Patent Description:
When constructing a building structure, it is known to achieve the appearance of a traditional brickwork wall using profiled brick slips mounted onto an underlying structural frame of the building to cover an internal or external wall surface. Brick slips are traditionally manufactured either via an extrusion process, or are cut from a traditionally manufactured brick, and an array of said brick slips are typically mounted to a building component (e.g. a lintel or wall panel) so as to provide a traditional 'brick' wall finish.

One method of covering a wall surface is to mount the brick slips directly onto the wall surface, e.g. using an adhesive. Whilst adhesively mounting is relatively simple, the bond between the brick slips and the wall structure may not be sufficient. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a covering for a building component.

The present teachings seek to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

A first aspect of the teachings provides a cladding assembly for a building structure, the cladding assembly comprising: a building component comprising an aperture; at least one cladding element; and a mounting arrangement for attaching the at least one cladding element to the building component, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a fastener assembly comprising a first fastening member in the form of a sleeve comprising a groove on an external surface thereof, said groove receiving an edge of the aperture therein to mount the first fastening member to the building component and a second fastening member configured to releasably engage the first fastening member, and wherein, in use, the second fastening member engages the first fastening member and the cladding element to attach said cladding element to a building component.

Providing an external groove on the first fastening member, i.e. on the fastening sleeve, enables the first fastening member to engage the slot so as to facilitate positioning and fitting of the first fastening member on the building component.

When the second fastening member engages the first fastening member, the fastener assembly is configured and arranged to engage the cladding element to attach said cladding element to the building component.

The fastener assembly is configured to apply a compressive force to the cladding element towards the building component so as to form a mechanical fixing therebetween. Put another way, the fastener assembly is configured to urge the cladding element onto the building component. This arrangement has been found to provide an improved mechanical fixing arrangement to secure the cladding element to the building component.

Providing a first fastening member that is mounted onto the building component enables an operator to attach the second fastening member onto the first fastening member (i.e. onto the building component) without requiring operator access behind the building component. This arrangement has been found to facilitate the construction of a cladding assembly by enabling the fastener assembly (and so the cladding elements) to be secured to the building component from in front of a building structure.

The first fastening member may be configured to be releasably mounted on the building component.

This arrangement has been found to facilitate the construction of a cladding assembly by only requiring an operator to mount the first fastening members in the desired locations. This, in turn, enables the fastener assemblies to be positioned to accommodate different sized cladding elements on the building component.

The fastener assembly may be provided as a removable sub-assembly of the cladding assembly.

Providing the fastener assemblies as sub-assemblies of the building component has advantageously been found to facilitate assembly of the cladding assembly.

The first and second fastening members may each comprise corresponding threaded surfaces, and wherein the first and second fastening members may be configured and arranged to engage via said threaded surfaces.

Providing the first and second fastening members as threaded fasteners has been found to further facilitate in the mounting of cladding elements onto the building component.

In one arrangement, the first fastening member is a female fastener comprising an internal threaded surface and the second fastening member is a male fastener, e.g. a bolt or screw.

The first fastening member may be a female fastener, e.g. in the form of a sleeve, comprising an internal threaded surface, and the second fastening member may be a male fastener, e.g. a bolt or screw, comprising an external threaded surface.

The cladding assembly may comprise first and second cladding elements arranged adjacent to each other on the building component. When the second fastening member engages the first fastening member, the fastener assembly may be configured and arranged to engage the first and second cladding elements to attach said first and second cladding elements to the building component.

The first fastening member may be at least partially interposed between the first and second cladding elements.

In this way, the fastener member sets a minimum separation between adjacent cladding elements on the building component. This advantageously helps to ensure the spacing between adjacent cladding elements is able to receive a sufficient volume of mortar.

Opposing edge faces of the first and second cladding elements may be arranged to abut against the first fastening member.

Advantageously, in this way the external diameter of the first fastening member determines the spacing between adjacent cladding elements. This helps to ensure consistent placement of cladding elements over the building component.

