CLADDING SYSTEM

Abstract

A cladding system 2 for a building comprises a cladding panel 4, 6, 8 and a mounting means 16 for mounting the cladding panel 4, 6, 8 to a building structure. The mounting means 16 provides adjustability of the cladding panel 4, 6, 8 relatively to the building structure towards or away from the building and/or upwards or downwards with respect to the building and/or laterally with respect to the building. The cladding panel comprises a frame 10 and a backing member 12 mounted on the frame 10 wherein the backing member 12 is suitable for receiving covering elements thereto. The mounting means 16 comprises a building mounting component 20 to be mounted to the building during installation. The mounting means 16 further comprises a cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88 to be mounted to the cladding panel 4, 6, 8.

Claims

1. A cladding system (2) for a building, wherein the cladding system (2) comprising a cladding panel (4, 6, 8) the cladding panel (4, 6, 8) comprising a frame (10) and a backing member (12) mounted on the frame (10), wherein the backing member (12) is suitable for receiving covering elements (14) thereto, the cladding system further comprising at least one mounting means (16) for mounting the cladding panel to a building structure, and wherein the mounting means (16) provides adjustability of the cladding panel (4, 6, 8) relative to the building structure towards or away from the building and/or upwards or downwards with respect to the building and/or laterally with respect to the building.

2. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 1, wherein the mounting means (16) comprises a building mounting component (20) to be mounted to the building structure during installation, and a cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) to be mounted to the cladding panel; and wherein the building mounting component (20) and the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) are separate components that are directly or indirectly fixable to one another.

3. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means (16) further comprises an intermediate mounting component (24) that is fixable to the building mounting component (20) and to the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88).

4. The cladding system (2) for a building according to the claim 3, wherein the intermediate mounting component (24) is arranged extending between the building mounting component (20) and the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) in such a manner that allows a greater degree of adjustability when installing the cladding panel (4, 6, 8) because the position of the intermediate mounting component (24) relative to the building mounting component and relative to the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) is adjustable.

5. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate mounting component (24) spaces the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) from the building mounting component (20) and can therefore adjust the size of the cavity between the panel (4, 6, 8) and the building structure.

6. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 2, wherein the building mounting component (20) comprises a building engagement portion (26) adapted to engage with a surface of a building structure and a projection (30) projecting from the building engagement portion (26); wherein the building engagement portion (26) comprises one or more apertures (28a, 28b) for receiving fixing elements; and the projection (30) comprises one or more apertures (32a, 32b) to receive fixing elements to releasably fix the building mounting component (20) to the intermediate mounting component (24) and/or cladding-panel mounting component (22).

7. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 6, wherein the building engagement portion (26) is planar; and wherein the projection (30) is a flange arranged at 90° or approximately 90° to the building engagement portion (26).

8. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 6, wherein two or more apertures (32a, 32b) of the projection (30) are elongate slots (32a, 32b) arranged in parallel with respect to one another which further provides adjustability along the length of the slot.

9. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means 16 comprises a grip means (34) to prevent relative movement between the different components of the mounting means 16 such as the building mounting component (20), the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) and/or the intermediate mounting component (24), when the mounting means (16) or component parts thereof are assembled.

10. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 9, wherein the grip means (34) comprises all or part of a surface of the projection (30) of the building mounting component (20) having a topography that can engage with all or part of a surface of the intermediate component (24) having a corresponding topography, or with all or part of a surface of the cladding-system mounting component (22) having a corresponding topography.

11. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate mounting component (24) has a first part (38) for engaging with the building mounting component (20) and a second part 40 for engaging with the cladding-panel mounting component (22), wherein the first part (38) is arranged at 90° or approximately 90° to the second part, wherein the first part (38) comprises one or more apertures (42a, 42b) to receive fixing elements (106) to releasably fix the intermediate mounting component (24) to the building mounting component (22) and wherein the second part (40) comprises one or more apertures (46) to receive fixing elements to releasably fix the intermediate mounting component (24) to the cladding-panel mounting component (22).

12. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 11, wherein the two or more apertures (42a, 42b) of the first part (38) are elongate slots longitudinally aligned with respect to one another such that they are arranged on the same longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongate slots (42a, 42b) of the first part (38) is arranged at 90° or approximately 90° to the longitudinal axis of the elongate slots (32a, 32b) of the projection (30) of the building mounting component (20) in such a way that the slot's orientation provides adjustability upwards or downwards with respect to the building structure.

13. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 2, wherein the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) comprises a first part (48) comprising two or more apertures (52a, 52b) to receive fixing elements to releasably fix the cladding-panel mounting component (22, 88) to the intermediate mounting component (24) and a second part (50) comprising a fixing means (56) for fixing the cladding-panel mounting component (22) to the cladding panel (4, 6) wherein the first part (48) is arranged at 90° or approximately 90° to the second part, and wherein the two or more apertures (52a, 52b) of the first part (48) of the cladding-panel mounting component (22) are elongate slots longitudinally aligned with respect to one another such that they are arranged on the same longitudinal axis.

14. The cladding system (2) for a building according to claim 13, wherein when installed, the first part (48) of the cladding-panel mounting component (22) is parallel or substantially parallel with the building-engagement portion (26) of the building mounting component (20) and the longitudinal axis of the elongate slots (52a, 52b) formed in the first part (48) of the cladding-panel mounting component (22) is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first part (48) of the cladding-panel mounting component (22) which further provides a lateral adjustability of the cladding panel (4, 6) during installation.

15. A method for cladding a building with a cladding system (2), wherein the method comprises: fixing at least a mounting means (16) to a building structure; installing a cladding panel (4, 6, 8) comprising a frame (10) and a backing member (12) mounted on the frame to the building structure via the mounting means (16); and further providing the adjustability to the cladding panel (4, 6, 8) relative to the building structure towards or away from the building and/or upwards or downwards with respect to the building and/or laterally with respect to the building via the mounting means (16).

Description

[0109] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a flat panel according to the invention mounted to a floor slab.

[0110] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the upper mounting means for the flat panel and floor slab of FIG. 1.

[0111] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the flat panel of FIG. 1.

[0112] FIG. 4 is a side view of the flat panel of FIG. 1.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the frame and backing member of the flat panel of FIG. 1.

[0114] FIG. 6 is a section view of the lower mounting means for the flat panel and floor slab of FIG. 1.

[0115] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the frame of the flat panel of FIG. 1.

[0116] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the lower mounting means for the flat panel and floor slab of FIG. 1.

[0117] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a stepped-column panel according to the invention.

[0118] FIG. 10 is a detailed section view of the upper mounting means for the stepped-column panel and floor slab of FIG. 9.

[0119] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the stepped-column panel of FIG. 9

[0120] FIG. 12 is a side view of the stepped-column panel of FIG. 9.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a detailed section view of the lower mounting means for the stepped-column panel and floor slab of FIG. 9.

[0122] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the frame and backing member of the stepped-column panel of FIG. 9.

[0123] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the backing member of the stepped-column panel of FIG. 9.

[0124] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the backing member of the stepped-column panel of FIG. 9

[0125] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the steel frame of stepped-column panel of FIG. 9.

[0126] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the frame of the stepped-column panel of FIG. 9.

[0127] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the frame and backing member of a panel with a soffit surface according to the invention.

[0128] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the frame and backing member of the panel with a soffit surface of FIG. 19.

[0129] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the panel with a soffit surface of FIG. 19.

[0130] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the panel with a soffit surface of FIG. 19.

[0131] FIG. 23 is a side view of the frame and backing member of the panel with a soffit surface of FIG. 19.

[0132] FIG. 24 is a side view of the panel with a soffit surface of FIG. 19.

[0133] FIG. 25 is a detailed view of the mounting component for suspending a panel such as the panel of FIG. 19 when it is mounted to the panel.

[0134] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the mounting component for suspending a panel such as the panel of FIG. 19 when it is mounted to the panel.

[0135] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the building mounting component.

[0136] FIG. 28 is a front elevation view of the building mounting component of FIG. 27.

[0137] FIG. 29 is a section view of the building mounting component of FIG. 27.

[0138] FIG. 30 is a section view of a mounting means according to the invention when mounted on a floor slab.

[0139] FIG. 31 is a plan view of the intermediate mounting component.

[0140] FIG. 32 is a front elevation view of the intermediate mounting component of FIG. 31.

[0141] FIG. 33 is a section view of the intermediate mounting component of FIG. 31.

[0142] FIG. 34 is a plan view of the cladding-panel mounting component.

[0143] FIG. 35 is a front view of the cladding-panel mounting component of FIG. 34.

[0144] FIG. 36 is a section view of the cladding-panel mounting component of FIG. 34.

