Fascia

Abstract

 A fascia in or for a structure, the fascia comprising an elongate part having an outer surface and connection means to engage a part of said building.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a fascia. The fascia may be in or for a prefabricated building unit of the kind specified.

[0002] By a prefabricated building unit of the kind specified is meant a prefabricated building unit which is factory assembled for delivery to a prepared site in an assembled condition complete with at least a floor structure, a side wall comprising a wall panel and a roof structure. Where the prefabricated building unit has four side walls and is intended to be capable of being transported to a site and, if desired, re-used by being transported to another site, it is referred to as a portable building unit.

[0003] Alternatively, where the unit is intended for use at only one location, particularly where the unit is to be assembled with other similar units, it may have one or more side walls omitted and is referred to as a modular building unit.

[0004] In either case, where the prefabricated building unit is for a single storey building or is for a top storey of a multi-storey building the roof structure may be adapted accordingly.

[0005] Such prefabricated building units are widely used, but can suffer from an unattractive or impermanent appearance.

[0006] An aim of the invention is to provide a new or improved fascia. The fascia may be for a prefabricated building unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, we provide a fascia for a structure comprising an elongate part having an outer surface and connection means to engage a part of said structure.

[0008] The fascia may comprise an upper part and a lower part, each of said upper part and lower part comprising a portion of said upper surface and engagement means to locate said upper part relative to said lower part.

[0009] The engagement pail may comprise alignment means such that the portion of the outer surface provided on said upper part is substantially coplanar with the portion of the outer surface provided on said lower part.

[0010] The upper part and lower part may be joined by a fastener passing through said engagement means.

[0011] The fascia may be spaced from said structure to define a recess between said structure and the fascia.

[0012] A structural element of the structure may be located in said recess.

[0013] A guttering may be disposed within said recess.

[0014] Where the fascia has a lower edge, said lower edge may be spaced from said part of said structure.

[0015] Where the structure comprises a structural element having a first limb extending outwardly of the structure the connection means may comprise a bracket attached to said first limb.

[0016] The bracket may have a substantially vertically extending part and the fascia may comprise a hook means to engage said substantially vertically extending part.

[0017] The structural element may comprise a second limb and wherein the fascia may be fastened to said second limb.

[0018] The structural element may comprise an upright part and a further bracket may be provided to engage said upright part.

[0019] The lower edge of the fascia may be spaced from the structure by a distance greater than the distance which the limb of the structural element extends outwardly of the building.

[0020] The fascia may further comprise an intermediate part disposed between said upper part and said lower part, said intermediate part having engagement means to locate said intermediate part relative to said upper part and said lower part.

[0021] Said intermediate part may provide a further portion of said outer surface.

[0022] The structure may comprise a prefabricated building unit and may comprise a portable building unit or a modular building unit.

[0023] The structure may comprise a prefabricated building unit comprising an upper structural beam and first and second connection means whereby a leg may be removably attached to said building, the first connection means being provided on said upper structural beam.

[0024] The upper structural beam may comprise a first limb and an upper part of said leg may engage said first limb.

[0025] The upper structural beam may comprise a roof beam of said building.

[0026] The building unit may comprise a lower structural element to support a floor of said building.

[0027] The lower structural element may comprise a lower structural beam and the second connection means may be provided on said lower structural beam.

[0028] The lower structural beam may comprise a beam of said floor of said building.

[0029] When said leg is attached to said first connection means and said second connection means, the leg may provide a rigid connection between said first connection means and said second connection means.

[0030] The leg may comprise a foot part which is ground engageable or a part which may engage an upper part of a further building unit.

[0031] The leg may be extendable and may be telescopically extendable.

[0032] Where the building unit comprises a lower structural beam, the leg may comprise engagement means to engage said lower structural beam.

[0033] Said first connection means and second connection means may be provided with first ancillary connection means and second ancillary connection means respectively, and an ancillary support means connected therebetween. Such an ancillary support means permits the building to be moved without legs being attached thereto.

[0034] The ancillary support means may comprise a flexible element.

[0035] Tension means may be provided to tension said flexible element.

