WO2016159785A1 - A dwelling temperature management system - Google Patents

Abstract

A terrestrial dwelling (1) including: a floor (2) including at least one floor section (3); at least one wall (4) including at least one wall section (5); a dwelling support (6, 46), configured to at least partially elevate the floor section (3) above a terrain surface (15); said dwelling support (6, 46) including a sub-floor (46), located beneath at least one floor section (3); a roof (7) with at least one roof section (8), said dwelling (1) configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency to at least partially allow atmospheric elements including light incident on the dwelling (1) above the floor (2) to reach the terrain surface (15) under the dwelling (1); wherein said dwelling (1) further includes a heating system for at least one transparent floor section (3), wherein said heating system includes a sub-floor (46), structurally supporting said floor section (3) via sub-floor elements including a support conduit (47), positioned at a peripheral edge of the floor section (3).

Description

A dwelling temperature management system Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a temperature management system for a building, shelter, dwelling or the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a temperature management system for buildings possessing at least partial visual, environmental or atmospheric transparency.

Background Art

Environmental awareness has become increasingly prominent in the mainstream consciousness of governments, companies, organisations and individuals.

Recognition of the need to minimize the impact of human activities and our habitations on the environment are being incorporated as a significant metric in assessing the viability of many new buildings, particularly in areas of recognised natural beauty, sensitivity and/or rarity.

Many countries now place strict conditions for the erection of any structure, shelter, or habitation in such areas of high conservation value. Planning restrictions, consents, covenants, and myriad other forms of restrictions may apply not only to the structure's nature and configuration but also the on-site effects of its construction method.

It is widely held as self-evident that such regulatory and even statutory restrictions used to safeguard the environment will become even more prevalent and pervasive in the future. In some regions, even placement of a tent or the regular parking of campervan/motorhomes on the same position for more than a short period is prohibited due to the detrimental deprivation of light and moisture on the flora and fauna covered by the tent/campervan. However, the very same facets of the environment that are at the heart of such protective measures are also the main reasons people are attracted to such areas. There is thus a paradox in trying to prevent any adverse impact from humans in areas of recognised beauty and attractiveness, whilst simultaneously seeking to avoid impairing the actual enjoyment experienced by being in the area.

Attempts have been made to provide a minimal impact on the earth's surface by use of unorthodox structures such as tree-houses, suspended tents and the like. While their elevation from the ground does allow the atmospheric elements uninterrupted passage to the ground underneath, they pose significant practicality complications which would deter many users. It would thus be desirable to provide a structure or dwelling capable of a minimal impact on its environment.

Whilst hiking, mountain biking, trail running, kayaking and the like can all bring humans into temporary or periodic contact with the countryside, it is nevertheless necessary to provide some form of shelter to enable humans to enjoy a more prolonged exposure to the countryside, particularly for overnight periods. Many forms of shelters have been devised to provide accommodation for recreational/leisure pursuits. Such recreational shelters are intended to provide at least some

enhancement its user's experience of their environment, in contrast to application- specific structures such as emergency shelters, military, civil engineering, industrial or administrative structures for example.

However, such existing recreational structures face the antagonistic design requirements of exposing the users to the environment, whilst also protecting them from inclement or adverse weather. Typically, increasing the weather protection and comfort of a structure results in an increased structure weight and cost as more substantial material and techniques (e.g. solid walls and roofs, windows, decking, verandas, foundations, permanent beds, furniture, toilets and kitchen utilities) are incorporated. Inevitably, construction techniques such as solid walls and the like separate the occupants from direct immersion in their environment.

A direct immersion in the environment can be achieved by non-permanent structures such as bivouacs, tents, and so forth. However, tents and bivouacs are typically considered uncomfortable, compromised or restrictive in inclement conditions, requiring sealing of the entranceways and openings and thus obturating the users from their environment.

The capacity to witness and be exposed to the dynamics and visuals of bad weather whilst being sheltered in comfort holds strong appeal for many people. Indeed, the degree to which a dwelling allows an occupant to see, feel, smell, and/or touch the environment can be instrumental to their connection with, and sense of enjoyment of, the environment. Ideally, a recreational dwelling would protect occupants from wind, rain, and excessive cold or heat, while still allowing the occupants a feeling of immersion with their surroundings. It would thus be highly desirable to provide a recreational dwelling capable of a minimal impact on its environment whilst protecting occupants from inclement weather.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a preferred aspect, the present invention provides a terrestrial dwelling including:

- a floor including at least one floor section, orientated substantially

horizontally in use;

- at least one wall including at least one wall section, projecting substantially upwardly from said floor section;

- a dwelling support, configured to at least partially elevate the floor section above a terrain surface; said dwelling support including a sub-floor, located beneath at least one floor section;

- a roof with at least one roof section attached to an upper portion of said wall, said dwelling configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency to at least partially allow atmospheric elements, including light, incident on the dwelling above the floor to reach the terrain surface under the dwelling; wherein said dwelling further includes a heating system for at least one transparent floor section of said dwelling, wherein said heating system includes said sub-floor, structurally supporting said floor section via sub-floor elements including a support conduit, positioned at a peripheral edge of the floor section.

Atmospheric transparency as used herein refers to the capacity of the dwelling to at least partially allow atmospheric elements incident on the dwelling above the floor to reach the terrain surface under the dwelling. Thus, the dwelling is in effect at least partially atmospherically transparent insofar as the net effect on any flora and fauna (i.e. the biota) located on the terrain surface under the dwelling. The sub-dwelling biota therefore experiences substantially equivalent atmospheric conditions under the dwelling as the uncovered biota adjacent to the dwelling. It can be seen therefore that despite its presence, the dwelling contributes a minimal effect on its environment.

Preferably said dwelling also includes a roof including at least one roof section attached to an upper portion of said wall. However, it should be understood the dwelling is not restricted to any specific configuration of walls and/or a roof. As an illustration, a dwelling configuration such as a 'lean-to' may combine the function and role of both a wall and roof section and as such are incorporated within the scope of the invention.

Said dwelling may be configured with any desired facilities according to its intended purpose, e.g. recreational, residential, administration and so forth. According to one embodiment, said dwelling includes one or more of a: - toilet;

- bed;

- cooking facilities;

- washbasin;

- Shower or bath;

- plumbing;

- heating source.

According to one embodiment, said dwelling support includes a sub-floor, located beneath at least one floor section to support and at least partially elevate the floor section. Said sub-floor may include a plurality of sub-floor elements configured to provide structural support for the floor section, bearing the load of the floor section and the load of any dwelling users located on the floor section. In particular, the sub-floor may be configured to provide support for a floor section about its periphery.

As used herein, the terms sub-floor and sub-floor elements include, but are not restricted to, beams, joists, frames, lattice, posts, sheets, panels, bearers, struts, channels, legs and any other component at least partially capable of structurally supporting the floor sections.

According to one embodiment, said dwelling support includes at least one floor section support, located beneath the sub-floor to support and at least partially elevate the floor section above the terrain surface. In an alternative embodiment, the dwelling support includes at least one suspension element, configured in use to suspend the dwelling from an anchor point affixed to the terrain surface. The suspension element may be attached to the sub-floor and/or to one or more walls sections. The dwelling may thus be suspended from one or more trees, above a ravine, stream or from the side of a ledge or the like. The dwelling may be configured with a floor substantially coterminous with said wall sections or have one or more floor sections projecting beyond the perimeter of the wall sections to form decking, walkways or the like. In either case, the outer perimeter of the floor presents a dwelling footprint which defines the overlapping coverage of the dwelling over the terrain surface in plan view.

