, including a habitable structure (e.g., a dwelling), provides a predictable, customizable platform for allocating floorplan and building volume to accommodate the necessary needs of functional performance infrastructure systems, including for the purpose of illustration, rather than limitation, MEP systems, energy systems, structural systems, waste management systems, technology systems, civil building codes and regulations systems, environmental systems, recycling systems, and BMI systems, in a centralized, space-efficient manner. As used herein, unless otherwise strictly limited by express language or context, referral to MEP systems is meant to cover not only mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing systems, components, and the like, but also more generally functional performance infrastructure systems and their components that actively or passively provide, control, manage, or otherwise influence the environment, use, enjoyment, access, and performance of the building. By way of example only, such functional performance infrastructure systems can also include energy systems, structural systems, waste management systems, technology systems, civil building codes and regulations systems, environmental systems, recycling systems, and BMI systems, as well as system components that relate to actuation, monitoring, and/or control of perimeter security gating and camera monitoring systems, solar shade and drapery systems, safety and aesthetic lighting systems, aromatherapy systems, etc. As the needs and desires of the occupants of the building evolve or as technical offerings advance, the core provides an adaptable center for accommodating these changes. Indeed, in some embodiments, the core is the hub or center of the physical manifestation of all of the infrastructure systems. In some variations, the core may be designed to allow connecting a myriad of infrastructure network systems types (e.g., pipes, conduits, broadbands, fiber-optics, air ducts, wireless infrastructure technologies, and so forth) using flexible, state-of-the-art connection solutions and types.
The core provides a common, yet flexible, interface system for mating with collection and distribution systems servicing the building. These collection and distribution systems may include one or more of: those tangible components located within the building (e.g., wiring, ducting, piping, conduits, etc.), those components that are physically present but not in a tangible sense (e.g., broadband services, wireless services, and the like), as well as those components located outside the building (e.g., components for external systems located on the property, as well as connections to on- and off-grid services, sources, and drains). The core described herein addresses many of the above-mentioned issues that are present in existing approaches to architectural design and construction and is a substantial and material improvement over those existing approaches. Embodiments of the invention may also be usefully employed in non-conventional dwelling and building applications, such as semi-permanent structures erected to accommodate temporary housing for planned and unplanned events, to accommodate emergency housing situations. Buildings may include institutional structures that include, for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, schools, hotels, government buildings, libraries, hospitals, and so forth.
In general, in one aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a core adapted for use in a building. The core includes a structural frame forming a plurality of compartments, each compartment adapted to contain at least a portion of an infrastructure network system type (e.g., an MEP system). The core optionally further includes external cladding coupled to the structural frame and adapted to enclose and provide access to the compartments. The core also includes an integrated network interconnecting the compartments and structural connectors for coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building. The structural frame is configured to support internally disposed components of any number of infrastructure network system types (e.g., MEP system components) in the various compartments. Optionally, the structural frame may be further configured to support at least a portion of the distribution and collection systems servicing the building. In some embodiments, the structural frame may be further configured to support at least a portion of the building.
The structural frame may include reinforced portions for supporting the structural connectors. While the core may be any shape, in some embodiments the structural frame may be configured to form a substantially rectilinear external shape. To provide flexibility in design and integration, the structural frame may be of modular construction and adapted to be modified to add, remove, resize, and/or reconfigure one or more compartments.
The optional external cladding may be configured as at least one removable panel that may be directly connected to the building (e.g., to allow for expansion, air ventilation, and the like). Alternatively or additionally, the optional external cladding may be configured as at least one openable panel. As an alternative to external cladding, the core may simply provide a gap or space and/or may include a flexible material. Depending on the planned integration into the building, the optional external cladding may include a finished surface suitable for exposure to an interior living space of the building and/or a weather-resistant surface suitable for exposure to ambient environment external to the building.