[0036] Said ancillary connection means may comprise projections to engage a respective end part of said ancillary connection means.

[0037] Said upper structural element may be provided with lifting engagement means.

[0038] Said lifting engagement means may comprise an eye to receive a lifting hook.

[0039] Said first connection means may be disposed adjacent to said lifting engagement means.

[0040] The upper structural beam may comprise a second limb and the lifting engagement means may comprise a reinforcing rib connected between the first limb and the second limb.

[0041] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein;

Figure 1 is a side view of a prefabricated building unit,

Figure 2 is an end view of the building unit of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a plan view of the building unit of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a partly broken away section on line 4-4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a partly broken away section on line 5-5 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 is a side view of a leg of a building.

Figure 7 is a front view of the leg of Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a view on a larger scale of part of the building unit of Figure 1,

Figure 9 is a view on a larger scale of a further part of the building unit of Figure 1, and

Figure 10 is a partly broken away section or view of an alternative configuration of part of Figure 4.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary section on line 11-11 of Figure 3,

Figure 12 is a view on a larger scale of part of the section of Figure 5,

Figure 13 is partially broken away plan view of part of a fascia according to the present invention,

Figure 14 is a section on line 14-14 of Figure 13, and

Figure 15 is a section through an alternative embodiment of the fascia of Figures 13 and 14.

Referring now to the Figures, there is shown a structure comprising a prefabricated building unit 10, comprising a portable building unit as it is intended to be capable of re-use by transport to another site, of generally rectangular configuration having two longer side walls 11, two shorter end walls 12, a roof structure 13 and a floor structure 14. Door and window openings are provided in the wall as shown at 15 and 16 respectively. Of course, if desired, the doors and windows may be located at other positions other than those shown.

[0042] The building 10 is provided with four legs 17, two disposed on each side of the building 10 in a symmetrical arrangement.

[0043] Referring now to Figure 4, the side walls 11 are each formed as a panel having a stressed skin structural sandwich comprising an outer skin 11a and an inner skin 11b which sandwich and are bonded together by a core 11c, in the present example comprising polyurethane foam. In the present example, the outer skin 11a comprises a steel cladding, for example galvanised steel sheet having a PVC coating on the external surface. The inner skin 11b is made of galvanised steel sheet with a polyester pad coating, or gypsum wallboard or any other desired material. Each panel comprises a channel-shaped lower frame member 11d disposed such that the mouth of the channel is disposed in a downward direction. Each wall panel further comprises a peripheral frame having an upper frame member 11e comprising in the present example a wooden element disposed between the outer skin 11a and the inner skin 11b. As shown in Figure 5, the end walls 12 similarly comprise a plurality of panels each comprising an outer skin 12a, an inner skin 12b, a core 12c, a channel-shaped lower frame member 12d, and a wooden upper frame member 12e.

[0044] The roof structure 13 similarly comprises a panel having an upper skin 13a and a lower skin 13b, in the present example each comprising plastic coated steel. Sandwiched between and bonded to the upper skin 13a and lower skin 13b is a polyurethane foam core 13c. The roof structure further comprises a peripheral frame, a wooden side member of which is shown at 13d. The upper skin 13a is provided with upwardly extending ridge formations 13f which are generally trapezoidal in cross section. Connecting means 19 pass through the side members 13d and are received in the upper frame members 11e, 12e of the walls 11, 12. The upper skin 13a is provided with a plurality of ridges 13f, which are trapezoidal in cross-section in the present example.

[0045] Disposed adjacent the side members 13d of the roof structure 13 and the upper part of the walls 11 on each side of the building is an upper structural element 20. The upper structural element 20 comprises a beam which is generally channel-shaped in cross-section, the base part 20a of the channel being disposed in a generally upright position adjacent plywood spacers 23, 24 which abut the roof structure 13 and side wall 11 respectively. The upper structural element 20 is connected to the roof structure 13 by a fastener 21a passing through the base part 20a, spacer 23 and received in the side member 13d, and fasteners 22 passing through the base part 20a, spacer 24 and received in the upper frame member 11e. Along the end walls 12 of the building 10, a further structural element 25 is provided. The further structural element 25 is similarly of a channel configuration comprising a base part 25a. Fasteners 31a pass through the base part 25a to engage the side member 13d of the roof 13, whilst fasteners 31b pass through the base part 25a to engage the upper frame member 21 of the end wall 12. The further structural element 25 extends upwardly for a shorter direction than the upper structural element 20.

