February_1968 — Page 10

La Bulle Six Cogues

Designed by architect Jean Maneval and produced by the plastics division of Ste. Dubigeon-Normandie, the structure is in the shape of an ovoid or spherical bubble and is based on the fundamental constructional principles found naturally as in the organs of plants.

The six-bubble unit is open plan with dining and living quarters plus separate bedrooms provided by the inclusion of partitions. Services can be supplied in various ways. Erection of the shell unit on a prepared concrete base takes about four hours. Thermal insulation is pro- vided by sandwich construction with blow-in polyurethane foam, which adds to the overall structural rigidity. The thermal insulation is claimed to be equivalent to that pro- vided by a 24 in. thick masonry wall.

Each shell section weighs about 440 lb. and the total weight of a completed unit is 3,300 lb. A photo-electric cell can be incorporated to control a small electric drive motor which can rotate the comparatively light dwelling so that the living area is facing the sun throughout the year. Excluding transportation costs, the bubble-shell is available in France for about NFr. 37,000 which is rough- ly US$7,565.

Sixth FIP Congress to be Held in Czechoslovakia

THE Sixth Congress of the Federation Internationale de la Precontrainte (International Federation оп Prestress- ing) will be held from May 30 to June 6, 1970. in Prague.

An organizing committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Prof. Ing. J. Klimes, with Ing. J. Krchov as secretary. Ing. M. Tichy has been appointed secretary of the congress. In addition to a comprehensive pro-

gramme of technical sessions and visits there will be a full social programme for delegates and their wives.

The main sessions of the congress will take place at the Prague Congress Hall, and at the Technological Uni- versity. An exhibition of equipment and materials will be held at the Congress Hall.

Longest Bridge in Europe Across Baltic Sound

A 6,060-metre long bridge the longest in Europe will be built between the city of Kalmar and the island of Oland in the Baltic, the Swedish Board of Roads has an- nounced. Skanska Cementgjuteriet, Stockholm contractors, have secured the Kr. 65.5 million (US$13,000,000) con- struction contract.

Work is about to start and is expected to be com- pleted in the autumn of 1972. The bridge will feature 155 spans and the roadway will be 13 metres wide. With connecting roads, ramps and service buildings, the costs are expected to rise to Kr. 100 million.

In

The island of Oland is a popular tourist and vacation site. So far, the route has been serviced by ferries. 1963, for instance, the ferries transported 287,500 cars and 39,800 trucks.

Brookes Doors, made with quality and precision

for every kind of opening

Brookes Folding Shutter Doors

Made of steel or aluminium, they can be installed singly or in series, with manual or electric operation. In sizes up to 60 feet high by 200 feet or more wide.

Brookes Roller Shutters

In steel, aluminium or wood, in practically any size. They can be fitted singly or in series and operated manually or electrically.

Brookes also make nylon grilles, collapsible gates and rubber doors. Brookes products are made with quality and precision to meet customers' exact requirements.

For further information contact:

Head Office: Brookes & Co. (1925) Ltd., Dept. F.E.A.

Princess Art Metalworks, 129 Stockport Road, Manchester 12.

Agents in Hong Kong

Messrs Shewan Tomes (Equipment) Ltd., Union House, 14th Floor, Hong Kong,

BROOKES

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KEY NO. F.EA.

Far East Architect & Builder February, 1968

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