MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD
In f la table L iv ing Spaces:Bubble Lodges from France
Unbeatable Innovat ions:Developments from Europe
Portable Fables:Luxurious Handbags from I ta ly
PVC TODAYPVC ONLINE
www.PVC.Org
CrEatINg POSSIBILItIES tOgEtHEr · wINtEr 2010
2
This life raft is exceptionally stable in water thanks to the robust external covering of PVC-coated textile fabric as well as the effective ballasting.
When the Best Matters Most
Our society has come to depend on products of the best design in dangerous or critical situations. Scientifically tested medical products accelerate
the healing process. Reliable safety products reduce risks on the road, at work, or during leisure activities. In the event of serious accident, we trust
proven applications to limit damage. In this article we will introduce some of the technologies we depend on every day. Everyone of which relies on
flexible PVC, a material with outstanding technical properties.
OUtStaNDINg INNOVatIONIn January 2010 the European vinyl manufacturer SolVin inaugurated its fourth annual ‘Award for
PVC Innovation’. The winners of the competition were announced on October 28th at the K2010 Inter-
national Plastics Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. Five prizes totalling €100,000 were awarded for
the best projects in terms of Innovation (with gold, silver and bronze divisions), Creative Design, and
Recycling.
Bracelets, earrings and necklaces: Jewellery made of PVC is inspired by the ocean and is extremely creative. Little wonder that the ‘Creative Design SolVin Award 2010’ went to Molusk of Paris.
The Aircast Air-Stirrup ankle brace by the
American company DJO Inc. has been
used successfully to treat ankle injuries
since 1978. It is an example of the high per-
formance of medical products manufactured
with flexible PVC. The anatomically designed
shell of this brace fits the shape of the ankle
perfectly. It has an interior air-cushioning sys-
tem with two pre-inflated overlapping aircells
of flexible PVC film made by the company
RENOLIT AG. The brace provides great com-
fort and promotes blood circulation so that
swelling and pain are minimised, making it a
medical application with a proven track record.
It is one of the many flexible PVC products
in the field of medicine which have met the
highest safety and quality standards for over
50 years.
to chemicals, acids, and bacteria. In the every-
day life of the household, too, products made
of this superior material are taken for granted
and are always there when needed. Cold com-
presses are a good example of this. Whenever
we suffer from headache or uncomfortable
swelling, ice-cold compresses made of pliable
soft PVC film are ready to hand in the freezer
to alleviate our pain. PVC products are even
recommended for allergy sufferers, thanks to
their outstanding material properties.
Safe and Reliable
PVC flooring has been a standard building
material in healthcare facilities for decades. It
is extremely easy to maintain due to its almost
non-porous surface, and can be manufactured
in numerous attractive designs. Fittings and
fixtures for medical treatment such as mas-
sage tables with supple upholstery made of
artificial leather has become a mainstay of
Proven Millions of Times Over
Blood bags made of PVC are biocompatible,
prevent blood coagulation, and prolong the
life of blood. Pliable, flexible PVC tubing for
infusions and transfusions deliver supplies of
fluids and blood to patients in need. Dispos-
able hygienic products such as PVC gloves are
almost completely impermeable and resistant
Images seen around the world: Oil barriers, many of them made of PVC-coated textile fabric, prevented oil from washing ashore in the Gulf of Mexico.
Phot
o: G
erflo
r M
ipol
am G
mbH
Phot
o:
BP
p.l.c
.
Phot
os:
Plas
tim
o
33
rehabilitation facilities. ‘Skai’ artificial leather
manufactured by Konrad Hornschuch AG has
proven its superiority in the medical field.
It holds up under constant disinfectant use,
is easy to clean and long-lasting. It satisfies
the strict requirements of Germany’s Medi-
cal Product Law and has outstanding hygi-
enic properties. High-quality surfaces with the
look of leather are available in many modern
designs.