[0145] FIG. 37 is a plan view of the mounting means of FIG. 30.

[0146] FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional, front elevation view of a fixing element used to fix the covering elements to the backing member.

[0147] FIG. 39 is an isometric view of a further fixing element that may be used to fix the covering elements to the backing member.

[0148] FIG. 40 is an isometric view of yet a further fixing element that may be used to fix the covering elements to the backing member.

[0149] FIG. 41 is an isometric view of yet a further fixing element that may be used to fix the covering elements to the backing member.

[0150] In the drawings there is shown a cladding system for a building, the cladding system being indicated generally by reference numeral 2. The cladding system 2 comprises a cladding panel which is mountable to a building structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cladding system 2 comprises three cladding panels of different shapes. FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate a flat panel indicated by reference numeral 4, FIGS. 9 to 18 illustrate a stepped column panel indicated by reference numeral 6, and FIGS. 19 to 26 illustrate a panel with a soffit surface, the panel being indicated by reference numeral 8. The cladding panels 4, 6, 8 have a frame 10 and a backing member 12 mounted on the frame 10. The backing member 12 is suitable for receiving covering elements 14. In the illustrated embodiment, there are brick slips 14 fixed to the backing member 10.

[0151] The cladding system 2 further comprises a mounting means 16 for mounting the cladding panels 4, 6, 8 to a building structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat panel 4 and stepped column panel 6 are each shown mounted to a floor slab 18. The cladding panels 4, 6, 8 are formed from non-combustible materials and are therefore suitable for use in high-rise buildings (i.e., over 18 metres tall) in the UK, where regulations currently prohibit use of flammable materials on the exterior of buildings. The mounting means 16 provides adjustability of the cladding panels 4, 6, 8 relative the building structure towards and away from the building and upwards and downwards with respect to the building. The mounting means 16 can also provide adjustability of the flat and stepped-column panels 4, 6 laterally with respect to the building structure.

[0152] The mounting means 16 comprises a building mounting component 20 to be mounted to the building during installation. The mounting means 16 further comprises a cladding-panel mounting component 22 to be mounted to the cladding panel 4, 6. The cladding-panel mounting component 22 is operable as a shelf on which the cladding panels 4, 6 can be mounted. The mounting means 16 involves a cladding-panel mounting component 88 which is operable to suspend a panel from the mounting means 16 and is used with the panel 8 as will be described in further detail below. The building mounting component 20 and the cladding-panel mounting components 22, 88 are separate components that are directly or indirectly fixable to one another. The mounting means 16 further comprises an intermediate mounting component 24 that is fixable to the building mounting component 20 and to the cladding-panel mounting components 22, 88. The intermediate mounting component 24 is arranged extending between the building mounting component 20 and the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88. Use of the intermediate mounting component 24 provides a greater degree of adjustability when installing the cladding panel 4, 6 because the position of the intermediate mounting component 24 relative to the building mounting component 20 and relative to the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88 can be adjusted. Alternatively, the building mounting component 20 could be directly fixed to the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88, but this provides less adjustability.

[0153] The building mounting component 20 is illustrated in isolation in FIGS. 27 to 29. The building mounting component 20 is formed from steel although other metals or materials may be suitable, provided they are sufficiently strong to withstand the weight of the cladding panels 4, 6, 8. The building mounting component 20 comprises a building-engagement portion 26 configured to engage with the building structure when the building mounting component 20 is fixed to a building structure. The building engagement portion 26 is adapted to engage with a flat surface of a building structure. Ideally, the building engagement portion 26 can engage with a floor slab, as shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the building engagement portion 26 is a flat, rectangular plate, although the skilled person will understand that other shapes may be suitable for the same purpose. The building engagement portion 26 comprises two apertures 28a, 28b in the illustrated embodiment for receiving fixing elements such as bolts to fix the building engagement portion 26 to a surface, such as the surface of a floor slab. The building engagement portion 26 may have more or less than two apertures if desired.

[0154] The building mounting component 20 further comprises a projection 30 that projects from the building engagement portion 26 and which is configured to fix the building mounting component 20 to the intermediate and/or cladding-panel mounting component(s) 22, 24, 88. The size of the projection 30 and/or the intermediate mounting component 24 defines the size of the cavity between the cladding panel 4, 6, 8 and the building structure.

