Patent Description:
The construction industry is known to have a chronically low level of productivity that has changed very little in the past seventy years. It is thought that the low level of productivity is a consequence of the generally accepted need for bespoke buildings to be developed for particular applications combined with 'tried-and-tested' construction methods.

Bespoke buildings typically take several years to design, construct and validate/qualify which is slow and by implication costly. Furthermore, building designs are also often subject to changes as a project progresses and, in some circumstances, buildings have to be further modified after completion in order to comply with a change in requirements, expansion or cost constraints.

The problem is particularly acute for research and medical facilities which often need to be constructed rapidly and which must be flexible to accommodate changes to their end use. For example, laboratory facilities such as vaccine development facilities, advanced therapy medicinal product facilities and cell and gene therapy facilities are often planned and then initiated very quickly, with a need for them to be constructed and commissioned in several months rather than several years and to be adaptable during and after construction.

In addition, once a building has been constructed, it is typically time consuming and costly to install service networks, such as ventilation systems, piping networks and electrical networks, in the building.

<CIT> describes a room cell for use in the construction of buildings in modular construction. The room cell includes a useful area and at least two separate riser shafts which pass through the room cell from bottom to top.

<CIT> describes a method for constructing habitable installations for floating structures comprising a carrying structure and multiple containers.

<CIT> describes a building including a vertical part, a horizontal part and a connecting part arranged to connect the vertical part with the horizontal part. <CIT> describes a joint structure between two modules of a modular building.

There is a need for a better way of constructing buildings which is rapid, low cost and flexible.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided A modular building construction system for fabricating a facility comprising a plurality of primary function modules, each primary function module configured to house equipment for a primary function; at least one transition module configured to cooperate with at least two of the plurality of primary function modules in order to allow people to move from at least one of the primary function modules to at least one other of the primary function modules via the transition module, and a support module configured to house equipment for supporting the primary function modules and the at least one transition modules, characterised in that each primary function module may be configured to receive at least one preassembled service module comprising at least one of ventilation ducting, an electrical cable tray, and piping for supply of at least one fluid to the primary function module, wherein each primary function module may be configured such that the preassembled service module is mounted at the ceiling of the primary function module.

Equipment for supporting the primary function modules and the at least one transition module is service equipment such as a ventilation and air conditioning system, a fluid source, an electricity source and/or other source of a service which is supplied to one or more of the primary function modules and/or the transition modules to support its function, such as to facilitate habitation or operation, such as operation as a laboratory facility.

Each primary function module may comprise a framework having a plurality of openings and which is configured to provided structural rigidity for the primary function module.

Each primary function module may further comprise panels which attach to the framework and are configured to provide occlude the openings in the framework.

The framework may comprise lateral beams configured such that the preassembled service module is secured to the lateral beams such that it is suspended from the lateral beams.

The primary function module may be configured to be stacked one above the other.

Each primary function module may be a laboratory module.

The support module may be a plant room module configured to house plant machinery.

The plant machinery may comprises a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system may be a once-through heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system having heat recovery.

Each of the primary function modules, the transition module and the support module may be fabricated from uprights, beams and panels having standard dimensions.

The panels may comprise a material certified for a clean-room application.

Each module may have a length not greater than <NUM>, a width not greater than <NUM> and a height not greater than <NUM>.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a facility comprising the modular building construction system of the first aspect of the invention: said at least one transition module connected with at least two of the plurality of primary function modules such that people are able to move from at least one of the primary function modules to at least one other of the primary function modules via the transition module.

The facility may comprise a first floor having at least one primary function module, at least one transition module and at least one support module which houses equipment arranged to support the at least one primary function module and the at least one transition module, and a second floor having at least one primary function module, at least one transition module and at least one support module which houses equipment arranged to support the at least one primary function module and the at least one transition module.