Components of the integrated network may include, but are not limited to, electrical power cabling, data/communications cabling, temperature and ventilation control ducting, fluid supply piping, fluid return piping, and combinations thereof.
In certain embodiments, the structural connectors are disposed at a lower portion of the core, a midspan portion of the core, and/or an upper portion of the core, but may be located at any desired elevation(s) and in any orientation or number. The structural connectors may include, but are not limited to, electrical power cabling connectors, data/communications cabling connectors, temperature and ventilation control ducting connectors, fluid supply piping connectors, and fluid return piping connectors. In some variations, flexible connection solutions that may include various connector types are included.
In certain embodiments of the core, a controller may be connected to the integrated network for monitoring a status of the core. Optionally, the controller is further adapted to monitor a status of each compartment. A user interface may provide user access to the controller.
Some embodiments may include a temperature and/or ventilation control system to control an internal temperature or ambient ventilation flow within the core and, optionally, an internal temperature or ambient ventilation flow within each compartment within the core. Optionally, a heat recovery system may be included to re-utilize waste energy from operation of the system with a goal of zero energy waste.
The core can include lifting points to facilitate installation and/or removal of the core with a crane. Depending on the particular building, the core may be adapted to be installed in both a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The core may also be customizable.
Various embodiments can include at least a portion of an infrastructure network system type (e.g., an MEP system, an electrical energy distribution system, an electrical energy storage system, a potable water system, a grey water system, a black water system, an HVAC system, a data/communications system, an energy system, a structural system, a waste management system, a technology system, a civil building codes and regulations system, an environmental system, a recycling system, a BMI system, and so forth disposed in at least one compartment.
In general, in another aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a method of manufacturing a core adapted for use in a building. One method includes manufacturing a structural frame forming a plurality of compartments, each compartment adapted to contain at least a portion of an infrastructure network system type (e.g., an MEP system, energy system, structural system, waste management system, technology system, civil building codes and regulations system, environmental system, recycling system, BMI system, and so forth); interconnecting the compartments with an integrated network; and providing structural connectors for coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building.
In various embodiments, the method may further include configuring the structural frame to support internally-disposed components for energy systems, structural systems, waste management systems, technology systems, civil building codes and regulations systems, environmental systems, recycling systems, and BMI systems, as well as for MEP system components, and, optionally, configuring the structural frame to support at least a portion of the distribution and collection systems servicing the building. The method can also include configuring the structural frame to support at least a portion of the building and, optionally, reinforcing portions of the structural frame to support the structural connectors. The structural frame may have a substantially rectilinear external shape and be of modular construction, such that the method can further include modifying the structural frame to add, remove, resize, and/or reconfigure one or more compartments.
In various embodiments of the method, components of the integrated network may include, but are not limited to, electrical power cabling, data/communications cabling, temperature and ventilation control ducting, fluid supply piping, fluid return piping, and combinations thereof. In some variations, flexible connection solutions that may include various connector types are included.
The method may include disposing structural connectors at a lower portion of the core, a midspan portion of the core, and/or an upper portion of the core. The structural connectors may be electrical power cabling connectors, data/communications cabling connectors, temperature and ventilation control ducting connectors, fluid supply piping connectors, and/or fluid return piping connectors. In some variations, flexible connection solutions that may include various connector types are included.
In yet another aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a method of using a core in a building, the core including a structural frame forming several compartments with each compartment adapted to contain at least a portion of a functional performance infrastructure system, such as: an MEP system, an energy system, a structural system, a waste management system, a technology system, a civil building codes and regulations system, an environmental system, a recycling system, a BMI system, and so forth, . In certain embodiments, the method includes installing the core on a support of the building, coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building using the structural connectors, and operating the core to service the building.
The installation step can include placing the core on the support with a crane. Optionally, the method can include supporting at least a portion of the distribution and collection systems servicing the building with the core and/or supporting at least a portion of the building with the core.
