Patent Description:
Document <CIT> discloses a modular structure having a floor, a ceiling and at least four walls. The walls being constructed from a plurality of bent metal panels. These bent metal panels create a rigid and continuous substrate. The walls are also prefabricated to incorporate embedded architectural and mechanical design elements. During the main assembly phase the floor is mounted to the walls, the sides of the walls are then mounted to each other and the ceiling is then mounted to the walls thereby forming a monolithic frame structure. This monolithic structure enables a more efficient fabrication and assembly process.

In the prior art modular room units wall elements are connected to a base slab such that the wall elements are provided on the side surfaces of a base slab. This type of connection either increases the area required by modular room unit or if the area is limited then this type of connection reduces the floor area of the base slab.

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular room unit in which a wall element and a base slab are connected through a connecting element that allows formation of a trough-like structure. The trough-like structure means in this connection a structure which has a bottom and a border around the bottom.

The object of the invention is achieved by a modular room unit which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a modular room unit forming a room space and comprising a base slab and walls connected to the base slab through a connecting element such that the walls are provided on the base slab, specifically on a top surface of the base slab.

According to the invention the modular room unit forming a room space comprises a base slab forming a bottom of the modular room unit, a wall element forming at least part of a side wall of the modular room unit, and a connecting element connecting the base slab and the wall element together. The invention is described for one wall element and connecting the one wall element through the connecting element to the base slab, although it is evident that the modular room unit preferably comprises multiple wall elements.

The base slab has a top surface facing toward the room space, and a side surface extending transversely to the top surface in a direction away from the room space. The base slab further comprises a bottom surface opposite to the top surface and the side surface extends between the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface and the side surface are at an angle to each other preferably but not necessarily perpendicular to one another. The base slab is preferably made of solid surface material or for example concrete.

The wall element forms a side wall of the modular room unit and has a first wall surface facing toward the room space, a second wall surface opposite to the first wall surface on the other side of the wall element, and an end wall surface extending between the first wall surface and the second wall surface. The end wall surface in other words forms the wall element's end. The wall element is arranged on the base slab such that the end wall surface of the wall element is arranged on the top surface of the base slab. In other words, the end surface of the wall element is facing toward the top surface of the base slab.

The modular room unit according to the invention further comprises a connecting element connecting the base slab and the wall element together. The connecting element is such that part of the connecting element is provided against the wall element and part of the connecting element is provided against the base slab or within the base slab. The connecting element is preferably a flat bar iron, an iron profile or like.

According to the invention the flange comprises a first flange portion which forms part of the end wall surface of the wall element and a second flange portion extending from the first flange portion in a direction away from the top surface of the base slab.

In an embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the connecting element is connected to the second wall surface of the wall element and to the base slab for connecting the base slab and the wall element together. Alternatively the connecting element is connected to the second flange portion of the wall element and to the base slab for connecting the base slab and the wall element together. The connecting element is connected to the wall element and to the base slab through fixing means, preferably mechanical connecting elements such as screws. The connecting element comprises at least one connecting element surface facing toward the second wall surface of the wall element and/or the base slab, which the at least one connecting element surface is placed toward the second wall surface of the wall element and/or the base slab and attached by fixing means, preferably mechanical connecting elements such as screws.

In an embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the connecting element is connected to the base slab such that the connecting element is arranged to form a projection from the top surface of the base slab in a direction away from the base slab. In other words, the projection projecting outwards from the top surface of the base slab is formed by the connecting element.

In a further embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the connecting element is connected to the base slab such that the connecting element is arranged to form a projection from the top surface of the base slab in a direction away from the base slab at the edge of the top surface. In other words, the projection is arranged at the edge of the top surface of the base slab. Preferably the connecting element is arranged to form together with the base slab a trough-like structure such that the base slab forms a bottom of the trough-like structure and the connecting element forms walls of the trough-like structure. Alternatively, the connecting element is arranged to form together with the base slab a trough-like structure such that the connecting element forms part of a bottom of the trough-like structure and walls of the trough-like structure, and the base slab forms the rest of the bottom of the trough-like structure. The connecting element is connected to the side surface of the base slab or alternatively the connecting element is connected to the top surface of the base slab or alternatively the connecting element is connected to the base slab such that the connecting element is arranged inside the base slab. Further the connecting element is connected to the second wall surface of the wall element or to the second flange portion of the wall element.