According to one aspect, said dwelling configuration is atmospherically transparent to at least one (and preferably two or more) atmospheric elements selected from the group comprising;

- rain and/or any other forms of airborne moisture;

- light, and

wind.

The above-described atmospheric elements are key components affecting the sustainability of any life forms present under the dwelling. As the floor of the dwelling is at least partially elevated above the terrain surface, it is clearly possible to allow wind to pass underneath simply by ensuring at least a portion of the dwelling perimeter under the floor is open, allowing airflow therethrough.

In contrast however, the persistent obstruction of sunlight and/or moisture is typically terminal for plants. Whilst some plant and fungus may grow in moist environments without direct sunlight, it will be readily appreciated that the creation of such an environment by placement of a dwelling is nevertheless significantly altering the environment.

To allow incident light to reach the terrain surface under the dwelling, either the light must be deflected or reflected around the floor and walls or pass through the dwelling.

Glazed or otherwise transparent materials are well known for use in construction for windows, doors, skylights, panels and even roofs. It is unusual however to employ such materials for flooring purposes. Glass panels have been employed as flooring in specialised instances such as observation portals in overhanging sections of high towers, bridges, walkways or stairs. The intended primary purpose of such panels is to permit human observation of the area below the panel and not to permit the passageway of light to support organic life beneath.

According to one embodiment, at least one said floor section is transparent.

Preferably, at least one wall section is transparent.

According to one embodiment, at least one roof section is transparent.

Preferably, said transparent floor section and transparent wall section are mutually positioned to at least partially allow light incident on the transparent wall section to reach the terrain surface under the floor by passing through said transparent floor section.

Preferably, said transparent floor section and transparent roof section are mutually positioned to at least partially allow light incident on the transparent roof section to reach the terrain surface under the floor by passing through said transparent floor section.

The transparent wall sections may be formed as windows, doors, complete wall panels or any combination of same.

Although elevated buildings are well known (e.g. hillside dwellings built on piles, support beams and the like) and substantially transparent buildings are known (e.g. green-houses), it is not known to combine both characteristics for the specific purpose of allowing sunlight to pass through the dwelling and fall on the terrain surface below. It will be appreciated that depending on the local climate and on a dwelling's configuration and orientation sufficient rain and other airborne moisture may be deposited underneath the dwelling to allow plants to grow.

To minimise the impact of the dwelling on the biota beneath the floor, it will be appreciated however that the same quantity and distribution of the moisture that would otherwise have been received on the terrain surface needs to be provided. Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention, said dwelling is configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency to atmospheric elements in the form of rain and/or any other forms of airborne moisture. When moisture, e.g. rain, strikes a non-absorbent surface of any structure, the moisture follows the most direct gravitational path downwards. Typically, rain water run-off from roofs is collected at a periphery by guttering before being channelled down a wa// via a downpipe to a storm water system (if present), rain collection tank, detention tank, and/or discharged directly into the local environment. Clearly a potentially large volume of water discharged from a point source (e.g. a drainpipe outlet) can cause erosion and/or flooding problems without careful management and maintenance. Moreover, such arrangements clearly have a detrimental impact on the environment by artificially drying the area under the building and increasing the water deposited at the storm water discharge point. The present invention substantively ameliorates these difficulties by allowing the rainwater incident on at least a portion of the dwelling to be routed around the dwelling and re-dispersed underneath the floor onto the terrain surface below.

According to one embodiment, the dwelling is configured to divert the moisture incident on at least one: - roof section; wall section, and/or

uncovered floor section forming a walkway or deck area exterior to the dwelling's wall sections, to be re-dispersed under the floor onto the terrain surface below.

The incident moisture may be diverted by any convenient method including, but not limited to;

- collecting roof run-off in at least one roof periphery gutter;

allowing roof run-off to travel down a wall section;

- allowing roof run-off to drip into collectors located substantially at the floor level;

- collecting roof run-off into a water storage or detention tank;

transferring moisture run-off from the roof and/or walls to one or more apertured conduits, drippers, sprinklers, or other irrigation distribution system beneath the elevated floor, and/or

- any combination or permutation of same.

Possible configurations to facilitate the transfer of the incident moisture to the terrain surface under the dwelling floor may range from simple, gravity-operated conduits to more elaborate fluid distribution systems. Clearly, for the example of a simplified, minimalist dwelling placed in a remote location without a connection to the national power grid, a maintenance-free, gravity operated system offers attractions.

Alternative adaptations that may be applicable in such situations include a degree of electro-mechanical intervention in the distribution and the timing/volume control of the moisture, preferably powered by a self-sustaining source such as a solar photovoltaic panel. In simplified applications, the water collected from the incident moisture may simply be channelled along a network of small diameter irrigation tubing with a plurality of small, evenly-spaced outlets to facilitate a uniform distribution of the fluid over the terrain surface. In one embodiment, the irrigation tubing may conveniently be attached to sub-floor elements such as support joists located underneath the floor sections.

It will be appreciated that when the dwelling construction includes a predominance of transparent wall sections and floor sections, the occupants can even witness the moisture from the roof and walls being re-distributed underneath the dwelling. In a further embodiment, the collected moisture may be temporarily stored in a detention tank that provides a water reserve for drinking and bathing/showering. The detention tank would thus operate to fill to a predetermined level, whereupon any excess collected fluid bypasses, or overspills from the tank straight to fluid irrigation outlets beneath the dwelling. Any grey water produced by the bathing/showering can also be diverted straight to the irrigation system, provided any soaps or detergent agent used are compatible with the appropriate environmental restrictions for that area. The next rainfall will then re-fill the detention tank to said predetermined level before being diverted to the irrigation outlets.

The biota present below the dwelling is thus still provided with a substantially comparable degree of moisture and light to that received without the presence of the dwelling. This greatly minimises the impact of the dwelling on the environment, to the extent that even a tent or campervan positioned in the same location would cause greater environmental harm. It can be thus seen that the present invention offers the ability for users to enjoy the comfort of sheltered accommodation in areas of high natural beauty without the accommodation damaging the very environment that attracted the users. The present invention may be further optimised to provide the occupants with immersion in their environment, while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Forming the dwelling as a relatively small structure, e.g. holiday accommodation suitable for two occupants, enables the dwelling to be placed in restricted spaces of environmental interest unfeasible for conventional buildings, such as in woodlands, near streams, gullies, small islands and so on.

A small size and lightweight construction not only results in less construction materials (and thus a small environmental manufacturing cost) but also reduces the weight of the dwelling. Conventional construction methods typically require the use of heavy permanent materials (e.g. bricks, concrete, wooden wall cladding, tiled roofing etc.) to ensure durability and weather resistance with a commensurate need for foundations with an appropriate load capacity. Common foundation methods such as strip, slab, pad, raft or pile foundations all require appreciable earthworks. Not only is the terrain surface covered by the actual footprint of the building permanently altered, there is usually a significant disruption to the terrain around the building perimeter during construction. In contrast, the dwelling according to present invention is capable of being supported above the terrain by a variety of techniques which have a negligible impact on the environment.