The building component may comprise an aperture therein, and the first fastening member may be configured to be mounted in the aperture.

This has been found to facilitate assembly of the cladding assembly by providing a straightforward way in which to mount the first fastening member to the building component.

The first fastening member may be moveable in the aperture between a first position in which the first fastening member is removable from the building component and a second position in which the first fastening member is secured to the building component.

The first aperture position may comprise an enlarged opening of the aperture into which the first fastening member is insertable, and the second aperture position may comprise a reduced diameter slot extending from the enlarged opening.

In this way, the aperture of the building component works as a keyhole having a first part/region into which the first fastening member can be inserted/removed, and a second part/region in which the first fastening member cannot be inserted or removed. This has been found to facilitate removably mounting the first fastening member to the building component.

The first fastening member may comprise a pair of opposing grooves on the external surface thereof, said grooves may be configured to receive opposing edges of the aperture therein to mount the first fastening member to the building component. The grooves may define a reduced diameter region of the first fastening member.

Providing a pair of opposing grooves on the first fastening member, i.e. on the fastening sleeve, further aids alignment and fitting of the first fastening member on the building component.

The opening may be dimensioned to have a diameter equal to or greater than an external diameter of the first fastening member. The slot may be dimensioned to have a diameter equal to or greater than the reduced diameter region of the first fastening member formed by the groove(s) and/or less than an external diameter of the first fastening member.

The first aperture position may comprise an enlarged opening of the aperture into which the first fastening member is insertable, and the second aperture position may comprise a reduced diameter slot extending from the enlarged opening. The opening may be dimensioned to have a diameter equal to or greater than an external diameter of the first fastening member. The slot may be dimensioned to have a diameter less than an external diameter of the first fastening member and equal to or greater than a reduced diameter region defined by the groove or grooves.

Each cladding element may comprise an outer surface distal to the building component, an inner surface proximate to the building component, and four edge faces extending therebetween.

Each cladding element may comprise an abutment surface on or near an edge face, e.g. in the form of one or more of an opening, channel, groove, recess or shoulder.

The second fastening member may comprise a flanged projection arranged to engage the abutment surface to attach the cladding element to the building component.

The flanged projection may comprise a circular or rectangular washer mounted to the second fastening member.

The cladding element may comprise an abutment surface on or near two opposing edge faces of the cladding element.

The cladding element may comprise an abutment surface on each edge face thereof.

The use of multiple abutment surfaces enables the cladding element to be mechanically secured to the building component at multiple points. This further secures the cladding element to the building component, thus improving the robustness of the cladding assembly.

The mounting arrangement may comprise an end bracket removably attached proximate an edge of the building component. The end bracket may be configured and arranged to engage the cladding element to attach said cladding element to the building component.

The end bracket may be provided as a substantially L-shaped bracket.

The end bracket provides a terminal support for engaging with cladding elements located at the peripheral edge of an area of cladding. In this way, the end bracket ensures that an outer cladding element is still sufficiently secured to the cladding assembly, thus improving the robustness of the cladding assembly.

The building component may comprise a return arm extending away from, e.g. perpendicularly away from, the edge of the building component, and the end bracket may be removably secured to said return arm.

The return arm helps to increase the structural strength of the building component and so improves the robustness of the cladding assembly. This in turn helps to improve the mechanical attachment of the end bracket, and so the cladding element, to the building component.

The cladding assembly may comprise a substantially L-shaped cladding element arranged to extend around a corner region of the building component.

The cladding assembly may comprise an alignment arrangement for aligning the L-shaped cladding element onto the building component.

This arrangement facilitates assembly of the cover elements, and so aids in the construction of the cladding assembly.

The alignment arrangement may comprise a projection extending from the building component that is received in a corresponding recess in the L-shaped cladding element.