In an embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the connecting element comprises a first connecting element surface and a second connecting element surface opposite to the first connecting element surface. The first connecting element surface is connected to the second wall surface of the wall element such that the second connecting element surface is facing in a direction away from the room space of the modular room unit. Alternatively the connecting element is connected to the second flange portion of the wall element such that the second connecting element surface is facing in a direction away from the room space of the modular room unit. The connecting element is preferably a planar element. The first connecting element surface is further connected to the side surface of the base slab for connecting the base slab and the wall element together. As already said, the connecting element is attached to the wall element and to the base slab through fixing means such as screws or like.

In another embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the connecting element comprises a first connecting element surface and a second connecting element surface opposite to the first connecting element surface, the first connecting element surface is connected to the second wall surface of the wall element such that the second connecting element surface is facing in a direction away from the room space of the modular room unit. The connecting element further comprises a third connecting element surface and a fourth connecting element surface opposite to the third connecting element surface. The third and fourth connecting element surfaces are transverse to the first and second connecting element surfaces. The third connecting element surface is connected to the top surface of the base slab such that the fourth connecting element surface is facing toward the end wall surface of the side wall. Alternatively the third and fourth connecting element surfaces are connected to the base slab by arranging them inside the base slab.

According to the invention the modular room unit further comprises a waterproof layer provided on the top surface of the base slab such that the waterproof layer is arranged to extend on the top surface of the base slab and between the top surface of the base slab and the end wall surface of the wall element for providing a uniform waterproof layer to the top surface of the base slab and between the base slab and the end wall of the wall element. In other words, the waterproof layer is provided on the top surface of the base slab and to an area where the end wall surface of the wall element and the top surface of the base slap are facing each other.

In an embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the modular room unit further comprises a waterproof layer provided on the top surface of the base slab such that the waterproof layer is arranged to extend on the top surface of the base slab and on the fourth connecting element surface of the connecting element for providing a uniform waterproof layer to the top surface of the base slab and between the connecting element and the end wall of the wall element. In other words, when the connecting element is attached to the top surface of the base slab, the waterproof layer is provided to extend from the top surface of the base slab to the fourth connecting element surface of the connecting element which faces toward the end surface of the wall element so that a uniform waterproof layer is provided on the top surface of the base slab even though there is a connecting element attached to the top surface of the base slab.

In an embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the waterproof layer is further arranged to extend between the connecting element and the second wall surface of the wall element for providing a uniform waterproof layer extending from the top surface of the base slab to the second wall surface of the side wall.

In another embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the waterproof layer is further arranged to extend between the first connecting element surface of the connecting element and the second wall surface of the wall element for providing a uniform waterproof layer extending from the top surface of the base slab to the second wall surface of the side wall.

In an embodiment of the invention the waterproof layer is further arranged to extend between the connecting element and the second flange portion of the wall element for providing a uniform waterproof layer extending from the top surface of the base slab to the second flange portion of the side wall.

In an embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention, the waterproof layer is further arranged to extend between the first connecting element surface of the connecting element and the second wall surface of the wall element for providing a uniform waterproof layer extending from the top surface of the base slab through the fourth connecting element surface of the connecting element to the second wall surface of the side wall. In this embodiment the connecting element is such that part of the connecting element is provided between the end surface of the wall element and the top surface of the base slab and part of the connecting element is facing toward the second wall surface of the wall element. Alternatively, the waterproof layer is further arranged to extend between the first connecting element of the connecting element and the second flange portion of the wall element for providing a uniform waterproof layer extending from the top surface of the base slab through the fourth connecting element surface of the connecting element to the second flange portion of the side wall.

In one embodiment of the invention the modular room unit comprises a waterproof layer on the top surface of the base slab which is separate and uniform. The waterproof layer is a separate uniform waterproof layer. The separate uniform waterproof layer reduces a risk of a water damage.

In a preferable embodiment the separate uniform waterproof layer comprises an elastic hydrophobic membrane. The elastic hydrophobic membrane further reduces a risk of a water damage.

The elastic hydrophobic membrane may be in a liquid form such that it is applied to the modular room unit with a brush. Another option is that the elastic hydrophobic membrane is a prefabricated membrane which is attached to the modular room unit with an adhesive. Yet another option is that the elastic hydrophobic membrane is a prefabricated self-adhesive membrane.

