Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular tile with fully integrated connector loops, receiver pins and optional metal cam locks located in the corners of the floor tile or along the tile edges. The tiles contain an overlap edge, which engages with an underlay edge on an adjacent tile. This arrangement allows the tiles to overlap at an angle other than 90 degrees, providing greater strength at the point where adjacent tiles meet. The underlay edge contains a liquid capture channel which traps liquids which may seep between the adjacent tiles. The tiles are also provided with longitudinal recesses which extend through the top and bottom surfaces to the surface below, allowing for ventilation that is critical for grass and turf surfaces. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface.

Abstract: A wall panel includes a panel body, a first jamb clip, a second jamb clip, a bottom member, and an attachment clip. The first jamb clip is positioned adjacent to a right side of the panel body and the second jamb clip is positioned adjacent to a left side of the panel body. The first and second jamb clips are each configured to receive a portion of a spline. The bottom member has an engagement portion and is positioned adjacent to a bottom end of the panel body. The attachment clip is positioned adjacent to an upper end of the panel body and has an engagement receiving portion configured to engage an engagement portion of an adjacent panel. The bottom end of the panel body is configured to define a ventilation gap when joined to an adjacent panel.

Abstract: This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which closes an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: Wall and floor structures of a building each comprise a base layer comprising prefabricated panels with grooved inner faces and a covering layer disposed over the panels to cooperate with walls of the grooves to define channels extending along the panels. Selected grooves contain in-floor heating elements and electrical wiring and routing components. A prefabricated corner panel is formed by notching out an oversized channel in the same type of panel, bending the panel along the channel and filling a remaining gap at the so-formed corner bend with a higher r-value insulation than the rest of the panel. Wall and floor panels are joined by a connector having a C-shaped portion that caps exterior floor panel edges and an integral projecting portion inserted into a slot formed in the wall panel's insulating layer at a bottom edge of the floor panel.

Abstract: A ventilating component for a building, particularly a ventilating soffit, provides a high ratio of ventilation flow area to component coverage area. A sheet in a plane of coverage has a spaced-channel configuration, or alternatively a terraced configuration. Ventilation openings are placed in the connecting webs between the upper and lower levels, especially in sidewalls of elongated channels that open as slots on the exposed side of the soffit. These connecting webs are oriented at an acute angle relative to the coverage plane. In a channel arrangement the webs can be shaped to block direct view of the side walls. The acute angle precludes, or at least foreshortens, a view of the webs that contain the ventilation openings. The ventilation aspects are concealed while permitting a high ratio of flow area to coverage area.

Abstract: An insulating panel includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a body of insulating foam between the sheets. The foam has a plurality of longitudinally extending conduits through which a heat exchange medium such as air is circulated. A barrier is used to create an enlarged void space for air circulation. The barrier is located below profile crowns to prevent foam from entering the crowns and to create additional foam-free voids below the crown. Heat transfer efficiency is increased.

Abstract: The present invention, according to a first aspect thereof, relates to a computer room (1) which is surrounded by a lower floor (3), at least one side wall (2) and a roof (4), further comprising a climate control device and an air-permeating load-bearing floor (6) disposed above the lower floor, on which, in use, computer equipment is disposed. Separation means (12) are provided for the separation from each other of a riser channel for hot air above the computer equipment on the one hand and a return channel for air being carried back from the top of the computer room to the space under the load-bearing floor on the other hand. The surface area of the return channel of a cross-section of the computer room amounts to at least 5% of the surface area of the riser channel of the same cross-section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a honeycomb having cells of paper, comprising by weight 3 to 30 parts by weight aliphatic polyamide binder, and 70 to 97 parts of a poly(paraphenylene terephthalamide) fiber having a modulus of 600 grams per denier (550 grams per dtex) or greater, based on the aliphatic polyamide binder and PPD-T fiber in the paper. In another embodiment, the honeycomb is made from paper comprising by weight 30 to 50 parts aliphatic polyamide binder, and 50 to 70 parts of a poly(paraphenylene terephthalamide) fiber having a modulus of 600 grams per denier (550 grams per dtex) or greater, based on the aliphatic polyamide binder and PPD-T fiber in the paper. Both papers have an average specific tensile index of 60 (lbs/in)/opsy (310 Nm/g) or greater. Articles made from the honeycombs include a panel or an aerodynamic structure.