The at least one preassembled service module may be not greater than <NUM> in length.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling a facility comprising the steps: providing a plurality of primary function modules, each primary function module configured to house equipment for a primary function; connecting at least one transition module with at least two of the plurality of primary function modules in order to allow people to move from at least one of the primary function modules to at least one other of the primary function modules via the transition module, and connecting at least one support module configured to house equipment for supporting the primary function modules and the at least one transition modules to at least one of the primary function modules and/or the at least one transition module, characterised in that each primary function module may be configured to receive at least one preassembled service module comprising at least one of ventilation ducting, an electrical cable tray, and piping for supply of at least one fluid to the primary function module, wherein each primary function module may be configured such that the preassembled service module is mounted at the ceiling of the primary function module.

Each of the primary function modules, the at least one transition module and the at least one support module is fabricated remotely from a site at which the facility is assembled, and subsequently transported to the site for assembly with the other of said primary function, transition and support modules.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Certain aspects of the invention provide a modular construction system which allows for a bespoke facility to be designed in a way that significantly reduces design and construction time and costs, but which retains the individuality of design that traditional modular construction systems are unable to provide.

Certain aspects of the invention provide a modular construction system that allow for a significant proportion of construction work to be done offsite (i.e. away from the site at which a facility is located).

Certain aspects of the invention provide a modular construction system that is a hybrid of traditional onsite construction techniques to provide a building structure and offsite manufacturing to provide bespoke facilities in which time to completion and costs are lower than conventional onsite construction techniques.

Certain aspects of the invention provide a versatile modular construction system that allows for a facility to be reconfigured partially or wholly during design, build or subsequent operation rapidly, at low cost and with low impact.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which:.

<FIG> shows a first embodiment of a laboratory facility <NUM> fabricated using a modular building construction system. The laboratory facility <NUM> comprises a plurality of primary function modules in the form of laboratory pods <NUM>, two transition modules in the form of corridor pods <NUM> and two support modules in the form of plant room pods <NUM>.

The laboratory pods <NUM> are arranged in pairs, one above the other. Each pair is arranged adjacent another pair of laboratory pods <NUM>. There are <NUM> laboratory pods <NUM> in total.

The two corridor pods <NUM> are arranged one above the other and are disposed at the ends of the laboratory pods <NUM> and are configured to allow people, such as laboratory staff, to move between the laboratory pods <NUM> via the corridor pods <NUM>. Each corridor pod <NUM> defines a corridor or part of a corridor through which persons can move.

The plant room pods <NUM> are also arranged one above the other and are disposed at the ends of the laboratory pods <NUM> opposite the ends at which the corridor pods <NUM> are disposed. The plant room pods <NUM> are self-contained with easy access at the side of the laboratory facility <NUM>, and can be configured to accommodate plant machinery that supplies selected other pods. This approach can be used to decentralise systems such as ventilation systems which, in turn, can reduce overall energy consumption. Each plant room pod <NUM> provides a room or multiple rooms in which services equipment such as plant machinery, for example a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, may be located.

The facility <NUM> has a lower first floor (i.e. a ground floor) and an upper second floor, each floor having four laboratory pods <NUM> connected by a corresponding corridor pod <NUM>, and a plant room pod <NUM>.

Each floor (i.e. the upper and lower floors) is self-contained in the sense that services are supplied from a plant room pod <NUM> on the same floor. This allows for floors of the facility <NUM> to be repurposed and reconfigured with negligible impact on other floors.

<FIG> shows a laboratory pod <NUM> adjacent a plant room pod <NUM> of <FIG> in isolation. The laboratory pod <NUM> comprises four windows 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d and a door <NUM> at the end that is adjacent the corridor pod <NUM>. The plant room pod <NUM> comprises a door <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, each laboratory pod <NUM> is fabricated from a plurality of beams <NUM>, <NUM>, uprights <NUM> and panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having standard dimensions. That is to say each beam <NUM>, <NUM>, upright <NUM> and panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (only one example of each component has been indicated with a reference sign for clarity) has a dimensions, such as length, width and thicknesses, which are not specific to the laboratory pod <NUM> constructed. The panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of a material certified for a clean-room application and may be resistant to vapourised hydrogen peroxide to allow them to be disinfected using vapourised hydrogen peroxide. Each laboratory pod <NUM> provides a laboratory room in which laboratory equipment may be disposed.