One example of the elastic hydrophobic membrane is a polyurethane acrylic waterproofing membrane.

In a preferable embodiment the elastic hydrophobic membrane is a prefabricated self-adhesive membrane. The prefabricated self-adhesive membrane reduces construction time.

In a preferable embodiment the separate uniform waterproof layer is arranged to extend on the top surface of the base slab and to at least one direction transverse to the top surface of the base slab. The waterproof layer is arranged to extend seamlessly from the top surface of the base slab in a transverse direction to the top surface of the base slab. In other words for example the separate uniform waterproof layer is arranged to extend seamlessly from the top surface of the base slab downwards to a floor drain or from the top surface of the base slab upwards to the wall element or from the top surface of the base slab to the connecting element. This further reduces a risk of a water damage.

When the connecting element is formed such that it is connected to the second wall surface of the wall element and to the top surface of the base slab, then the connecting element is arranged to form part of the second wall surface of the wall element and part of the top surface of the base slab. When the connecting element is formed such that it is connected to the second wall surface of the wall element and to the side surface of the base slab then the connecting element is arranged to form part of the second wall surface of the wall element and part of the side surface of the base slab.

According to the invention the modular room unit further comprises a sealing between the end wall surface of the side wall and the top surface of the base slab. Alternatively or in addition the modular room unit further comprises a connecting element provided between the end wall surface of the side wall and the top surface of the base slab and a sealing provided between the connecting element and the end wall surface of the side wall. Alternatively or in addition the modular room unit further comprises a waterproof layer provided between the end wall surface of the side wall and the top surface of the base slab and a sealing provided between the waterproof layer and the end wall surface of the side wall. Alternatively or in addition the modular room unit further comprises a connecting element provided between the end wall surface of the side wall and the top surface of the base slab, and a waterproof layer provided between the end wall surface of the side wall and the connecting element and a sealing provided between the waterproof layer and the end wall surface of the side wall.

According to the invention the connecting element forms a thin lift to the top surface of the base slab. Preferably, the connecting element is for example a flat bar iron or iron profile which surrounds the base slab and thereby allows the waterproof layer to be lifted from the top surface of the base slab to the connecting element to form a trough-like structure in the modular room unit. Thus, the wall elements can be mounted on the base slab, which allows for example the shape of the wall element to imitate the slope of the top surface of the base slab forming the floor of the room space. Attaching the wall elements to the base slab is possible through the connecting element, for example the flat bar iron surrounding the top surface of the base slab. In this case, the wall elements do not need to be attached to the top surface of the base slab.

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which.

<FIG> shows a modular room unit <NUM> according to the invention as seen from above without roof. The modular room unit <NUM> according to the invention is not limited to any particular form of the modular room unit <NUM> and for the sake of clarity and simplicity the modular room unit <NUM> shown in the figures is presented as a simple box-like structure. <FIG> shows that the top surface <NUM> of the base slab forming the floor of the modular room unit <NUM> is provided with wall elements <NUM> on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab. In this embodiment of the invention the wall elements <NUM> surround the base slab such that the wall elements <NUM> are provided at the edges of the top surface <NUM> of the base slab. The wall elements <NUM> have an second wall surface <NUM> facing away from the modular room unit <NUM> and an first wall surface <NUM> facing toward the room space within the modular room unit <NUM>. <FIG> further shows a connecting element <NUM> arranged to the second wall surface 22second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and to the base slab for connecting the base slab and the wall element together.