The cladding element may be a brick slip (e.g. comprising clay), a masonry slip (e.g. comprising natural or cast stone), a ceramic tile, a wooden tile, or a concrete tile.

The building component may be a lintel or a cladding frame.

Each cladding element may be attached to the building component by one or more adhesives.

A second aspect of the teachings provides a kit of parts for a cladding assembly, the kit of parts comprising: at least one cladding element; and a mounting arrangement for attaching the at least one cladding element to a building component comprising an aperture, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a fastener assembly comprising a first fastening member in the form of a sleeve comprising a groove on an external surface thereof, said groove receiving an edge of the aperture therein to mount the first fastening member to the building component and a second fastening member configured to releasably engage the first fastening member, and wherein, in use, the second fastening member engages the first fastening member and the cladding element to attach said cladding element to a building component.

A third aspect of the teachings provides a fastener assembly for attaching a cladding element to a building component, the fastener assembly comprising: a first fastening member in the form of a sleeve comprising a groove on an external surface thereof and configured to be mountable onto a building component; and a second fastening member configured to releasably engage the first fastening member, wherein, in use, the second fastening member engages the first fastening member and a cladding element to attach said cladding element to a building component.

When the first fastening member is mounted on a building component and the second fastening member engages the first fastening member, the second fastening member is configured to engage a cladding element to attach said cladding element to the building component.

The fastener assembly may be configured and arranged to engage the first and second cladding elements to attach said first and second cladding elements to the building component.

The first fastening member may comprise a groove on an external surface thereof, said groove may be configured to receive an edge of the aperture therein to mount the first fastening member to the building component. The groove may define a reduced diameter region of the first fastening member.

A fourth aspect of the teachings provides a building structure comprising: a wall defining a surface; and a cladding assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the cladding assembly at least partially covers the surface of the wall.

A fifth aspect of the teachings provides a method of assembling a cladding assembly, the method comprising the steps of: mounting a first fastening member to a building component; engaging a cladding element with a second fastening member; engaging the first fastening member with the second fastening member so as to attach the cladding element to the building component.

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring firstly to <FIG>, <FIG>, a cladding assembly is illustrated and is indicated generally at <NUM>. The cladding assembly <NUM> is intended to be installed on a building structure (not shown) so as to at least partially cover one or more surfaces of the building structure.

The cladding assembly <NUM> includes a building component <NUM> that is intended to be mounted to, or installed on, a building structure. In the illustrated arrangement, the building component <NUM> is a lintel, for example for a doorway, archway, window opening, or a panel etc.. The lintel <NUM> includes a front surface <NUM> and a lower surface, or soffit, <NUM>. In alternative arrangements, the building component may be a panel of a building structure, for example the building component <NUM> may be a cladding frame.

The cladding assembly <NUM> includes an array of cladding elements <NUM> covering the surfaces of the building component <NUM>. In the illustrated arrangement, the cladding elements <NUM> covering the lower surface <NUM> of the building component <NUM> are underslung or overhanging cladding elements <NUM>. Thus, the cladding assembly <NUM> incudes a series or underslung or overhanging cladding elements <NUM>.

The cladding element <NUM> is a brick slip, for example formed from clay, but it will be understood that alternative cladding elements such as a masonry slip (e.g. comprising natural or cast stone), a ceramic tile, a wooden tile, or a concrete tile may be used.

A first cladding element <NUM> of the cladding elements <NUM> is substantially rectangular in front view. The first cladding element <NUM> is substantially cuboid. A series of the first cladding elements <NUM> are positioned over the front <NUM> surface of the building product. A series of first cladding elements <NUM> are positioned over the lower surface <NUM> of the building component <NUM> so as to be underslung or overhanging.