Effective Protection at Work
There are many products on the market, not
a few of which are made of flexible PVC, that
help to prevent physical injury. For exam-
ple, high-visibility clothing for workers in
waste management or at construction sites
heightens the level of safety. The reflectors
are made of special PVC film that assures
being seen at a distance. The same applies
to reflective PVC film for cycling trouser clips
or athletic armbands.
Welding curtains made of PVC film have been
A record 141 projects were submitted from
companies throughout the entire vinyl
supply chain, 40% more than in the pre-
vious year. This can-do response attests to
the vitality of the European vinyl industry and
its capacity for innovation and creativity in
new applications and products.
Contributing to Sustainable Development
The independent jury, composed of five
prominent industry members, nominated 23
projects in the three categories. The winning
projects included improved window insula-
tion, natural fibre-composites, bio-based
additives, super energy-efficient piping sys-
tems, and enhanced, integrated materials
recycling. During the awards ceremony for
the five winners, the jury honoured innova-
tions highlighting the important contribution
of vinyl to sustainable development, which
incorporate ecological efficiency, creative
design, and improvements to the quality of
life.
www.solvinaward.com
cal systems from the spreading oil slick. One
such measure was the installation of oil bar-
riers, a proven solution in such situations,
these consist primarily of yellow- and orange-
coloured tubes made of a PVC-coated textile
fabric. The inflatable or foam-filled tubes float
on the water and keep the oil from spreading
further. The tubes ride deep enough into the
providing optimal work protection for years.
These screens shield surrounding work areas
from sparks, molten splatter, and hazardous
glare.
Reliable in Emergency Situations
Safety ought to be our first consideration
during leisure activities. We would not want
our children to go swimming without reliable
water wings or inflatable pool rings. Many
of these robust safety devices are made of
PVC film, which remains airtight and buoyant
in dangerous situations. The same goes for
the inflatable life rafts that are the last resort
when a boat sinks or capsizes and passengers
have to get to safety without delay. It is reas-
suring to know that the raft is made of high-
quality material that can withstand even the
most treacherous weather.
Life rafts manufactured by Plastimo are the
only ones made with an elaborate double-
hull construction. Even children or injured
people can activate the simple mechanism
that inflates the raft in an emergency. The
tough outer-shell of the life raft consists of
a PVC-coated textile fabric which offers the
greatest possible protection from abrasions
and leaks. The fabric is neither heat-sealed
nor bonded together – as is often the case
with other designs – but carefully sewn. It pro-
tects the inner tube, a waterproof air chamber
with exceptionally high elasticity. The survival
system is equipped with large ballast bags
weighted with lead to prevent capsizing even
in high waves, rendering the rafts extremely
stable in water. Because of their excellent tech-
nical specifications, Plastimo offers a 12-year
guarantee on the rafts with the only condition
that they are maintenanced every three years
by a licensed Plastimo partner. Buyers can be
sure that if worse comes to the worst they will
have a product on board offering the highest
possible chances of survival.
The Right Choice for Oil Spills
The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion
in the Gulf of Mexico caused an urgent need
for measures that could effectively protect
miles of beaches and their sensitive ecologi-
Phot
os:
Mol
usk/
SolV
in
Elastic PVC flooring is ideally suited for use in hospitals. It is very easy to clean thanks to its almost non-porous surface, which meets the highest standards of hygiene.
water that the oil cannot seep under them. If
the weather conditions are reasonably calm,
the barriers constitute an outstanding solution
for environmental protection. Demand for the
barriers became so great in the Gulf of Mexico
that they sold out and manufacturers had to
expand production. Images of the colourful
barriers floating on the water along the coast-
line were broadcast around the world.
www.renolit.com, www.hornschuch.de
Massage tables with supple artificial-leather upholstery offer patients greater comfort while also maintaining hygiene.
Phot
o: D
J Ortho
pedi
cs, USA
Safety first: Water wings made of PVC film allow for the utmost safety in the water, as this material is airtight.
This ankle brace provides rigidity while facilitating the healing process after injuries. The shell is lined with inflat-able aircells made of flexible PVC film for comfortable, cushioned support.
