Patent Abstract:
A prefabricated core for a building with all services already built in. The core serves as: 1. the housing for all the home&#39;s mechanical, plumbing and electrical sources, and 2. a major structural support, providing three shear walls to the structure. This invention allows access to all of the services thus allowing for ease of maintenance and avoidance of collateral damage during renovations and remodeling.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of building construction and more particularly to the field of prefabricated building construction. 
     (2) Description of the Related Art 
     Currently, houses are built in a standard sequence. The following is a typical sequence. 
     Grading and site preparation 
     Construction of foundation. Typically premixed concrete is poured or pumped into molds constructed on the site. 
     Erection of framing on the foundation. Wood and steel are usually used for framing members. Openings are left in the framing for placement of doors and windows. 
     Installation of windows and doors. 
     Construction of roofing on top of the framing. 
     Installation of exterior walls and/or siding. 
     Installation of rough electrical wiring. 
     Installation of rough plumbing. 
     Installation of rough heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). 
     Installation of alarm system wiring. 
     Installation of phone system wiring. 
     Installation of local area network LAN wiring. 
     Installation of insulation in exterior walls and attic. 
     Attachment of drywall to interior of framing. 
     Installation of underlayment for floors. 
     Installation of trim 
     Painting. 
     Installation of finish electrical, such as switches and lights. 
     Installation of finish alarm system. 
     Installation of LAN and phone system jacks and cover plates. 
     Installation of bathroom and kitchen counters and cabinets 
     Installation of finish plumbing, such as sinks, toilets and faucets. 
     Installation of carpet and other flooring. 
     Installation of HVAC units. 
     Hookup to water main or well. 
     Hookup to sewer or septic system 
     Correction of problems. 
     Homes are built to the current standards and government codes and with the latest available amenities. But such construction does not allow for adaptability and installation of new technology. For example, demolition and reconstruction are required if the homeowner wishes to upgrade the existing home&#39;s layout and fixtures, or they wish to upgrade the infrastructure (plumbing, electrical, communications, etc.). Since the home&#39;s infrastructure is so integrated into the superstructure, it is nearly impossible to simply rearrange spaces without also reconfiguring the main systems of the house as well. 
     Another problem with typical home construction is that it takes a long time. Usually the foundation is poured quickly and the framing is built very fast but after that it takes a long time to for all the subcontractors to install the electrical, plumbing, etc. 
     A number of inventors have attempted to solve one or other of these problems. 
     (1) U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,996 
     This Patent is directed to prefabricated building structures for use in buildings with multiple units. The building will have modules to accept cubicles that are factory built containing an entire bathroom complete with lavatory, bathtub, water closet, and their associated plumbing, electrical wiring, outlets, exhaust fan and the like. The module likewise could be a complete kitchen with appliance, wiring and the like. The prefabricated module that receives the cubicle can be placed to form the building by means of a crane and if the crane is of sufficient capacity the prefabricated cubicle could be positioned in the module and both installed at the same time. The cubicle will have one wall that is an exterior wall so that at a time to upgrade or repair a fire damaged unit a refurbished or new unit can be brought on site and the old one removed with the aid of rollers so that it can be rolled out to the crane. It would also be possible to change the type of cubicle from for instance kitchen to bathroom or bathroom to kitchen. 
     (2) U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,838 
     This Patent is directed to building modules that can be prefabricated and installed in a building structure complete. The first building module is shown in  FIG. 1  is for one bathroom and the larger module shown in  FIG. 6  is for two rooms, electrical junction boxes and supply lines to light fan outlets and other fixtures conveniently extended within the module making it convenient and easy to connect the module to the electrical supply lines. Likewise with the dryer vent, hot and cold water lines, gas conduit and the waste lines. The toilets are off the floor water closet. The rooms preferably toilets with lavatory or wash basins, bath and shower may otherwise be laundry rooms, kitchens, custodian rooms, rest rooms, or other kinds of rooms requiring one or more waste conduits to carry away waste water and likely require cold water and electricity and possibly hot water. Such rooms may further require gas dryer vents and other lines or conduits. 
     (3) U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,866 
     This Patent is directed to a method and apparatus&#39; for constructing multi-rise stacked modules for human occupancy. The construction is in a pinwheel array with the method of construction providing for individual models that may be readily positioned and removed without affecting the structural integrity of the multi-rise structure. The modules are prefabricated, electrical and water services may be provided through hookups to a vertically extending electrical and water surface panels supported about a central open core. The dwelling modules could encompass habitat for residence, office, manufacture, or other human uses. 
     (4) U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,120 
     This patent is directed to a multi-level apartment building that includes a vertically extending stairway system with support walls that contain rectilinearly vertically extending utility service conduits used to receive standard utility services such as HVAC, plumbing, exhaust, etc. that extend in vertical straight line paths in the building thus the single stair support assembly vertically extending in each of the plurality of vertically aligned apartments function to consolidate plumbing, HVAC and other utilities into a single assembly having a straight vertical and unobstructed path. The apartment modules preferably includes a plurality of pairs of apartments vertically stacked in alternating mirrored patterns and a plurality of such vertically stacked pairs of apartments horizontally aligned with one another. 