A second cladding element <NUM> of the cladding elements <NUM> is substantially L-shaped in cross-section. A series of the second cladding elements <NUM> are arranged along the elongate length of the building component <NUM>. The second cladding elements are arranged to extend around a corner region of the building component <NUM> between the front and lower surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the building component <NUM>. It will be understood than in some arrangements, e.g. when the building component is substantially flat panel or frame, the second cladding elements <NUM> may not be provided on the cladding assembly <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a mounting arrangement is provided to attach the cladding elements <NUM> to the building component <NUM>. The mounting arrangement includes an array of fastener assemblies <NUM>. Each fastener assembly <NUM> engages the building component <NUM> and at least one cladding element <NUM> so as to attach said cladding element <NUM> to the building component <NUM>.

Each cladding element <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM> distal to the building component <NUM>, an inner surface <NUM> proximate to the building component <NUM>, and four edge faces <NUM> extending between said inner and outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. Each cladding element <NUM> includes a surface, e.g. an abutment surface, <NUM> against which a part of the fastener assembly <NUM> abuts or engages so as to apply a force to said cladding element <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment surface <NUM> is formed by a recessed channel <NUM> in an edge face <NUM> of the cladding element <NUM>. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the abutment surface <NUM> may be formed by an opening, groove, recess or shoulder that is positioned on or adjacent to an edge face <NUM> of the cladding element <NUM>. The cladding element <NUM> is provided with an abutment surface <NUM> on each of the four edge faces <NUM> thereof. In the illustrated arrangement, the abutment surfaces extend substantially around an entirety of the perimeter of the cladding element <NUM>. In alternative arrangements, the cladding element <NUM> may only include abutment surfaces <NUM> on two edge faces <NUM>, e.g. two opposing edge face <NUM>. It will be understood that the abutment surface <NUM> may extend along a part of the respective edge face <NUM> of the cladding element <NUM> or may extend substantially along an entirety of the said edge face <NUM> (e.g. to extend substantially around the perimeter of the cladding element <NUM>).

The fastener assembly <NUM> includes a first fastening member <NUM> that is able to be mounted onto the building component <NUM>. The fastener assembly <NUM> includes a second fastening member <NUM> that is able to releasably engage the first fastening member <NUM>. A part of the fastener assembly <NUM> abuts against the cladding element <NUM> to mount the cladding element <NUM> to the building component <NUM>.

When the first fastening member <NUM> is mounted on the building component <NUM>, and the first and second fastening members <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged, the second fastening member <NUM> is configured and arranged to engage the cladding element <NUM> to attach said cladding element <NUM> to the building component <NUM>. In this way, the fastener assembly <NUM> applies a force, e.g. a compressive force, to the cladding element <NUM> towards the building component <NUM> to form a mechanical fixing therebetween. Put another way, the fastener assembly <NUM> urges the cladding element <NUM> onto the building component <NUM> to mount said cladding element <NUM> to the building component <NUM>.

The fastener assembly <NUM> includes a flanged projection <NUM> that is arranged to engage the abutment surface <NUM> of the cladding member <NUM>. The flanged projection <NUM> extends from the second fastening member <NUM>. In the illustrated arrangement, the flanged projection <NUM> is provided in the form of a washer that is positioned on, or mounted to, the second fastening member <NUM>. The second fastening member <NUM> includes an enlarged head portion <NUM> at a distal end thereof that the washer <NUM> abuts against. It will be understood that the flanged projection <NUM> may be circular, square, rectangular or any other suitable shape. Although the flanged projection has been described as being separate from the second fastening member <NUM>, it will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements the flanged projection <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second fastening member <NUM>.

As discussed above, the second fastening member <NUM> is able to engage, or to be secured to, the first fastening member <NUM>. The first and second fastening members <NUM>, <NUM> may be threaded fasteners. In the illustrated arrangement, the first fastening member <NUM> is a female threaded fastener and the second fastening member <NUM> is a male fastening member. In alternative arrangements, different fastening configurations may be provided such as a push-fit locking configuration, but it will be appreciated that any suitable arrangement may be used.