<FIG> shows the modular room unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> as a sectional side view along the line A-A in <FIG> shows the base slab <NUM> forming a bottom of the modular room unit <NUM>. The base slab has a top surface <NUM> forming the floor of the room space of the modular room unit <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM> opposite to the top surface <NUM> and a side surface <NUM> extending between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> and extending transversely to the top surface <NUM>. The side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> forms part of an outer surface of the modular room unit <NUM>. <FIG> shows also a roof <NUM> of the modular room unit <NUM>. The side walls <NUM> of the modular room unit <NUM> comprise an first wall surface <NUM>, an second wall surface <NUM> and an end wall surface <NUM> extending between the second wall surface <NUM> and the first wall surface <NUM>. The end wall surface <NUM> form the end edge of the wall element <NUM>. The wall elements <NUM> are provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> faces toward the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. The end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> is against the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that there may be at least one layer waterproofing and/or sealing or like between the end wall surface <NUM> and the top surface <NUM>. <FIG> also shows with dotted line an embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> which is provided on the outer surface of the modular room unit <NUM> such that the connecting element <NUM> is connected to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> for connecting the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> together. <FIG> and <FIG> show in more detail embodiments of the connecting element <NUM> in the modular room unit <NUM> between the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> shown in <FIG> with a circle B.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a wall element <NUM> of a modular room unit not falling in the scope of the invention and a connection between a wall element <NUM> and a base slab <NUM>. The modular room unit comprises a base slab <NUM> forming a bottom of the modular room unit which the base <NUM> has a top surface <NUM> facing toward the room space, and a side surface <NUM> extending transversely to the top surface <NUM> in a direction away from the room space. The modular room unit also comprises a wall element <NUM> forming at least part of a side wall of the modular room unit <NUM> which the wall element <NUM> has a first wall surface <NUM> facing toward the room space, a second wall surface <NUM> opposite to the first wall surface <NUM> on the other side of the wall element <NUM> and an end wall surface <NUM> extending at least between the first wall surface <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> the end wall surface <NUM> is arranged to extend further than just between the first wall surface <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM>, namely the wall element <NUM> comprises a flange <NUM> extending in a direction away from the room space, and the flange <NUM> comprises a first flange portion 24a forming part of the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>. Therefore in the embodiment shown in <FIG> the end wall surface <NUM> is formed from the portion extending between the first wall surface and the second wall surface <NUM> and the first flange portion 24a. The embodiment shown in <FIG> further comprises a second flange portion 24b extending from the first flange portion 24a in a direction away from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. A specific embodiment shown in <FIG> is a modular room unit comprising a wall element <NUM> which is formed from a metal thin sheet bent into a form shown in <FIG> or into a similar form, i.e. a wall element having a flange comprising a first flange portion forming most of the end wall surface of the wall element while a small portion of the end wall surface of the wall element is formed from the thin sheet thickness between the first wall surface <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM>.

The wall element <NUM> is arranged on the base slab <NUM> such that the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> is arranged on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> the second flange portion 24b is arranged to extend from the first flange portion 24a in a direction away from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. The modular room unit further comprises a connecting element <NUM> connecting the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> together. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> the connecting element <NUM> is connected to the second flange portion 24b and to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> and a waterproof layer <NUM> in a modular room unit <NUM> according to the invention. The waterproof layer <NUM> is provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the waterproof layer <NUM> is also provided between the end surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. This means that the waterproof layer <NUM> is a uniform layer which extends on the top surface of the base slab <NUM> and also in the area under the wall element <NUM> which is provided on the top surface of the base slab. The waterproof layer <NUM> is in other words provided between the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element having a first flange portion 24a and the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>.

The connecting element <NUM> is connected to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> through fixing means <NUM>, such as screws, such that the connecting element <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> form together a trough-like structure. The connecting element <NUM> comprises a first connecting element surface <NUM> and a second connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the first connecting element surface <NUM>. The first connecting element surface <NUM> is connected to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> so that the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and the waterproof layer <NUM> provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> remain unbreakable. The connecting element <NUM> is further connected to the second flange portion 24b of the wall element <NUM> such that the second connecting element surface <NUM> is facing away from the modular room unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> in a modular room unit <NUM> not falling in the scope of the invention, connecting the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> together. The connecting element <NUM> is connected to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> through fixing means <NUM> such as screws. The end surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> is placed against the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the wall element <NUM> is on the base slab <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> thereby forms part of the outer surface of the modular room unit <NUM>. In other words, the connecting element <NUM> is connected to the base slab <NUM> such that the connecting element <NUM> is arranged to form a projection from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> in a direction away from the base slab <NUM> at the edge of the top surface <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> and a waterproof layer <NUM> in a modular room unit <NUM> according to the invention. The waterproof layer <NUM> is provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the waterproof layer <NUM> is provided between the end surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> is connected to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> through fixing means <NUM>, such as screws, such that the connecting element <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> form together a trough-like structure. The trough-like structure allows the waterproof layer <NUM> to be provided as a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>, i.e. between the connecting element <NUM> and the wall element <NUM>. In more detailed, the connecting element <NUM> comprises a first connecting element surface <NUM> and a second connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the first connecting element surface <NUM>. The first connecting element surface <NUM> is connected to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> so that the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and the waterproof layer <NUM> provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> remain unbreakable. Since the connecting element <NUM> is attached to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>, a trough-like structure is formed, whereby the waterproof layer <NUM> can be provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and the first connecting element surface <NUM> which protrudes from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> as a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> to the first connecting element surface <NUM> of the connecting element <NUM> extending transversely to the base slab <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> is further connected to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> such that the second connecting element surface <NUM> is facing away from the modular room unit <NUM>. The waterproof layer <NUM> is thereby provided between the first connecting element surface <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>. In other words, the modular room unit <NUM> further comprises a waterproof layer <NUM> provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the waterproof layer <NUM> is arranged to extend on the top surface of the base slab <NUM> and between the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> for providing a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> to the top surface of the base slab <NUM> and between the base slab <NUM> and the end wall <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>. In other words, the waterproof layer <NUM> is further arranged to extend between the connecting element <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> for providing a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> to the second wall surface <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> or specifically as shown in <FIG> the waterproof layer <NUM> is further arranged to extend between the first connecting element surface <NUM> of the connecting element <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> for providing a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> to the second wall surface <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>.