As previously discussed, the dwelling may be suspended above the terrain surface by one of more suspension elements, attached to anchor points affixed to the terrain surface. The anchor points may be any appropriate natural features such as trees, rock features or outcrops and/or purpose-made ground anchors, rock bolts or the like. Such fittings may be secured in position with minimal disturbance to the environment and require negligible installation time. The majority of settings would however typically use a non-suspended dwelling, where the dwelling support includes at least one floor section support, located beneath at least one floor section to support to at least partially elevate the floor section above a terrain surface. In such configurations the dwelling may be secured to the terrain surface by one or more terrain mounts in the form of micro piles, spikes or similar ground-piercing fittings. The terrain mounts may be separate, discrete elements, to which the floor section supports are attached, or be formed as continuous elements whereby the terrain mounts are incorporated as part of the floor section supports and formed as a single element. In either configuration, the terrain mounts are first inserted into the terrain surface to act as secure mounting points on which dwelling is secured. According to one embodiment, the dwelling, including the sub-floor is formed as a substantially rigid skeletal frame to which floor sections, wall sections and roof sections are attached. Although such framing is ideally suited to the properties of steel, alternatives such as wood, or composites are also possible. The use of a skeleton framework with attached cladding of (predominately transparent) panels also facilitates modular construction, whereby variations in the size, layout and orientation of the dwelling components may be readily produced by various permutations and combinations of the modules without substantial re-design. The minimalistic nature of the construction also minimises unnecessary environmental impact by minimising the quantity of material resources required, and the time to manufacture the components and assemble the final dwelling. The light-weight modular construction of the dwelling also aides ease of transportation. The whole dwelling can be shipped to site in a kit- form for assembly, or pre-assembled and fitted straight onto the terrain mounts from a truck or even by helicopter.

Preferably the floor, wall and roof sections are predominately transparent. In order to meet what is widely considered to be a minimum standard of comfort, recreational accommodation is expected to include at least a: - toilet;

- personal washing/bathing facility, and

- bed.

Regardless of whether the dwelling is located in a position with complete privacy, incapable of being overlooked by third parties, most users would still prefer to use a toilet that is not visible through transparent walls. There is consequently no need to form at least the wall sections or floor sections bounding the toilet with transparent material.

Similarly, it is impractical to make a bed from transparent materials and thus the bed floor panel immediately below the bed need not necessarily offer any advantages by being transparent. It is an unavoidable practical consideration that various utilities and services are more readily routed through a conventional non-transparent wall section.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dwelling includes a bathroom area with opaque wall sections. The remainder of the dwelling may be formed from transparent panels such as glass, transparent plastics, Perspex or similar, to provide the occupants with substantially unimpeded visibility of the environment.

Although the wall section surrounding a shower may optionally be made opaque or translucent, users may, according to personal taste and proclivities, prefer to have a transparent bathing and/or showering experience. This may be provided in a number of different arrangements.

In a more conservative arrangement, the shower may be configured with opaque or translucent walls, whilst the shower floor and/or roof is transparent. This allows more privacy, whilst allowing the user to see the terrain below and sky above whilst showering. A bath may likewise be made with a transparent base and/or sides. According to preference, the bath may be placed either; on the dwelling floor, inside the walls or on an exterior deck, or

recessed into the dwelling floor, either inside the walls or on an exterior deck. Temperature regulation inside the dwelling may be provided by numerous

conventional means. Due to the relatively small volume of the dwelling, a compact gas, liquid or solid fuel burner can provide sufficient heat during cold weather. In site with an electrical power supply, reverse-cycle air-conditioning units may provide temperature control at both extremes. Excess sunlight may be regulated to avoid overheating or glare by internal blinds. The user-controllability of blinds also caters well for different privacy requirements according to the specifics of the location and/or users preferences.

In addition to shading sunlight, temperature and humidity may be regulated by opening/closing doors or windows and/or vents. In high humidity environments where heating is not a primary consideration, portions of the dwelling walls and/or floor may be formed as apertured sections, such as a mesh, grid, latticework, framework or the like. Such materials may also be used for decking and walkway portions in any climate.

As discussed above, glass offers many ideal properties for use in the present invention as floor sections, wall sections and/or roof sections. However, a

disadvantage for use as floor sections lies in the relatively high thermal conductivity of glass in comparison to conventional flooring materials. Moreover, if the glass floor section is to retain the aforesaid benefits of atmospheric transparency, it is unfeasible to ameliorate this characteristic by addition of opaque low-conductivity materials to insulate the glass underside. One of the attractive aspects of the present invention is the ability of the dwelling to provide users with a cocooned feeling of immersion with the environment, without the need for intrusive barriers such as protective outdoor clothing or solid walls and so on.

This juxtaposition of environmental immersion without visible protective barriers naturally encourages dwelling users to be barefoot. However, a glass floor can rapidly become uncomfortable to stand on barefoot in inclement, cool or even temperate conditions, particularly when shaded or at night.

Heating the dwelling can mitigate the cool surface touch of a glass floor section.

However, different heating methods exhibit varying effectiveness according to how the dwelling is configured by the occupants. As an example, a gas or wood fire providing radiant and convection air heating raising the dwelling air temperature to a desirable value at the height of a seated or standing user would proportionally apply the least heating to the floor section. Thus, it would be difficult to use such heating to raise the temperature of a glass floor section concurrently with any open doors and/or windows. It would thus be desirable to be able to control the temperature of the transparent floor sections. It would be further desirable to be able to provide heating for the dwelling that maintained heating of the floor section whilst one or more doors or windows were open.

It will be understood that whilst the present invention is herein described with respect to heating of the dwelling and the dwelling's floor sections, it will be readily apparent that in certain instances cooling may be desired or required. To avoid confusion and complication, where the present invention is described herein with respect to heating, it also encompasses cooling unless explicitly stated.

Under-floor heating has long been recognised as a means to provide users of dwelling with a desirable temperature gradient. Heating the floor level of a room ensures that the highest temperature air is generated adjacent the heated floor and then gradually rises and cools via convection. This places the heat where needed most by the occupants, rather than accumulating a large volume of heated air at roof/ceiling height. Implementation of under-floor heating is typically more involved than alternative heating methods such as fires, heat pumps, and radiators. Under-floor heating types include heated fluid or steam conduits or electrical heating elements which may be integrated into the flooring (e.g. encased within a concrete floor slab) or interleaved between the upper floor surface (usually tiles, though can also be carpet, laminate, wooden flooring etc) and the support layer beneath.

In order to distribute the heating effect, the heating elements are also typically distributed over the open areas of the floor, separated from structural support features such as walls, beams, pillars and so forth. However, such an approach would be undesirable in applications such as the present invention where it is desirable to maintain the transparent floor sections as visually unobstructed.

The present invention addresses the aforesaid issues by virtue of a heating system that distributes a heating effect across the footprint of the floor sections but does not occlude the transparent portions of the floor sections. In contrast to conventional underfloor heating solutions, the present invention provides the heating elements as an integral part of the structural supports of the floor sections, i.e. the sub-floor.

According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a heating system for at least one floor section of said dwelling, wherein said heating system includes a sub- floor, structurally supporting said floor section via sub-floor elements including a support conduit, positioned at a lateral peripheral edge of the floor section.

Thus, said dwelling support includes said floor section support and/or said sub-floor. In one embodiment, said support conduit is in direct contact with a lower surface of a lateral peripheral edge of the floor section. In an alternative embodiment, the sub- floor includes an insulating strip between the support conduit and a lower surface of a lateral peripheral edge of the floor section.

Preferably, said support conduit is inter-connected to a plurality of other support conduits supporting further lateral peripheral edges of further floor sections.

Preferably said plurality of inter-connected support conduits form a support conduit network. In a further embodiment, said support conduit network is connected to at least one fluid heat conditioner and a fluid pump. As used herein, the term heat conditioner includes heaters, coolers, and combined heater and/or coolers.

