Patent Publication Number: US-10329764-B2

Title: Prefabricated demising and end walls

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2015/047536, filed on Aug. 28, 2015 and entitled “Prefabricated Demising and End Walls”, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US2014/053616, filed on Aug. 30, 2014 and entitled “Prefabricated Demising and End Walls”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Building design and construction is the last large industry in the world where the products (office buildings, shopping malls, apartments, etc.) are built by hand. The people who design the buildings (architects and engineers) are typically separate from the people who construct the buildings (contractors) for liability reasons. Architects do not want the liability of how the building is built, and conversely, contractors do not want the liability of how the building is drawn and engineered. Furthermore, buildings are constructed by people with specific trade skills, deployed in a linear sequence and buildings are typically built by hand outside in the elements. Therefore, conventional construction is more of a process than a product, resulting in a great deal of waste and inefficiency. 
     The industry&#39;s response to improving efficiency has historically been modular construction. In the case of multi-housing (apartments, hotels, student dorms, etc.), entire units are built off-site in a factory and the modules are trucked to the job site. The modules are then stacked and connected. The modules are wood frame, using trades and built by hand similar to conventional in-field construction. They are used in low-rise construction (1-6 stories). This method of construction has been around for several decades, and there are a number of companies in this space. 
     In contrast, some building technology may utilize prefabricated components instead of prefabricated modules. The components comprise a “kit of parts”, and the parts may be prefabricated independent of one another and trucked to the job site for installation and connection. 
     SUMMARY 
     Techniques are generally described that include apparatuses, methods, and systems. An example apparatus may be a wall including a first structurally insulated panel (SIP), a second SIP opposite the first SIP, and a first hat channel coupled between the first SIP and the second SIP along a first edge of the wall. 
     In some embodiments, the first hat channel is configured to nest with a first sister hat channel coupled to a floor. 
     In some embodiments, the wall may further include a second hat channel coupled between the first SIP and the second SIP along a second edge of the wall, the second edge opposite the first edge. In some embodiments, the second hat channel is configured to nest with a second sister hat channel coupled to a ceiling. In some embodiments, a gap is formed between the second hat channel and the second sister hat channel. In some embodiments, the second hat channel is deeper than the first hat channel. 
     In some embodiments, each of the first and second SIP include a foam core, a magnesium oxide board coupled to a first surface of the foam core, and a fiber cement board coupled to a second surface of the foam core, the second surface opposite the first surface. In some embodiments, a finishing panel is coupled to the magnesium oxide board. In some embodiments, the finishing panel is coupled to the magnesium oxide board by a cleat. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second SIPS are coupled to the first hat channel such that the fiber cement board of the first SIP and the fiber cement board of the second SIP are proximate each other. 
     In some embodiments, the foam core of the first SIP is thicker than the foam core of the second SIP. 
     In some embodiments, a weather resistive barrier is coupled to the magnesium oxide board of the first SIP. In some embodiments, a vertical furring channel is coupled to the first SIP over the weather resistive barrier. In some embodiments, a cladding panel is coupled to the vertical furring channel. 
     In some embodiments, the wall includes a sprinkler pipe between the first SIP and second SIP. 
     In some embodiments, the first SIP and second SIP are further coupled by a horizontal furring channel. 
     An example method may include placing a wall having a first hat channel over a second hat channel coupled to a floor such that the first hat channel nests with the second hat channel, and placing the wall having a third hat channel over a fourth hat channel coupled to a ceiling such that the third hat channel nests with the fourth hat channel. 
     In some embodiments, the method may further include coupling the second hat channel to the floor, and coupling the fourth hat channel to the ceiling. 
     In some embodiments, the method may further include coupling the first and second hat channels with a fastener. 
     In some embodiments, the method may further include applying a fire sealant between the wall and the floor In some embodiments, 
     The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall interfacing with an embodiment of a floor and ceiling panel; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall interfacing with an embodiment of a window wall; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall interfacing with an embodiment of a window wall; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall interfacing with an embodiment of an entry door; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall interfacing with an embodiment of a utility wall panel; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall interfacing with an embodiment of a floor and ceiling panel; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall interfacing with an embodiment of a window wall; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall interfacing with an embodiment of a utility wall panel; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a flowchart illustrating an example method; 
     
    
    
     all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are implicitly contemplated herein. 
     This disclosure is drawn, inter alia, to methods, systems, products, devices, and/or apparatuses generally related to a wall comprising a first structurally insulated panel (SIP), a second SIP opposite the first SIP, and a first hat channel coupled between the first SIP and the second SIP along a first edge of the wall. 
     A demising wall may be a wall that at least partially separates two interior spaces in the building. For example, a demising wall may be used to define one or more rooms in the building. In some embodiments, the demising wall is non-load bearing. An end wall panel may be a wall that at least partially provides an exterior surface of a building. For example, an end wall may be used to define an exterior wall at an edge of a floor of a building. In some embodiments, the end wall panel is non-load bearing. 
     Demising and end wall panels may be fully integrated sub-assemblies that include 9′×22′ structurally insulated panels (each with non-combustible fiber cement boards glued to an expanded polystyrene foam plastic core—called structural insulated panels (SIPS)). Demising and end walls may each include two 9′×22′ SIPS panels connected at the top and bottom with furring or “hat” channels. Assembly of these materials in this manner may create an interstitial space for distribution of plumbing, electrical, duct work, and/or other systems to service a building&#39;s residential and/or commercial units. 
     The exterior of the end wall panel may include a weather-resistive barrier and/or a cladding panel system attached to the 4⅞″ SIPS panel. The interior of the end wall panel may contain a series of finish panels attached to a 2″ SIPS panel. 