The waterproof layer <NUM> is a separate uniform waterproof layer. The separate uniform waterproof layer <NUM> is arranged to extend on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and seamlessly to at least one direction transverse to the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. For example, a portion <NUM> of the separate uniform waterproof layer <NUM> extends to a direction transverse to the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> the connecting element <NUM> is arranged to form part of the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element and part of the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a modular room unit <NUM> not falling in the scope of the invention. <FIG> shows that the top surface <NUM> of the base slab forms the floor of the modular room unit <NUM> and the wall elements <NUM> are arranged on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab. In this embodiment the wall elements <NUM> surround the base slab such that the wall elements <NUM> are provided at the edges of the top surface <NUM> of the base slab similarly as in <FIG>. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the wall elements <NUM> are provided at the edges of the top surface <NUM> but the wall elements <NUM> can be provided also elsewhere on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. The wall elements <NUM> have an second wall surface <NUM> facing away from the modular room unit <NUM> and an first wall surface <NUM> facing toward the room space within the modular room unit <NUM>. <FIG> further shows a connecting element <NUM> arranged to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and to the base slab for connecting the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> together.

<FIG> shows the modular room unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> as a sectional side view along the line C-C in <FIG> shows the base slab <NUM> forming a bottom of the modular room unit <NUM>. The base slab has a top surface <NUM> forming the floor of the room space of the modular room unit <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM> opposite to the top surface <NUM> and a side surface <NUM> extending between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> and extending transversely to the top surface <NUM>. The side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> forms part of an outer surface of the modular room unit <NUM>. The side walls <NUM> of the modular room unit <NUM> comprise an first wall surface <NUM>, an second wall surface <NUM> and an end wall surface <NUM> extending between the second wall surface <NUM> and the first wall surface <NUM>. The end wall surface <NUM> forms the end edge of the wall element <NUM>. The wall elements <NUM> are provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> faces toward the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. The end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> is against the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that there may be at least one layer waterproofing and/or sealing or like between the end wall surface <NUM> and the top surface <NUM>. <FIG> shows with dotted line an embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> which is provided on the outer surface of the modular room unit <NUM> such that the connecting element <NUM> is connected to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and to the base slab <NUM> for connecting the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> together. <FIG> and <FIG> show in more detail embodiments of the connecting element <NUM> in the modular room unit <NUM> between the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> shown in <FIG> with a circle D.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> in a modular room unit <NUM> not falling in the scope of the invention, connecting the base slab <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> together. The connecting element <NUM> is connected to the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> through fixing means <NUM> such as screws and to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>. The end surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> is placed against the part of the connecting element <NUM> which is provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the wall element <NUM> is on the base slab <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> forms in this embodiment part of the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> but not part of the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. In other words, the connecting element <NUM> is connected to the base slab <NUM> such that the connecting element <NUM> is arranged to form a projection from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> in a direction away from the base slab <NUM>, which the projection is preferably the part of the connecting element <NUM> which is connected to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> and a waterproof layer <NUM> in a modular room unit <NUM> not falling in the scope of the invention. The connecting element <NUM> comprises a first connecting element surface <NUM> and a second connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the first connecting element surface <NUM>. The first connecting element surface <NUM> is connected to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> such that the second connecting element surface <NUM> is facing away from the modular room unit <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> further comprises a third connecting element surface <NUM> and a fourth connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the third connecting element surface <NUM>, said third and fourth connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are transverse to the first and second connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and the third connecting element surface <NUM> is connected to the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the fourth connecting element surface <NUM> is facing toward the end wall surface <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> is connected to the side wall <NUM> and to the base slab <NUM> with fixing means <NUM> such as screws. The modular room unit <NUM> further comprises a waterproof layer <NUM> provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the waterproof layer <NUM> is arranged to extend on the top surface of the base slab <NUM> and on the fourth connecting element surface <NUM> of the connecting element <NUM> for providing a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> to the top surface of the base slab <NUM> and between the connecting element <NUM> and the end wall <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>.