[0046] Referring to Figure 4, the upper structural element 20 further comprises a lower outwardly extending first limb 20b and an upper outwardly extending second limb 20c. Similarly, the further structural member 25 comprises a lower outwardly extending first limb 25b and an upper outwardly extending second limb 25c.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the floor structure 14 is provided with a pair of lower structural elements in the form of side beams 30, 31. Each side beam 30, 31 is of generally channel shaped configuration with the web part disposed vertically and the limbs disposed so as to extend generally inwardly. Connected between the side beams 30, 31 are a plurality of transverse beams 32 similarly of channel shaped cross section disposed such that a web part of each of the beams 32 is disposed vertically and the limbs disposed so as to extend generally horizontally. The transverse beams 32 are connected to the side beams 30, 31 by brackets 33 and suitable fastening means 34. A floor panel 35 is disposed generally horizontally such that it engages the horizontal upper limbs of the side beams 30, 31 and transverse beams 32. Disposed below the floor panel 35 and suspended from the transverse members 32 is a membrane 36, in the present example comprising a thermally insulating membrane such as polyester foil coated with a suitable material such as aluminium. Preferably, although not shown, the volume above the membrane is equal to the volume below the membrane.

[0048] At each end of the building, guttering 37 may be provided disposed between the fascia 80 and the roof structure 13 and attached to a side member 13d of the roof structure 13. A down pipe 38 is provided attached to one of the end walls 12 by pipe brackets 39 to carry water from the guttering 37 to a desired drainage point. The fascia 80 thus conceals the guttering 37 while the spacing of the lower part of the fascia 26 from the side wall 11 of the building 10 permits a down pipe 38 to be connected to the guttering 37 without requiring alteration to the fascia 80.

[0049] Ducts 40, 41 are provided adjacent the roof structure 13 and floor panel 35 respectively in the interior of the building unit 10 to provide conduits for cabling or electricity, communications or other services.

[0050] A leg 17 is shown in more detail in Figure 6. Each leg 17 comprises a upper leg part 42 of hollow rectangular tubular configuration which receives telescopically a lower leg part 43 with suitable means such as a peg means 44 as shown in Figure 4 to permit the two parts to be interconnected at a desired extension.

[0051] At its upper end, the leg 17 comprises a transverse top plate 45, attached such that a flange part 45a of the top plate 45 extends outwardly either side of the top part 42. An aperture 46 is provided in each flange part 45a and an upwardly extending guide lug 45b is disposed generally centrally of the top plate 45.

[0052] Attached to an upwardly extending wall 42a of the upper leg part 42 is a lower connection plate 47. The lower connection plate 47 comprises a pair of outwardly extending flanges 47a which project outwardly either side of the upper leg part 42. A pair of apertures 48 are provided in each of the flanges 47a.

[0053] Extending transversely from the upwardly extending wall 42a of the upper leg part 42 is a support plate 49 adapted to engage a lower limb of the side beam 30, 31. Disposed below and parallel to the support plate 49 but projecting a shorter distance from the upper leg part 42 is a reinforcing plate 50. The support plate 49 and the reinforcing plate 50 are connected by a vertically extending rib 51.

[0054] Disposed on the lower end of the lower leg part 43 is a foot part 52. The foot part 52 comprises a plate provided generally transversely to the lower leg part 43 which extends in a direction outwardly either side of the leg 17 and in a direction generally parallel to the support plate 49.