The first fastening member <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> therethrough and includes an internal threaded surface along said opening <NUM>. Put another way, the first fastening member <NUM> is a fastening sleeve. In the illustrated arrangement, the second fastening member <NUM> is a bolt or a screw having an external threaded surface. It will be understood that as the first fastening member <NUM> is screwed into the second fastening member <NUM>, the force applied to the cladding element <NUM> by the fastener assembly <NUM>, in use, is increased. Whilst the first and second fastening members <NUM>, <NUM> have been described as being female and male fasteners, respectively, it will be appreciated that the first fastening member <NUM> may be a male fastener and the second fastening member <NUM> may be a female fastener or sleeve fastener.

As is illustrated, adjacent cladding elements <NUM> are positioned on the building component <NUM> such that the abutment surfaces <NUM> of the opposing edge faces <NUM> are substantially co-planar. The flanged projection <NUM> of the fastener assembly <NUM> is substantially planar and extends into the recessed channels <NUM> of each cladding element to abut against and engage the respective abutment surfaces <NUM>. In this way, the fastener assembly <NUM>, e.g. via the second fastening member <NUM>, engages the first and second cladding elements <NUM> to attach said first and second cladding elements <NUM> to the building component <NUM>.

In the illustrated arrangement, the recessed channels <NUM> extend inwardly along an axis that is parallel to both the inner and outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the cladding element <NUM>. In alternative arrangements, it will be understood that the recessed channels <NUM> may have a non-rectangular cross-sectional profile such that the abutment surfaces <NUM> are not co-planar (e.g. each abutment surface <NUM> may be inclined or curved), and the flanged projection <NUM> of the fastener assembly <NUM> may be shaped to conform to the profile of the abutment surface <NUM>.

When the cladding assembly <NUM> is assembled, a part of the first fastening member <NUM> projects forwardly from the building component <NUM>. Put another way, when the cladding assembly <NUM> is assembled, the first fastening member is at least partially positioned between (i.e. at least partially interposed between) the adjacent cladding elements <NUM>. The opposing edge faces <NUM> of the adjacent cladding elements <NUM> are arranged to abut against opposing surfaces of the first fastening member <NUM>. In this way, the width of the first fastener member <NUM> sets the separation between adjacent cladding elements <NUM>, which helps to ensure a consistent spacing of cladding elements <NUM> over the building component <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastener assembly <NUM> is configured to be removably mounted on the building component <NUM>.

The fastener assembly <NUM> enables an operator to mount the first fastening member <NUM> to the building component <NUM>, to position the cladding elements <NUM> on the building component <NUM>, to engage the flanged projection <NUM> on the cladding elements <NUM>, and to secure the second fastening member <NUM> to the first fastening member <NUM>. This arrangement enables the second fastening member <NUM> to be secured to the first fastening member <NUM>, e.g. to secure a cladding element <NUM> to the building component <NUM>, without requiring operator access behind the surface of the building component <NUM>.

Providing a fastening assembly <NUM> that can be selectively attached to the building component <NUM> enables an operator to only mount fasteners assemblies <NUM> to the building component <NUM> at desired locations, which, in turn, may enable an operator to mount different sized cladding elements <NUM> to the building component <NUM> (e.g. by omitting certain fastener assemblies).

The first fastening member <NUM> is configured to be releasably and removably mounted on the building component <NUM>. In the arrangement shown, the first fastening member <NUM> is configured to be mounted in an aperture <NUM> in the building component <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> in the building component <NUM> includes an enlarged opening <NUM> and a reduced diameter elongate slot <NUM> extending from the opening <NUM>. Put another way, the aperture <NUM> is keyhole-shaped.

The opening <NUM> is dimensioned to have a diameter equal to or greater than the external diameter of the first fastening member <NUM>. Put another way, the opening <NUM> is dimensioned such that the first fastening member <NUM> is able to be inserted therein. In the arrangement shown, the first fastening member <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical sleeve and the opening <NUM> is substantially circular. The substantially circular opening <NUM> has a greater diameter than the external diameter of the substantially cylindrical fastener <NUM>. In arrangements where the first fastening member <NUM> is non-circular in cross-section, it will be understood that the opening <NUM> will be dimensioned such that the first fastening member <NUM> is able to be inserted into said opening <NUM>.