The waterproof layer <NUM> is further arranged to extend between the connecting element <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> for providing a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> to the second wall surface <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. Since the connecting element <NUM> comprises a first connecting element surface <NUM> facing toward the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>, the waterproof layer <NUM> is further arranged to extend between the first connecting element surface <NUM> of the connecting element <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> for providing a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> through the fourth connecting element surface <NUM> of the connecting element <NUM> to the second wall surface <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>.

The waterproof layer <NUM> is a separate uniform waterproof layer. The separate uniform waterproof layer <NUM> is arranged to extend on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and seamlessly to at least one direction transverse to the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. For example, a portion <NUM> of the separate uniform waterproof layer <NUM> extends to a direction transverse to the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the connecting element <NUM> is arranged to form part of the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element but not part of the side surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the modular room unit not falling in the scope of the invention, in which the connecting element <NUM> is connected to the base slab <NUM> such that part of the connecting element <NUM> is arranged inside the base slab <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> is in this embodiment of the modular room unit an angle iron type of connection element having a first connecting element surface <NUM>, a second connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the first connecting element surface <NUM>, a third connecting element surface <NUM> and a fourth connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the third connecting element surface <NUM>. The third and fourth connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are transverse to the first and second connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The third and fourth connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged within the base slab <NUM>, preferably during manufacturing the base slab. For example, if the base slab <NUM> is concrete, the connecting element <NUM> is provided in the concrete such that the third and fourth connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are within the base slab and part of the first and second connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are outside the base slab, i.e. part of the connecting element protrudes from the base slab such that the first connecting element surface <NUM> can be connected to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> the connecting element is connected to the base slab through a connection formed between materials, i.e. concrete or other mouldable material that solidifies around the part of the connection element <NUM> provided within the material.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the connection not falling in the scope of the invention provided between a base slab and a wall element as shown in <FIG> in which a waterproof layer <NUM> is provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> such that the waterproof layer <NUM> extends also between the end wall of the wall element <NUM> and the top surface of the base slab <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment not falling in the scope of the invention in which the wall element <NUM> is according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, i.e. the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> is arranged to extend further than just between the first wall surface <NUM> and the second wall surface <NUM> such that the wall element <NUM> comprises a flange <NUM> extending in a direction away from the room space, and the flange <NUM> comprises a first flange portion 24a forming part of the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>. Therefore the end wall surface <NUM> is formed from the portion extending between the first wall surface and the second wall surface <NUM> and the first flange portion 24a. The connection element <NUM> is provided within the base slab <NUM> as shown in the embodiment described in connection with <FIG>, i.e. the third and fourth connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged within the base slab <NUM> and the first connecting element surface <NUM> is provided against the second flange portion 24b which are connected together through fixing means <NUM>, such as screws or other mechanical connecting elements. A waterproof layer <NUM> is provided on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and also between the end wall <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and the top surface of the base slab <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a modular room unit not falling in the scope of the invention in which the wall element <NUM> comprises a flange extending in a direction away from the room space, the flange <NUM> comprising a first flange portion 24a forming part of the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM>. The connection element <NUM> comprises a first connecting element surface <NUM> and a second connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the first connecting element surface <NUM>, a third connecting element surface <NUM> and a fourth connecting element surface <NUM> opposite to the third connecting element surface <NUM>. The third and fourth connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are transverse to the first and second connecting element surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The third connecting element surface <NUM> is connected to the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and the first flange portion 24a forming most of the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> is provided on the fourth connecting element surface <NUM> such that the wall element <NUM> is provided on the base slab <NUM>. The first connecting element surface <NUM> of the connecting element <NUM> is provided against the second flange portion 24b and they are connected together for connecting the wall element <NUM> to the base slab <NUM>.