     (5) U.S. Pre-Grant Publication 2009/0031642 
     This reference is directed to interactive building modules that move between a collapsed configuration which is sized and shaped similarly to a standard shipping container that can be erected where it forms a building of greater space. The modules are connected together to form a single storied or multi-storied building. A series of standardized ceiling panels located within the common area create accessible services duct for placement of hydraulic, electrical, and that illumes. Hot water is distributed to each module via a continuous hot water loom. A network managing system interactively manages resources. Scenarios for use of modules are virtual space, serviced office, hotel or serviced apartment or residential uses. The scenarios are not mutually exclusive. The design principle enables the same space to be used for different uses over time. The transference of a module from one use to another beside changing the furniture possibly the reprogramming or alternation of certain services to suit the requirements of the occupant and the new use of the module. The internal fit-out may consist of a range of standard plug-in modular components providing a variety of function and form. 
     (6) U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,529 
     This reference is directed to a prefabricated building comprising: a plurality of exterior and interior wall sections joined together in a selected configuration; a plurality of ceiling panels extending between the walls; a plurality of roof trusses overlying the ceiling panels; a roof supported by the trusses; a prefabricated utility core comprising: a plurality of vertical connected core walls extending vertically, one of the core walls providing an exterior wall of the building, an access door in this exterior wall, a main sewer line supported in the core and extending through the exterior core wall and having a plurality of lateral sewer lines extending through the core walls, a main water line extending through the exterior core wall and supported in the core and having a plurality of lateral water lines extending through the core walls, a water heater in the core connected to the main water line, a main hot water line connected to the heater and having a plurality of lateral hot water lines extending through the core walls, a breaker box in the core, a plurality of electrical conduits extending from the breaker box; and fixtures utilizing water and discharging sewage connected to selected the appropriate lateral lines. 
     (7) U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,011 
     This reference is directed to a prefabricated building system comprising a portable wall unit having a supporting frame and utility apparatus mounted on the supporting frame. The utility apparatus preferably is adjustably mounted on the supporting frame and may comprise plumbing, electrical, heating and/or cooling apparatus for the rooms adjacent to the portable wall unit in the building in which it is to be installed. Prefabricated wall partitions for the adjacent rooms can be assembled with the portable wall unit before shipment to the building site or at the building site. The portable wall unit is provided with means for aligning the wall unit with the adjacent wall partitions to facilitate the assembly thereof. 
     (8) U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,201 
     This reference is directed to a compact service core structure. The walls of the prefabricated compact service core structure are higher than the total height of the floor, wall and ceiling structure of an ordinary one-storey residential building, but lower than the total height of a two-storey building of any kind. The height of the walls is large enough to e.g. accommodate the serviced fixtures of complete main floor bathroom, kitchen, and possibly laundry and utility rooms, as well as lower parts of the same rooms of the second storey of a two-storey structure. On the other hand, the height is small enough to make the prefabricated compact service core structure possible to ship on standard low trailers anywhere in the world. The prefabricated compact service core structure allows for factory completion of all major plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical work for a two-storey building, and easy on site hook-up to sewer, water, gas and electrical services from the bottom of the prefabricated compact service core structure ventilation and possibly electrical services may be extended above the top of the core through one or more extension service panels. As all portions of the floor of both storeys and high plumbing wall are suspended, pre-manufacturing of the service core in the plan can easily match all custom designed floor heights or deviations from them usually originating from the supply of building lumber of irregular dimensions. 
     (9) U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,341 
     This reference is directed to a modular structure consisting of three modular units of approximately the same size, the center module being the primary module containing the mechanical components of the building, with plumbing, air conditioning and heating ducts, and electrical wiring in the slab floor structural foundation and door jambs. The primary module used to transport the entire structure is completed at the factory, requiring no further work at jobsite, with heating and cooling unit, hot water heater, cabinets and appliances, plumbing and light fixtures and accessories installed at the factory in permanent locations. The major exterior walls, slab floor foundation panels, and ceiling/roof panels for all three modules are similarly manufactured in one piece in full width and the length of the building, eliminating joints, speeding assembly and strengthening the components. The major components of the side modules, consisting of the slab floor foundation panels, ceiling/roof panels and the exterior side walls, are all hinged so that they fold to the side and on top of the primary module. Accessories and wall panels and partitions not hinged are placed on top of the primary module for transportation. Two end walls are bolted to the center module during transportation to the site. At the pre-leveled permanent site, the primary module is lowered to the ground and the hinged slab floor foundation panels, which include hinged and folded exterior walls, along with the ceiling/roof panels, are unfolded and permanently fastened in place for that site, but can be refolded if later relocation is needed. The slab floor foundation panels for all three modules are placed directly on the ground or on a pre-built foundation, single or multi-level design. If a pitched roof was ordered, trusses and pre-sized roofing panels transported on top of the primary module are attached to the flat roof of the center module. Two or more of these triple modules can be joined side-to-side or end-to-end or on top of each other, for erection of multiple-unit buildings. 