     The demising wall may include two 2″ SIPS panels, each with interior finishes on the outside and an interstitial space on the inside where the electrical, data/communications cabling, fire sprinkler pipe and insulation may run. 
     The demising and end wall panels may be sub-assemblies that may solve and/or alleviate the following problems in mid-rise and high rise residential projects: (a) costly and time consuming in-field construction of end walls of a building and demising (or separation) walls between units; (b) providing acoustical separation between units; (c) waterproofing, energy and thermal separation from the outside; and (d) providing interior finishes for a portion of the living space. The demising and end wall panels may meet and/or contribute to meeting: fire protection and codes; acoustical rating for ambient noise transfer; energy rating; tolerances for connecting to other wall panels; thermal and moisture protection. It is to be understood that not all embodiments may solve and/or alleviate all, or even any, of the above-described problems, and the problems are provided to facilitate appreciation of aspects of some embodiments described herein. 
     Demising and end wall sub-assemblies may be prefabricated off-site in a factory/shop and transported to the project jobsite for (a) attachment to a floor/ceiling system; (b) connection to window and utility walls; and/or (c) hook-up to building utilities. Demising and end wall panels are installed horizontally may rest on the topping slab poured in the field over the floor and ceiling panels. The demising wall may be designed to achieve a one hour fire rating required by the building code, and the end wall a two hour fire rating. 
     In some embodiments, the material composition of the demising and end wall panels may be predominantly polymers. In some embodiments, the material composition of the demising and end wall panels may be predominantly steel. In some embodiments it may be predominately aluminum. In still other embodiments, the demising and end wall panel components may be made from a variety of building suitable materials ranging from metals and/or metal alloys, to wood and wood polymer composites (WPC), wood based products (lignin), other organic building materials (bamboo) to organic polymers (plastics), to hybrid materials, or earthen materials such as ceramics. In some embodiments cement or other pourable or moldable building materials may also be used. In other embodiments, any combination of suitable building material may be combined by using one building material for some elements of the demising and end wall panels and other building materials for other elements of the demising and end wall panels. Selection of any material may be made from a reference of material options (such as those provided for in the International Building Code), or selected based on the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art when determining load bearing requirements for the structures to be built. Larger and/or taller structures may have greater physical strength requirements than smaller and/or shorter buildings. Adjustments in building materials to accommodate size of structure, load and environmental stresses can determine optimal economical choices of building materials used for all components in the demising and end wall panels described herein. Availability of various building materials in different parts of the world may also affect selection of materials for building the system described herein. Adoption of the International Building Code or similar code may also affect choice of materials. 
     Any reference herein to “metal” includes any construction grade metals or metal alloys as may be suitable for fabrication and/or construction of the demising and end wall panels and components described herein. Any reference to “wood” includes wood, wood laminated products, wood pressed products, wood polymer composites (WPCs), bamboo or bamboo related products, lignin products and any plant derived product, whether chemically treated, refined, processed or simply harvested from a plant. Any reference herein to “concrete” includes any construction grade curable composite that includes cement, water, and a granular aggregate. Granular aggregates may include sand, gravel, polymers, ash and/or other minerals. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall  100 .  FIG. 1  shows a schematic illustration of a top-down view of an example demising wall  100  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 1  shows two structurally insulated panels (SIPS)  112 ,  114  arranged parallel to each other. Each SIP  112 ,  114  may include a magnesium oxide board  110 , which may be coupled to a foam core  115 , which may be coupled to a cement board  120 . The SIPS  112 ,  114  may be configured so that the cement boards  120  are opposite one another and separated by an air space  125 , forming a portion of an interior of the demising wall  100 . Each SIP  112 ,  114  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  105  that may be coupled to the magnesium oxide boards  110 . The various components described in  FIG. 1  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     The SIPS  112 ,  114  may be coupled to each other by hat channels (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), as will be described in more detail below. The SIPS  112 ,  114  may both span a distance between a floor and a ceiling of a building unit. There may not be any studs—including any metal studs—between the SIPS  112 ,  114 . In this manner, the demising wall  100  may provide a stud-free interior wall implementation 
     In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide board  110  is 12 mm ( 15/32″) thick. In some embodiments, the foam core  115  is a 25.4 mm (1″) thick polystyrene expanded foam plastic core. In some embodiments, the cement board  120  is 11 mm ( 7/16″) thick. In some embodiments, the air space  125  is 76 mm (3″) wide. Other thicknesses for the foam core  115 , boards  110 ,  120 , and/or air space (e.g., interstitial space)  125  may be used. Different thicknesses and materials may be chosen based on the environmental requirements of the structure. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide board  110  and fiber cement board  120  may completely cover opposite surfaces of the foam core  115 . In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide board  110  and/or fiber cement board  120  may be implemented with plywood. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide board  110  and/or fiber cement board  120  may be implemented with light-weight pre-cast concrete. Any other suitable construction material may be used in some embodiments. In some embodiments one or more of the boards  110 ,  120  may extend beyond one or more edges of the foam core  115 . In some embodiments, the foam core  115  may extend beyond one or both boards  110 ,  120  along one or more edges. 