Abstract: A flood and combustion air vent includes a louvered panel supporting a rodent screen for placement across an opening in a wall or door of an enclosed space in a building. The apertures in the louvered panel and rodent screen are sized to accommodate ingress and egress of flood water at a rate of water flow sufficient to prevent destructive hydrostatic forces from acting upon either the exterior or interior surfaces of the wall or door. Additionally, the rodent screen will prevent intrusion of rodents, vermin and reptiles into the enclosed space.

Abstract: A ventilating unit for a building includes an upper board, two lower boards located under the upper board and a ventilating board mounted between the upper board and the lower boards. The upper board has two opposite sides each provided with an oblique portion. Each of the lower boards has two opposite sides each provided with an oblique section and has an inner portion provided with a draining channel. The ventilating board has a surface provided with a plurality of vent holes. Thus, the hot air in the building is rapidly drained outward from the upper board through the vent holes of the ventilating board so that the ventilating unit provides a heat radiating effect to the building to lower down the temperature in the building.

Abstract: An openable covering construction for pergolas and verandas, characterized in that said openable covering construction comprise a plurality of adjoining and partially overlapping bands longitudinally mounted on a supporting frame by a driving system allowing each said bands to be rotated about a longitudinal axis thereof parallel to a sloping side of said covering construction, said driving system driving said bands to at least two positions, a closed position, thereat said bands are partially overlapped onto one another and substantially parallel to the covering construction plane, and an opened position thereat each said band is rotated to a substantially vertical condition with respect to said covering plane, each said band comprising a section member including a contoured surface including, at a side thereof, a perpendicular side wall and, at an opposite side thereof, a channel defining curved wall, thereby a surface directly exposed to rain of said covering construction forms a water collecting and dispo

Abstract: A self-bailing, antimicrobial frame construction is disclosed. A lower track including a pair of vertical sections and a gabled center section is connected to a plurality of studs. The studs are connected to an upper track having a pair of vertical sections and a gabled center section. The lower and upper tracks and the studs can be made from recycled metal that is roll-formed into shape and coated with an antimicrobial coating. A closed-cell foam pad can be placed under the lower track to insulate sound and vibration. The lower track can include several perforations at a low point in the lower track to allow moisture to escape the frame.

Abstract: A permanently installed wall cavity and filtration system provides molded base dry block members that install along the base of a wall between the floor and a bottom edge of drywall, gypsum board or other conventional interior wall construction material. The base block members have connection ports at opposite ends that communicate with an interior airflow channel on an inner facing side of the block members. The air flow channel communicates with the wall interior. A forced flow of dry air is directed through one of the ports, thereby allowing the forced dry air to circulate into the interior wall cavities in order to remove moisture and dampness. The damp, contaminated air can also be pulled out through any one of the connection ports by vacuum force, and filtered to avoid contamination of the surrounding interior living environment.

Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a base flange fastened to the sheathing. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the base flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to cover cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the base flange. Integrated at least into the trim member is a water diversion device that diverts water away from the base flange and sheathing. Preferably, the water diversion device has an elongated trough supported by the trim member and projecting laterally inward from the trim flange and toward the base flange and above the wall and partition arrangements.

Abstract: A building is provided with integrated natural systems that reduce dependency on external resources to operate and maintain the building. A source of electricity is provided through an extensive set of solar panels that may be incorporated on louvers mounted to the exterior of the building. The building has a double insulative layer to include an outer airtight membrane or cover, and an internal building structure that defines habitable space within the structure. Rainwater may be collected and stored within a subsurface well. The space between the internal structure and outer membrane may support the growth of vegetation in a greenhouse environment. A flow of temperature regulated air is provided through the structure by a set of underground pipes in which the air is circulated through a central core of the building, into the habitable space, and then outward into the greenhouse space.