     However, none of these inventions allow a house to be built without waiting for installation of services and none of these inventions allow for ease of maintenance or avoidance of damage during remodeling and renovations. 
     What is needed is a way of allowing a house to be built without waiting for installation of services and which, when built, would be easy to maintain and remodel. 
     Development of a way to allow houses to be built without waiting for installation of services and which, when built, would be easy to maintain and remodel represents a great improvement in the field of construction and satisfies a long felt need of the contractor and homeowner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention is a core for a building comprising: an exterior wall section and three interior shear wall sections joined together to form a room at least two storeys tall. The outsides of the interior wall sections are finished with an interior finish; the outside of the exterior wall section are finished with an exterior finish. 
     A structural hold down which is used to attach the core to the foundation, is attached to the core at each corner. At least one interior platform is provided attached to the inside of at least one of the walls. There is a means for attaching a floor, external to the core, to each of the interior walls. There is an access door and a fresh air louver in the exterior wall. Water main and gas main connections are provided on the exterior wall and sewer connections are located inside the core. 
     A water heater is installed in the core. Clothes washer, drier and dishwasher connections are located adjacent and outside of one of the interior wall sections. Preferably a toilet mechanism is located within at least one of the interior wall sections. This is a special mechanism with a bowl that will be installed later. The mechanism is installed so that the bowl will install from outside of the core. 
     Faucets and mixing valves are attached to the outside of at least one of the interior wall sections. Plumbing and shut off valves interconnect the water main connection, gas main connection, sewer connection, water heater, clothes washer connection, drier connection, dishwasher connection, toilet mechanism, faucet and mixing valve as necessary and appropriate. The shut off valves are located adjacent the insides of the interior walls as close as possible to the appliances and the interior connections. 
     An irrigation connection, connected to the water main, is located outside the exterior wall section. An electric mains connection is located on the exterior of the exterior wall section. A breaker box is located within the core and electrically connected to the electric mains connection. 
     At least one forced air unit and an air conditioning condenser unit are installed within the core and connected to each other by appropriate piping. The condenser unit is located near the fresh air louver so that hot air produces by the condenser can readily escape through the louver. A return air duct stub and a supply air duct stub are connected to the forced air unit through one of the interior wall sections. 
     Phone line and television signal connections are located outside the exterior wall section. The phone line connection is punched down to a punch block within the core. The television signal connection is connected to a signal splitter located inside the core. 
     A modem is provided inside the core and electrically connected either the telephone punch block via a DSL line or the signal splitter. A security panel is provided inside the core and electrically connected to either telephone punch block or the modem. 
     A fire suppression unit is located within the core and connected by a plumbing line to the water main connection. Sprinkler line stubs run from the fire suppression unit through the interior walls of the core. 
     An exhaust fan is provided within the core. Inlet ducts run through interior walls of the core to the exhaust fan and an outlet duct runs from the fan to the fresh air louver. A control switch is attached to the outside of at least one of the interior wall sections and electrically connected to the exhaust fan. 
     A drier vent runs from behind the eventual location of the clothes drier through an interior wall through the core and through the exterior wall. 
     A range hood is attached to the inside of one of the interior walls over the eventual location of the range. A range exhaust fan is provided in the core. This is connected via ducting to the range hood. Exhaust ducting runs from the range exhaust fan to the fresh air louver and control wiring runs from the switch in the range hood to the range exhaust fan. 
     A core exhaust fan is located in the core adjacent the fresh air vent and a thermostatic control is located inside the core and electrically connected to the core exhaust fan. 
     This invention may include an internet protocol switching lighting control panel located within the core and electrically connected to the breaker box. 
     This invention may include a water filtration unit in the plumbing between the water main connection, and the appliances and the interior connections. This invention may further include a reverse osmosis unit to supply drinking water. 
     The modem may be a wired modem, wireless modem or a wired/wireless modem. 
     The invention may also include a central vacuum system. This comprises a canister in the core, vacuum outlets in the interior walls and vacuum tubing interconnecting them. 
     This invention may include a server within the core. 
     This invention may also include an interior room within the core. This is formed by attaching an interior floor to the wall sections one storey below the tops of the wall sections. This room is preferably a bathroom, which preferably includes another special toilet mechanism installed within at least one of the interior wall sections. This time the mechanism is installed so that the bowl for the toilet will install from inside of the core. The bathroom also includes faucets and mixing valves attached to the inside of at least one of the interior wall sections. Then plumbing and shut off valves are installed to interconnect the appliances in this interior bathroom with the water main connection, the sewer connection, and the water heater as necessary and appropriate; the shut off valves for these appliances being located under the interior floor as close as possible to the appliances. 