In operation, the pump circulates heated (or cooled) fluid from the fluid heater/cooler through the support conduit network distributed across the underside of the floor sections. The layout of the support conduit network is naturally dependant on the layout and configuration of the floor sections within the dwelling and which areas are deemed important to heat. As an example, in a dwelling with a simple rectangular floor plan, spanned by a series of rectangular floor sections, the sub-floor may be a corresponding framework of sub-floor elements such as transverse joists supporting the lateral peripheral edges of corresponding transversely orientated rectangular floor sections. Therefore, the support conduits themselves, forming the upper portions of said joists, are also arranged to mirror the same arrangement of rectangular lateral edges of the floor sections. Each floor section may be supported by support conduits on one or both longitudinal peripheral edges or along all four edges.

The support conduit may typically be formed as a square or rectangular cross- sectioned conduit although circular, oval, or other configurations are possible. As heated fluid passes through the support conduit, heat is transferred via conduction to the floor section which in turn heats the air above the floor section. Air is also heated by convection at the sides of the support conduit which rises and becomes trapped under the floor section and in turn heats the underside of the floor section. While the above embodiment maintains a clear view through the transparent floor sections, its heating efficiency via conduction and convection is respectively compromised by:

• the limited contact area between the support conduit and the floor section (reducing conduction transfer) and

• the unconstrained space under the floor section (minimising convention heat transfer) allowing the heated air to be dispersed by air currents and the like.

Thus, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the sub-floor further includes:

- a detention layer including at least one detention layer section, each detention layer section being located at or below the level of the support conduit and extending laterally substantially co-terminally with the floor section.

Preferably, said detention layer is substantially transparent. In one embodiment, said sub-floor includes a heat-transfer chamber bound substantially horizontally at an upper and lower level by at least one floor section and at least one detention layer section respectively, and vertically bound by at least one support conduit. The heat- transfer chamber may be filled with gases including air, nitrogen, or any other nontoxic, colourless or non-volatile gas and/or gases capable of suppressing the formation of mould, mildew and the like. According to one aspect, said detention layer section is comprised of a multi-layer glazed panel. Thus, the heat transferred by conduction from the support conduit to the adjacent air in the heat-transfer chamber is no longer subject to atmospheric dispersal via the exposed underside of the floor section. In contrast, the heated air in the heat-transfer chamber is distributed across the underside of the floor section by convection, thereby heating the floor section through conduction. Heat loss downwards is mitigated by the multi-layer glazing, whilst preserving the ability to see through to the terrain surface. Thus, it can also be seen that the role of each detention layer section is effectively to provide a thermal insulating barrier, relative to the thermal transmissivity of the corresponding floor section above.

The sub-floor may incorporate further structural sub-floor elements supporting said detention layer section, such as joists, bearers, beams and the like, positioned at least partially beneath said detention layer section.

It will be apparent that two or more (and preferably all) lateral sides of the detention layer section may be composed of support conduits, thereby increasing the magnitude and uniformity of heat transfer distribution into the detention layer. It will be further appreciated that in some alternative embodiments, one or more lateral vertical heat- transfer chamber boundaries may be formed from other supports other than support conduits.

Due to the strength/cost performance of glass, even very small living spaces in the present invention dwelling are unlikely to be constructed with floors formed from a single glass panel. Instead for example, a typical dwelling room formed with a rectangular floor plan is subdivided into several floor sections, supported by a corresponding plurality of sub-floor elements. In the construction of a typical raised- floor building, a series of parallel joists would span between the long sides of the rectangular floor. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the role and position of the conventional joists are replaced by the sub-floor provided in the form of support conduits.

Preferably, the plurality of parallel support conduits are each connected at one end to a fluid feed manifold and at the other end to a return fluid manifold. Alternatively, or in addition, the plurality of parallel support conduits are mutually interconnected, with one or more connections to a fluid feed manifold and a return fluid manifold. The fluid heat conditioner and fluid pump are connected between the fluid feed manifold and the return fluid manifold to complete said support conduit network. Thus, in contrast to conventional underfloor heating systems, the floor section at least partially rests upon, and is structurally supported by, the heating system itself. The sub-floor heating system of the present invention offers numerous further advantages with regard to performance, manufacturing costs, availability of components, simplicity, practicality of assembly, ease of maintenance, robustness, reliability and efficiency. In particular, the heating system may be produced in a substantially modular construction, whereby an individual glass floor section is supported at its periphery by at least a pair of support conduits providing thermal heating, and structural support to the floor section. The heating system may be allocated under each floor section as desired according to the layout and design of the dwelling. As the size and shape of the support conduits corresponding to each floor section (and, if present, each detention layer section) are able to be formed substantially congruent and coterminous, the floor may be constructed by simply selecting the most advantageous and cost-effective size and characteristics of the individual transparent floor sections. There is thus no requirement for custom manufacture of glass panel floor sections and/or detention layer sections in oversized or unorthodox dimensions to continuously span multiple floor sections.

In addition to the above stated advantages of modularity, the simplified construction possible with the present invention heating system enables rapid build times, without requiring skilled labour, or heavy/specialised equipment. In the present invention, the heating system may be assembled by simply stacking the sub-floor elements vertically to form each floor section module, i.e. a stack formed by placing:

- a floor section, onto

- (optionally) an insulator or cushioning strip, onto

- a support conduit, onto

- an insulator strip, onto (preferably) a sub-floor detention section placed about its peripheral edge upon

- a sub-floor joist.

The above module may be repeated horizontally for each floor section forming the heated portions of the floor.

No special bonding or permanent sealing is required between the floor section modules; the assembled weight of the structure ensures sufficient structural stability and sealing. The components of each floor section heating system module may thus remain discrete and readily assembled on-site, obviating the need for prefabrication or expensive composite, or integral heat-exchange structures.

In contrast, if the heating system utilised a heat-exchange process between liquid in the support conduits and liquid in the adjacent heat-transfer chamber, a far more expensive, complex construction would be required to ensure of the structural and sealing integrity of the heat-transfer chamber to contain the liquid therein. In the present invention, fluid, preferably liquid, only passes through the support conduit, which may be formed from robust, inexpensive RHS steel or the like and thus the likelihood of liquid leakage is extremely remote. Moreover, any breach of the periphery of any individual heat-transfer chamber is of minor consequence, as adjacent heat-transfer chambers are disconnected from each other or any other circulatory part of the heating system. A support conduit formed integrally on the underside of a transparent (typically glass) floor section would by contrast be fragile, expensive to manufacture and difficult to repair.

In any event, given the gas (e.g. air, nitrogen or C0₂> being heated inside the heat- transfer chamber by conduction and convention from the support conduit becomes buoyant relative to any cooler gas inside and is thus likely to remain detained inside the heat-transfer chamber, it is more likely that any leakage would thus be of relatively cooler gas.

It will be appreciated that the use of the term 'modular' relates to, or is analogous to the property of a collection of components to form a smaller building element, to be replicated or repeated to form a larger structure or part thereof. It does not

necessarily imply that the entire modular assembly described can necessarily be produced, moved, or operate as an individual or discrete structure.

Thus, according to one aspect, the present invention provides a modular heating system for use with at least one floor section of a dwelling, said heating system including: a sub-floor, structurally supporting said floor section via sub-floor elements including a support conduit, positioned at a peripheral edge of the floor section.

Preferably, said heating module is formed as a vertical stack and includes:

- a transparent floor section;

- at least two support conduits;

- a transparent detention layer section.

Preferably, said transparent floor section and said transparent detention layer section are substantially coterminous horizontally.