Phot
o: fried
ola
Geb
r. Hol
zapf
el G
mbH
Phot
o: K
onra
d Hor
nsch
uch
AG
Phot
o: G
erflo
r M
ipol
am G
mbH
Gold
Georg Fischer Deka (Germany): Innovative
photo-bioreactors made of 100% transparent
PVC pipes and fittings, designed for growing
micro-algae
Silver
Rohm and Haas (France): SureCelTM, a break-
through in processing aid technology achiev-
ing a 20% material savings in the manufacture
of foamed PVC profiles
Bronze
Alkor Draka (France): the stretched PVC ceil-
ing system, combining optimal fire resistance
with zero smoke emission
Recycling
profine (Germany): the ‘KBE System_88 mm’
window and door system, compounded of up
to 50% recycled PVC
Creative Design
Molusk (France): aquatic jewellery made of
PVC
The winners of the ‘SolVin Award for PVC Innovation 2010’
4
IMPrINt
Publisher in Germany:
PVCplus
Kommunikations GmbH
Am Hofgarten 1-2
D-53113 Bonn
Telephone: +49-2 28-23 10 05
Fax: +49-2 28-538 95 96
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.pvcplus.de
Contact: Werner Preusker
Publisher in Switzerland:
PVCH-Arbeitsgemeinschaft
der Schweizerischen
PVC-Industrie
c/o KVS
Schachenallee 29c
CH-5000 Aarau
Telephone: +41-62 832 7060
Fax: +41-62 834 0061
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.pvch.ch
Contact: Norbert Helminiak
Publisher in Europe:
The European Council of Vinyl
Manufacturers
Avenue E Van Nieuwenhuyse
4 Box 4
B-1160 Brussels
Telephone: +32-2 792 75 25
Fax: +32-2 676 7447
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.ecvm.org
Contact: Helmuth Leitner
Total number of copies: 5,500
Created by: www.hl-dialog.de
Cover picture: Boy with a Cold
Compress, Ralph Richter
EDItOrIaL
FOr aLL PUrPOSESWhether it is small accidents, health problems, or full-blown disas-
ters, all of us depend on products that must prove their reliability
in diverse situations. Often we trust ourselves to devices made of
flexible PVC. We place cold compresses made of reusable, pliable
PVC film next to painful swellings. Our children wear water wings of
robust PVC film that keep their heads above water. We barricade our
beaches behind kilometres-long PVC barriers that hold back seeping
oil threatening ecologically sensitive coastline.
Many other products made of PVC are characterised by their superior
social benefits. Inflatable noise dampers made of PVC membranes
are the ideal solution to protect people from temporary noise from
construction sites and sports fields. According to research carried out
by the University of Stuttgart and the Fraunhofer Institute for Building
Physics, these ultra-light systems offer as much sound-proofing as
massive barriers made of concrete.
Quite different product designs satisfy our longing for aesthetic delight
and a touch of luxury. The magical Italian handbags designed by Furla
are a classic example. They would make anyone’s heart beat faster
who in their youth were enchanted by the tale of Dorothy and the
Wizard of Oz. A series of scenes featuring the fable’s most important
characters adorn the new handbag collection made of PVC-coated
textile fabric. Or consider CristalBubbles (shown on the back cover),
which combines the experience of the wild with maximum comfort.
These outsized, inflatable, fully furnished mobile bubbles might well
be compared to hotel rooms.
In this edition, too, the articles again showcase the versatile possibili-
ties of flexible PVC. If you know of any unusual products or admirable
projects involving the use of flexible PVC, simply contact us. Share
your experience with the many other readers of ‘PVC TODAY’. We
welcome your comments and suggestions.