The first fastening member <NUM> is moveable in the aperture <NUM> between a first position, e.g. in the enlarged opening <NUM>, in which the first fastening member <NUM> is able to be removed from the building component <NUM> and a second position, e.g. in the reduced diameter slot <NUM>, in which the first fastening member <NUM> is secured to the building component <NUM>. Put another way, the first fastening member <NUM> is moveable in the aperture <NUM> between a first position, e.g. in the enlarged opening <NUM>, in which the first fastening member <NUM> is able to be moved in a direction away from (e.g. perpendicularly away from) the surface of the building component <NUM>, and a second position, e.g. in the reduced diameter slot <NUM>, in which the first fastening member <NUM> cannot be moved away from the surface of the building component <NUM>. In this way, the aperture <NUM> of the building component <NUM> works as a keyhole having a first part into which the first fastening member can be inserted/removed, and a second part in which the first fastening member cannot be inserted or removed.

The first fastening member <NUM> includes a pair of opposing external grooves <NUM>. Each groove <NUM> is configured to receive a side edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> therein to mount the first fastening member <NUM> to the building component <NUM>. In some alternative arrangements, the first fastening member <NUM> may only include a single external groove <NUM> and so will only receive and engage a single side edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. The external grooves work to provide a region of the first fastening member <NUM> having a reduced external diameter. The grooves or slots <NUM> work to engage the edge or opposing edges of the aperture <NUM> when the first fastening member <NUM> is in the second position so as to secure the first fastening member <NUM> to the building component <NUM>.

The elongate slot <NUM> is dimensioned to have a diameter equal to or greater than the external diameter of the reduced diameter region of the first fastening member <NUM>. Put another way, the elongate slot <NUM> is dimensioned such that the first fastening member <NUM> is able to slide therealong via the grooves <NUM>.

The arrangement of the fastener assembly <NUM> described above provides the fastener assembly <NUM> as a removable sub-assembly of the cladding assembly. This enables the fastener assembly <NUM> to be assembled prior to being installed on the cladding assembly <NUM>, to facilitate construction of the cladding assembly <NUM> on a building site.

Referring now to <FIG>, a fastener assembly <NUM> is positioned at opposing sides of an L-shaped cladding element <NUM>. Each fastener assembly <NUM> is interposed between the L-shaped cladding element <NUM> and the adjacent cladding element <NUM>.

The mounting arrangement includes an end bracket <NUM>. The end bracket <NUM> is used as a terminal support for engaging with abutment surfaces <NUM> of cladding elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> located at the peripheral edge of an area of cladding (e.g. along an edge of the building component <NUM>). The end bracket <NUM> is removably attached along an edge of the building component <NUM>.

The end bracket <NUM> is configured and arranged to engage a peripheral cladding element <NUM> to attach said cladding element <NUM> to the building component <NUM>. Put another way, the end bracket <NUM> engages an abutment surface <NUM> of a peripheral cladding element <NUM> so as to attach said cladding element <NUM> to the building component <NUM>.

The end bracket <NUM> is provided as a substantially L-shaped bracket. The substantially L-shaped bracket <NUM> is configured and arranged so as to effectively clamp a part of a cladding element <NUM> onto the building component <NUM>. In the illustrated arrangement, the end bracket <NUM> is mounted to a return arm or mounting flange <NUM> of the building component <NUM>. The return arm <NUM> extends away from (e.g. perpendicularly away from) the peripheral edge of the building component <NUM>. In this way, the return arm <NUM> acts as a stiffening configuration of the building component <NUM> which helps to increase the structural strength of the building component <NUM> and so improves the robustness of the cladding assembly <NUM>. This, in turn, helps to improve the attachment of peripheral cladding elements <NUM> to the building component <NUM>.