According to one aspect, said floor is formed from a plurality of horizontally abutting heating modules.

According to a further aspect, at least two abutting heating system modules are formed with peripheral edges of adjacent floor sections on a common support conduit.

Preferably, said abutting heating system modules are formed with peripheral edges of adjacent detention layer sections located beneath a common support conduit. According to one embodiment, said modular heating system, further includes: a sub-floor element joist beneath said support conduit; an insulating strip between said sub-floor element joist and said support conduit. Preferably, said heating module is an unbonded vertical stack. The term "unbonded" refers to the absence of adhesive, welding or other bonding of the components.

Preferably, the detention layer section is insulating relative to said transparent floor section.

Preferably, said floor includes alternating adjacent support conduits and heat transfer chambers.

According to one aspect, said floor includes multiple transparent heat transfer chambers, with adjacent heat transfer chambers separated by the support conduits.

According to a further aspect, adjacent heat transfer chambers are not in fluid communication with each other nor with the inside of the support conduits. Buildings with substantially transparent walls are already known in the art, such as green-houses for sheltered plant growth and accommodation buildings. They do not however provide the following capacities to further immerse to occupants in their environment, namely:

- the transparent roof provides an untrammelled view of the day and night sky; - the transparent floor sections, in conjunction with the elevated position of the floor above the terrain surface, allow the occupants to see directly and obliquely downwards to see the environment immediately underneath and surrounding the dwelling. The occupant's elevated position, viewing the surrounding scenery though a substantially transparent structure engenders a feeling akin to floating above the environment, without being too high to feel immersed and connected to the surrounding environment.

- some of the wall sections and roof sections may be configured to be

retractable, openable and/or removable in benign weather to further remove any barriers between the occupants and their surroundings.

There are tangible advantages in positioning the dwelling within a certain elevation above the terrain surface below. If this distance is too high;

- the occupants must negotiate some form of ascent/decent system such as ladders, stairs, or lift systems. This can be burdensome and cumbersome for the occupants, particularly if the site requires a steep climb to ingress/egress the dwelling;

- there is an increased risk of injury of a fall from a significant height;

- there is a detachment of the occupant from feeling connected to the

environment and instead gives a perspective analogous to being in a plane, tower, or other 'man-made' vantage point.

- building compliance regulations typically prescribe some form of barrier for any living spaces elevated more than a predetermined height. Thus, any walkways, stairs, deck areas, or parts of the house that can be opened such as sliding doors, would require a protective guard rail, fence, barrier, balustrade or the like. Such protective measures not only add to the cost and complexity of the dwelling, they add yet another obstruction between the occupants and the environment.

However, a difficulty in placing the dwelling sufficiently close to the terrain surface to avoid the above draw-backs has hitherto resulted in an unavoidable impact on the environment as described previously. Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, said dwelling is elevated above the terrain surface by a vertical distance such that at least part of the floor is below the regulatory maximum drop height requiring a protective barrier for the location of the dwelling. Whilst the specific figures for a maximum drop height without a barrier vary between countries (e.g. New Zealand has a maximum drop height of 1 m) it has been found that the drop height should be less than approximately 1 .5m and more preferably less than 1 .1 m. It will be appreciated that the terrain surface may not be uniformly level and that non-exposed portions of the dwelling may exceed that drop height without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present invention thus provides an environmentally friendly, primarily recreational accommodation, capable of even being sited in areas of environmental sensitivity without adversely impacting its building site, and without depriving the biota beneath the dwelling from the environmental elements, rain, sunlight and wind. In essence the dwelling is transparent to the atmosphere, generating less impact on-site than a tent or motorhome.

As used herein, the following terms are defined as follows:

'Dwelling'; - includes any habitable structure, building, shelter, cabin, house, crib, bach, including recreational and non-recreational dwellings. 'Moisture'; - includes any airborne moisture, mist, fog, rain, spray, and/or drizzle.

'Wind'; - includes any atmospherically created air movements.

'Light'; - includes direct, reflected, indirect, and/or scattered sunlight and/or moonlight.

'Transparent', 'transparent panels, 'transparent materials'; - includes material that are transparent to at least one of light, moisture and wind, said materials including glass, and any clear plastics, acrylics and the like. Other non-opaque materials, gratings, mesh, latticework, perforated panels, netting and the like may also be used in parts of the dwelling as transparent panels, though it will be appreciated that at least the transparent roof sections are only formed from solid, non-perforated transparent materials.

'Heated' or 'heating fluid', 'heating liquid' or 'heated medium'; - includes both heating and cooling fluids, liquids, gases, mediums and mixtures.

'Heater', 'fluid heater': includes fluid heaters, fluid coolers, fluid temperature regulators and/or conditioners. Brief Description of Drawings

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a dwelling shown from a first front perspective;

Figure 2 shows the dwelling of figure 1 , shown from a first rear perspective;

Figure 3 shows the dwelling of figure 1 , shown from a second rear perspective;

Figure 4 shows the dwelling of figure 1 , shown from a second rear perspective;

Figure 5 shows a front elevation of the dwelling of figure 1 ; Figure 6 shows a first side elevation of the dwelling oi figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a second side elevation of the dwelling of figure 1 ; shows a schematic side elevation of the interaction of light on the dwelling of figure 1 ; shows a schematic side elevation of the interaction of rain water on the dwelling of figure 1 ; shows a schematic side elevation of the interaction of rain water on a dwelling according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; shows a further preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a dwelling shown from a first front perspective; shows the dwelling of figure 10, shown with a sliding divider in an extended position. shows a further preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a dwelling suspended over a precipice; shows a front elevation of the dwelling of figure 12 suspended between two trees over a river; shows a first front perspective of the dwelling of figure 12; shows a first lower rear perspective of the dwelling of figure 12; shows a second front elevation of the dwelling of figure 12; shows a first plan view of the dwelling of figure 12; shows a schematic plan view of an under-floor heating system according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; shows a plan view of a dwelling floor incorporating the underfloor heating system shown in figure 18, and shows a side section elevation of the dwelling floor incorporating the underfloor heating system shown in figure 19a. Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention

Reference numerals for figures 1 -11.

Figures 1 - 9 show a first embodiment of the present invention of a structure in the form of a recreational dwelling (1 ) configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency, and including; - a floor (2), comprised of a plurality of individual floor sections (3);

- four walls (4), comprised of a plurality of individual wall sections (5),

- a dwelling support in the form of four floor section supports (6),

- a roof (7) including a plurality of individual roof sections (8) The dwelling (1 ) shown in figures 1 - 9 is shown by way of illustration only and the invention is not necessarily limited to same. Although configured as a minimalistic cabin for a couple, many alternative configurations may be utilised within the scope of the present invention. Intended as relatively short-stay holiday usage accommodation for individuals who wish to be highly immersed in their environment, the dwelling (1 ) is specifically intended to be sited in areas of high natural beauty, preferably private and isolated at least by line of sight from any other human habitations of activities.

The dwelling ^ ) includes a bathroom (9), an outside bath (10), a double bed (1 1 ), indoor pendant lighting (12) and a small stove (13).

The dwelling walls (4) define a substantially cuboid volume with a mono-pitch roof (7) with a deck (14) area projecting along one of the long and short sides. The roof {7) slopes upwards from a lower edge at the rearward edge along the long side of the cuboid towards the deck area (14) on the opposing side.

The wall sections (5) facing the deck area (14) are formed from sliding glass doors (either stacking or bi-fold) allowing the interior of the dwelling (1 ) to be almost completely opened to the environment.