In the embodiment shown, the laboratory pod <NUM> has a length off <NUM> metres (m), a width of <NUM> metres (m) and a height of <NUM> metres (m), and so is configured to a standard size that can be transported using conventional road haulage.

The laboratory pod <NUM> is fabricated from twelve uprights <NUM>, five uprights <NUM> on one side, five uprights <NUM> on the other side, and one additional upright <NUM> at each end. Longitudinal beams <NUM> extend along each side, respectively, both top and bottom. Lateral beams <NUM> extend laterally from each side beam to a central longitudinal beam. The beams <NUM>, <NUM> therefore form an open framework having openings between the beams for receiving the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Ceiling panels <NUM> are provided between the lateral beams <NUM> and the longitudinal beams <NUM>. End panels <NUM> are provided between the uprights <NUM> at the ends of the laboratory pod <NUM>. The door <NUM> is provided in the panel <NUM> on the right hand side as viewed in <FIG>. Windowed panels <NUM> are provided between the uprights <NUM> along each side of the laboratory pod <NUM>. Each windowed panel <NUM> has an elongate window <NUM> provided in it.

<FIG> shows the laboratory facility <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the ceiling panels <NUM> of the laboratory pods <NUM>, corridor pods <NUM>, and plant room pods <NUM> absent. Each laboratory pod <NUM> is provided with a plurality of ceiling mounted service modules <NUM>.

A service module <NUM> is a prefabricated module that may comprise any one or more ventilation ducts, electrical cable trays, lighting connectors, room utilities and piping for delivery of fluids, particularly gases. Each service module <NUM> has a preconfigured arrangement and is configured to occupy a space immediately below a ceiling panel <NUM> or to occupy a space immediately below a plurality of ceiling panels <NUM> which corresponds to an exact number of ceiling panels <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a first embodiment of a service module 130a. The service module 130a comprises a support framework 132a having support uprights 134a and upper and lower support beams 136a, 137a. The support beams 136a, 137a extend laterally and are connected to the support uprights 134a to provide structural rigidity. The support uprights 134a and upper and lower support beams 136a, 137a may comprise met-strut 41x41 or 82x41 configurations which are assembled by welding the met-struts together. Support uprights 134a and upper and lower support beams 136a, 137a may, however, be fabricated for specific loading requirements based on standard British steel sizes which may then be welded or bolted together.

The upper support beams 136a are configured to be secured to the lateral beams <NUM> of the laboratory pod <NUM> such that the service module 130a is suspended below the lateral beams <NUM>. The service module 130a has a size and shape which corresponds to the size and shape of ceiling panel <NUM> and so fits directly under a ceiling panel <NUM> without protruding laterally from beneath it. This allows service modules <NUM> to be placed in close proximity to each other under adjacent ceiling panels <NUM> which, in turn, allows for conveying components such as ventilation ducting, cable trays and piping of adjacent service modules to be connected directly to each other.

A first air supply ventilation duct 138a is suspended below the upper support beams 136a. The first air supplied ventilation duct 138a has a downwardly facing outlet 140a.

A second air supply ventilation duct 142a is suspended below the upper support beams 136a adjacent the first air supply ventilation duct 138a.

An air extract ventilation duct 144a is also suspended below the upper support beams 136a adjacent the second air supply ventilation duct 142a.

The ventilation ducts 138a, 142a, 144a are arranged such that they can be connected to ducts of an adjacent service module with which they align. In the present embodiment, each ventilation duct 138a , 142a, 144a comprises a connector at each open end in the form of a flange arrangement that is configured to be directly connected to a corresponding duct of an adjacent service module having a corresponding flange arrangement. For instance, when the services modules are installed, the respective flange arrangements are brought into pressing engagement with each other. The flange arrangements are then held together by clamping means, such as a G-clamp, to provide an air-tight connection. An example of a suitable connector arrangement is a slide-on and crimp flange connector system.