     The present invention is a module that will allow a house to be built without waiting for installation of services. This is because the module is prefabricated with all services already built in. Further, this module allows access to all of the services thus allowing for ease of maintenance and avoidance of collateral damage during renovations and remodeling. It will be recognized by those familiar with the art to which this invention pertains that this invention could, alternatively, be built on site. 
     The module of this invention separates the infrastructure from the superstructure in a way that allows the two buildings to be altered independent of each other. This is done by prefabricating an “Infrastructure Core,” which contains all the plumbing, mechanical and electrical/communications equipent into one central location that serves the entire house and is easily accessible. 
     A central infrastructure core makes distribution much simpler. Plumbing only needs to go a short distance, making repairs and replacements easier, and electrical and mechanical systems also benefit from the location of the core and are able to radiate out into the home in an efficient manner. 
     This core serves as: 1. the housing for all the home&#39;s mechanical, plumbing and electrical sources, and 2. a major structural support, providing three shear walls to the structure. 
     This infrastructural core houses the utilities and electronics of the home in such a way that allows the remaining floor plan to be substantially more flexible than traditional floor plans. 
     The house will preferably be wired with smart technology that will allow the lighting and electrical systems to be remotely observed and controlled. Individual web sites will allow home owners to monitor, control and maintain the health of their house from inside or remotely over the internet. 
     The core has an inherent effect on the architecture of the house in the following ways. 1. The vertical orientation of the core, designed to maximize efficiency in floor space and materials, lends itself to a multi-story home. 2. Because of the consolidation of infrastructure in the core, there are fewer ducts and wires running through the home, resulting in fewer essential walls and fixed floor planes. 3. By using lower ceiling heights, three floors can be provided in a space that would normally accommodate only two floors in a traditional home. 
     Balloon framing was chosen as the main method of construction for the wall panels for several reasons: 1. Components can be created off-site, saving time and money while increasing accuracy. 2. Vertically-oriented walls work seamlessly with window systems. 3. They make it easy to run electric and communication wiring up and down. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide a central core for a house that includes all the functionality of a modern infrastructural system. Modern infrastructure needs to be upgradeable, interconnected and monitorable. For example a modern infrastructure should provide notification when FAU filters need to be changed, the water filtration needs filter change, a backup battery for the security system or tech rack needs to be changed, etc. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide a core that contributes to the structural stability of the house. The shell of the core provides lateral stability and floor/roof support for the rest of the house. It can be either a wood structure or steel structure. It can be made up of either a rigid frame construction with infill panels or it can be stud wall system. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide end use plumbing fixtures such as valves, faucets and toilets, already connected to the hot, cold and sewer distribution system. This minimizes plumbing time at the site and yields better and more consistent quality work since it is completed in a more controlled environment. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide 90% of the infrastructural distribution (i.e. pipes, ducts and wires) and 100% infrastructural source hardware (i.e. FAUs, condensers, low voltage controls for lighting or security, water filtration system, electrical panels, fire sprinkler riser, ventilation fans, etc.) within a prefabricated core. This minimizes the work, the time, and the need for many of the trades. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide a house in which repair, upgrade or maintenance can be easily and readily accomplished. This obviates the need to tear up concrete floors, finished ceilings or finished walls to access a defective solder joint that was leaking. It also obviates the need to cut into bathroom walls to replace worn out shower valves. In this invention all hardware is organized and installed so that it is easily accessible. Any aspect of the infrastructure can be updated, maintained or repaired without touching the finishes. One does not have to open the superstructure or structure to access any aspect of the infrastructure. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide the most efficient vertical and horizontal distribution of the infrastructural elements. This invention is crawl space plus attic plus the vertical and horizontal chases and raceways. This invention facilitates the interconnectivity of the modern infrastructural system. For example: the HVAC system needs electricity, hot &amp; cold water, sewer drain and low voltage control; the security system needs electricity, phone and network connection; the water heater needs electricity or gas, ventilation, connection to the water mains and connection to the plumbing fixtures; security cameras need electricity, back up batteries, phone system and access to the network. All of this access and more is provided conveniently and accessibly within the core of this invention. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide a complete, sophisticated and ideal infrastructural system to a house while consuming very little time in construction schedule. It is not only that minimizing the construction time saves money. But also the inherent efficiency of the system plus its factory production will make it cost much less than a site built house. Further, since the core of this invention is factory built it is less likely to be built wrongly. The core of this invention will be pretested and thus will be fully functioning at installation. It will be recognized by those familiar with the art to which this invention pertains, that this invention could, alternatively, be built on site. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide a core that is sized to be carried on smaller semi trailers without wide load transport provisions. This invention is light and rigid which makes it easy to transport and install. There are no finishes such as tile or paint that would be vulnerable to damage in shipment. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide data on water and electricity consumption, and to operate switches, control temperature, control irrigation system, turn the security system on or off, view the security cameras, and move the shades up and down. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide consumer benefits because one company is behind the entire infrastructural system. Instead of dealing with multiple subcontractors customers will deal with the manufacturer of this invention. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide remote monitoring through the internet of many aspects of the health of the infrastructure through sensors, cameras and internet. 