Although in alternative embodiments (shown in figures 12 - 13 and described further below) the dwelling (1 ) may be suspended above the terrain surface (15) by appropriate dwelling supports, the embodiment shown in figures 1 -9 is sited directly on the terrain surface by dwelling supports in the form of four floor section supports (6). The individual floor section support (6) attach to a corresponding terrain mount (16) which are inserted into the terrain surface (15). The terrain mounts (16) (shown in figure 5 only) may take any convenient form including micro piles, spikes or similar ground-piercing fittings. Whilst figure 5 shows the terrain mounts (16) as separate elements, bolted to the floor section supports (6), they may be formed together as integral elements.

The floor (2), walls (4), and roof {7) are constructed from a steel framework predominately forming rectangular sections (forming the floor section, wall sections and roof sections (3, 5, 8) respectively) which are clad, in-filled, or overlaid with a transparent or opaque panel according to their role and location.

According to the first preferred embodiment illustrated, all the floor sections (3) and roof sections (8) apart from those bounding the bathroom (9) are transparent glazed panels. The wall sections (5) forming the bathroom (9) are also opaque as well as the adjacent side wall (4) which contains the services for the dwelling (1 ) including: · a water detention tank (17), and

• gas supply lines from an exterior gas storage bottle (18) to a gas cooker (19) and heater (not shown).

The remaining wall sections (5) are configured as glass sliding doors. Thus, when the weather permits, both the glass panels of the three non-opaque walls (4) may be retracted towards the opaque wall (4), completely opening the dwelling (1 ) up to the atmosphere. In one embodiment, the transparent roof sections (8) may be configured to also retract towards the bathroom (9) to provide further immersion with the environment.

A key feature of the dwelling is its ability to minimise the impact on the environment. Although constructed from durable materials, the dwelling (1 ) is configured to be effectively 'invisible' or 'transparent' from the perspective of the existing biota adjacent and underneath the dwelling (1 ). The terrain surface (15) under the dwelling (1 ) is able to receive substantially the same light and atmospheric moisture as it would have received without the presence of the dwelling (1 ). This atmospheric transparency is achieved by a number of techniques.

In any environment, the salient atmospheric elements affecting the biota are the wind, light and moisture incident on the terrain surface.

As the dwelling (1 ) is elevated above the terrain surface (15) solely by the four elongate floor section supports (6), wind is able to pass freely under the elevated floor (2).

Light incident on the dwelling is also able to reach the terrain surface (15) by virtue of the transparent wall sections (5) and the transparent floor sections (3). Figure 8 illustrates schematically how sunlight (20) striking deck (14) directly is able to penetrate the transparent glass of the deck (14) and reach the terrain surface (15) below. Sunlight (20) striking the glass wall sections (5) passes in a direct line through into the dwelling interior before passing through the glass floor sections (3) until reaching the terrain surface (15) below. It will also be readily appreciated that even through the trajectory and solar elevation angle of the sun varies annually and throughout the day, light is still able to reach the terrain surface (15). Considering the situation at the extremities of the sun's elevation;

- at very shallow incident (low) angles, sunlight (20) will still pass through the dwelling (1 ) as described above and may also pass directly under the floor (7) to the terrain surface (15) without striking the dwelling (1 );

- at high incident angles, sunlight (20) may strike, and pass through, the

transparent roof sections (8) before passing through either a transparent floor section (3) or a wall section (5) and then reaching the terrain surface (15). The flora in the potential shadow of the dwelling (1 ) is thus actually still illuminated with light and able to photosynthesise.

The interaction of airborne moisture in the form of rain (coming into contact with the dwelling (1 ) is shown schematically in figures 9a and 9b. In the embodiment shown in figure 9a, rain (21 ) falling on the roof (7) runs downwards and falls from the lower roof perimeter into a roof gutter (22) positioned at the top of the adjacent wall (4). The rain water (21 ) then flows through a downpipe (23) down the outside of the wall (4) until reaching an irrigation distribution system (24) located below the level of floor (2). The irrigation distribution system (24) is a network of irrigation tubing (25) attached to a plurality of sub-floor elements in the form of joists (26) spanning the underside of the floor (2). The sub-floor elements collectively form a sub-floor {AQ) and in addition to, or instead of joists (26), may include beams, joists, frames, lattice, posts, sheets, panels, bearers, struts, channels, and any other component at least partially capable of structurally supporting the floor sections (3). In embodiments such as that shown in figures 1 - 9a, where the deck (14) surface formed from transparent floor sections (3) of solid panels of glass, the deck (14) surface is inclined slightly to allow the incident rain (21 ) to run off towards a floor gutter (27) at the edge of the deck (14) before feeding into the irrigation distribution system (23). Numerous alternative methods may be employed to re-distribute the rainwater (from the upper surfaces of the dwelling to the terrain surface (15) under the dwelling (1 ). In the alternative embodiment shown in figure 9b, the roof gutter (22) is replaced with a further floor gutter (27) positioned at the bottom of the wall section (5) beneath the low-side of the roof (7), allowing the occupants to watch rainwater passing down the walls (4) and/or the deck (14) before being redistributed to the terrain surface (15) by the irrigation distribution system (23). While figure 9 shows a simplified diagrammatic representation of the rainwater flow (21 ), figures 1 -7 show the incorporation of the water detention tank (17) into the exterior of the opaque wall (4) adjacent the bathroom (9).

In order to provide the occupants with an environmentally friendly water supply for domestic use, the rain (21 ) collected from the roof gutter (22) is temporarily stored in a detention tank (17). When the detention tank (17) is filled to a predetermined level, any excess rain water (21 ) collected bypasses, or overspills from the tank (17) straight to the irrigation distribution system (24).

Water consumption by the occupants is then replenished by subsequent rainfalls. The detention tank (17) refills to said predetermined level before being diverted to the irrigation distribution system (24). It will be appreciated that some dwellings (1 ) may, according to the occupants water requirements and the frequency and volume of rain fall, incorporate a separate or supplementary water supply and storage system to the rain-filled detention tank (17). The present invention thus substantially provides a dwelling (1 ) with effective atmospheric transparency to the elements of wind, light (20) and moisture (21 ).

It is possible to allow the terrain surface (15) beneath a building to receive all these atmospheric elements without interference by simply raising a conventional dwelling sufficiently high above the terrain surface (15). However, raising the dwelling height excessively poses significant drawbacks, namely; the difficulty and inconvenience in access to and from a dwelling that is high above the terrain surface;

minimizing the feeling of immersion in, and connection between, the occupants and their environment which is replaced instead with an artificial or surreal 'bird's eye' viewpoint, and - the risk of injury from a fall, and/or the hindrance (both visually and physically) of safety barriers, guards rails and the like to the user's experience of the surrounding environment.

However, to bring a dwelling to within a sufficient height from the terrain surface to overcome these drawbacks would adversely affect the biota under the dwelling without the atmospheric transparency of the present invention.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in figures 1 -9, the floor/deck (2, 14) is elevated less than 1 m from the terrain surface, which complies with New Zealand building regulations for decks and walkways to avoid need for a railing/barrier. The modular nature of the dwelling (1 ) not only simplifies construction of the subcomponents such as the walls (4), floor (2), roof (7), deck (14) and bathroom (9), it facilitates design modification whereby individual floor/wall/roof sections (3, 5, 8) may be added/subtracted to alter shapes, sizes and ratios. On a larger scale, the entire dwelling (1 ) from the embodiment shown in figures 1 - 9 may be combined together to create larger dwellings (100) as shown in figures 10 - 1 1 .