[0055] As seen in Figure 4 and in Figure 8, the upper structural element 20 is provided with a lifting engagement means 53. The lifting engagement means 53 comprises an upper plate 54 located below and adjacent the second limb 20c of the upper structural element 20, and a lower plate 55 disposed above and adjacent the first limb 20b of the upper structural element 20. Extending between the upper plate 54 and lower plate 55 are a pair of generally parallel gussets 56. Disposed between the gussets 56 is a back plate 57 which abuts the upright pail 20a of the upper structural element 20. A suitable fastening 58 passes through the back plate 57 and is received in a corresponding aperture provided in the upper structural element 20.

[0056] Attached to the under side of the upper plate 54 is a threaded nut 59. An aperture 60 is provided in the upper plate 54 and in the second limb 20c of the upper structural element 20 such that a suitable threaded bolt may be passed through the aperture 60 and engaged with the threaded nut 59. The nut 59 may receive a suitable connector, for example an eye having a threaded shank to engage a hook or other suitable lifting means.

[0057] The lower plate 55 provides a first connection means and comprises a pair of threaded apertures 61 disposed one either side of the gussets 56. The apertures 61 may receive bolts 62 passing through suitable corresponding apertures provided in the first limb 20b of the upper structural element 20 and through the apertures 46 provided in the top plate 45 of the leg 17. The lower plate 55 is further provided with a further recess 63 aligned with a corresponding aperture provided in the lower limb of the upper structural element 20 to receive the guide lug 45b of the leg 17.

[0058] The spacing of the lower part of the fascia 80 from the side wall 11 of the building 10 permits the introduction of a leg 17 into abutment with the upper structural element 20 without needing to detach the fascia 80.

[0059] As best seen in Figure 4 and Figure 9, the lower part of the leg 17 is connected to the side wall 11 and floor structure 14 by means of four bolts 64 passing through the apertures 48 provided in the lower connection plate 47. The upper of each pair of bolts 64 pass through apertures provided in the outer skin 11a, inner skin 11b and core 11c of the side wall 11. The lower of each pair of bolts 64 passes through the lower frame member 11d of the side wall 11. A reinforcement member 64a is disposed within the lower frame member 11d extending between the limbs thereof, and the bolt 64 is received within the reinforcement member 64a. The bolts 64 are threadedly received in corresponding apertures in a second connection means comprising a plate 65 disposed within the side member 61 adjacent to a vertically extending web part thereof. The reinforcement member 64a permits the lower of the bolts 64 to be tightened to maintain the leg 17 in place without deforming the lower frame member 11d.

[0060] Referring now to Figure 10, where no leg is present and it is desired to provide a reinforcing connection between the upper connection means and the lower connection means, ancillary connection means as shown in Figure 10 may be provided. A first ancillary connection means 70 may be provided attached to the upper structural element 20, comprising a first horizontal part 70a provided with an aperture through which bolt 70b is passed to be received in the aperture 61 of the lower transverse plate 55. Depending in a generally downwards direction from the horizontal part 70a is an intermediate part 70c from which a first connecting hook 70d projects in a generally horizontal direction away from the wall 11. A second ancillary connection means 71 comprises a generally upwardly extending part 71a attached to the plate 65 by bolts 71b. A second connecting hook 71c is attached to the upwardly extending part 71a and extends generally horizontally therefrom generally parallel to the first connecting hook 70d. Connected between the first connecting hook 70d and second connecting hook 71c is a elongate flexible element 72, in the present example a cable. The flexible element 72 is provided with an upper link 72a which engages the first connecting hook 70d and a lower link 72b which engages the second connecting hook 71c. Between the flexible element 72 and the lower link 72b is a tensioning device 73 such that the tension of the flexible element 72 may be adjusted as desired.

[0061] When it is desired to install such a building 10 in its desired site, a suitable foundation or other support is preferably prepared for the building at its desired sight. A lifting means connector, for example an eye provided with a threaded shank is engaged with the nut 69. The lifting means connectors are provided two on each side of the building, and the building is thus preferably lifted by four of said lifting means. With the legs 17 in place attached between the upper structural member 20 and the side beams 30, 31, a rigid connection between the roof structure and floor structure is provided to maintain the structural integrity of the building during lifting. The upper structural element 20 accommodates compressive stresses which arise during lifting to the provision of a pair of space lifting points on each side of the building, while the lifting engagement means 53 ensures that the lifting force is transmitted to the legs and thence to the floor structure 13 without deformation of the upper structural member 20.

