April_1967 — Page 8

Squeeze Hits Dutch Construction

HOLLAND'S present economic difficulties have led to 11 per cent. of its building workers being out of work. Capital has become dearer, resulting in a drop in demand for new houses and the cost of land has risen steeply.

From many directions the Government is being urged to arrange the planning and financing of building produc- tion on a longer term than it has done up to now. The difficulty now is that Holland has a temporary Govern- ment which is dealing only with the most urgent matters. This Government has appeared after a serious crisis in October and November of last year, which led to the dissolution of the Second Chamber and earlier elections.

The interim Government have now announced a number of measures in order to stimulate employment in the areas affected. For instance, firms investing in fixed assets (land, buildings and machinery) can obtain a bonus of 25 per cent. Also, the Government will, on a larger scale, help with financing and participating in the firms by giving guarantees where credits from the banks are obtained. In the case of industrial buildings, various major reductions of the price of land are obtainable.

New Archimetric System of Building Parts

THE introduction of a new system of integrated and standardised aluminium components for the building in- dustry has been announced by Alcoa International, Lau- sanne, Switzerland.

Known as the Archimetric system, it consists of standardised designs for curtain walls, a complete selection of residential and monumental windows, exterior and in- terior doors, entrances and storefronts. It is already in fabrication and will be licensed to selected independent manufacturers and metal construction workshops in vari- ous national markets. The system has already been licensed to manufacturers in 33 countries.

The various components are said to be suitable for all climates and types of construction. They can be furnished either in mill finish or anodized or in the Alcoa Duranodic 300 series of bronze, black and grey shades which resist corrosion and abrasion.

Opera House Still Progressing

Now that you've

seen how good looking they are...

K

...we'll tell you about the things you can't see

Sydney's new opera house now makes a dramatic sight from the city's waterfront. Dramatic too have been the goings-on behind the scenes. What has become to many Australians something of a mixture of a cultural masterpiece and a standing joke has been about the most controversial topic in Australia for more than a year.

The giant structure embodies nearly every known building technique. It also incorporates nearly every essential to labour disputes, city council wrangling and money squabbles from all sides.

Designed for internal acoustics as well as a uniquely im- pressive outside appearance, the opera house has taken shape so slowly as to be almost unnoticeable. Yet day by day the roofing slabs tell more of how Sydney's greatest edifice will look.

Like their colleagues in the Prestex range, these new fittings are made in a special way. And there's only one firm in the world that makes taps like this. Peglers. That's us. Peglers of Doncaster. What's our secret? It could be that we take more care over brass foundry than anyone else. Or that we chromium plate to almost twice the British Standards. Or perhaps that we're one of the largest makers of plumbing fit ings in the world - and our techniques are as modern as our designs. Whatever it is, it enables us to make fine taps at ordinary prices. Rather than tell you our secrets, we'll sell you our fittings, and you get priority on delivery too. Just let us know you're interested-soon.

Feglers

EXPORT MANAGER-MR. S. C. TYLER

PEGLERS LIMITED

BELMONT WORKS DONCASTER ENGLAND

28

PX218

Far East Architect & Builder April, 1967