Abstract: Insulation spacer devices, methods and related construction techniques are provided. An exemplary device may include a body having a plurality of openings defining an openwork, to allow the passage of air therethrough when placed in contact with insulation material. The device may further include a plurality of spacer struts and/or spacing depressions fixedly attached to the body. The struts may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between a first side of the insulation material and a building surface. The body and struts act together to define and maintain a space between the first side of the insulation material and the building surface, for example, for ventilation. The building surface can be the bottom face of a roof, an insulated attic floor, wall sheathing or a soundproofed demising wall, for example. The spacer device can be capable of being transported and stored together with, or as a separate item from, the insulation material, and can also be stored in nested layers.

Abstract: A drain support plate for mounting and securing a drain assembly to a deck in a building structure.

Abstract: In regards to the invention titled “External Wall Panel Unit for Saving Energy and External Wall Structure System Using the Same,” there are an external wall panel unit and an external wall structure system for saving energy. The external wall panel unit is attached to an external wall structure (1) of a building to form an external wall of the building, and includes: an external frame (10); a frame rainwater tube (20); a frame duct (30); and a window (40). The external wall structure system using the external wall panel units is installed in such a way that a plurality of the external wall panel units are arranged and mounted vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: Various aspects provide for ventilating a circular building, including an external wall of the building in the shape of a circular polygon, a plurality of vertical wall sections each forming a side of the polygon, each vertical wall section secured to an adjacent vertical wall section at a vertex of the polygon and a metallic frame for supporting the vertical wall section. A glass skin may be secured to the metallic frame of the vertical wall section, the glass skin including an exterior opening and a vent chamber configured for receiving air from the exterior of the building through the exterior opening in the glass skin. The vent chamber may include an interior opening for communicating air from the chamber into the interior of the building and a movable flap for controlling a flow of air through the vent chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior finish system for building structures that includes a water pervious adhesive for securing an insulation layer to a water resistive barrier applied to a building wall substrate. Also disclosed is a building structure such as a building column or wall that includes the finish system and a method of using the finish system to assemble a building structure such as column or wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof structure which can be formed from a reduced number of components with respect to a conventional structure. The structure is typically pitched or sloped and comprises a series of spaced apart trusses which are spanned by roof panels which form the external face of the roof. The panels are interlinked or engaged and may in one embodiment be provided with an inner face of insulating material. In one embodiment the panels and/or other components, such as the trusses, may be formed from plastics material.

Abstract: A cast veneer wall panel includes a facing panel having at least one design element. The facing panel is made from a cast material. In addition the wall panel includes a backing panel including a series of spaced apertures. The series of spaced apertures receive a portion of the cast material in order to key the facing panel and the backing panel together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor drainage assembly for inhibiting water from passing from one floor of a building to an other floor of the building. The one floor is disposed above the other floor. The one floor includes a stairwell threshold. The building has a stairwell connecting the one floor to the other floor. The one floor is in communication with the stairwell via the stairwell threshold. The floor drainage assembly includes a stairwell drain and a stairwell trough. The stairwell trough extends along the stairwell threshold. The stairwell trough is in fluid communication with the stairwell drain, whereby water from the one floor that enters the stairwell threshold is at least partially captured by the stairwell trough and directed to the stairwell drain. The assembly inhibits the water from damaging the other floor thereby.

Abstract: A compliant insert for flexibly supporting a synthetic floor tile above a ground surface that includes one or more elongate bodies, with each elongate body having a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to a top surface of the floor tile, a top face having an attachment interface for coupling to a tile support structure extending downward from an underside of the floor tile, and a bottom face of having at least one contact flat for contacting the ground surface and at least one upwardly-directed recess for allowing liquids to flow underneath the insert. Each of the elongate bodies also has a thickness and stiffness sufficient, in an unloaded state, to elevate the support structure a distance above the ground surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting bracket for mounting wall insulation to an exterior wall. The mounting bracket is a unitary piece constructed of plastic, having a vertical wall plate, a horizontal support plate that extends orthogonal to the wall plate, and a vertical reinforcing plate that extends orthogonal to the vertical wall plate and the horizontal support plate. A bore is provided in the wall plate, for fastening the mounting bracket to the exterior wall. The reinforcing plate extends beyond the length of the horizontal support plate, to provide a mounting flange that may be fastened to a vertical wall support, such as a roof batten. The area formed by the horizontal support plate and an upper portion of the wall plate provides an unobstructed support area for supporting the wall insulation.

Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.

Abstract: A self-cleaning grain bin roof configured to allow ventilation through the roof ribs which has a trapezoidal shaped inner rib with ventilation orifices therein and a spaced apart and partially covering outer rib configured to inhibit precipitation from falling through the orifices while permitting air to be blown from inside the grain bin outside. The trapezoidal shape providing for a self-cleaning ability in that if matter is blown to the orifices by positive pressure in the grain bin, it will, in the event of a loss of pressure, either fall outside of the orifices and slide down one of the slanted trapezoidal sides, or return to the grain bin. If debris blown by wind gathers on the roof, it will be blown out from under the outer rib by the airflow through the orifices.

Abstract: A modular stone panel is disclosed. The panel is adapted to be mounted or fastened to a structural wall to provide a stone wall façade therefor. The panel is generally comprised of a shaped backboard and a plurality of stones solidly fastened on a front face thereof. The backboard is adapted to be fastened to the structural wall such that the front face thereof faces away from the wall to provide the stone wall façade. The stones may comprise natural or synthetic molded stones. The backboard may also be ventilated to provide ventilation to the stones fastened thereto. The panels may be fabricated to provide key-cut edges allowing an interlocking of adjacent panels. A method of fabricating such panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular shower pan includes at least four polygon panels adapted to interlock in side by side relation to form a body. Each panel has a planar bottom surface and a top surface that is sloped based upon a pre-selected drain position on the body.

Abstract: A roof or wall covering comprising a plurality of horizontal courses of molded plastic panels each formed with a single row of simulated shake shingles. The panels have a continuous upper interlock flange that facilitates inner-engagement of the panels of overlying courses without cumbersome handling of numerous small interlock fingers which can be missed during installation. Cooperating detents are provided between the overlying lower and upper marginal edge regions which facilitate proper positioning of the panels and which support the weight of the panel during securement to a wall surface. A bottom interlock flange is supported transversely across a rear side of the panel by vertically-spaced support plates which facilitate both liquid drainage and air circulation through the installed wall covering. In the preferred embodiment, the panels in alternate courses are identically formed with different shake patterns for enhancing the natural appearance of the wall covering.

Abstract: A venting device and system for subterranean basement structure walls to provide interior wall flow-through ventilation. Multiple venting devices are positioned strategically in the wall at intervals there along in an inter-dependent pattern allowing for convection intake and outflow of ambient interior air through the walls. The venting devices define a continuous insertable conduit with size specific restriction exposed end access fixtures. The strategic placement of the venting devices facilitates thermal exchange and creates a homeostatic static temperature and dew point between communicating spaces by means of pressure differential, air density and temperatures.

Abstract: A wall panel for placement within a removable or permanent wall structure. The wall panel is adapted to receive a miniature computing device. The wall panel provides wired and/or wireless ports to which peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, monitors, etc. may be connected to the miniature computing device, thus enabling a user to interact and operate the miniature computing device.

Abstract: An enclosed structure (1) that includes a base perimeter structure (11), an exterior wall structure (17) and a roof structure (23), is described. The base perimeter structure (11) includes a plurality of base plates (14) that each include a base (29), an interior flange (32) and an exterior flange (35) each extending upwardly from the base (29) and together defining a channel (41). Base (29) of each base plate (14) includes an exterior base portion (56) having an upper exterior surface (59) that slopes downwardly and outwardly from the exterior flange (35). The base plates are arranged such that the channels (41) thereof are aligned and together define a base perimeter channel (74). The exterior wall structure (17) includes a plurality of sidewall panels (20) that each includes first and second sidewall tabs (179, 182) extending outwardly from sidewall edges thereof (167, 170).

Abstract: A panel for mounting on an exterior wall includes a shaped, molded backing member and a siding member attached to the backing member wherein the shape-molded backing member includes a rear face and an opposing front face. The shape-molded backing member is composed of closed cell expanded polystyrene foam, the front and rear faces having an outer surface composed of a tough smooth skin.