     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and description of a preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the balloon framing of the 3 storey core. 
         FIG. 1A  is an elevational view of an alternate type of framing. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the balloon framing of the 3 storey core showing the floor framing. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating attachment of sheeting which provides structural support to the core and the whole building. 
         FIG. 4  is a typical ground floor plan for the core. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the 3 storey core. 
         FIG. 5A  is a detail of a structural hold down. 
         FIG. 5B  is a detail showing attachment of the floors of the house to the core. 
         FIG. 6  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating plumbing aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 7  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating plumbing aspects. 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  8 - 8  on  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating waste handling aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 10  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating waste handling aspects. 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  11 - 11  on  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating fuel aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 13  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating fuel aspects. 
         FIG. 14  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  14 - 14  on  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 14A  is a floor plan of a typical third floor bathroom. 
         FIG. 15  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating power aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 16  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating power aspects. 
         FIG. 17  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  17 - 17  on  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating lighting aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 19  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating lighting aspects. 
         FIG. 20  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  20 - 20  on  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating air distribution aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 22  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating air distribution aspects. 
         FIG. 23  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  23 - 23  on  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 23A  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  23 A- 23 A on  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating air water filtration aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 25  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating water filtration aspects. 
         FIG. 26  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  26 - 26  on  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating telephone, data and security aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 28  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating telephone, data and security aspects. 
         FIG. 29  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  29 - 29  on  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is perspective view of the 3 storey core central vacuum aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 31  is a typical ground floor plan for the core central vacuum aspects. 
         FIG. 32  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  32 - 32  on  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating fire suppression aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 34  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating fire suppression aspects. 
         FIG. 35  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  35 - 35  on  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating central fan aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 37  is a typical ground floor plan for the core illustrating central fan aspects. 
         FIG. 38  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  38 - 38  on  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 39  is perspective view of the 3 storey core illustrating exhaust aspects of the core. 
         FIG. 40  is a typical ground floor plan for the core exhaust aspects. 
         FIG. 41  is an elevational view of the 3 storey core as seen from the line  41 - 41  on  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the balloon framing of the 2 storey core. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the balloon framing of the 2 storey core showing the floor framing. 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of the 2 storey core illustrating attachment of sheeting which provides structural support to the core and the whole building. 
         FIG. 45  is perspective view of the 2 storey core illustrating some plumbing and sewer aspects. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. 
       FIGS. 1-5  show structural aspects of the 3 storey core. The core is essentially a room  14  which has one exterior wall segment  18  and three interior wall segments  22 ,  26 ,  30 . The core is two or more storeys high and built of framing in standard fashion. Preferably the framing is balloon framing (illustrated in almost all of the Figures), in which the studs  34  run from the foundation  38  to the roof (not shown). Balloon framing is stronger and more rigid than platform framing. An alternate type of framing is shown in  FIG. 1A . This type of framing has steel corner posts  31  and beams  32  which are connected with very rigid joints or reinforced with cross braces  33 . In this case, intermediate studs  34   a  are not necessary but may be included to frame openings. 
     Openings  42 ,  46  are constructed in the framing for the outside wall for an access door and a fresh air louver. One or more spaces  50  are constructed in one or more of the inside walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  for a toilet mechanism. Structural hold downs  54  are attached to the core at each corner  58 . These hold downs  54  are used to attach the core to the foundation  38  at the construction site. 
       FIG. 5B  is a detail of a structural hold down  54 . The hold down  54  is bolted to a stud  34  and to the sill  36  and foundation  38 . 
     Built in to the core are one or more interior platforms  62  for mechanical units such as the HVAC unit. In cores three storey or more in height, a floor supported by joists  66  is located one storey below the top  68 . 
     The outside of the framing is sheathed with panels  70  so that the walls  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core become shear walls, i.e. able to resist lateral loads. To conform to standard building codes, the panels  70  must be structural plywood. Then the outsides  74  of the interior wall segments  22 ,  26 ,  30  are finished with an interior finish, preferably with wall board, to match the interior finish of the house and the outside  78  of the exterior wall segment  18  is finished with an exterior finish, for example, stucco or siding to match the exterior finish of the house. 
       FIG. 5B  shows how interior floors of the house are attached to the interior wall segments of the core. Floor joists  82  are attached to a ledger board  85  provided on the outsides  74  of each of the interior segments  22 ,  26 ,  30  with joist hangers  84 . This is typically done with nails  83 . The floor joists  82  will be attached after delivery of the prefabricated core to the site. 