[0062] The building unit 10 can be lifted into place and either rested on a suitable foundation, or the legs 17 can be adjusted to a desired length to support the building. Where the building unit 10 is supported on foundations and so does not require the use of the legs 17, the legs 17 can be easily removed by disconnecting the bolts 64 and 62, thus disengaging the leg from the lower connection means and upper connection means respectively. If necessary, to permit such a removal, the building may be lifted slightly, for example, using jacks to permit removal of the legs.

[0063] The removal of the legs thus provides the building 10 with a more permanent appearance. The external appearance of the building is not marred by the provision of the legs along the side of the building and at least the upper connection means are obscured behind the fascia 80. The connection of the leg 17 to the upper structural member 20 in such a way that the member 20 acts downwardly on the leg 17 ensures that there is no shear force on the bolts connecting the leg to the building 10. Whilst the leg 17 are in place and the building is being lifted, the rigid connection of the legs ensures that the building 10 is effectively lifted from the base, i.e. the lifting force is transmitted from the lifting connection means by the legs to the floor structure 14, such that the connection between for example the roof structure and the wall structure does not need to bear the weight of the building unit 10.

[0064] The building unit 10 may also comprise an upper storey of a multi-storey building comprising the building unit, in which case the foot parts 52 of the legs 17 may engage an upper part of a further building unit providing a lower storey of the building.

[0065] If it is desired to move the building whilst the legs 17 are not attached, the ancillary lifting means of Figure 10 may be provided to provide a connection between the first upper connection means and the lower connection means using a tensioned flexible element 72. The lifting forces applied to the lifting means are thus transmitted to the floor structure via the flexible elements 72 and so the building unit is lifted from the base as before.

[0066] When it is desired to move the unit for use at a different site, the legs 17 may be reattached by reversing the removal procedure described above and the building unit lifted and transported and then relocated at a new site as described above.

[0067] A fascia according to a further aspect of the present invention is indicated generally at 80. The fascia 80 comprises a first, upper part 81 and a second, lower part 82 joined by engagement means 83. The upper part 81 comprises an generally upwardly extending part 81a and a generally transversely extending part 81b connected thereto by an inclined part 81c. The transversely extending part 81b is provided with a downwardly depending rib 81d. The lower part 82 comprises a generally upwardly extending part 82a provided with an inwardly turned portion 82b disposed at its lower edge. The fascia 80 has an outer surface comprising an outer surface part 81e of the upper part 81 and an outer surface part 82c of the lower part 82. The lower part 82 further comprises an inwardly and downwardly extending hook part 82d on the opposite face of the lower part 82 to the outer surface part 82c.

[0068] The engagement means 83 comprises, provided at the lower edge of the upper part 81, a U-shaped channel 84 the mouth of which opens generally downwardly. The channel 84 has a relatively short outer arm 84a which provides a part of the outer surface part 81e, and a relatively long inner arm 84b provided with an inwardly turned lip 84c at its lower end. The lower part 82 is provided with a flange 85 connected to the upwardly extending part 82a by an inwardly directed transverse part 86. A the upper end of the flange 85 is a generally circular bead 87 which is received in the channel 84. The lip 84c engages a lower part of the flange 85 to ensure that the outer surface parts 82c, 81e are substantially co-planar. A rivet 88 passes through the relatively long arm 84b and the flange 85 to hold the upper part 81 and the lower part 82 in position relative to one another.

[0069] In the present example, the upper part 81 and the lower part 82 each comprise an aluminium extrusion.

[0070] The fascia 80 is connected to the upper structural element 20 and further structural element 25 as follows. To connect the fascia to the upper structural element 20, the fascia 80 is disposed such that the generally transversely extending part 81b engages an upper surface of the second limb 20c such that the downwardly depending rib 81d abuts an end part of the second limb 20c. A fastener 90 is then passed through the transversely extending part 81c and second limb 20c.