The dwelling (100) in figures 10 and 1 1 essentially comprises two dwellings (1 ), joined together. One of the dwellings (1 ) is configured as a mirror image of the other to enable the two dwellings (1 ) to utilise an opaque service wall (28) to act as a common dividing wall. This enables, for example, a family with children, or two couples to share the same environment whilst still maintaining some privacy from each other. Figure 1 1 shows an optional retractable sliding divider (29), in an extended position, subdividing the decks (14) on both halves of the dwelling (100).

Figures 12 and 13 show a further embodiment of the dwelling (1 ), suspended above the terrain surface (15) by one of more suspension elements (30), attached to anchor points (31 ) affixed to the terrain surface (15). The anchor points (31 ) may be any appropriate natural features such as trees (32) (shown in figure 13), rock features or outcrops and/or purpose-made ground anchors, rock bolts, support poles (33) (as shown in figure 12) or the like. Figure 12 shows the dwelling (1 ) located on a terrain surface (15) with a rearward portion of the dwelling (1 ) at the edge of a precipice, whilst the remainder of the dwelling (1 ) projects into free space, suspended by suspension elements (30). At one end, the suspension elements (30) are attached to an outer perimeter of the joists (26) at the apex of the deck (14), whilst the other end is shown attached to an anchor point (31 ) in the form of a support pole (33). The occupants of the dwelling (1 ) are thus able to see the view downwards through the transparent floor sections (3) as well as the wall sections (5) and roof sections (8). Figure 13 shows the dwelling (1 ) suspended between two anchor points (31 ) in the form of two trees (32) spanning a natural water feature (34), e.g. a river, stream, brook or the like. The dwelling (1 ) is suspended by suspension elements (30) attached at each apex of the floor (2) and roof (7). It will be readily understood however that numerous alternative means of suspension are possible as a matter of design choice. The dwelling (1 ) is accessed by a ladder (42) extending from the terrain surface (15) to a platform (43) extending from the deck (14).

Figures 14 - 17 show greater detail of the embodiment of figures 12 and 13 in the form of a dwelling (1 ) substantially similar to the embodiment of figures 1 - 9. The embodiment shown differs in layout configuration, whereby the side deck (14) and external bath (10) have been omitted and the floor space of internal living area correspondingly increased. A series of solar panels (35) are mounted above the wall (4) adjacent the deck (14). The solar panels (35) provide not only electrical power, but a degree of sun shading without obscuring the view. A fire (36) of some appropriate configuration and output (e.g. wood burner, gas, multi-fuel, bio-ethanol or the like) provides warmth during inclement weather and vents through a roof flue (37). The bathroom (9) is separated from the living/sleep area by a transverse partition wall (38).The bathroom (9) contains a toilet (39) and shower cubical (40) mutually separate by an inner bathroom wall and door (41 ). The shower cubical (40) is constructed with a transparent floor (3) and (optionally) with at least one transparent wall section (5). Forming the shower cubical (40) floor and wall sections from a solid transparent material such as glass advantageously provides a waterproof surface suitable for wet- room use without further treatment or additional layers/structures.

Similarly, the toilet (39) may be formed with a transparent floor section (3), while the wall sections (5) may be transparent or opaque according to user/owner preference. Figure 18 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the present invention of a dwelling (1 ) incorporating an under-floor heating system (42) including a support conduit network (43), including:

- a fluid heater (44),

- a fluid pump (45), and

- a sub-floor (46).

The fluid heater (44) and fluid pump (45) may be located in any convenient location (not shown) either internal or external to the dwelling (1 ). In the embodiment of figures 18 - 19, the sub-floor includes sub-floor elements (shown in greater detail in figure 19) in the form of a plurality of parallel, equidistantly-spaced support conduits in the form of elongated steel RHS fluid tubes (47). A feed water manifold (48) connects one end of each fluid tube (47) together, while a return water manifold (49) connects the other end of each fluid tube (47) together. The feed water manifold (48) and return water manifold (49) are connected together via the fluid heater (44) and fluid pump (45) to form a recirculating fluid circuit. Collectively, the fluid tubes (47), feed water manifold (48) and return water manifold (49) form part of said support conduit network (43). It will be readily discerned that although water is used as the working fluid for heating in the heating system (42), this is for exemplary purposes only. Different fluids (including gases) may be employed for heating and/or cooling purposes in the stead of water.

Figure 19a shows a plan view of a portion of a floor (2) with four transparent rectangular glass floor sections (3). Figure 19b shows a side elevation section of the floor (2) shown in figure 19a. The floor sections (3) are supported by a sub-floor (46) formed a plurality of sub-floor elements including:

- RHS fluid tubes (47);

- A detention layer composed or multiple detention layer sections in the form of double glazed panels (50);

- Foam rubber Insulated strips (51 , 52), and

- Steel C-section joist (26).

Each rectangular floor section (3) is supported by the sub-floor (46) at a lateral peripheral edge (53). In the embodiment shown in figures 18 - 19, the peripheral edge (53) of the floor sections (3) each rest upon foam rubber Insulated strips (51 ) which in turn rest upon the upper surface of the metal rectangular hollow section (RHS) fluid tube (47). The floor sections (3) are each composed of two glass layers, where the upper panel (54) is toughened/tempered to form small granular pieces in the event of breakage, while lower panel (55) may be selected for strength properties alone. It will be readily recognised that the support conduit shown in the form of a rectangular cross-sectioned RHS conduit fluid tubes (47) may take alternative forms such as square, circular, oval, or other configurations.

The sub-floor detention sections collectively creating the sub-floor detention layer are formed by the double glazed panels (50) positioned beneath the fluid tubes (47) at a lateral peripheral edge. A further rubber insulated strip (51 ) is located between the lower surface of the fluid tube (47) and the upper lateral peripheral edge of the double glazed panels (50).

Individual double glazed panels (50) are formed from an upper glass panel (56) and a parallel lower glass panel (57), joined together by an insulated, hermetically sealing spacer (58) located at the panel's lateral peripheral edge (59). In the embodiment shown in figures 18-19, the detention layer sections (double glazed panels (50)) is located at/below the level of the support conduits (fluid tubes (47)) and extend laterally substantially conterminally with the floor section (3). The sub-floor also includes further structural sub-floor elements in the form of C-section steel joists (26) positioned below the lateral peripheral edges (59) of the double glazed panel (50). Alternative structural sub-floor elements such as bearers, beams, channels, struts and the like, positioned at least partially beneath the detention layer may be employed in other embodiments according to the structural requirements of the dwelling (1 ).

The sub-floor (46) is thus configured to provide a heat-transfer chamber (60) bound substantially horizontally at an upper and lower level by at least one floor section (3) and at least one detention layer section (double glazed panel (50)) respectively, and vertically bound by at least one support conduit (fluid tubes (47)).

The air constrained inside the heat-transfer chamber (60) thus provides the medium for heat transfer from the fluid tubes (47) and is no longer subject to atmospheric dispersal via the exposed underside of the floor section. In contrast, the heated air in the heat-transfer chamber (60) is distributed across the underside of the floor section (3) by convection. The heat transferred to the underside of the floor section (3) (i.e. lower floor panel (55)) passes via conduction to the upper surface of the floor section (3) (i.e. upper panel (54)). This provides a warmed contact surface for the dwelling users, whilst also heating the air in the dwelling (1 ). Moreover, by forming the support conduits as part of the structural support for each floor section (3), the heating interface is distributed across the floor (2) without significantly impinging on the floor

(2) transparency. The air inside the heat-transfer chamber (60) may optionally be supplemented, or replaced by a gas with mould suppressant properties.