       FIGS. 6-14  show plumbing, waste and fuel aspect of the core. The main utilities, i.e. water  86  and gas  90 , come into the core from outside the building footprint. Preferably these are provided from underground. Connection  94 ,  98  is made with main shut off valves (not shown) just outside the outside  78  of the exterior wall segment  18 . An irrigation line  96  for hose bibs and sprinklers (not shown), branches off the water main  94  just outside the outside wall  18 . A sprinkler controller  100  may be installed on one of the walls of the core and connected electrically to each sprinkler circuit. 
     Sewer connections  102  are provided within the core. The main sewer line  106  from the street comes under the core slab  38  and branches out to three stub outs  110 . The branching and stub outs  110  will be done before the slab  38  is poured in a coordinated location that will connect to the sewer lines  114 ,  118  of the core. When the core is built all 3 main sewer lines  114  will terminate about 6″ above ground. Once installed the sewer lines  114  will be connected to the stub outs  110 . The 6″ will allow for some adjustment, just in case the core&#39;s sewer lines  114  and stub outs  110  are not perfectly aligned. 
     In the core, the cold water line  122  is connected to a water heater  126 , and to shut off valves (not shown) for all cold water appliances such as faucets  130 , toilets  134 , mixing valves  138 , washers  142 , etc. The valves will be located just behind the interior walls  22 ,  26 ,  30 . Piping will run from these shut off valves through the interior walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core. Faucets  130 , toilets  134  and mixing valves  138  will be attached to the pipes on the outsides of an interior wall section  22 ,  26 ,  30 . The other appliances will be attached to the piping later. In the core, the gas line  146  is connected to the water heater  126  and gas cocks for appliances such as ranges  150 , driers  154 , ovens  158 , etc, if they are gas powered. Piping will run from these cocks through the interior  22 ,  26 ,  30  walls of the core. All such appliances will eventually be located next to the outside  74  of an interior wall  22 ,  26 ,  30 . In the core, the hot water line  162  from the water heater  126  is connected to shut off valves (not shown) for all hot water using appliances, such as faucets  130 , mixing valves  138 , washers  142 , etc. Again the valves will be located just behind the interior walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  and piping will run from these shut off valves through the interior walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core. Faucets  130 , and mixing valves  138  will be attached to the pipes on the outsides of an interior wall section  22 ,  26 ,  30 . The other appliances will be attached to the piping later. 
     The water heater  126  is located within the core. It may be tankless and attached to the inside  166  of one of the wall segments  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30  or it may have a tank and may be attached on one of the interior platforms  62 . All other appliances are wall mounted and located next to or attached to the exterior of an interior wall segment. The operating mechanism  134  of all toilets, usually the tank and flush valve, is installed in specially provided openings  50  in the interior wall segments  22 ,  26 ,  30 . Then the bowl  170  is attached to the mechanism  134  on the outside  74  of the interior wall segment  22 ,  26  or  30 . Suitable toilets for this application are available from Duravit AG of Hornberg, Germany. All cold water piping  122  and gas piping  146  are run within the core and only go through the wall  22 ,  26 ,  30  just behind the appliance. Sewer pipes (not illustrated) run from the appliances, such as sinks  174 , toilets bowls  170  and washers  142  through the wall  22 ,  26 ,  30  directly behind the appliance and then are connected via vertical  114  and lateral runs  118  within the core to the main sewer line  106 . 
     Alternatively, in three storey houses, i.e. ones incorporating three storey cores, the third floor may be a bathroom. In this case the walls  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core are finished and the fixtures are attached to the insides  166  of the interior walls  22 ,  26 ,  30 . The toilet  134 ,  170  in such a third floor bathroom is also, preferably wall mounted. A floor plan of such a third storey bathroom is shown on  FIG. 14A . A more conventional floor mounted toilet could be used, however this would necessitate increased plumbing labor at a later stage in construction of the house. 
     In either case, when the core is provided prefabricated, all fixtures are attached in their proper locations prior to delivery of the core to the job site. Then it is only necessary to do any final wall finish, such as tile, paint or wallpaper, and attach any necessary trim and the toilet bowls  170 . 
       FIGS. 15-17  show the electrical power aspect of the core. The electric main  190  is provided to the building, preferably underground. The main  190  runs to a meter  194  located on the exterior of the building, preferably on the outside  78  of an exterior wall segment  18  of the core. From here a line  198  runs inside the core to a main electric subpanel  202 . Electric circuits  206  are later run from here to all wall outlets in the house. 