Werner Preusker
Norbert Helminiak
Helmuth Leitner
Editors of PVC TODAY
‘Climate Capsules’, Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg: Escape through the emergency exit into the ‘shelter’: the ham-mock in ‘Oasis No. 7’ by Haus-Rucker-Co on the outside wall of the Museum.(Materials: transparent PVC film, white-coated fabric, steel construction, hammock, two artificial palm trees, emergency exit sign, diameter approximately 7 m)
Obviously thrilled by the green and blue desk mats (!): Pupils from Alterswil enjoy working on their new desk mats.
Pupils from Grade 1C in Buttisholz, Switzerland can now write more easily thanks to soft desk mats.
They received the practical writing mats from the PVCH Working Group of the Swiss PVC industry.
This was reason enough for the children to send heartfelt thanks to the sponsors.
PUPILS SEND tHaNkS
5
Phot
os:
Pete
r Hal
ter
Scho
ol a
nd A
lter
swil,
PVC
H
The ‘Climate Capsules’ exhibition in the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg was not prima-
rily about sustainability or recycling – even if the title perhaps led you to believe this. It dealt with
plastic material in the visual arts. It also involved PVC material as plastic in the artistic sense, or as
an important part of any strategy of surviving advancing climate change.
Climate Capsules: Means of Surviving Dis-
aster’ was an impressive exhibition which,
based on 30 models from art, architecture,
and design, demonstrated how people could
adapt to specific climatic conditions. Visitors
were invited to wear climate clothing, to try
out body and living capsules, and to mar-
vel at floating cities and nature capsules. The
concept of curator Friedrich von Borries was
grounded in the question of what daily life
would look like if climate change became a
reality. One famous example is the spaceship-
like ‘Futuro’ house by Matti Suuronen from
1968.
Inflatable Oasis
Even before entering, the visitor’s eye is
arrested by a transparent sphere made of PVC
film installed on the museum building. ‘Oasis
No. 7’ is the name of the balloon-like capsule,
which had been shown at documenta 5 in
Kassel in 1972 by the Haus-Rucker-Co group
of Austrian architects and artists. In Hamburg,
visitors were able to enter the sphere on the
second floor of the museum through an airlock
and relax in a hammock suspended between
two trees. Ironically, the entrance to the cap-
sule was designated as an emergency exit.
Professor Günter Zamp Kelp, a member of the
Haus-Rucker-Co group of artists, wished to
avoid promoting the capsule as a kind of idyl-
lic utopia. Visitors ‘were supposed to grapple
with this reality and not flee from it’, he said.
Vacuum-Packed Peanuts
The artist Lawrence Malstaf offered a spe-
cial kind of performance. In his exhibit enti-
tled ‘Shrink’, the visitors placed themselves
between two pieces of bonded PVC film. The
air was then removed so that the individual
was shrink-y wrapped like ‘peanuts in a pack-
age’. With the help of a hose, the vacuum-
packed person used an air bubble as his only
oxygen supply. While onlookers may have felt
claustrophobic, many participants reported
the experience as relaxing. One had to trust
Phot
o: P
erfo
rmat
ive
Inst
alla
tion
, ©
Law
renc
e M
alst
af/G
aler
ie F
ortlaa
n 17
, Ghe
nt/B
elgi
um
‘Climate Capsules’, Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg: Lawrence Malstaf depicts the feeling of weightlessness and security through his full-body capsule ‘Shrink’.
Pupils from Grade 1C in Buttisholz thank PVCH for their donation of desk mats.
In the realM of ClIMate Capsules
and surrender completely to what was hap-
pening. Lawrence Malstaf has been perform-
ing this installation since 1995. A video is
available on YouTube (search phrase: ‘Law-
rence Malstaf Shrink’). Certainly the displays
did not demonstrate viable options in case of
either a sudden or gradual ecological catas-
trophe. Nevertheless, they graphically evoked
the wealth of feelings we would have had if
we actually had to make do without essential
resources.
http://www.klimakapseln.de
Phot
o: D
enni
s Co
nrad
customers. ‘In the beginning there were only
small orders, but now we also receive inquir-
ies to supply entire schoolhouses. In total,
we have manufactured and distributed 28,500
desk mats free of charge’, reports Norbert
Helminiak, Chairman of Management at PVCH
in Aarau. The Working Group has invested
approximately €110,000 in production and
shipping so far.