[0071] To connect the fascia 80 to the first limb 20b, a bracket 91 is provided comprising a generally horizontally extending part 91a and a generally upwardly extending part 91b. The generally horizontally extending part 91a is attached to the first limb 20b by a fastener 92. The upper edge of the generally upwardly extending part 91b is received in the downwardly opening hook part 82d of the lower part 82.

[0072] To attach the fascia 80 to the further structural element 25 a bracket 91 is provided in like manner to connect the fascia to the first limb 25b of the further structural element as to the first limb 20b of the upper structural element 20. A further bracket 93 is provided to join the transversely extending part 81c to the further structural element 25. The bracket 93 comprises a generally upwardly extending part 93a and a generally horizontally extending part 93b attached thereto. The generally upwardly extending part 93a has at its upper end an inwardly directed lip 93c which engages the transversely extending part 81c and rib 81d of the upper part 81. The generally horizontally extending part 93b is provided with a generally downwardly extending plate 93d. A fastener 94 is received in an aperture in the downwardly extending plate 93d and the base part 25a and is received in the upper frame element 12e.

[0073] When affixed to the building unit 10, the fascia 80 thus defines a recess 25 between the fascia 80 and the building unit 10. The recess 95 may accommodate a guttering 37 as hereinbefore described. The inwardly directed lip 82b of the fascia 80 is spaced from the wall 11, 12 to provide a gap which may accommodate for example a down pipe to be connected to the guttering 37 or a leg 17 of the building unit, as discussed hereinbefore.

[0074] If a fascia of greater depth is required, an intermediate piece 100 may be disposed between the first part 81 and the second part 82 as shown in Figure 6. Engagement means 83a, 83b may be provided in like manner to the engagement means 83 shown in Figure 7 to connect the intermediate part 100 to the first part 81 and the second part 82 and to ensure that the outer surfaces are generally co-planar.

[0075] As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of different lengths of fascia A may be provided such that the fascia extends along the length of the wall 11, 12. Suitable junction means 101 comprising a plastic joint strip may be provided to join adjacent lengths of fascia, and corner sections 102 may be provided to provide a continuous fascia extending around the corners of the building.

[0076] Providing such a fascia, particularly in conjunction with the removable legs discussed above, provides a self contained building unit with a more permanent appearance whilst still offering an easily relocatable building unit where no disassembly or reassembly of the fascia for transit or on-site erection is needed. The fascia may be adapted to cover any generic channel shaped beam used on the building unit.

[0077] The upper part 81, the lower part 82 and intermediate part 100 in the present application comprise aluminium extrusions which when connected together offer a fascia with a greater proportional depth to their width than can be achieved by a single extrusion. The engagement means 83, 83a, 83b ensures that the outer surfaces of the fascia are correctly aligned before the first part 81, second part 82 are attached to one another. A fascia of greater depth may be provided by using one or more intermediate sections to provide a fascia of the desired depth.

[0078] Although the leg and the fascia have been described with reference to the drawings of a portable building unit, if desired, each or both may be provided in a modular building unit or in any other prefabricated building unit.

[0079] Although the fascia has been described herein as being in or for a portable prefabricated building unit, it may be used in a modular prefabricated building unit or method. It may be used in or for any other suitable structure such as a permanent building, ship or the like.

[0080] In the present specification "comprise" means "includes or consists of" and "comprising" means "including or consisting of'.

[0081] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for 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.

Claims

1. A fascia for a structure comprising an elongate part having an outer surface and connection means to engage a part of said structure.

2. A fascia according to Claim 1 wherein the fascia comprises an upper part and a lower part, each of said upper part and lower part comprising a portion of said upper surface and engagement means to locate said upper part relative to said lower part.

3. A fascia according to Claim 2 wherein the engagement part comprises alignment means such that the portion of the outer surface provided on said upper part is substantially coplanar with the portion of the outer surface provided on said lower part.

4. A fascia according to Claim. 2 or Claim 3 wherein the upper part and lower part are joined by a fastener passing through said engagement means.

5. A fascia according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the fascia is spaced from said structure to define a recess between said structure and the fascia.