Each ventilation duct 138a , 142a, 144a may comprise one or more of the following features: straight ducting, bend ducting, such as an elbow for changing the direction in which a duct extends, a reducer, manual and/or automatic dampers (which may be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated), attenuators, heater batteries, temperature transmitters and gas-tight dampers. The ducts may be any suitable configuration including ducts having a rectangular cross-section, circular cross-section, a spiral configuration, or a combination of these depending on requirements. Ducting may also be provided for exhausting specific gases arising from processes.

Fluid supply pipes comprising an oxygen supply pipe 146a, a nitrogen supply pipe 148a, a compressed air supply pipe 150a, and a carbon dioxide supply pipe 152a are connected to lower support beams 136a such that they extend horizontally. The fluid supply pipes 146a, 148a, 150a, 152a are arranged such that they can be directly connected at each of their ends to fluid supply pipes of an adjacent service module with which they align. The fluid supply pipes 146a, 148a, 150a, 152a turn through right angles in a horizontal plane as they extend through the service module 130a.

There may also be provided supply and return pipes for various services and/or pneumatic systems including low-temperature hot water, reverse osmosis, process cooling water, chilled water, boosted cold water, hot water, water for injection, such as high pressure water and/or natural gas. Each pipe is provided with a connector arranged to connect to a connector of a corresponding pipe in an adjacent services module. Such a connector may comprise a flange connector, threaded connector, welded connection, coupling connector, ferule and tri-clover™ connector or a press-fit connection depending on requirements and suitability.

The pipes may also comprise bend sections, such as elbows, for changing the direction in which a pipe extends, reducers, valves and/or inline instrumentation. Pipes may be fabricated from suitable materials including stainless steel, such as <NUM> and <NUM>, ASME BPE, schedule carbon steel and copper.

Cable trays 154a, 156a, 158a, 160a, 162a are connected to auxiliary support beams 164a that are situated above the lower support beams 137a and so provide an intermediate level for supporting the cable trays 154a, 156a, 158a, 160a, 162a. The cable trays 154a, 156a, 158a, 160a, 162a are arranged to allow electrical cables to be laid along them and can be aligned with cable trays of an adjacent service module having similarly configured cable trays. The cable trays 154a, 156a, 158a, 160a, 162a may comprise light, medium and/or heavy-duty cable trays. There may also be provided other cable containment and associated component(s) including ladder rack(s), cable basket(s) and/or cable trunking.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more busbars may be provided to distribute electrical services as an alternative or addition to cables. Such services include, low-voltage and high-voltage distribution, data distribution and retrieval, including communication networks, lighting power distribution, Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) distribution and Building Management System (BMS) distribution. The busbars are arranged such that they are aligned with at least one respective busbar of an adjacent service module such that the busbars of adjacent service modules can be connected directly to each other by a suitable connector such as a busbar end feed connector.

Other electrical components that may be supported by the service module include bends/elbows, tee pieces, reducers, joining plates, junction boxes, end feed units, tap off units, junction blocks, distribution boards, remote ethernet IO modules, control panels.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of a service module 130b. The service module 130b is similar to the first embodiment in that it comprises a support framework 132b having support uprights 134b and upper and lower support beams 136b, 137b. The support beams 136b, 137b extend laterally and are connected to the support uprights 134b to provide structural rigidity.

The upper support beams 136b are configured to be secured to the lateral beams <NUM> of the laboratory pod <NUM> such that the service module 130b is suspended underneath the lateral beams <NUM>. The support beams 136b, 137b are approximately double the length of the support beams of the first embodiment of service module 130a shown in <FIG>. The service module 130b therefore has a size and shape which corresponds to the size and shape of two adjacent ceiling panels <NUM> and so fits directly under two adjacent ceiling panels <NUM> without protruding laterally from beneath them.

A first air supply ventilation duct 138b is suspended below the upper support beams 136b. The first air supplied ventilation duct 138a has downwardly facing outlets 140b.

A second air supply ventilation duct 142b is suspended below the upper support beams 136b adjacent the first air supply ventilation duct 138b.

An air extract ventilation duct 144b is also suspended below the upper support beams 136a adjacent the second air supply ventilation duct 142b.