     The finish wall panel  105  may be paint applied to the magnesium oxide board  110  in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the finish wall panel  105  may be one or more decorative panels coupled to the magnesium oxide board  110 . The one or more decorative panels may be implemented with glass panes, plastic, wood veneer, and/or other desired interior finish. The finish wall panel  105  may provide a portion of an interior finish of a wall of a room of a building unit (e.g., office, living room, bedroom). 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall  200  interfacing with an embodiment of a floor and ceiling panel  20 .  FIG. 2  shows a schematic illustration of a side view of an example demising wall  200  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 2  shows two SIPS  212 ,  214  of the demising wall  200  coupled to a first hat channel  230 . The two SIPS  212 ,  214  may be coupled to a second hat channel  265 . In some embodiments, the second hat channel  265  may be coupled to the SIPS  212 ,  214  by fasteners  275 . The fasteners  275  may be implemented with screws, bolts, nails, other suitable fasteners, or a combination thereof. The first and second hat channels  230 ,  265  may be coupled to opposite ends of the demising wall  200 . The various components described in  FIG. 2  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the demising wall  200  may interface with a floor and ceiling panel  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The first hat channel  230  may be along an edge of the demising wall  200  that couples to a floor  21  of a floor and ceiling panel  20 . The first hat channel  230  included in the demising wall  200  may nest with a first sister hat channel  235  coupled to the floor  21 . The second hat channel  265  may be along an edge of the demising wall  200  that couples to a ceiling  22  of the floor and ceiling panel  20 . The second hat channel  265  may next with a second sister hat channel  260  coupled to the ceiling  22 . By nesting, it is meant that the dimensions of the hat channels  230 ,  265  are such that the interiors of the hat channels  230 ,  265  fit around the exteriors of the sister hat channels  235 ,  260 . 
     In some embodiments, the first sister hat channel  235  may be coupled to the floor  20 . In some embodiments, the floor  21  may have a concrete surface. In some embodiments, the floor  20  may have a wood surface. In some embodiments, the sister hat channel  235  may be nailed, screwed, or bolted to the floor  21 . The floor  21  may already have fasteners, such as bolts and/or screws, installed in the floor  21 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, a hat channel  23  including a foam strip  25  may be embedded in the concrete of the floor  21 . The first sister hat channel  235  may be coupled to the hat channel  23  by embedding fasteners  250  through the hat channel  23  into the foam strip  25 . In some embodiments, once the first hat channel  230  is nested with the first sister hat channel  235 , the hat channels  230 ,  235  are coupled by a fastener  245 . The fastener may pass through at least one of the SIPS  212 ,  214 . The fastener  245  may be implemented with a screw, a bolt, a nail, or other suitable fastener. In some embodiments, a compressible fire sealant  240  may be between the floor  21  and the SIPS  212 ,  214 . 
     In some embodiments, the second sister hat channel  260  may be coupled to a surface of the ceiling  22  by fasteners  270 . The fasteners  270  may be implemented with screws, bolts, nails, other suitable fasteners, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, fire caulk  255  may be between the ceiling  22  and SIPS  212 ,  214 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the second hat channel  265  may be deeper than the second sister hat channel  260 . In this manner, a gap  280  may be defined between the two hat channels  260 ,  265 . The two hat channels  260 ,  265  may not be fixedly attached. The gap  280  may facilitate flexibility at the interface between the floor and ceiling panel  20  and the demising wall  200 . The gap  280  may allow for flexing of the floor and ceiling panel  20  without damage to the demising wall  200  when loads are applied to or removed from the floor and ceiling panel  20 . 
     In some embodiments, the hat channels  230 ,  235 ,  260 ,  265  may be implemented with steel. In some embodiments, the hat channels  230 ,  235 ,  260 ,  265  may be implemented with aluminum. In some embodiments, the hat channels  230 ,  235 ,  260 ,  265  may be implemented with plastic. Other suitable materials or a combination of materials may also be used. In some embodiments, the fire caulk  255  may be a latex-based, intumescent sealant. 
     In some embodiments, each SIP  212 ,  214  may include a magnesium oxide board  210 , which may be coupled to a foam core  215 , which may be coupled to a cement board  220  as described previously in reference to demising wall  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, each SIP  212 ,  214  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  205  that may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board  210 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the finish wall panel  205  may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board  210  by cleats  206 . Other fasteners may also be used. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall  300  interfacing with an embodiment of a window wall  30 .  FIG. 3  shows a schematic illustration of a top-down view of an example demising wall  300  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 3  shows the demising wall  300  interfacing with a window wall  30 . In some embodiments, shims  355  may be included between the window wall  30  and demising wall  300 . An end  301  of the demising wall  300  may include a rigid insulation  340  to fill a void at an end  301  of the demising wall  300  adjacent to the window wall  30 . The end  301  may be wrapped in a weather resistive barrier  335 . As shown  FIG. 3 , the weather resistive barrier  335  may be wrapped into the window jamb of the window wall  30 . A metal closure  330  may be placed over the weather resistive barrier  335  at the end  301 . A sealant  345  and backer rod  350  may be applied to the interior interface between the demising wall  300  and window wall  30 . The various components described in  FIG. 3  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the demising wall  300  may include two SIPS  312 ,  314 . Each SIP  312 ,  314  may include similar components and configured similarly to the SIPS  112 ,  114  as described previously in reference to demising wall  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, each SIP  312 ,  314  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  305  that may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board  310 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the finish wall panel  305  does not extend beyond the window wall  30 . In some embodiments, the weather resistive barrier  335  may be implemented using high-density polyethylene fibers. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall  400  interfacing with an embodiment of a window wall  40 .  