The heat-transfer chamber (60), and its surrounding support conduits (fluid tubes (47)), floor section (3) and detention layer section (double glazed panel (56, 57)) effectively forms a heating system module. The heating system module may be readily constructed by simply stacking a:

- floor section (3), onto

- an upper insulated strip (51 ), onto

- a support conduit (fluid tubing (47)), onto

- a lower insulted strip (52), onto

- a sub-floor detention section ((double glazed panel (56, 57)) placed about its peripheral edge upon

- a sub-floor joist (26).

As each of the above module components are simply placed upon each other without any special bonding or permanent sealing, consequentially assembly, dis-assembly and maintenance may be readily performed without specialised skills or tools.

Similarly, as the components of each floor section heating system module are discrete and readily assembled on-site, there is no requirement for complex prefabrication construction or expensive composite, or integral heat-exchange structures. The modularity of the heating system enables dwellings (1 ) of differing floor (2) areas to be simply scaled by varying the number of modules required. There is thus no requirement to produce large, and thus expensive glass sheets for each floor section

(3) . Instead, each module may be configured around the parameters of the individual components deemed of greatest importance, e.g. for maximum cost-effectiveness, and assuming the floor section (3) is the predominant cost item, the module may be sized around the cost-efficient glass panel size capable of withstanding the required loads for use as a floor section (3).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

Claims.

1 . A terrestrial dwelling including:

- a floor including at least one floor section, orientated substantially

horizontally in use;

- at least one wall including at least one wall section, projecting substantially upwardly from said floor section;

- a dwelling support, configured to at least partially elevate the floor section above a terrain surface; said dwelling support including a sub-floor, located beneath at least one floor section;

- a roof with at least one roof section attached to an upper portion of said wall, said dwelling configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency to at least partially allow atmospheric elements, including light, incident on the dwelling above the floor to reach the terrain surface under the dwelling; wherein said dwelling further includes a heating system for at least one transparent floor section of said dwelling, wherein said heating system includes said sub-floor, structurally supporting said floor section via sub-floor elements including a support conduit, positioned at a peripheral edge of the floor section.

2. A dwelling as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sub-floor elements include at least one, beams, joists, frames, lattice, posts, sheets, panels, bearers, struts, channels, and any other component at least partially capable of structurally supporting the floor sections.

3. A dwelling as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said support conduit is in direct contact with a lower surface of a lateral peripheral edge of the floor section.

4. A dwelling as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sub-floor includes an insulating strip between the support conduit and a lower surface of a lateral peripheral edge of the floor section.

5. A dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support conduit is inter-connected to a plurality of other support conduits supporting further lateral peripheral edges of further floor sections to form a support conduit network.

6. A dwelling as claimed in claim 5, wherein said support conduit network is

connected to at least one fluid heat conditioner and a fluid pump.

7. A dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sub- floor ^'further includes:

- a detention layer, including at least one detention layer section located at or below the level of the support conduit and extending laterally substantially conterminally with the floor section.

8. A dwelling as claimed in claim 7, wherein said detention layer section is

substantially transparent.

9. A dwelling as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said sub-floor includes a heat-transfer chamber bound substantially horizontally at an upper and lower level by at least one floor section and at least one detention layer section respectively, and vertically bound by at least one support conduit.

10. A dwelling as claimed in any one of claims 7 - 9, wherein said detention layer section is comprised of a multi-layer glazed panel.

1 1 . A dwelling as claimed in any one of claims 7 - 10, wherein said sub-floor incorporates further structural sub-floor elements supporting said detention layer.

12. A dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of support conduits are each connected at one end to a fluid feed manifold and at the other end to a return fluid manifold.

13. A dwelling as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 1 1 , wherein a plurality of support conduits are mutually interconnected, with one or more connections to a fluid feed manifold and a return fluid manifold.

14. A dwelling as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the fluid heater and fluid pump are connected between the fluid feed manifold and the return fluid manifold to complete said support conduit network.

15. A dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said

dwelling configuration is also atmospherically transparent to rain and any other forms of airborne moisture.

16. A dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said

dwelling support includes at least one floor section support, located beneath at least one floor section to support and at least partially elevate the floor section above the terrain surface.

17. A dwelling as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the dwelling support

includes at least one suspension element, configured in use to suspend the dwelling from an anchor point affixed to the terrain surface.

18. A dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said

dwelling configuration is also atmospherically transparent to wind.

19. A dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one said floor section is transparent and at least one of said wall section or said roof section is transparent.

20. A dwelling as claimed in claim 19, wherein a transparent floor section and a transparent wall section are mutually positioned to at least partially allow light incident on the transparent wall section to reach the terrain surface under the floor by passing through said transparent floor section.

21 . A dwelling as claimed in any one of claims 19 - 20, wherein a transparent floor section and a transparent roof section are mutually positioned to at least partially allow light incident on the transparent roof section to reach the terrain surface under the floor by passing through said transparent floor section.

22. A dwelling as claimed in any one of claims 15 - 21 , configured to divert

moisture incident on at least one:

- roof section; wall section, and/or uncovered floor section forming a walkway or deck area exterior to the dwelling's wall sections,

- to be re-dispersed under the floor onto the terrain surface below.

23. A dwelling as claimed in claim 22, wherein said incident moisture is diverted via: at least one roof periphery gutter; a wall section; collectors located substantially at the floor level; a water storage or detention tank;

- the roof and/or walls to one or more apertured conduits, drippers,

sprinklers, or other irrigation distribution system beneath the elevated floor, and/or

- any combination or permutation of same.

24. A dwelling as claimed in claim 23, wherein said irrigation distribution system is attached to said sub-floor.

25. A modular heating system for use with at least one floor section of a dwelling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, said heating system including:

- a sub-floor, structurally supporting said floor section via sub-floor

elements including a support conduit, positioned at a peripheral edge of the floor section.

26. A modular heating system as claimed in claim 25, wherein a heating module is formed as a vertical stack and includes:

- a transparent floor section;

- at least two support conduits;

- a transparent detention layer section.

27. A modular heating system as claimed in claim 26, wherein said transparent floor section and said transparent detention layer section are substantially coterminous horizontally.

28. A modular heating system as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein said floor is formed from a plurality of horizontally abutting heating modules.

29. A modular heating system as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least two abutting heating system modules are formed with peripheral edges of adjacent floor sections on a common support conduit.

30. A modular heating system as claimed in claim 29, wherein said abutting

heating system modules are formed with peripheral edges of adjacent detention layer sections located beneath a common support conduit.

31 . A modular heating system as claimed in any one of claims 25 - 30, further including:

- a sub-floor element joist beneath said support conduit;

- an insulating strip between said sub-floor element joist and said

support conduit.

32. A modular heating system as claimed in any one of claims 25 - 31 , wherein said heating module is an unbonded vertical stack.

33. A modular heating system as claimed in any one of claims 25 - 32, wherein the detention layer section is insulating relative to said transparent floor section.

34. A modular heating system as claimed in any one of claims 25 - 33, wherein said floor includes alternating adjacent support conduits and heat transfer chambers.

35. A modular heating system as claimed in claim 34, wherein said floor includes multiple transparent heat transfer chambers, with adjacent heat transfer chambers separated by the support conduits.

36. A modular heating system as claimed in claim 35, wherein adjacent heat transfer chambers are not in fluid communication with each other nor with the inside of the support conduits.

37. A modular heating system as claimed in any one of claims 25 - 33, wherein at least one said support conduit is opaque.