Abstract: An insulated siding panel comprises a foam insulation layer, an attachment member, and optionally a veneer layer. The foam insulation layer comprises a front face, a rear face, a tongue along a first end edge, a groove along a second end edge, and a slot defined in the rear face. The attachment member comprises an attachment rail and a member extending transversely from the attachment rail. The member of the attachment member is inserted into the slot of the foam insulation layer. When present, the veneer layer is attached to the front face of the foam insulation layer. When joined with other insulated siding panels, the interlocking occurs along the foam insulation layers to form an unbroken layer of insulation.

Abstract: A structural wall has a self-supporting wall externally being provided with laths for attachment of a base plate for an outer plaster layer. The base plate consists of a wood composite material comprising polyurethane mixed with wood wool and is having good insulating ability. To utilize the insulating properties of the base plate and provide for a better fire rated wall, the spacing between the laths, originally being a air-gap, is filed with a rock wool mat having drainage facility for moisture at the side facing the base plate.

Abstract: A hospital layout comprising a plurality of adjacent OR/intervention rooms (46, 48) uniquely configured and equipped to perform surgical and other interventional procedures, with adjacent intubation rooms (52) configured and equipped to prepare patients for procedures to occur in the OR/intervention rooms and at least one extubation room (54) adjacent the OR/intervention rooms, configured and equipped to post-intervention awaken and extubate patients. A plurality of universal patient rooms (40) are located adjacent the OR/intervention rooms and universal patient rooms, and are configured and equipped to admit patients for surgery/intervention, prepare patients for surgery/intervention, allow patients to recover post-intervention, and discharge patients post-recovery.

Abstract: A floor drain communicates with a vertical floor drain pipe. The floor drain has a flanged cylindrical body that fits within the vertical pipe or fitting, a ring that overlaps and is spaced above the flange, and a grate or cover that fits upon the upper surface of the ring. The ring is supported by elevating screws that pass through the flange of the body. Adjustment of the elevating screws enable the height and pitch of the ring and grate or cover to be quickly and easily adjusted.

Abstract: Building comprising at least two vertically superimposed computer rooms 2, 3, 4, 5 each limited by a peripheral wall 6 and separated from each other by an intermediate floor 7 and which each contain computer cabinets 11 for computer or electronic equipment 25.

Abstract: A drain support pan assembly has a drain body support pan which has a rectangular-shaped body connected to a rectangular-shaped drain receptacle body for use in floor drains. The distance between the support pan and receptacle body can be adjusted according to the depth of the floor space by selecting a predetermined length for the fasteners. The support pan has a center passageway for receiving a drain pipe and several slots that align with threaded passageways in the receptacle body for receiving the fasteners. The support pan contains concentric knock-out sections which can be removed for enlarging the diameter of the center passageway to accommodate varying diameter drain pipes or pipe connections for particular use in a deep floor space, and also has a rectangular knock-out section which can be removed for receiving the rectangular-shaped drain receptacle for use in a narrow floor space.

Abstract: A building covered with resin films 10, comprises a frame 11 constituting the bone structure of a building and a roof and /or a wall formed by stretching transparent resin films 20 on the frame, wherein the lower edge portion of a transparent resin film is held by a retainer 30 to fix it to the frame and a water-permeable sheet 40 is put with its upper edge portion being positioned at the inner surface side of the resin film and its lower edge portion being positioned at the outside of the building whereby condensed water resulted on the surface of the film facing the inside of the building is discharged to the outside thereof without losing the heat insulation effect.