FIG. 4  shows a schematic illustration of a top-down view of an example demising wall  400  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 4  shows the demising wall  400  interfacing with a window wall  40 . In some embodiments, shims  455  may be included between the window wall  40  and demising wall  400 . An end  401  of the demising wall  400  may include a rigid insulation  440  to fill a void at an end  401  of the demising wall  400  adjacent to the window wall  40 . The end  401  may be wrapped in a weather resistive barrier  435 . As shown  FIG. 4 , the weather resistive barrier  435  may be wrapped into the window jamb of the window wall  40 . A metal closure  430  may be placed over the weather resistive barrier  435  at the end  401 . A sealant  445  and backer rod  450  may be applied to the interior interface between the demising wall  400  and window wall  40 . The various components described in  FIG. 4  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the demising wall  400  may include two SIPS  412 ,  414 . Each SIP  412 ,  414  may include similar components arranged in a similar manner as described previously in reference to demising wall  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, each SIP  412 ,  414  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  405  that may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board  410 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the finish wall panel  405  does not extend beyond the window wall  40 . In some embodiments, the two SIPS  412 ,  414  include additional layers of cement board  465  at the interface with the window wall  40  proximate end  401 . In some embodiments, the cement board  465  is 11 mm ( 7/16″) thick. The additional layers of cement board  465  may not extend into an interior of the building beyond the window wall  460  in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall  500  interfacing with an embodiment of an entry door  50 .  FIG. 5  shows a schematic illustration of a top-down view of an example demising wall  500  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 5  shows the demising wall  500  interfacing with an entry door  50 . An end  501  of the demising wall  500  may include a rigid insulation  540  to fill a void at an end  501  of the demising wall  300  adjacent to the entry door  50 . The end  501  may be wrapped in a weather resistive barrier  535 . As shown  FIG. 5 , the weather resistive barrier  535  may be wrapped into the door jamb of the entry door  50 . A metal closure  530  may be placed over the weather resistive barrier  535  at the end  501 . A sealant  545  and backer rods  550  may be applied to the interior and exterior interfaces between the demising wall  500  and entry door  50 . The various components described in  FIG. 5  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the demising wall  500  may include two SIPS  512 ,  514 . Each SIP  512 ,  514  may include a magnesium oxide board  510 , which may be coupled to a foam core  515 , which may be coupled to a cement board  520  as described previously in reference to demising wall  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, each SIP  512 ,  514  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  505  that may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board  510 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the finish wall panel  505  does not extend beyond the entry door  50 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a demising wall  600  interfacing with an embodiment of a utility wall panel  60 .  FIG. 6  shows a schematic illustration of a top-down view of an example demising wall  600  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 6  shows the demising wall  600  interfacing with a utility wall  60 . A fire sealant  645  may be applied to the interface between the demising wall  600  and utility wall  60 . In some embodiments, a fire sprinkler pipe  665  may pass from the utility wall  60  to the air space  625  of the demising wall  600 . The various components described in  FIG. 6  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the demising wall  600  may include two SIPS  612 ,  614 . Each SIP  612 ,  614  may include similar components arranged similarly as described previously in reference to demising wall  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, each SIP  612 ,  614  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  605  that may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board  610 . In some embodiments, electrical wires, data communication lines, plumbing, or a combination thereof may also pass from the utility wall  60  to the air space  625  of the demising wall  600 . 
       FIGS. 3-6  illustrate demising walls  300 ,  400 ,  500 , and  600  interfacing with other walls. The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-6  are not limiting and a demising wall may interface with other types of walls and/or panels. In some embodiments, a demising wall may have more than one interface. For example, one end of the demising wall may interface with a window wall while the opposite end may interface with an entry door. In another example, a demising wall may interface with an entry door on one side and a window wall on the other side of the demising wall at the same end of the demising wall. In some embodiments, a demising wall may not interface with other walls. For example, the demising wall may only partially separate two interior spaces of a building unit, and passageways may pass on either end of the demising wall. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall  700 .  FIG. 7  shows a schematic illustration of a side view of an example end wall panel  700  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 7  shows two structurally insulated panels (SIPS)  712 ,  714  arranged parallel to each other. SIP  712  may include a magnesium oxide board  720  coupled to a foam core  725  which is coupled to a cement board  730 . The magnesium oxide board  720  may be coated with a weather resistive barrier  715  opposite the foam core  725 . Vertical furring  710  may be coupled to the weather resistive barrier  715 . The vertical furring  710  may be used to couple a cladding panel  705  to the SIP  712 . The cladding panel  705  may form at least a portion of an external surface of the end wall panel  700 . An end  701  of the SIP  712  may include additional layers of cement board  770  between the magnesium oxide board  720  and the foam core  725  and/or between the cement board  730  and foam core  725 . In some embodiments, the additional layers of cement board  770  may not extend the entire length and/or height of the SIP  712 . 
     SIP  714  may include a magnesium oxide board  755 , which may be coupled to a foam core  750 , which may be coupled to a cement board  745 . The magnesium oxide board  755  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  760 , which may provide at least a portion of an interior surface of the end wall panel  700 . 
     The SIPS  712 ,  714  may be configured so that the cement boards  745 ,  730  are opposite one another and separated by an air space (e.g., interstitial space)  740 , forming a portion of an interior of the end wall panel  700 . The SIPS  712 ,  714  may be coupled by furring channel  735 . Furring channel  735  may be coupled to cement boards  745 , 730 . The various components described in  FIG. 7  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     The SIPS  712 ,  714  may be coupled to each other by hat channels (not shown in  FIG. 7 ), as will be described in more detail below. Furring channel  735  may be 76 mm (3″) wide in some embodiments. The furring channel  735  may be implemented using aluminum, steel, plastic, other suitable materials, or a combination of materials. The SIPS  712 ,  714  may both span a distance between a floor and a ceiling of a building unit. There may not be any studs—including any metal studs—between the SIPS  712 ,  714 . In this manner, the end wall panel  700  may provide a stud-free wall implementation. In some embodiments, the furring channel  735  may provide chases and/or support for utilities (e.g., telecommunications cables, fire sprinkler pipes, electrical wires) in the end wall panel  700 . 