[0155] The projection 30 is a rectangular, planar flange, arranged extending from the building engagement portion 26. The skilled person will understand that other shapes may be suitable for the same purpose. The projection is arranged at 90° to the building engagement portion 26. The projection 30 is located centrally along the length of the building engagement portion 26.

[0156] The projection 30 of the building mounting component 20 comprises two apertures 32a, 32b to receive fixing elements to releasably fix the building mounting component 20 to the intermediate and/or cladding-panel mounting component(s) 22, 24, 88. The projection 30 may have more or less than two apertures for this purpose if desired. The apertures 32a, 32b are elongate slots. The elongate slots 32a, 32b are arranged in parallel with respect to one another. Use of an elongate slot provides adjustability along the length of the slot. The longitudinal axis of each slot 32a, 32b is arranged perpendicular to the building engagement portion 26. Advantageously, when installed, this means adjustability is provided towards and away from the building structure.

[0157] The mounting means 16 further comprises a grip means 34 to prevent relative movement between the building mounting component 20, the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88 and/or the intermediate mounting component 24, when the cladding system 2 is assembled. The grip means 34 comprises a surface of the projection 30 of the building mounting component 20 having a topography that can engage with the all or part of a surface of the intermediate mounting component 24 having a corresponding topography, or with the all or part of a surface of the cladding-system mounting component 22, 88 having a corresponding topography, in more than one configuration. Therefore, if during installation it is desired to adjust the relative position of the building mounting component 20 and the intermediate mounting component 24, for example, the component topographies can be disengaged and re-engaged in a different configuration. The surface topography is provided by a series of ridges 36 arranged in parallel. Any suitable formation, such as indentations, grooves, bumps, teeth, crenelations or other suitable formation or combination thereof could be used provided it functions to engage with a corresponding topography on another component. The ridges 36 are provided located around the apertures 32a, 32b. The ridges 36 may be integrally formed with the projection 30 of the building mounting component 20, or may be provided by a separate piece fixed to the projection 30 to provide the topography. The longitudinal axis of the ridges 36 is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the elongate slot 32a, 32b around which it is located. The ridges 36 are arranged defining a rectangular outline.

[0158] The intermediate mounting component 24 has a first part 38 for engaging with the building mounting component 20 and a second part 40 for engaging with the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88. The first and second parts 38, 40 of the intermediate mounting component 24 are planar parts. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first and second parts 38, 40 are rectangular, but variations in shape will be apparent to the skilled person. The intermediate mounting component 24 is formed from steel although other metals or materials may be suitable, provided they are sufficiently strong to withstand the weight of the cladding panels 4, 6, 8. The first part 38 is arranged at 90° to the second part 40. The first and second parts 38, 40 are provided by an angle bracket.

[0159] The first part 38 comprises two apertures 42a, 42b to receive fixing elements to releasably fix the intermediate mounting component 24 to the building mounting component 20. It should be noted that, in the drawings, the fixing elements are not illustrated in every drawing for the purposes of clarity, as illustrating the fixing elements would obscure the other important features of the drawings. In FIG. 1, fixing elements 106 are illustrated between the building mounting component 20 and the intermediate mounting component 22, and between the building mounting component 20 and the floor slab 18. More or less than two apertures may be present as desired. The apertures 42a, 42b are elongate slots. The elongate slots longitudinally aligned with respect to one another such that they are arranged on the same longitudinal axis. When installed, the longitudinal axis of the elongate slots of the intermediate mounting component 24 is arranged at 90° to the longitudinal axis of the elongate slot of the projection 30 of the building mounting component 20. The orientation of the slot therefore provides adjustability upwards or downwards with respect to the building structure.

[0160] The grip means 34 comprises all or part of a surface of the first part 38 of the intermediate mounting component 24 having a topography that can engage with all or part of a surface of the building mounting component 20 having a corresponding topography, in more than one configuration. If, during installation, it is desired to adjust the relative position of the intermediate mounting component 24 and the building mounting component 20, for example, the component topographies can be disengaged and re-engaged in a different configuration. The surface topography is provided by a series of ridges 44 arranged in parallel. Any suitable formation, such as indentations, grooves, bumps, teeth, crenelations or other suitable formation or combination thereof could be used provided it functions to engage with a corresponding topography on another component. The ridges 44 are provided located around the apertures 42a, 42b. The ridges 44 may be integrally formed with the first part 38 of the intermediate mounting component 24, or may be provided by a separate piece fixed to the first part 38 to provide the topography. The longitudinal axis of the ridges 44 is perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the elongate slot 42a, 42b around which it is located. The ridges 44 are arranged defining a rectangular outline. When assembled, the ridges 44 of the first part 38 of the intermediate mounting component 24, and the ridges 36 of the projection 30 of the building mounting component 20 extend longitudinally in the same direction, with the ridges 44 of the first part 38 of the intermediate mounting component 24 fitting between the ridges 36 of the projection 30 of the building mounting component 20.