The first air supply ventilation duct 138b extends longitudinally within the service module 130b. The second air supply ventilation duct 142b and the air extract ventilation duct 144b are configured to bend within the service module 130b such that the ends of the ducts 142b, 144b are at different height within the service module 130b. The ducts 138b, 142b, 144b are arranged such that they can be connected to ducts of an adjacent service module with which they align.

Fluid supply pipes comprising an oxygen supply pipe 146b, a nitrogen supply pipe 148b, a compressed air supply pipe 150b, and a carbon dioxide supply pipe 152b are connected to lower support beams 136b such that they extend horizontally. The fluid supply pipes 146b, 148b, 150b, 152b are arranged such that they can be connected at each of their ends to air supply pipes of an adjacent service module with which they align. The fluid supply pipes 146b, 148b, 150b, 152b extend longitudinally within the service module 130b.

Cable trays 154b, 156b, 158b, 160b, 162b are connected to auxiliary support beams 164b that are situated above the lower support beams 137b. The cable trays 154b, 156b, 158b, 160b, 162b are arranged to allow electrical cables along them and can be aligned with cable trays of an adjacent service module having similarly configured cable trays.

It will be appreciated that a service module <NUM> may be configured to a desired specification. The service modules may have predefined standard unit widths, lengths and heights. The widths and lengths may vary between service modules, but do so in predefined increments that correspond to a unit width. For example, the first embodiment of a service module 130a (shown in <FIG>) which occupies the space under a single ceiling panel <NUM> may be considered to have a single unit width and a single unit length. The second embodiment of a service module 130b (shown in <FIG>) which occupies the space under two ceiling panels <NUM> may be considered to have a single unit width and a double unit length.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments of a service module 130c, 130d, 130e, 130f, <NUM>.

The third embodiment 130c has a unit width and a double unit length. The fourth and fifth embodiments 130d, 130e have a single unit width and a unit length. The fifth and embodiments 130f, <NUM> have a single unit width and a quadruple unit length.

Each embodiment 130c, 130d, 130e, 130f, <NUM> has components that correspond to at least some of the components of the first and second embodiments 130a, 130b. The components take the same reference numbers with the relevant letter for each embodiment. The embodiments illustrate how the various components may be arranged in accordance with a specification. For example, cable trays may be arranged two extend perpendicularly with respect to each other or to have bends in them.

The system provides a means by which ducting, cable, pipes and connectors can be preassembled in modules in accordance with a desired layout whereupon the service modules when connected to a laboratory pod <NUM> follow a desired layout. Multiple service networks can therefore be installed in a predetermined layout by installing the preassembled service modules. This allows for a substantially proportion of the network to be assembled remotely from the building in which it is to be installed and provides a significant reduction in installation time on-site.

By providing ceiling mounted service modules <NUM>, ready access is provided to services from above through the ceiling of the laboratory pod <NUM>, such as cables, piping and ducting, which greatly reduces the time taken for installation of services (e.g. traditional first and second 'fix' services) and commissioning.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of a laboratory facility <NUM> fabricated using a modular building construction system. The facility <NUM> is a hybrid arrangement fabricated using a combination of conventional building techniques and a modular building construction system.

<FIG> shows a layout of a first floor (the ground floor) of the laboratory facility <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The first floor of the laboratory facility <NUM> comprises three support modules in the form of first, second and third plant room pods <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which are positioned adjacent a conventional building structure <NUM>.

The conventional building structure <NUM> includes an office room <NUM>, which provides office space, a reception space and also a dedicated space preparing food and beverages, each of which may be sub-divisions of the office room <NUM>; a break out room <NUM>, which provides an informal meeting space annexed to the office room <NUM>; a male change room <NUM>, which provides a space for male personnel to change attire; a female change room <NUM>, which provides a space for female personnel to change attire; a water closet room <NUM>, which is subdivided to provide individual toilet cubicles; a computer hardware room <NUM>, which provides a space for accommodating computer hardware; first, second and third meeting room <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, which provide private meeting spaces; a conferencing room <NUM>, which provides a conferencing space; a consumables room <NUM>, which provides a storage facility for consumables used in the laboratories such as bottles, carboys, centrifuge tubes, vials slides and petri dishes and which may be transferred to the laboratories as required; a sample delivery room <NUM>, which is where specimens are delivered, catalogued and stored awaiting testing in the laboratories; and an autoclave and waste out room <NUM>, in which waste from laboratories is sorted and stored, and in which re-useable utensils are processed and sterilised using an autoclave washer before being catalogued to the consumables room <NUM>.