     In some embodiments, the weather resistive barrier  715  may be implemented using high-density polyethylene fibers. In some embodiments, the weather resistive barrier  715  may be implemented using spun-bonded polypropylene. In some embodiments, the weather resistive barrier may have an adhesive applied to one surface for attachment to the magnesium oxide board  720 . Other moisture-resistant materials may be used for the weather resistive barrier  715 . Vertical furring  710  may be implemented using wood, aluminum, steel, plastic, other suitable materials, or a combination of materials. In some embodiments, the vertical furring  710  may be 25.5 mm (1″) furring spaced every 61 cm (2′) along the end wall panel  700 . The cladding panel  705  may act as a rain shield. The cladding panel  705  may be implemented with a metallic material or a polymer material in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cladding panel  705  may be made of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the cladding panel  705  is implemented with multiple cladding panels. The cladding panels may be identical or some cladding panels may be implemented with a different material than other cladding panels. 
     In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide boards  720 ,  755  are 12 mm ( 15/32″) thick. In some embodiments, the foam core  725  is a 101.6 mm (4″) thick polystyrene expanded foam plastic core. In some embodiments, the foam core  750  is a 25.4 mm (1″) thick polystyrene expanded foam plastic core. In some embodiments, the cement boards  730 ,  745  are 11 mm ( 7/16″) thick. In some embodiments, the air space  740  is 76 mm (3″) wide. Other thicknesses for the foam cores  725 ,  750 , boards  720 ,  755 ,  730 ,  745 , and/or air space  740  may be used. Different thicknesses and materials may be chosen based on the environmental requirements of the structure. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide boards  720 ,  755  and fiber cement boards  730 ,  745  may completely cover opposite surfaces of the foam cores  115 . In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide board  720 ,  755  and/or fiber cement board  730 ,  745  may be implemented with plywood. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide board  720 ,  755  and/or fiber cement board  730 ,  745  may be implemented with light-weight pre-cast concrete. Any other suitable construction material may be used in some embodiments. In some embodiments one or more of the boards  720 ,  755 ,  730 ,  745  may extend beyond one or more edges of the foam cores  725 ,  750 . In some embodiments, the foam cores  725 ,  750  may extend beyond one or both boards  720 ,  755 ,  730 ,  745  along one or more edges. In some embodiments, SIP  712  or  714  may extend beyond the other SIP  712  or  714  along one or more edges. 
     The finish wall panel  760  may be paint applied to the magnesium oxide board  755  in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the finish wall panel  760  may be one or more decorative panels coupled to the magnesium oxide board  755 . The one or more decorative panels may be implemented with glass panes, plastic, wood veneer, and/or other desired interior finish. The finish wall panel  760  may provide a portion of an interior finish of a wall of a room of a building unit (e.g., office, living room, bedroom). 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall  800  interfacing with an embodiment of a floor and ceiling panel  80 .  FIG. 8  shows a schematic illustration of a side view of an example end wall panel  800  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 8  shows two SIPS  812 ,  814  of the end wall panel  800  coupled to a first hat channel  830 . The two SIPS  812 ,  814  may be coupled to a second hat channel  865 . In some embodiments, the second hat channel  865  may be coupled to the SIPS  812 ,  814  by fasteners  875 . The fasteners  875  may be implemented with screws, bolts, nails, other suitable fasteners, or a combination thereof. The first and second hat channels  830 ,  865  may be coupled to opposite ends of the end wall panel  800 . The various components described in  FIG. 8  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the end wall panel  800  may interface with a floor and ceiling panel  80  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The first hat channel  830  may be along an edge of the end wall panel  800  that couples to a floor  81  of a floor and ceiling panel  80 . The first hat channel  830  included in the end wall panel  800  may nest with a first sister hat channel  835  coupled to the floor  81 . The second hat channel  865  may be along an edge of the end wall panel  800  that couples to a ceiling  82  of the floor and ceiling panel  80 . The second hat channel  865  may next with a second sister hat channel  860  coupled to the ceiling  82 . By nesting, it is meant that the dimensions of the hat channels  830 ,  865  are such that the interiors of the hat channels  830 ,  865  fit around the exteriors of the sister hat channels  835 ,  860 . 
     In some embodiments, the first sister hat channel  835  may be coupled to the floor  81 . In some embodiments, the floor  85  may have a concrete surface. In some embodiments, the floor  81  may have a wood surface. In some embodiments, the sister hat channel  835  may be nailed, screwed, or bolted to the floor  81 . The floor  81  may already have fasteners, such as bolts and/or screws, installed in the floor  85 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, a hat channel  83  including a foam strip  85  may be embedded in the concrete of the floor  81 . The first sister hat channel  835  may be coupled to the hat channel  83  by embedding fasteners  850  through the hat channel  83  into the foam strip  85 . In some embodiments, once the first hat channel  830  is nested with the first sister hat channel  835 , the hat channels  830 ,  835  are coupled by a fastener  845 . The fastener may pass through SIP  214 . The fastener  845  may be implemented with a screw, a bolt, a nail, or other suitable fastener. In some embodiments, a compressible fire sealant  840  may be between the floor  81  and the SIPS  812 ,  814 . 
     In some embodiments, the second sister hat channel  860  may be coupled to a surface of the ceiling  82  by fasteners  870 . The fasteners  870  may be implemented with screws, bolts, nails, other suitable fasteners, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, fire caulk  855  may be between the ceiling  82  and SIPS  812 ,  814 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the second hat channel  865  may be deeper than the second sister hat channel  860 . In this manner, a gap  880  may be defined between the two hat channels  860 ,  865 . The two hat channels  860 ,  865  may not be fixedly attached. The gap  880  may facilitate flexibility at the interface between the floor and ceiling panel  80  and the end wall panel  800 . The gap  880  may allow for flexing of the floor and ceiling panel  80  without damage to the end wall panel  800  when loads are applied to or removed from the floor and ceiling panel  80 . 