[0161] The second part 40 of the intermediate mounting component 24 comprises an aperture 46 to receive fixing elements to releasably fix the intermediate mounting component 24 to the cladding-panel mounting component 22. The second part 40 may have more than one aperture for additional fixing elements if desired.

[0162] The cladding-panel mounting component 22, which is operable as a shelf for the flat panel 4 and stepped-column panel 6, has a first part 48 for engaging with the intermediate mounting component 24 and a second part 50 for engaging with the cladding panel 4, 6. The first and second parts 48, 50 of the cladding-panel mounting component 22 are planar, rectangular parts. The cladding-panel mounting component 22 is formed from a steel angle bracket, although alternative materials or shapes may be used if desired. The first part 48 is arranged at 90° to the second part 50. The first part 48 has two apertures 52a, 52b to receive fixing elements to releasably fix the cladding-panel mounting component 22 to the intermediate mounting component 24. More or less than two apertures could potentially be used if desired. The apertures 52a, 52b are elongate slots. The elongate slots are longitudinally aligned with respect to one another such that they are arranged on the same longitudinal axis. When installed, the first part 48 of the cladding-panel mounting component 22 is parallel or substantially parallel with the building-engagement portion 26 of the building mounting component 20. The longitudinal axis of the elongate slots 52a, 52b is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first part 48 of the cladding-panel mounting component 22. This provides lateral adjustability of the cladding panel 4, 6 during installation.

[0163] The perimeter of the elongate slots 52a, 52b of the cladding-panel mounting component 22 comprises a series of teeth 54 adapted to engage with a corresponding series of teeth (not shown) on the outer boundary of a washer (not shown). Advantageously, a washer may be inserted into the elongate slot 52a, 52b such that the teeth of the washer and the teeth of the perimeter of the elongate slot 52a, 52b engage one another and this prevents movement of the washer along the length of the slot 52a, 52b. A bolt or other suitable fixing element can then be inserted through the washer and through the aperture 46 on the second part 40 of the intermediate mounting component 24 to fix the intermediate mounting component 24 to the cladding-panel mounting component 22. To adjust the lateral position of the cladding panel 4, 6 with respect to the building structure, the washer can be removed from the elongate slot 54a, 54b, repositioned, and reinserted as desired.

[0164] The second part 50 of the cladding-panel mounting component 22 has fixing means 56 for fixing the cladding-panel mounting component 22 to the cladding panel 4, 6. The fixing means 56 are fixing elements 58a, 58b that extend from the second part 50 and that can engage with an opening or aperture on the cladding panel 4, 6 to enable fixing thereto. The fixing elements 58a, 58b are spaced apart and extend from both planar sides of the second part 50 of the cladding-panel mounting component 22. The second part 50 provides a shelf to which the cladding panel 4, 6 can be fixed. The same cladding-panel mounting component 22 can be used on the lower surface of the cladding panel 4, 6, wherein the second part 50 of the cladding-panel mounting component 22 extends below the cladding panel 4, 6, as well as on the upper surface of the cladding panel 4, 6 wherein the second part 50 extends above the cladding panel 4, 6. Ideally, each cladding-panel mounting component 22 is mounted via two intermediate mounting components 24 to two building mounting components 20. Two cladding-panel mounting components 22 may be used per each cladding panel 4, 6. Two panels may be mounted on one cladding-panel mounting component 22, wherein one panel is located above the second part 50, and one panel is located below the second part 50.

[0165] The fixing elements are used to fix the building mounting component 20 to the intermediate mounting component 24 and to fix the intermediate mounting component 24 to the cladding-panel mounting component 22 may be a nut-and-bolt or other suitable fixing elements.