     Lighting could be done with standard high voltage circuits and switches with circuits  206  running from the main electric subpanel. Preferably, however, lighting will be done with internet protocol (IP) switches. Suitable systems are available from Lutron of Coopersburg, Pa. In this case lighting will be done as shown in  FIGS. 18-20 . A lighting control panel  210  is electrically connected to the main electric subpanel. From here power runs to each light fixture  218  or zone of light fixtures  218  over a switched power line  226  that runs through conduit  230 . Also from panel  210  Category 5 (CAT 5) cable, which is the standard cable used for connecting computer networks, or plain twisted pair wiring  214  runs to a low voltage switch  222  for each light  218  or zone of lights  218 . The standard RJ45 connectors on the ends of the cable  214  simply plug into the switches  222  and the control panel  210 . Twisted pair wiring  214  is connected with connector blocks. Alternatively, the switches may be wireless. Wired or wireless controls  222  can be located wherever desired within the house. Programming of each control  222  is accomplished from the lighting control panel  210 . Preferably power line  226  runs through conduit  230 . IP lighting systems are complicated. It is not possible to fully describe such systems in this document. For further details one should consult the technical literature issued by Lutron or equivalent companies. 
       FIGS. 21-23  show air distribution aspects of the core. Preferably, in larger houses there are two forced air units  234 ,  238  and an air conditioning condenser unit  242  mounted on the platforms  62  inside the core. In smaller houses there would preferably be only one forced air unit  234  and an air conditioning condenser unit  242 . All ducting  246 ,  250  is preinstalled in the core during prefabrication. Supply air and return air stubs  258  run through the interior walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core. These are then connected to the supply air and return air ducts in the remainder of the house, after the house has been constructed around the core. Hot air blown out of the air conditioner condenser unit  242  is able to exit the core through the fresh air louver  254 . Air flow is indicated by arrows on  FIGS. 21 and 23 . 
       FIGS. 24-26  show the optional whole house water filtration aspects of the core. These are designed to remove, sediments, objectionable tastes and odors, organic chemicals, chlorine and dissolved solids from the water delivered by the mains. To accomplish this there may be one or more filters  262 ; a water softener  266  with backwash tank  268 ; and reverse osmosis equipment  274  in the incoming water line. 
       FIGS. 27-29  show the telephone, TV, data and security aspects of the core. Telephone and cable connections may be located on the outside of the exterior wall section  18  of the core. Inside the core are a security panel  290 , a phone punch block  286  and a signal splitter  306 . The modem (either DSL or cable), server (if desired) and computer (if desired) are mounted in the rack  298 . The incoming phone/DSL  282  or cable line  278  connects to the input of the modem. From there the data lines  310  go through a switch and patch panel to specific locations within the house, where computers or other equipment need to be connected to the network. Alternatively or additionally a wireless modem (not shown) may be connected to the switch and mounted within the core. If only a wireless modem is used, data connections  310  to specific locations within the house will be unnecessary. Incoming phone lines  282  are punched down in the punch block and telephone lines  314  run from there to specific locations within the house where telephone equipment is to be located. Low voltage wiring  302  runs from the security panel  290  to switches on doors and windows; interior detectors; and other security devices. 
     The house may be provided with a central vacuum system.  FIGS. 30-32  show the central vacuum aspect of the core. A central vacuum canister  318  is located in the core. Ducts  322  run from the canister to outlets  326  on each floor, on the exterior of the core. An exhaust duct  330  runs from the canister  318  through the exterior wall segment  18 , to the exterior of the core. 
       FIGS. 33-35  show the fire suppression aspect of the Core. Conventional fire suppression systems are used. A main line  334  runs from the water mains  86  to the riser box  338 , which is mounted inside the core and electrically connected to the alarm system in conventional fashion. Fire sprinkler lines  342  run from there to stubs  346  passing through the walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core. These are then connected to fire sprinkler lines and heads throughout the house after it is constructed around the core. 
       FIGS. 36-38  show the central exhaust aspect of the core. The bathrooms and laundry room are exhausted by a remote fan  338 . Inlet ducting  342  passes through the walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core and connects to the fan  338 . An exhaust duct  346  runs from this fan  338  to the fresh air louver  254  so the air can be vented outside the core. Control switches  350 , electrically connected to the fan are located in each room. A drier vent runs from the rear of the drier through the core and then through an outside wall of the core. 
       FIGS. 39-41  show discharge of hot air. A wall fan  358  is installed near the top of the fresh air louver  254  to push the air out. A thermostat switch  362 , electrically connected to this fan  358 , is located on the inside of one of the interior walls  22 ,  26 ,  30  of the core. In this way the core is cooled when the temperature rises above a preset level. This helps in cooling the whole house also. In addition the kitchen air vent  366  is connected via ducting  370  to an exhaust fan  374  within the core. This fan  374  is connected to an exhaust duct  378  which vents through the fresh air louver  254 . 
       FIGS. 42-44  show structural aspects of the two storey core. The two storey core is built similarly to the three storey core except there is no third storey, no third storey floor and no third storey bathroom. All other facilities and appliances are installed and attached the same way in the two and three storey cores. By way of example,  FIG. 45  shows some plumbing and waste aspects of the two storey core. 