     In some embodiments, the hat channels  830 ,  835 ,  860 ,  865  may be implemented with steel. In some embodiments, the hat channels  830 ,  835 ,  860 ,  865  may be implemented with aluminum. In some embodiments, the hat channels  830 ,  835 ,  860 ,  865  may be implemented with plastic. Other suitable materials or a combination of materials may also be used. 
     In some embodiments, the end wall panel  800  may include two SIPS  812 ,  814  and have a similar structure and materials as the end wall panel  700  described in reference to  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, flashing  885  may be coupled at an exterior interface of the SIP  812  and floor and ceiling panel  80 . In some embodiments, the flashing  885  may be rubber. In some embodiments, the flashing  885  may be non-woven polypropylene fibers. In some embodiments, the flashing  885  may include an acrylic ester polymer adhesive for coupling to the joint formed by the SIP  812  and floor and ceiling panel  80 . Any other suitable construction material may be used in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall  900  interfacing with an embodiment of a window wall  90 .  FIG. 9  shows a schematic illustration of a top-down view of an example end wall panel  900  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 9  shows the end wall panel  900  interfacing with a window wall  90 . In some embodiments, shims  955  may be included between the window wall  90  and end wall panel  900 . An end  902  of the end wall panel  900  may include a rigid insulation  940  to fill a void at an end  902  of the end wall panel  900  adjacent to the window wall  90 . The end  902  may be wrapped in a weather resistive barrier  935 . As shown  FIG. 9 , the weather resistive barrier  935  may be wrapped into the window jamb of the window wall  90 . A metal closure  930  may be placed over the weather resistive barrier  935  at the end  902 . A sealant  945  and backer rod  950  may be applied to the exterior interface between the end wall panel  900  and window wall  90 . The various components described in  FIG. 9  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the end wall panel  900  may include two SIPS  912 ,  914  and have a similar structure and materials as the end wall panel  700  described in reference to  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, SIP  914  may be coupled to a finish wall panel  905 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the finish wall panel  905  does not extend beyond the window wall  90 . 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an end wall  1000  interfacing with an embodiment of a utility wall panel  1060 .  FIG. 10  shows a schematic illustration of a top-down view of an example end wall panel  1000  arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.  FIG. 10  shows the end wall panel  1000  interfacing with a utility wall  1060 . The end wall panel  1000  may include two SIPS  1012 ,  1014 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , SIP  1012  may extend beyond SIP  1014  to interface with the utility wall  1060 . A fire sealant  1045  and backer rod  1050  may be applied to the interface between the SIP  1012  and utility wall  1060 . A weather resistive barrier  1015  may extend from SIP  1012  to the utility wall  1060  and coupled to both the SIP  1012  and utility wall  1060 , which may provide a water resistant seal. A cladding panel  1005  may extend from SIP  1012  to utility wall  1060  and be coupled to both the SIP  1012  and utility wall  1060 . A closure angle  1065  may couple the interior interface between the utility wall  1060  and SIP  1014 . The various components described in  FIG. 10  are merely embodiments, and other variations, including eliminating components, combining components, and substituting components are all contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the two SIPS  1012 ,  1014  and have a similar structure and materials as the end wall panel  700  described in reference to  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the closure angle  1065  may be implemented with steel. In some embodiments, the closure angle  1065  may be implemented with aluminum or wood. Other suitable materials may be used. 
       FIGS. 9-10  illustrate end wall panels  900 ,  1000  interfacing with other walls. The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9-10  are not limiting and an end wall panel may interface with other types of walls and/or panels. In some embodiments, an end wall panel may have more than one interface. For example, one end of the end wall panel may interface with a window wall while the opposite end may interface with a utility panel. 
       FIG. 11  shows a flowchart illustrating an example method  1100 . An example method may include one or more operations, functions or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks  1105 ,  1110 ,  1115 ,  1120 , and/or  1125 . The example method  1100  may be used to couple a wall panel, for example, the utility panel, to a structure. 
     An example process may begin with block  1105 , which recites “couple a first hat channel to a floor.” Block  1105  may be followed by block  1110 , which recites “place a wall having a second hat channel on the floor over the first hat channel.” Block  1110  may optionally be followed by block  1115 , which recites, “couple the first and second hat channels with a fastener.” Block  1115  may optionally be followed by block  1120 , which recites, “couple a third hat channel to a ceiling.” Block  1120  may be optionally followed by block  1125 , which recites, “place the wall having a fourth hat channel such that the fourth hat channel nests over the third hat channel.” 
     The blocks included in the described example methods are for illustration purposes. In some embodiments, the blocks may be performed in a different order. In some other embodiments, various blocks may be eliminated. In still other embodiments, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, supplemented with other blocks, or combined together into fewer blocks. Other variations of these specific blocks are contemplated, including changes in the order of the blocks, changes in the content of the blocks being split or combined into other blocks, etc. In some embodiments, the optional blocks may be omitted. 
     Block  1105  recites, “couple a first hat channel to a floor.” The floor may be part of a floor and ceiling panel in some embodiments. The floor may be wood, concrete, steel, or a combination of materials. In some embodiments, the first hat channel is implemented using steel, aluminum, or a combination of materials. In some embodiments, the first hat channel is coupled to the floor with screws. In some embodiments, the first hat channel is coupled to the floor with bolts. Other coupling methods may be used. 