[0166] A lower cladding-panel mounting component 22 can be mounted on a floor slab 18 of a building, and an upper cladding-panel mounting component 22 can be mounted on the another floor slab 18 immediately above the floor slab 18 to which the lower cladding-panel mounting component 22 is mounted, with the cladding panel 4, 6 mounted extending therebetween. Advantageously, one cladding panel 4, 6 can be used extending the entire height between the two floor slabs 18. This arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 11 and 12.

[0167] The backing member 12 is formed from calcium silicate fibre cement but other non-combustible material, preferably cementitious materials may be used if desired. The backing member 12 can readily receive mechanical fixings, such as screws or bolts, to mechanically fix a covering element thereto. In the illustrated embodiment a plurality of covering elements 14, which are brick slips, are mechanically fixed to the backing member 12. Other masonry slips such as block, or stone slips, or composite slips such as GRP slips, or combinations thereof could be used. Slips or sheets of any other desirable material could be fixed to the backing member 14 if desired.

[0168] The covering elements 14 have a front face 60, a rear face 62, and side faces 64 extending between the front face 60 and the rear face 62. The rear face 62 abuts the backing member 12. There is a slot 66 that extends along the side faces 64, the slot 66 being configured to receive a fixing element. The slot 66 is located at a position in the side face 64 between the rear face 62 and the front face 60. The covering elements 14 are fixed to the backing member 12 by a fixing element 68 that is disposed in the slot 66 of the covering element, and which is in turn fixed to the backing member 12.

[0169] The fixing element 68 is a bracket which has a flange 70a that engages the slot 66 in the covering element 14, a first portion 72a that extends from the flange 70a towards the backing member 12 when in use and then a second portion 72b that extends from the first portion 72a and abuts and is fixed to the backing member 12. The second portion 72b comprises an aperture 74 for receiving a screw. The fixing element 68 comprises a third portion 72c that extends from the second portion 72b to a second flange 70b engaged in the slot 66 of an adjacent covering element 14. The bracket is therefore substantially U-shaped.

[0170] In FIG. 39 there is a further fixing element for covering elements indicated by reference numeral 108. The fixing element 108 has first and second portions 114, 116. There is an elongate aperture 110 in the second portion for receiving a screw. The elongate aperture 110 provides adjustability of the bracket relative to the screw during installation. The fixing element 108 has a flange 112, similar to the flange 70a of the fixing element 68, for engaging a slot 66 in the side of a covering element 14. The flange 112 extends from the first portion 114, and the second portion 116 extends from an opposing end of the first portion 114. The flange 112 is sized to extend from a slot in one covering element to a slot in an adjacent covering element 14. Advantageously with this fixing element there is no requirement for the third portion 72b and second flange 70b. The flange 112 is planar and is substantially U-shaped. The flange 112 has three outer sides, but may have more sides if desired. The flange 108, first portion 114 and second portion 116 are formed by initially providing a planar piece, the perimeter of which forms the flange 108, then cutting and bending the piece to provide the first and second portions 114, 116.

[0171] FIG. 40 shows a further fixing element 118. The fixing element 118 is similar to the fixing element 108, with the exception that it has a rounded flange 120.

[0172] FIG. 41 shows a further fixing element 122 which is used to mechanically attach covering elements 14 located at the side of the backing member 12. The fixing element has a flange 124 for engaging a slot in a covering element, a first portion 126 extending from the flange, and a second portion 128 extending from the first portion that is fixable to the backing member 12. The flange 124 mutually opposes the second portion 128. The flange 124 has a rounded edge. The first portion 126 is sized such that the flange 124 engages a slot in one covering element and the second portion 128 is disposed to the rear of the backing member 12, where it can then be fixed with a screw thereby securing the covering element on the backing member 12. The length of the first portion 126 is therefore equal to or greater than the width of the backing member 12 and the width of the covering element 14 from the rear of the covering element to the slot 66.

[0173] Alternative shapes of fixing elements are within the scope of the invention provided they engage with the slot 66 and can be fixed to the backing member 12 to secure the covering element 14 mechanically to the backing member 12. Adhesives may also be used with the mechanical fix to enhance the connection between the covering elements 14 and the backing member 12.

[0174] After the covering elements 14 are fixed to the backing member 12 during manufacture, the space between the covering elements 14 are filled with mortar. The covering elements 14 are arranged creating the appearance of traditional brickwork and in particular a stretcher bond pattern. Other patterns, such as Flemish bond or common bond may be used as desired.