In various embodiments, the core may have a substantially rectilinear external shape. In some applications, external cladding may be coupled to the structural frame adapted to enclose and provide access to the compartments, an integrated network interconnecting the compartments, and structural connectors for coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building. In some variations, the external cladding may form at least one removable panel, such that the method further includes removing and/or replacing the panel. Alternatively or additionally, the external cladding may form at least one openable panel, such that the method further includes the step of opening and/or closing the panel by a myriad of methods to access and close the panels.
In certain embodiments of the method, the method may further include coupling external cladding to the structural frame to enclose and provide access to the compartments and, furthermore, exposing at least a portion of a finished surface of the external cladding to an interior living space of the building and/or exposing at least a portion of a weather-resistant surface of the external cladding to ambient environment external to the building. In some implementations, such a coupling of the core with a building is achievable without a physical connection. In some embodiments, the portion of the finished surface forms at least a portion of a wall, a ceiling, and/or a floor of the building and the portion of the weather-resistant surface forms at least a portion of an exterior wall and/or a roof of the building.
Components of the integrated network may include, but are not limited to, electrical power cabling, data/ communications cabling, temperature and ventilation control ducting, fluid supply piping, fluid return piping, and combinations thereof. In some variations, a myriad of infrastructure network systems types (e.g., pipes, conduits, broadbands, fiber-optics, air ducts, wireless infrastructure technologies, and so forth) may be connected to the core, for example, using flexible, state-of-the-art connection solutions and types.
The coupling step of some methods may include coupling structural connectors disposed at a lower portion of the core, a midspan portion of the core, and/or an upper portion of the core. The structural connectors may be electrical power cabling connectors, data/communications cabling connectors, temperature and ventilation control ducting connectors, fluid supply piping connectors, and/or fluid return piping connectors. In some variations, flexible connection solutions that may include various connector types are included.
The method of operating the core may further include monitoring a status of the core with a controller connected to the integrated network and, optionally, monitoring a status of each compartment with the controller. In various embodiments, the method can include providing user access to the controller with a user interface.
The method can also include controlling an internal temperature and ventilation within the core with a temperature and ventilation control system; re-utilizing waste energy from operation of the various components within the core as part of a heat recovery system; and, optionally, controlling an internal temperature and ventilation within each compartment within the core with the temperature and ventilation control system.
In various embodiments, installation can include installing the core in either a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation and, optionally, installing at least a portion of one or more functional performance infrastructure systems, such as an MEP system (e.g., an electrical energy distribution system, an electrical energy storage system, a potable water system, a grey water system, a black water system, an HVAC system, and a data/communications system), an energy system, a structural system, a waste management system, a technology system, a civil building codes and regulations system, an environmental system, a recycling system, and a BMI system in at least one compartment.
The method can also include the step of removing the core from the support of the building to refurbish and/or replace the core. Such refurbishment or replacement may be required every five to ten (or more) years.
These and other features, along with advantages of the embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed, will become more apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.
In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. But, for the purpose of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating certain principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
In broad overview, embodiments of the present invention feature a new approach to aesthetic and functional architectural design of infrastructure systems for buildings, including habitable structures and dwellings, by incorporation of a core functional performance infrastructure. For the purpose of clarity, the present invention will be described in terms of habitable dwellings, such as single-and multi-family homes, condominiums, apartments, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, can appreciate that the principles and procedures described herein are equally applicable to any building type and the invention is not to be construed as being limited just to habitable dwellings. For the purpose of illustration, rather than limitation, the core functional performance infrastructure may include portions of one or more of: MEP systems, energy systems, structural systems, waste management systems, technology systems, civil building codes and regulations systems, environmental systems, recycling systems, and BMI systems.