6. A fascia according to Claim 5 wherein a structural element of the structure is located in said recess.

7. A fascia according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein a guttering is disposed within said recess.

8. A fascia according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fascia has a lower edge, said lower edge being spaced from said part of said structure.

9. A fascia according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structure comprises a structural element having a first limb extending outwardly of the structure and wherein the connection means comprises a bracket attached to said first limb.

10. A fascia according to Claim 9 wherein the bracket has a substantially vertically extending part and wherein the fascia comprises a hook means to engage said substantially vertically extending part.

11. A fascia according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the structural element comprises a second limb and wherein the fascia is fastened to said second limb.

12. A fascia according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the structural element comprises an upright part and wherein a further bracket is provided to engage said upright part.

13. A fascia according to any one of Claims 9 to 12 where dependent directly or indirectly on Claim 4 wherein the lower edge of the fascia is spaced from the building part by a distance greater than the distance which the limb of the structural element extends outwardly of the strucutre.

14. A fascia according to Claim 2 or any one of Claims 3 to 13 where dependent directly or indirectly on Claim 2 wherein the fascia further comprises an intermediate part disposed between said upper part and said lower parts, said intermediate part having engagement means to locate said intermediate part relative to said upper part and said lower part.

15. A fascia according to Claim 14 wherein said intermediate part provides a further portion of said outer surface.

16. A fascia according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structure comprises a prefabricated building unit.

17. A fascia according to Claim 16 wherein the prefabricated building unit is a portable building unit.

18. A fascia according to Claim 16 wherein the prefabricated building unit is a modular building unit.

19. A fascia according to any one of Claims 16 to 18 wherein the building unit comprises a prefabricated building unit of the kind specified comprising an upper structural beam and first and second connection means whereby a leg may be removably attached to said building, the first connection means being provided on said upper structural beam.

20. A fascia according to Claim 19 wherein the upper structural beam comprises a first limb and an upper part of said leg engages said first limb.

21. A fascia according to Claim 19 or Claim 20 wherein the upper structural beam comprises a roof beam of said building.

22. A fascia according to any one of Claims 19 to 21 wherein the prefabricated building unit comprises a lower structural element to support a floor of said building.

23. A fascia according to Claim 22 wherein the lower structural element comprises a lower structural beam wherein the second connection means is provided on said lower structural beam.

24. A fascia according to Claim 23 wherein the lower structural beam comprises a beam of said floor of said building.

25. A fascia according to any one of Claims 19 to 24 wherein when said leg is attached to said first connection means and said second connection means, the leg provides a rigid connection between said first connection means and said second connection means.

26. A fascia according to any one of Claims 19 to 25 wherein the leg comprises a foot which is ground engageable or a part to engage an upper part of a further building unit.

27. A fascia according to Claim 26 wherein the leg is telescopically extendable.

28. A fascia according to Claim 23 or any one of Claims 24 to 27 where dependent directly or indirectly on Claim 23 wherein the leg comprises engagement means to engage said lower structural beam.

29. A fascia according to any one of Claims 19 to 28 wherein said first connection means and second connection means may be provided with first ancillary connection means and second ancillary connection means respectively, and an ancillary support means connected therebetween.

30. A fascia according to Claim 29 wherein the ancillary support means comprises a flexible element.

31. A fascia according to Claim 30 wherein tension means is provided to tension said flexible element.

32. A fascia according to Claim 30 or Claim 31 wherein said ancillary connection means comprise projections to engage a respective end part of said ancillary connection means.

33. A fascia according to any one of Claims 19 to 32 wherein said upper structural element is provided with lifting engagement means.

34. A fascia according to Claim 33 wherein said lifting engagement means comprises an eye to receive a lifting hook.

35. A fascia according to Claim 33 or Claim 34 wherein said first connection means is disposed adjacent to said lifting engagement means.

36. A fascia according to any one of Claims 33 to 35 where dependent directly or indirectly on Claim 20 wherein the structural beam comprises a second limb and the lifting engagement means comprises a reinforcing rib connected between said first limb and said second limb.

Drawing