August_1966 — Page 74

General view of erection in progress

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C43

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CH 1

Development for high-

rise or low-rise

buildings

CUISINE

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A HIGHLY mechanised method of concrete prefabrication which at the same time avoids rigidity has been developed by the French com- pany. Balency & Schull, of Paris.

The Balency system is now used in France, Britain, Italy, Ireland, Israel and Belgium, and the company is in- terested in establishing licencees in South East Asia.

The design flexibility of the Balency system stems from three inter-related factors: the use of two main func- tional units which accommodate all service provisions, extensible moulds for wall panels, and in-situ concrete floors. These can be arranged to suit any layout the architect may require.

Functional Units

The "duct unit” comprises all the vertical mains, rainwater downpipe. heating pipes, staircase light and auto- matic time switch and is provided with preformed holes for all the gas and electricity, telephone and TV supply connections.

The "functional unit" comprises ducts, ventilation shafts, waste stacks, flues, fresh air inlets and supply and outlet pipes. The kitchen, bathroom. WC and drying room are connected to this unit. It can be installed in any position and connected on all four sides.

Consequently there is opportunity for variety in arranging the kitchen and sanitary facilities of the flat. The other components of the flat, apart from the staircase, can be varied at will.

These units require complex moukis and remain unchanged in their design unless the number required warrant the making of special moulds, The standard unit is aimed at satisfying normal requirements.

The units are of shell type construc- tion so that despite their thin walls

Far East Architect & Builder August, 1966

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Layout of flats erected in Israel by the Balency method