According to one embodiment, a core is adapted for use in the building to facilitate design, construction, maintenance, and functional living in the structure. The core is the hub or center for the physical manifestation of all infrastructure systems. Moreover, the core is designed to allow connecting all type of tangible and intangible infrastructure network system types (pipes, conduits, broadbands, fiberoptic, air ducts, new wireless infrastructure technologies, etc. Modularity and flexibility of the configuration of the core makes the core especially well adapted to accommodate buildings of various sizes and functional performance infrastructure requirements. This approach also permits the core to change over time, as necessary or desirable, to accommodate the changing needs of the building and its inhabitants.
Embodiments of the core may be advantageously used in all manner of buildings including habitable structures and dwellings, including (for the purpose of illustration, rather than limitation) single- and multi-family homes, cabins, vacation dwellings, condominiums, apartments, etc., including those that are off-grid and those that are partially or wholly grid-connected. In addition to applications in permanent housing structures, various embodiments of the core can be used in flexible-use structures and those located at commercial sites, industrial sites, municipal sites, and various other locations that benefit from the advantages the cores afford in design, construction, and use.
Moreover, the orientation of the core 10 need not be vertical. Having a generally rectilinear external shape, the core 10 can be any size or orientation suitable to the building or dwelling application. For example,
As depicted in
In one embodiment, the core 10 is a free-standing, structurally independent edifice, mated to the dwelling 12 in a weather-tight manner. Optionally, the frame 18 can be sized and configured, so that the core 10 is an integral structural component of the dwelling 12, adapted to support static and dynamic loads of the dwelling 12. Proximately located floor and ceiling joists, roof rafters or trusses, and/or vertical wall framing can be tied into the core 10 to provide minimal or greater support to the structure of the dwelling 12. Doing so, however, may complicate removal of the entire core 10 from the dwelling 12, if the need arose at some point in the future to remove the core 10 for refurbishment or replacement. In such instances, involving removal of the core 10 from the dwelling 12, a structural connection may be used so that removal is made less complicated.
Connections between distribution and collections systems located in the dwelling 12 to the core 10 are disposed along a series of structural connectors, mating portions of which are located at aligned locations on the core 10 and the dwelling 12, as discussed in further detail below. These areas of the frame 18 can be sized and configured to support local static (i.e., dead), as well as dynamic (i.e., live), loads associated with the systems and connectors, for example with reinforced portions, as desired. Optionally, the frame 18 may be configured and strengthened further, to support at least a portion of the local loads attributable to the distribution and collection systems servicing the dwelling 12. For example, collection and distribution piping and ducting can be structurally supported by the core 10, as desired, to provide greater flexibility in design of the interior living space of the dwelling 12.
Turning now to
Each compartment 24 is accessed by opening a corresponding door 22. In other embodiments, portions of the cladding 16 can be removable. For example, cladding 16 may be attached with machine screws, clips, etc., and/or portions may be permanently attached with rivets, adhesives, etc. to those areas not requiring routine access. In some implementations, cladding 16 may be omitted partially or entirely. In general, access is provided for installation, maintenance, and replacement of MEP system components located in the compartments 24, as well as general servicing of the core 10. Access to the interior of the core 10, such as to a central access shaft 26, may be provided by a removable access panel or swing door 28. Depending on the exposure of the external cladding 16 on the core 10 after installation in the dwelling 12, the cladding 16 can be made of a material and have a finished surface suitable for exposure to an interior living space of the dwelling 12 or a weather-resistant surface suitable for exposure to ambient environment external to the dwelling 12. Alternatively, for interior core 10 surfaces that may be exposed within the dwelling 12, the interior cladding may be a standalone core having channel-type network connectors.
The core 10 may also, advantageously, be provided with a controller or control panel having a user interface, such as a touch screen display. The user interface may provide status information on the core 10, as well as status information on the MEP system components housed therein. Moreover, an application, software, algorithm or the like running on the controller may provide a comprehensive evaluation of the operation and integration of the core 10, as well as the function and interplay among the various functional performance infrastructure systems. Physical access to the shaft 26 of the core can, optionally, be controlled via the user interface, for example by requiring entry of a code or biometric verification information to automatically unlock one or both of the internal and external access doors 28 or points to provide security and prevent unauthorized entry. Alternatively or additionally, an application (“app”) for a smart device (e.g., a smartphone) and/or remote network-based access and monitoring may be readily provided.