The conventional building structure <NUM> also includes an entrance room <NUM>, a first stairwell <NUM> and a second stairwell <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a layout of a second floor (an upper floor) of the laboratory facility <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The second floor of the laboratory facility <NUM> comprises three support modules in the form of fourth, fifth and sixth plant room pods <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which are positioned adjacent the building structure <NUM> and above the first, second and third plant rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The second floor of the conventional building structure <NUM> includes first, second, third, fourth and fifth laboratory rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each laboratory room <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is subdivided into a gowning space and a laboratory space.

The conventional building structure <NUM> also comprises a first corridor <NUM> which extends around the laboratory rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and also has a portion which extends between the first, second, third and fourth laboratory rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, which are positioned in a line adjacent one another, and the fifth laboratory room <NUM>. The corridor <NUM> is subdivided by three doors 259a, 259b, 259c to form an 'entrance' corridor 258a and an 'exit' corridor 258b.

The conventional building structure <NUM> also comprises a third stairwell <NUM>, which is disposed directly above and adjoins the first stairwell <NUM> to form a single stairwell between the first and second floors, and a second stairwell <NUM> which is disposed directly above and adjoins the second stairwell <NUM> to form a single stairwell between the first and second floors.

Each plant room pod is fabricated using uprights, longitudinal and lateral beams, and panels having standard configurations such as those used in the fabrication of the laboratory pod <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and is equipped with service modules, as required.

The plant room pods <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be assembled off-site away from the conventional building structure <NUM> before being transported to the building location and loated in position adacent the conventional building structure <NUM>, as shownin <FIG> and <FIG>. Once in position the plant room pods <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are joined with the conventional building structure and clad with a suitable cladding system that is the same as the cladding system used for the conventional building structure <NUM> so as to create the appearance of an integrated facility <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a facility having a single primary function module in the form of a dry room pod <NUM>; two transition modules in the form of an air lock module <NUM> and a lobby module <NUM>; and a support module in the form of a plant room pod <NUM>. Each pod is fabricated using uprights, longitudinal and lateral beams, and panels having standard configurations such as those used in the fabrication of the laboratory pod <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and is equipped with service modules, as required.

The modular building construction system may be used for a range of applications including the fabrication of medical, research and manufacturing facilities. For example, the modular building construction system may be used to construct vaccine development facilities, cell gene therapy facilities and advanced therapy medicinal product facilities.

Buildings may use heat recovery, heat pumps and integrated solar panels to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions. The modular building construction system may reduce the amount of space (area) required for a plant room by <NUM>% or more.

Claim 1:
A modular building construction system for fabricating a facility (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of primary function modules (<NUM>), each primary function module (<NUM>) configured to house equipment for a primary function;
at least one transition module (<NUM>) configured to cooperate with at least two of the plurality of primary function modules (<NUM>) in order to allow people to move from at least one of the primary function modules (<NUM>) to at least one other of the primary function modules (<NUM>) via the transition module (<NUM>), and
a support module (<NUM>) configured to house equipment for supporting the primary function modules (<NUM>) and the at least one transition module (<NUM>), characterised in that each primary function module (<NUM>) is configured to receive at least one preassembled service module (<NUM>) comprising at least one of ventilation ducting (138a, 142a, 144a), an electrical cable tray (154a, 156a, 158a, 160a, 162a), and piping (146a, 148a, 150a, 152a) for supply of at least one fluid to the primary function module (<NUM>), wherein each primary function module (<NUM>) is configured such that the preassembled service module (<NUM>) is mounted at the ceiling of the primary function module (<NUM>).