The cladding assembly <NUM> includes an alignment arrangement for aligning the L-shaped cladding elements <NUM> onto the building component <NUM>. The alignment arrangement forms part of the mounting arrangement of the cladding assembly <NUM>. The alignment arrangement is provided in the form of complementary features on the cladding element <NUM> and the building component <NUM>.

In the illustrated arrangement, a projection <NUM> extending from the building component <NUM>. The projection <NUM>, e.g. a projecting tab or lip, is received in a corresponding recess <NUM> provided on the L-shaped cladding element <NUM>. The alignment arrangement also works to support the cladding element on the building component <NUM>, e.g. whilst the cladding element <NUM> is secured to the building component <NUM> via one or more fastener assemblies <NUM> or end brackets <NUM>. In alternative arrangements, it will be understood that the cladding element may be provided with a projection that is dimensioned to be received in a recess or aperture in the cladding element.

Although it has not been discussed, it will be understood that the cladding elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also be attached to the building component <NUM> using one or more adhesives. The adhesives may be applied between an inner face of the cladding element <NUM> and the building component <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a building structure is illustrated and is indicated generally at <NUM>. The building structure <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> that defines a surface <NUM>. In the illustrated arrangement, the wall surface <NUM> forms part of an archway, for example for a doorway, window opening, or a panel etc.. The cladding assembly <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> is mounted to the building structure <NUM> so as to cover the surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM>.

Although the above discussion has been with reference to a pre-assembled cladding assembly <NUM> or building structure <NUM>, it will be understood that the components described above may be provided in the form of a kit of parts used for attaching an array of cladding elements <NUM> onto a building component <NUM>.

A method of assembling as cladding assembly <NUM>, for example using a kit of parts, will now be described.

The first fastening member <NUM> of the fastener assembly <NUM> is releasably mounted to the building component <NUM>. In the present arrangement, an array of apertures <NUM> are first formed in a surface of the building component <NUM> so as to enable the first fastening member <NUM> to be releasably secured thereto. The aperture <NUM> may be formed having an enlarged opening <NUM> and a reduced diameter elongate slot <NUM> extending from the opening <NUM>.

In the arrangement shown, the first fastening member <NUM> may be inserted into the aperture <NUM> so as to be secured thereto. Mounting the first fastening member <NUM> to the building structure <NUM> may include inserting the first fastening member <NUM> into the enlarged opening <NUM> and sliding said first fastening member <NUM> along the slot <NUM>.

One or more cladding elements <NUM> may then be positioned on the building component <NUM>. The cladding elements <NUM> may be initially be held in place on the surface of the building component <NUM> by an adhesive.

A second fastening member <NUM> then may engage the one or more cladding elements <NUM> and the first fastening member <NUM>. In this way, the fastener assembly <NUM>, in the form of first and second fastening members <NUM>, <NUM>, attach the one or more cladding elements <NUM> onto the building component <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cladding assembly (<NUM>) for a building structure, the cladding assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a building component (<NUM>) comprising an aperture (<NUM>) therein,
at least one cladding element (<NUM>); and
a mounting arrangement for attaching the at least one cladding element (<NUM>) to the building component (<NUM>),
wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a fastener assembly (<NUM>) comprising a first fastening member (<NUM>) in the form of a sleeve (<NUM>) comprising a groove (<NUM>) on an external surface thereof, said groove (<NUM>) receiving an edge of the aperture (<NUM>) therein to mount the first fastening member (<NUM>) to the building component (<NUM>), and a second fastening member (<NUM>) configured to releasably engage the first fastening member (<NUM>), and
wherein, in use, the second fastening member (<NUM>) engages the first fastening member (<NUM>) and the cladding element (<NUM>) to attach said cladding element (<NUM>) to the building component (<NUM>).