     Block  1110  recites, “place a wall having a second hat channel on the floor over the first hat channel.” In some embodiments, the wall may be a demising wall. In some embodiments, the wall may be an end wall panel. In some embodiments, the second hat channel is coupled to two SIPS panels. The second hat channel may nest over the first hat channel in some embodiments. The wall may be placed by a crane in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the wall may be placed by one or more workers. 
     Block  1115  recites, “couple the first and second hat channels with a fastener.” In some embodiments, the first and second hat channels are coupled with a screw. In some embodiments, the first and second hat channels are coupled with a bolt. Other fasteners may also be used. In some embodiments, the fastener passes at least partially through the wall. In some embodiments, the weight of the wall and/or height of the hat channels is sufficient to couple the first and second hat channels and Block  1115  may be omitted. 
     Block  1120  recites, “couple a third hat channel to a ceiling.” The ceiling may be part of a floor and ceiling panel in some embodiments. The ceiling may be wood, concrete, steel, or a combination of materials. In some embodiments, the third hat channel is implemented using steel, aluminum, or a combination of materials. In some embodiments, the third hat channel is coupled to the ceiling with screws. In some embodiments, the third hat channel is coupled to the ceiling with bolts. Other coupling methods may be used. 
     Block  1125  recites, “place the wall having a fourth hat channel such that the fourth hat channel nests over the third hat channel.” In some embodiments, the fourth hat channel is coupled to two SIPS panels. The fourth hat channel may nest over the third hat channel in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fourth hat channel is deeper than the third hat channel such that a gap is formed between the third and fourth hat channels. The gap may facilitate protecting the wall from flexing of the ceiling. 
     Embodiment demising and end walls may have several advantages, including: (a) they may be fully integrated with electrical, fire protection, plumbing, venting, and other building system capabilities; (b) they may have both interior and exterior finishes; (c) the end walls may have a complete weather barrier system that is double-redundant; (d) they may be fully insulated for energy and sound; and (e) they may meet all fire, energy and life/safety building codes. It is to be understood that not all embodiments of demising and end walls may have all, or even any of the described advantages, which are provided to facilitate appreciation of some aspects described herein. 
     Embodiments of pre-assembled panels described herein, including the demising walls and end wall panels, may provide interior and/or exterior walls in mid-rise and high-rise residential projects, among others. The panels may be configured to comply with one or more of the following building codes: fire, energy, handicap, life-safety, and acoustical (impact and ambient noise transfer). The panels may also be configured to comply with social and/or religious codes as desired. In some embodiments, the demising walls and end wall panels may be considered as a fully-integrated sub-assembly meeting fire, sound impact, energy, and life/safety codes. The demising walls and end wall panels may be fully integrated with electrical, fire protection, energy insulation, and sound isolation capabilities in some embodiments. The demising walls and end wall panels may be designed to achieve a fire rating set by the applicable building code, such as a two-hour fire rating. Materials, systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be configured to comply with the International Building Code as it has been adopted in a jurisdiction. 
     The demising walls and end wall panels described herein may be fabricated off-site in a factory or shop and transported to the project jobsite for attachment to a structural frame, such as a structural exoskeleton, of a building. The panels may be fabricated in various sizes, such as nine feet by twenty-two feet. Smaller infill panels may be prefabricated on a project-by-project basis to complete the building wall system. At the building site, the demising walls and end wall panels may be attached to floor panels, ceiling panels, other end walls, other demising walls, utility walls, building utilities, or any combination thereof. The demising walls and end wall panels may provide support the overall exterior and/or interior wall system, which may include an exterior steel frame installed in the field in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, a pre-assembled floor and ceiling panel may be obtained and used as a floor in a multi-story building that includes the demising walls and end wall panels. In some embodiments, the demising walls and end wall panels form joints with the floor and ceiling panel on the interior and/or exterior of the multi-story building. In some embodiments, the floor and ceiling panel may have been assembled at a different location than the building site, however it may in some embodiments be assembled at the building site. In some embodiments, the pre-assembled panel may include a closure piece that may facilitate the coupling of a window wall to the floor and ceiling panel along an edge opposite and/or adjacent to the demising walls and end wall panels. In some embodiments, the closure piece is coupled to the floor and ceiling panel at a later point in time. The floor and ceiling panels may include a plurality of joists and a corrugated form deck disposed above and attached to the plurality of joists. In some embodiments, the closure piece is coupled to the deck. In some embodiments, the closure piece is coupled to one or more of the joists. In some embodiments, the closure piece is coupled to both the deck and the joists. In some embodiments, the closure piece is on an opposite edge of the floor and ceiling panel as an edge of the floor and ceiling panel that forms a joint with the utility panel. 
     The floor and ceiling panel may be attached to the frame of a building. For example, the floor and ceiling panel may be attached to an exterior steel structure, which may provide the structural support for a building. Generally, any mechanism may be used to attach the floor and ceiling panel, or multiple floor and ceiling panels, to the frame of the building, such as an external steel structure. Any type of fastening may generally be used. 
     Concrete may be poured onto the floor and ceiling panel. Pouring the concrete may form a diaphragm of the building, which may span an entire story of the building in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the diaphragm may transmit lateral loads to the lateral load system of the building. In this manner, the concrete may be poured at the completed height of the story of the building, after the floor and ceiling panels have been positioned at the desired story, thereby forming the floor of units in that story. In some embodiments, the demising walls and end wall panels are installed after the concrete has cured on the floor and ceiling panels. 