[0175] The frame 10 has a plurality of structural frame members 76 that are connected to one another to define a frame. The cladding panels 4, 6, 8 are arranged with the frame 10 defining the rear of the cladding panel 4, 6, 8, with the backing member 12 having a front surface for receiving covering elements 14. No part of the frame 10 is visible on the front surface and no part of the frame 10 extends to the front surface.

[0176] The frame 10 is mountable to the cladding-panel mounting component 22. The cladding-panel mounting component 22 may be pre-mounted on the cladding panel 4, 6 before transport to the building site, or this may be conducted on site.

[0177] The frame 10 has a plurality of structural frame elements 76 extending longitudinally in a first direction, and a plurality of structural frame elements 76 extending longitudinally in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The frame 10 has an upper frame element 76a, arranged at or close to the upper edge of the backing member 12. The frame 10 comprises a lower frame element 76b, arranged at or close to the lower edge of the backing member 12. The upper and lower frame elements 76a, 76b have apertures 80 that are configured to receive the fixing elements 58a, 58b of the cladding-panel mounting component 22. The frame 10 further comprises two side frame elements 76c, 76d, arranged at or close to the side of the backing member 12. The side frame element 76c, 76d extends between the upper and lower frame elements 76a, 76b.

[0178] Referring now specifically to the flat panel 4, the frame 10 has two intermediate frame elements 76e located between the two side frame elements 76c, 76d and which are spaced apart from one another. The intermediate frame elements 76e extend between the upper and lower frame elements 76a, 76b and they are parallel with the side elements 76c, 76d. The frame 10 further comprises six intermediate frame elements 76f which are parallel to the top and bottom frame members 76a, 76b and which are arranged extending from the side frame elements 76c, 76d or from the intermediate frame elements 76e to provide structural support. The stepped panel 6 has a similar configuration but a step 78 is built into the frame 10. The step is located centrally between the frame side elements 76c, 76d. The step 78 extends across the entire height of the panel 6. The backing member 12 is formed from a plurality of separate pieces fitted to the frame 10 to provide the stepped column. The panel 8 with a soffit surface is described in more detail below.

[0179] The frame 10 is formed from light gauge steel, but the fixing elements or materials used to fix the frame elements 76 together may be formed from different materials. Some of the frame elements may be formed from other materials, such as traditional steel, but it is preferable that the majority of the frame 10 is formed from light gauge steel, as this lowers the weight of the panels 4, 6, 8. Advantageously, a panel spanning an entire floor may be made in this way.

[0180] Referring now to the panel 8 with a soffit surface, the panel 8 has a fascia surface 82 and a soffit surface 84. The panel 8 can therefore be used extending across openings such as windows, with the soffit surface 84 extending in towards the building opening. The panel 8 has part of the backing member 12 fixed to one part of the frame 10 defining a fascia surface 82, and a further part of the backing member 10 fixed to a further part of the frame 10 defining a soffit surface 84, wherein the soffit surface 84 is perpendicular to the fascia surface 82. The frame 10 of the panel 8 with the soffit surface has a soffit frame element 86 that extends along the rear of the backing member 12 that defines the soffit surface 84. The soffit frame element 86 is a C-shaped beam.

[0181] The panel 8 with the soffit surface 84 is mountable to the intermediate mounting component 24. The mounting means 16 comprises a cladding-panel mounting component 88 for use in suspending a panels from the mounting means 16. The cladding-panel mounting component 88 is mounted on the frame 10 of the panel 8 with the soffit surface 84. The frame 10 of the panel 8 with the soffit surface 84 is configured to receive the cladding-panel mounting component 88. The frame 10 comprises a planar surface 90 for receiving the cladding-panel mounting component 88. The surface 90 for receiving the cladding-panel mounting component 88 comprises two apertures 92. The surface 90 for receiving the cladding-panel mounting component 88 is located at the upper side of the panel 8.

[0182] The cladding-panel mounting component 88 for suspending the panel 8 has an engagement means for engaging with the apertures 92. The engagement means is provided by two hooks 94a, 94b that engage with the apertures 92 of the surface 90 on the panel 8. Specifically, the cladding-panel mounting component 88 for suspending the panel 8 comprises two spaced apart hooks 94a, 94b that engage with two spaced apart apertures 92 on the panel 90. A planar portion 96 extends perpendicularly from the hooks 94a, 94b and it therefore extends beyond the side perimeter of the panel 8. The cladding-panel mounting component 88 further has a tab 98, arranged perpendicularly to the hooks 94a, 94b and also perpendicularly to the planar portion 96. The tab 98 abuts an upper surface of the upper frame element 76a of the panel 8 with the soffit surface 84 when the cladding-panel mounting component 88 is fitted to the panel 8. The tab 98 can be fixed to the frame 10 of the panel 8 to secure the cladding-panel mounting component 88 to the panel. The tab 98 has an aperture 100 for receiving a fixing element (not shown). The cladding-panel mounting component 88 is formed from a single piece of folded metal.