     This invention is preferably made prefabricated. It is light and rigid which makes it easy to transport. It is sized to be transported on a standard semi-trailer without wide load provisions. It will be understood that the following items will be installed during prefabrication of the core: structural hold downs  54 , interior platforms  62 , an access door, a fresh air louver  254 , a water main connection  94 , a gas main connection  98 , drain lines  114 ,  118  and sewer connections  102 , a clothes washer connection, a drier connection (including the gas connection  178 ), stove and oven connections (including the gas connection  182 ) a dishwasher connection, toilet mechanisms  134 , all faucets  130  and mixing valves  138 , all plumbing  122 ,  146 ,  162  and shut off valves, a water heater  126 , an electric mains connection, a breaker box  202 , at least one forced air unit  234 , an air conditioning condenser  242 , a return air duct  246  and stub, a supply air duct  250  and stub  258 , a phone line connection, a television line connection, a punch block  286 , a signal splitter  294 , a modem, a security panel  290 , a fire suppression unit  338 , sprinkler line  342  and stubs  346 , an exhaust fan  338  with inlet  342  and outlet ducting and control switches  350 , a drier vent  354 , a range hood  336  with remote fan  374 , ducting  370 ,  378  and electrical wiring, and a core exhaust fan  358  with thermostatic control  362 . 
     The foundation, with sewer connections incorporated in it is poured on the job site. Then the core is delivered and placed in its proper place on the foundation and secured with the structural hold downs. Construction then proceeds as follows. 
     Erection of framing for the rest of the house on the foundation. Wood and steel are usually used for framing members. Openings are left in the framing for placement of doors and windows. 
     Construction of upper floor(s), connecting them to the interior walls of the core and the rest of the framing. 
     Installation of windows and doors. 
     Construction of roofing on top of the framing. 
     Installation of exterior walls and/or siding. 
     Running electrical wiring from subpanel. 
     Running alarm system wiring from alarm panel. 
     Running of phone system wiring from punch block. 
     Installation of local area network LAN wiring from modem. 
     Installation of insulation in exterior walls and attic. 
     Attachment of drywall to interior of framing. 
     Installation of underlayment for floors. 
     Installation of trim 
     Painting. 
     Installation of finish electrical, such as switches and lights. 
     Installation of finish alarm system. 
     Installation of LAN and phone system jacks and cover plates. 
     Installation of all sinks 
     Installation of bathroom and kitchen counters and cabinets 
     Installation of faucet décor and toilet bowls. 
     Installation of carpet and other flooring. 
     Hookup to water main or well. 
     Hookup to sewer or septic system 
     Correction of problems. 
     It will be understood from the above descriptions that in a house constructed with the core of this invention, the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room are located next to the outside of an interior wall segment. 
     The following reference numerals are used on  FIG. 1  through . . . :
           14  room of core     18  exterior wall segment     22  interior wall segment     26  interior wall segment     30  interior wall segment     31  steel corner post     32  steel beam     33  steel cross brace     34  stud—usually of wood     34   a  steel stud     36  sill     38  foundation     40  threaded stud     42  access door opening     44  nut     46  fresh air louver opening     48  bolt     50  space for toilet mechanism     54  structural hold down     58  corner     62  interior platform     66  floor joist interior to core     68  top of core     70  sheathing panel     74  outside of interior wall segment     78  outside of exterior wall segment     82  floor joist exterior to core but interior to house     83  nail     84  joist hangers     85  ledger board     86  water main     90  gas main     94  water main connection     96  irrigation line     98  gas main connection     100  sprinkler controller     102  sewer connection     106  main sewer line     110  sewer stub     114  vertical drain     118  lateral drain     120  sewer vent     122  cold water line     126  water heater     128  water heater vent     130  faucet     134  toilet mechanism     138  mixing valve     142  clothes washer     146  gas line     150  range     154  clothes drier     158  oven     162  hot water line     166  inside of interior wall segment     170  toilet bowl     174  sink     178  drier gas connection     182  range gas connection     186  forced air unit gas connection     190  electric main     194  electric meter     198  main electrical wiring     202  electric subpanel     206  electric circuits     210  lighting control panel     214  low voltage light control cable (CATS or twisted pair)     218  light fixture(s)     222  light control     226  lighting power line     230  conduit for lighting power line     234  first forced air unit     238  second forced air unit     242  air conditioning condenser unit     246  return air duct     250  supply air duct     254  fresh air louver     258  air stubs     262  filtration tanks     266  water softener     268  backwash tank for water softener     270  reverse osmosis control panel     274  reverse osmosis tank     278  cable line     282  telephone line     286  phone punch block     290  security system control panel     292  incoming cable box     294  splitter     298  data rack     302  internal security line     306  coax cable carrying TV signal     310  data lines     314  internal phone line     318  central vacuum canister     322  vacuum duct     326  vacuum connection     330  exhaust duct     334  main fire suppression system water line     338  remote fan     342  room exhaust ducting     346  main exhaust duct     350  control switch     354  drier vent     358  wall fan     362  thermostat switch     366  kitchen range hood     370  range hood exhaust ducting     374  fan     378  exhaust duct       

     Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof 
     It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4