     Embodiments of pre-assembled floor and ceiling panels may provide a floor and ceiling system useable in mid-rise and high-rise residential projects, among others. The panels with or without the closure pieces and tracks installed may be configured to comply with one or more of the following building codes: fire, energy, handicap, life-safety, and acoustical (impact and ambient noise transfer). In some embodiments, the pre-assembled floor and ceiling panels with or without the closure pieces and tracks may be considered as a fully-integrated sub-assembly meeting fire, sound impact, energy, and life/safety codes. The floor and ceiling panels may be fully integrated with electrical, fire protection, energy insulation, and sound isolation capabilities in some embodiments. The floor and ceiling panels may be designed to achieve a fire rating set by the applicable building code, such as a two-hour fire rating. 
     The floor and ceiling panels described herein may be fabricated off-site in a factory or shop and transported to the project jobsite for attachment to a structural frame, such as a structural exoskeleton, of a building. The panels and closure pieces may be fabricated in various sizes, such as eight feet by twenty-two feet. Smaller infill panels may be prefabricated on a project-by-project basis to complete the building floor system. At the building site, the panel may be attached to end walls, demising walls, utility panels, building utilities, or any combination thereof. The floor and ceiling panel may provide support the overall floor system, which may include a concrete topping slab poured in the field to create a structural diaphragm for the building. In some embodiments, the floor and ceiling panel transfers loads to the utility panel. In some embodiments, the floor and ceiling panel transfers loads directly to a steel structure of the building, and the utility panel does not translate loads from the floor and ceiling panel to the structure. In some embodiments, the utility panel is non-load bearing. 
     Example I 
     In a first non-limiting example, a prefabricated demising wall may include a first structurally insulated panel (SIP). The SIP may be made of a 12 mm magnesium oxide board coupled to a 25.4 mm thick polystyrene foamed plastic core. A 11 mm cement board may be coupled to a surface of the polystyrene foamed plastic core opposite the magnesium oxide board. The demising wall may further include a second SIP made of the same materials as the first SIP. The first and second SIPS may be configured such that the magnesium oxide boards are proximate each other. The two SIPS may be coupled along two parallel edges of the demising wall by hat channels. The hat channels may maintain a 76 mm wide interstitial space between the first and second SIPS. The hat channels may be light gauge steel. The demising wall may include a finishing panel coupled to the magnesium oxide boards of the first and second SIPS. The finish panel may be a sheet of plastic. The demising wall may be nine feet high and twenty-two feet long. 
     Example II 
     In a second non-limiting example, a prefabricated demising wall may include a first structurally insulated panel (SIP). The first SIP may be made of a plywood board coupled to a 25.4 mm thick polystyrene foamed plastic core. A second plywood board may be coupled to a surface of the polystyrene foamed plastic core opposite the first plywood board. The demising wall may further include a second SIP made of the same materials as the first SIP. The two SIPS may be coupled along two opposite edges of the demising wall by hat channels. The hat channels may maintain a 76 mm wide interstitial space between the first and second SIPS. The hat channels may be formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The demising wall may include a finishing panel coupled to the exterior plywood boards of the first and second SIPS. The finish panel may be a thin wood veneer. The demising wall may be nine feet high and twenty-two feet long 
     Example III 
     In a third non-limiting example, a prefabricated end wall panel may include two structurally insulated panels (SIPS). The first SIP may include a 12 mm magnesium oxide board coupled to a 101.6 mm thick polystyrene foamed plastic core. A 11 mm cement board may be coupled to a surface of the polystyrene foamed plastic core opposite the magnesium oxide board. The second SIP may be made of a 12 mm magnesium oxide board coupled to a 25.4 mm thick polystyrene foamed plastic core. An 11 mm cement board may be coupled to a surface of the polystyrene foamed plastic core opposite the magnesium oxide board. The two SIPS may be coupled by a horizontal 76 mm wide furring channel. The furring channel may be light gauge steel. The two SIPS may be coupled such that the cement boards are proximate each other. The two SIPS may be further coupled along two opposite edges of the end wall panel by hat channels. The hat channels may maintain a 76 mm wide interstitial space between the first and second SIPS. The hat channels may be light gauge steel. 
     A weather resistive barrier may be applied to the magnesium oxide board of the first SIP. The weather resistive barrier may be a multi-layer spun-bonded polypropylene. Light gauge steel 25.4 mm vertical furring channels may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board over the weather resistive barrier. The furring channels may be spaced every 61 cm. Multiple cladding panels may be coupled to the furring channels. The cladding panels may be painted light gauge steel. The panels may act as both a decorative finish and a rain shield. 
     The second SIP may include a finishing panel coupled to the magnesium oxide board. The finishing panel may be a plurality of colorful plastic panels. The plastic panels may be coupled to the magnesium oxide board by cleats. The plastic panels may act as a decorative finish for the interior of a room. 
     The examples provided are for explanatory purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosure. Each example embodiment may be practical for a particular environment such as urban mixed-use developments, low-rise residential units, and/or remote communities. Materials and dimensions for individual elements may be configured to comply with one or more of the following building codes: fire, energy, handicap, life-safety, and acoustical (impact and ambient noise transfer) without departing from the scope of the principles of the disclosure. The elements and/or system may also be configured to comply with social and/or religious codes as desired. For example, materials, systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be configured to comply with the International Building Code as it has been adopted in a jurisdiction. 
     The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and embodiments can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. 
     With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). 
     It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For embodiment, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). 
     Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For embodiment, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. 
     As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting embodiment, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for embodiment, a group having 1-3 items refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 items. Similarly, a group having 1-5 items refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 items, and so forth. 
     The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely embodiments, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably coupleable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific embodiments of operably coupleable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.