[0183] The planar portion 96 of the cladding-panel mounting component 88 further comprises an aperture 102, arranged as an elongate slot, to receive fixing elements (not shown) to fix the cladding-panel mounting component 88 to the intermediate mounting component 24 or building mounting component 20. The perimeter of the elongate slot 102 comprises a series of teeth 104 adapted to engage with a corresponding series of teeth (not shown) on the outer boundary of a washer (not shown). The longitudinal axis of the slot 102 extends from the upper to lower part of the planar portion 96, thereby providing adjustability upwards or downwards of the panel 8 with the soffit surface 84 during installation. Because the planar portion 96 extends beyond the perimeter of the panel 8, this provides visibility of the aperture 102 during installation of the panel 8.

[0184] In use, the building mounting component 20 is first mounted to a building structure such as a floor slab 18. Next, an intermediate mounting component 24 is fixed to the building component. A readjustment step may be required wherein the alignment between the intermediate mounting component 24 and the building mounting component 20 is checked after engagement between the surface topographies of the components 20, 24, and wherein the components 20, 24 are disengaged, adjusted and re-engaged.

[0185] Next a cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88 is mounted on the intermediate component 24. Again, a readjustment step may be required wherein the alignment between the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88 and the intermediate mounting component 24 is checked after the washer is inserted into the elongate slot 52a or 52b of the cladding-panel mounting component 22, and wherein the washer is removed, the alignment between the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88 and intermediate mounting component 24 is adjusted, and wherein the washer is reinserted. Fixing elements such as a nut-and-bolt are used to fix the building mounting component 20 to the intermediate component 24 and to fix the intermediate component 24 to the cladding-panel mounting component 22, 88.

[0186] The panel 8 with a soffit surface 84 may be mounted by mounting the cladding-panel mounting component 88 for suspending a panel from the mounting means 16 initially on the surface 90 of the panel 8 and then mounting the cladding-panel mounting component 88 on the intermediate component 24. A readjustment step may be required wherein the alignment between the cladding-panel mounting component 88 and the intermediate mounting component 24 is checked after the washer is inserted into the elongate slot 102 of the mounting component 88 of the panel 8 with a soffit surface 84, and wherein the washer is removed, the alignment between the cladding-panel mounting component 88 of the panel 8 with a soffit surface 84 and the intermediate mounting component 24 is adjusted, and wherein the washer is reinserted.

[0187] Referring to the flat panel 4 and stepped-column panel 6, the panels 4, 6 can be installed by simply setting the panel 4, 6 onto a cladding-panel mounting component 22 which is mounted on the building structure, such that the fixing elements 56a, 56b extend through the apertures 80 of the lower frame element 76b. It is not necessary to then use a nut on the fixing element 56a, 56b because the weight of the panel 4, 6 secures the panel to the cladding-panel mounting component 22. The upper end of the panel 4, 6 can be mounted by either mounting a cladding-panel mounting component 22 on the upper frame element 76b, and then securing the cladding-panel mounting component 22 to a mounted intermediate mounting component 24. Alternatively, the panel 4, 6 could be secured initially at its upper end and then at its lower end if desired. As the panels 4, 6 extend the entire height of a floor between two floor slabs 18, a single panel can be installed extending the height of the floor. Adjacent panels can be sequentially installed to clad the building. The panel 8 with the soffit surface 84 can be installed over openings such as windows. An entire building can therefore be clad using the cladding system 2, thereby providing the appearance of traditional brick work on the exterior of the building. Ideally, the panels are prefabricated in a factory before transport to a site for installation, with the covering elements 14 ideally being fitted to the backing members 12, and spacing between the covering elements 14 filled with mortar before transportation. The installation may also comprise fitting waterproof membranes and/or insulation (not shown) between and/or around the panels 4, 6, 8.

[0188] The skilled person will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

[0189] It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

[0190] In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

[0191] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.