The integrated network components 44 locally terminate at the service port 42a, 42b and include fittings 46 aligned and adapted to automatically mate with corresponding fittings 48a, 48b located at service ports 50a, 50b of the drawers 36a, 36b, when the drawers 36 are in a closed position. The MEP system components semi-permanently connect to the drawer fittings 48a, 48b on the inside of the drawer 36a, 36b. Thus, when a drawer 36 is opened, the associated MEP system components are automatically disconnected from the core 10, permitting full access for maintenance, repair, or replacement of the MEP system components.
The fittings 46, 48 may be of a self-sealing type, to further facilitate servicing of the core 10. In this manner, the core 10 provides a compact, readily accessible, integrated MEP stack, housing all working MEP components in a centralized location. The carcass service ports 42, integrated network components 44, associated network fittings 46, drawer fittings 48, and drawer service ports 50 can advantageously be centrally located along the central access shaft 26 of the core 10. This location of all of these features of the core 10 facilitates inspection and maintenance, should the need arise. The access shaft 26 also permits access to the MEP system components in the drawers 36 from the inside of the core 10, when the drawers 36 are closed, to facilitate servicing, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities that require the MEP components to be connected and operating.
To facilitate understanding the integration of an exemplary MEP system into the core 10,
Thermal management in the core 10 is an important consideration. For example, the compressor portion 64 of the HVAC system network 62 discharges significant amounts of thermal energy. Appropriate ducting to the exterior of the core 10 outside the dwelling 12 may be provided as part of the integrated network components 44. The core controller includes sensors and actuators to monitor temperature, humidity, and other important ambient environmental conditions in the core 10 and, in certain embodiments, within each compartment 24. Controller-actuated dampers, blowers, dehumidifiers, etc. are used to direct heated or cooled conditioned airflows, as necessary, within the core 10 to maintain acceptable operating temperatures, humidity, etc. for the MEP components. In this manner, the various MEP system components located in the compartments 24 in the core 10, such as electrical energy distribution system components, electrical energy storage system components, potable water system components, grey water system components, black water system components, HVAC system components, data/communications system components, etc., operate at ambient conditions within acceptable operating ranges.
Substructure is provided within each compartment 24 location to support each compartment tray 36, as shown in
Turning now to
Turning now to the details of the connectors 52 within the compartments 24 in the core 10,
Similarly,
When a tray 36 is pulled out or extended from a compartment 24, the MEP connections between the MEP components and devices in the tray 36 are automatically disconnected from the internal core ring structures. Similarly, when the tray 36 is pushed back and fully inserted into the compartment 24, the MEP connections between the MEP components and devices in the tray are automatically reconnected to the internal core ring structures.
Other connector types are similarly locked and unlocked based on movement of the tray 36 from the stowed or inserted operational position to the extended position for MEP system inspection and maintenance.
Turning now to what the occupants of the dwelling 12 see and experience in a home outfitted with a core 10,
The next two series of figures depict two six-step sequences for connecting utilities external to the core 10 to the core 10. More specifically,
Similarly,
The next three series of figures depict arrangements or sequences for connecting external electrical power, an external water supply, and a municipal sewerage line, respectively, to a core 10 and the dwelling 12. More specifically,
Similarly,
Lastly,
Lastly,
Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the core 10 may be sized and configured for any application. A single-family dwelling 12 is a particularly attractive target habitable structure for use with a core 10. A small core 10 can be designed that is adapted to achieve expected architectural design objectives (e.g., suitable for a “tiny house” or one room studio style structure). A core 10 with greater capacity can be specified as a medium core sized for a conventional family structure (e.g., one- or two-floor, two to four bedroom, two-bath dwelling). A core 10 with very large capacity can be specified as suitable for a large single-family dwelling (e.g., a mini-mansion with six bedrooms/baths, two half baths, two kitchens, pool/spa, heated/cooled five car garage and accessory building(s), etc.). A wide range of system capacities, parameters, and values can be specified to address the wide range of specifications various cores 10 can achieve in meeting architectural design objectives across a wide variety of applications. Further, while the focus of various embodiments described herein in detail has been primarily related to dwelling structures, other embodiments of the invention have wider applicability, including use in temporary and semi-permanent structures.
Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive.
Claims
1. A core adapted for use in a building, the core comprising:
- a structural frame forming a plurality of compartments, each compartment adapted to contain at least a portion of a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) system;
- an integrated network interconnecting the compartments; and
- structural connectors for coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building.
2. The core of claim 1, wherein the structural frame is configured to support internally disposed MEP system components.
3. The core of claim 2, wherein the structural frame is further configured to support at least a portion of the distribution and collection systems servicing the building.
4. The core of claim 2, wherein the structural frame is further configured to support at least a portion of the building.
5. The core of claim 1, wherein the structural frame comprises reinforced portions for supporting the structural connectors.
6. The core of claim 1, wherein the structural frame comprises a substantially rectilinear external shape.
7. The core of claim 1, wherein the structural frame comprises modular construction adapted to be modified to at least one of: add, remove, resize, or reconfigure one or more compartments.
8. The core of claim 1, further comprising external cladding coupled to at least a portion of the structural frame adapted to enclose and provide access to the compartments, wherein the external cladding comprises at least one removable panel.
9. The core of claim 8, wherein the external cladding comprises at least one openable panel.
10. The core of claim 8, wherein the external cladding comprises at least one of a finished surface suitable for exposure to an interior living space of the building or a weather-resistant surface suitable for exposure to ambient environment external to the building.
11. The core of claim 1, wherein components of the integrated network are selected from the group consisting of electrical power cabling, data/communications cabling, temperature and ventilation control ducting, fluid supply piping, fluid return piping, and combinations thereof.
12. The core of claim 1, wherein the structural connectors are disposed at at least one of a lower portion of the core, a midspan portion of the core, or an upper portion of the core.
13. The core of claim 1, wherein the structural connectors are selected from the group consisting of electrical power cabling connectors, data/communications cabling connectors, temperature and ventilation control ducting connectors, fluid supply piping connectors, and fluid return piping connectors.
14. The core of claim 1 further comprising a controller connected to the integrated network for monitoring a status of the core.
15. The core of claim 14, wherein the controller is further adapted to monitor a status of each compartment.
16. The core of claim 14, further comprising a user interface providing user access to the controller.
17. The core of claim 14, further comprising a temperature and ventilation control system to control an internal temperature and ventilation within the core.
18. The core of claim 17, wherein the temperature and ventilation control system controls an internal temperature and ventilation within each compartment within the core.
19. The core of claim 1, further comprising lifting points to facilitate at least one of installation or removal of the core with a crane.
20. The core of claim 1, wherein the core is adapted to be installed in both a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.
21. The core of claim 1, further comprising at least a portion of an MEP system selected from the group consisting of an electrical energy distribution system, an electrical energy storage system, a potable water system, a grey water system, a black water system, an HVAC system, and a data/communications system disposed in at least one compartment.
22. A method of manufacturing a core adapted for use in a building, the method comprising the steps of:
- manufacturing a structural frame forming a plurality of compartments, each compartment adapted to contain at least a portion of a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) system;
- interconnecting the compartments with an integrated network; and
- providing structural connectors for coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of configuring the structural frame to support internally disposed MEP system components.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of configuring the structural frame to support at least a portion of the distribution and collection systems servicing the building.
25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of configuring the structural frame to support at least a portion of the building.
26. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of reinforcing portions of the structural frame to support the structural connectors.