Abstract: An adjustable housing assembly for mounting to a wall is disclosed. The assembly generally includes a back plate having a flange that defines an axis extending perpendicularly from the back plate and a front plate disposed in parallel relationship to the back plate. A connector connects the plates in the parallel relationship at various distances longitudinally along the axis. The connector includes co-acting male and female components extending circumferentially about the axis and at least one of the male and female components is spaced longitudinally along the axis for connecting the plates at any one of the various distances in response to relative rotation between the male and female components about the axis. The connector may also include a mounting ring separate from the back plate and the front plate that couples the front plate to the back plate. The mounting ring allows for additional distances to be obtained between the front plate and the back plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components for use in building construction. The invention provides wall components and systems which have fire-retardant characteristics, as well as wall components which allow for needed ventilation in a building throughout times when no fire is present. Embodiments include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving intumescent material. When the intumescent material becomes hot, it expands rapidly and fills its surrounding area, blocking fire, heat, and smoke from traveling to other areas of a building.

Abstract: A roof drain sump box (10) is utilized for positioning a roof drain (12) on a flat roof. The sump box is formed with a horizontally oriented flat plate (20) with a central opening (22) making a peripheral flange (24). The central opening has a width less than a distance between building roof joists providing attachment of the sump box onto the flat roof top of a building without altering the building structure. An angular transition portion (46) is integrally formed with the flange contiguous with the central opening. A vertically oriented downwardly depending step (48) is formed integrally with the angular transition portion and a horizontally oriented flat sump deck (50) is integrally formed with the step. The sump deck, is coplanar with the flange, and incorporates a roof drain opening (52) to receive the roof drain (12). The sump deck is positioned sufficiently below the flat plate permitting water to flow uninhibited into the roof drain without ponding.

Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.

Abstract: Smokehouses (20) or other similar thermal processing cabinets or houses are provided with improved floor assemblies (22) which eliminate fluid collection and provide a high degree of structural integrity. The smokehouses (20) include upright walls (24, 26) supported on the floor assemblies (22). Each floor assembly (22) has one or more weldment frame assemblies (38) including a peripheral frame assembly (46) with opposed wall receiving channel segments (52) and frame elements (54). Drainage structure such as one or more tubular drain units (44) are also preferably secured to the weldment frame assemblies (38) and are positioned to effect proper liquid drainage. Tread plates (42) are secured to the weldment frame assemblies (38). In order to construct a floor assembly (22), an appropriately sized recess (66) is formed and the weldment frame assemblies (38) and drain units (44) are installed. A monolithic pour of concrete (40) is then placed within the weldment frame assemblies (38) and allowed to cure.

Abstract: Core-skin bonding is improved between honeycomb and composite face sheets by applying a nylon-based (polyamide) adhesive to the edge of the honeycomb prior to bonding. Edge coating of honeycomb with polyamide adhesives is useful in further increasing the bond strength between honeycomb and prepreg face sheets, especially when the matrix resin of the prepreg is designed to adhere the prepreg to the honeycomb.

Abstract: A rain screen system for attaching an array of panels to the outside of a building, by means of a track system. The track system includes a series of horizontal mounting tracks that extend across the entire width of the panel array. Each horizontal mounting track has an upturned building-side leg that forms both a mounting flange, through a local shim, to the building, as well as the building side of a water tight, continuous, self draining gutter system. Each track also has an upturned panel-side leg that forms both a mounting flange for the lower edge of a panel and the panel side of the gutter system. Each track also forms a water seal at the top edge of the panel. The gutter system has a weep holes on the panel side of the gutter system, adapted so that drainage is fed to the top of the lower panel.

Abstract: A ventilated roofing structure includes a modular roofing panel unit adapted to form part of an outermost layer of a roof, a wall unit which is secured to the roofing panel unit, and which extends downwardly to terminate at an anchored end to partition a space under the roof into outside and inside spaces, and which has a ventilation opening communicating the inside and outside spaces, and a modular drainage-route forming panel unit which is fastened to an overhanging eave of the roofing panel unit to form a gap therebetween. The drainage-route forming panel unit extends downwards to separate the outside space into an airflow transit chamber and an outdoor space, and has an anchoring edge secured to the anchored end, and a drainage port communicating the airflow transit chamber with the outdoor space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel sustainable building, the outer enclosures, roofs and foundations of which form an envelope that is formed, with the exception of doors, windows and chimneys, by a central core (5) with a high heat storage capacity, by an inner liner or membrane (4) with a high thermal conductivity and which is in close contact with the central core, and by an outer thermally insulated and mechanically resistant surface (6).