<FIG> shows yet another embodiment of a connecting element <NUM> and a waterproof layer <NUM> in a modular room unit <NUM> not falling in the scope of the invention. In this embodiment the base slab <NUM> is provided such that the top surface <NUM> of the base slab has a slope for example for advancing discharging of water toward a drainage. The slope angle is marked in the <FIG> with α. In this embodiment the connecting element <NUM> is attached to the side surface <NUM> of the base slab and to the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> with fixing means <NUM> such as screws so that the slope of the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> does not affect to the fixing the wall element <NUM> and the base slab <NUM> with the connection element <NUM>. The waterproof layer <NUM> is provided as a uniform waterproof layer <NUM> on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab and from the top surface of the base slab <NUM> to the area between the second wall surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and the connecting element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows yet another embodiment of a modular room unit not falling in the scope of the invention in which the connecting element <NUM> comprises a first connecting element portion 30a having a first connecting element surface <NUM> and a second connecting element surface <NUM> and a second connecting element portion 30b having a third connecting element surface <NUM> and a fourth connecting element surface <NUM>. The second connecting element portion 30b is provided under the base slab <NUM> such that the fourth connecting element surface <NUM> is arranged against the bottom surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>. The second connecting element portion 30b is connected to the base slab <NUM> preferably through a mechanical connection or an adhesive connection. The wall element <NUM> comprises a flange <NUM> extending away from the room space. The first flange portion 24a forms most of the end wall surface <NUM> of the wall element which is provided against the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and the second flange portion 24b is provided against the first connection element surface <NUM> of the connection element <NUM>. The connection element <NUM> and the wall element <NUM> are preferably connected together through fixing means, preferably mechanical connecting elements such as screws. Although <FIG> does not show a waterproof layer <NUM> on the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM> and between the end surface <NUM> of the wall element <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the base slab <NUM>, there may also be a waterproof layer if necessary.

Claim 1:
A modular room unit (<NUM>) forming a room space, the modular room unit (<NUM>) comprises:
a base slab (<NUM>) forming a bottom of the modular room unit (<NUM>), the base slab (<NUM>) having a top surface (<NUM>) facing toward the room space, and a side surface (<NUM>) extending transversely to the top surface (<NUM>) in a direction away from the room space,
a wall element (<NUM>) forming at least part of a side wall of the modular room unit (<NUM>), the wall element (<NUM>) having a first wall surface (<NUM>) facing toward the room space, a second wall surface (<NUM>) opposite to the first wall surface (<NUM>) on the other side of the wall element (<NUM>), and an end wall surface (<NUM>) which is arranged to extend at least between the first wall surface (<NUM>) and the second wall surface (<NUM>), the wall element (<NUM>) being arranged on the base slab (<NUM>) such that the end wall surface (<NUM>) of the wall element (<NUM>) is arranged on the top surface (<NUM>) of the base slab (<NUM>), and
a waterproof layer (<NUM>) provided on the top surface (<NUM>) of the base slab (<NUM>) such that the waterproof layer (<NUM>) is arranged to extend on the top surface of the base slab (<NUM>) and between the top surface (<NUM>) of the base slab (<NUM>) and the end wall surface (<NUM>) of the wall element (<NUM>) for providing a uniform waterproof layer (<NUM>) to the top surface of the base slab (<NUM>) and between the base slab (<NUM>) and the end wall (<NUM>) of the wall element (<NUM>); and
wherein the wall element (<NUM>) is formed from a metal thin sheet having a flange (<NUM>) extending in a direction away from the room space;
characterized in that
the flange (<NUM>) comprises a first flange portion (24a) which forms part of the end wall surface (<NUM>) of the wall element (<NUM>) and a second flange portion (24b) extending from the first flange portion (24a) in a direction away from the top surface (<NUM>) of the base slab (<NUM>),
the modular room unit (<NUM>) further comprises a connecting element (<NUM>) connecting the base slab (<NUM>) and the wall element (<NUM>) together, the connecting element (<NUM>) is connected to the second flange portion (24b) and to the side surface (<NUM>) of the base slab (<NUM>).