27. The method of claim 22, wherein the structural frame comprises a substantially rectilinear external shape.
28. The method of claim 22, wherein the structural frame comprises modular construction, the method further comprising the step of modifying the structural frame to at least one of add, remove, resize, or reconfigure one or more compartments.
29. The method of claim 22, wherein components of the integrated network are selected from the group consisting of electrical power cabling, data/communications cabling, temperature and ventilation control ducting, fluid supply piping, fluid return piping, and combinations thereof.
30. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of disposing the structural connectors at at least one of a lower portion of the core, a midspan portion of the core, and an upper portion of the core.
31. The method of claim 22, wherein the structural connectors are selected from the group consisting of electrical power cabling connectors, data/communications cabling connectors, temperature and ventilation control ducting connectors, fluid supply piping connectors, and fluid return piping connectors.
32. A method of using a core in a building, the core comprising a structural frame forming a plurality of compartments with each compartment adapted to contain at least a portion of a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) system, an integrated network interconnecting the compartments, and structural connectors for coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building, the method comprising the steps of:
- installing the core on a support of the building;
- coupling the core to distribution and collection systems servicing the building using the structural connectors; and
- operating the core to service the building.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the installation step comprises placing the core on the support with a crane.
34. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of supporting at least a portion of the distribution and collection systems servicing the building with the core.
35. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of supporting at least a portion of the building with the core.
36. The method of claim 32, wherein the core comprises a substantially rectilinear external shape.
37. The method of claim 32, further comprising external cladding coupled to the structural frame adapted to enclose and provide access to the compartments.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the external cladding forms at least one removable panel, the method further comprising the step of at least one of removing or replacing the panel.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the external cladding forms at least one openable panel, the method further comprising the step of at least one of opening or closing the panel.
40. The method of claim 32, wherein the installation step further comprises the step of at least one of exposing at least a portion of a finished surface of the optional external cladding to an interior living space of the building or exposing at least a portion of a weather-resistant surface of the external cladding to ambient environment external to the building.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the portion of the finished surface forms at least a portion of a wall, a ceiling, a floor of the building, or combinations thereof.
42. The method of claim 40, wherein the portion of the weather-resistant surface forms at least one of at least a portion of an exterior wall or a roof of the building.
43. The method of claim 32, wherein components of the integrated network are selected from the group consisting of electrical power cabling, data/communications cabling, temperature and ventilation control ducting, fluid supply piping, fluid return piping, and combinations thereof.
44. The method of claim 32, wherein the coupling step further comprises the step of coupling the structural connectors disposed at at least one of a lower portion of the core, a midspan portion of the core, or an upper portion of the core.
45. The method of claim 32, wherein the structural connectors are selected from the group consisting of electrical power cabling connectors, data/communications cabling connectors, temperature and ventilation control ducting connectors, fluid supply piping connectors, and fluid return piping connectors.
46. The method of claim 32, wherein the operating step further comprises the step of monitoring a status of the core with a controller connected to the integrated network.
47. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of monitoring a status of each compartment with the controller.
48. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of providing user access to the controller with a user interface.
49. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of controlling an internal temperature and ventilation within the core with a temperature and ventilation control system.
50. The method of claim 46, further comprising the step of controlling an internal temperature and ventilation within each compartment within the core with the temperature and ventilation control system.
51. The method of claim 32, wherein the installation step comprises installing the core in at least one of a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation.
52. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of installing at least a portion of the MEP system selected from the group consisting of an electrical energy distribution system, an electrical energy storage system, a potable water system, a grey water system, a black water system, an HVAC system, and a data/communications system in at least one compartment.
53. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of removing the core from the support of the building to at least one of refurbish or replace the core.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 21, 2019
Publication Date: Jan 13, 2022
Applicant: AUTOTELIC HOLDING LLC (Boston, MA)
Inventors: William Pitt (Boston, MA), Z. A. Rahman (Boston, MA)
Application Number: 17/295,766