Pupils and Teachers Thrilled
The popular mats consist of a thick inner foil
which is heat-sealed inside thin flexible-PVC
film in blue or green. Teachers prefer this sim-
ple version so that pupils are not distracted
from their lessons. Placed under the children’s
notebooks and colouring pads, the writing
mats protect school desks from scrapes and
scratches. In addition, the recyclable mats are
easy to clean and long-lasting. And they bring
colour to the classroom. Schools that cannot
Peter Halter School: The desk mats from PVCH provide children with a soft and comfortable writing surface while protect-ing desks from damage.
afford desk mats due to limited budgets
are greatly benefitted. The many thanks and
positive reactions received from schools are
a testament to their success.
www.pvch.ch
Buttisholz is not the first recipient of the
colourful writing mats. Many schools and
preschools have been given them free
of charge since 2002. Initially, PVCH mem-
ber companies distributed the writing mats
themselves to institutions in their local areas.
Eventually, as the project developed on its own
without advertising, PVCH took over delivery.
More and more teachers have turned to the
Swiss PVC industry, including many residual
6
Many people are disturbed by the ever-present noise from road, air, and rail traffic. According
to a survey of 2,000 adults by Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA), approximately
60 percent of the population finds road traffic in their neighbourhoods intrusive. At the same
time, transient and shifting sources of noise due to construction, outdoor concerts, and sport-
ing events have become increasingly annoying. Noise insulation elements made of film and
PVC-coated membranes produce amazing results in this type of situation.
among them inflatable noise barriers made
with PVC-coated polyester fabric.
Light and Flexible
In principle, the ultra-light noise barriers work
using membranes quite like those in an air
mattress. The PVC-coated membranes of vari-
ous shapes and sizes make versatile design
components, and can quickly be inflated by a
compressor. The noise-damping effect of the
bivalve shell is customizable by varying the
shape, arrangement, and number of air cham-
bers. In addition, noise absorption can also be
controlled by the texture of the exterior sur-
face and the air pressure inside the membrane
shell. In this way, the system is adaptable to
different kinds of noise.
As Good as Concrete
The portable sound barriers were subjected to
multifarious challenges in tests at a number
of construction sites. The results were quite
Noise barriers alongside motorways,
sound-proof plastic window systems, and
well-insulated façades have proven to be
effective solutions when noise becomes a
problem. Noise reduction for transient acoustic
disturbances that nonetheless constitute seri-
ous nuisances is not easy. For example, light-
weight plastic walls, mineral-fibre cushions,
and sand-filled tarpaulins have been resorted
to in the past, but these solutions are often too
complicated to implement and are impracticle.
Simple, flexible, cost-effective portable prod-
ucts are greatly in demand. Schew-Ram Mehra,
Professor of Acoustics at the University of
Stuttgart in Germany, together with acousti-
cians at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building
Physics (IBP) have tackled this problem. As
part of a research project lasting several years,
they examined numerous protective systems,
Phot
os:
ECVM
In April 2010 London’s Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital officially opened the doors of its
state-of-the-art Outpatient Assessment Centre. The new building offers modern healthcare to
patients, including clinical fittings and facilities for X-ray and ultrasound imaging, orthotics,
occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and pre-operative assessment. The use of vinyl in the
interior design meets the high standards of the healthcare facility in terms of both durability
and aesthetics.
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
(RNOH), founded in 1905, is the largest
orthopaedic hospital in the UK and regarded
as a world leader in the field of orthopaedics.
The architectural design of the hospital incorpo-
rates both marketable flats and rooms for out-
patient services. Once completed, the building
will host 100 residential units and a three-
storey Outpatient Centre for the Hospital. The
existing waiting hall will be retained and used
for office space.
Outstanding Patient Care
The opening of the Outpatient Assessment
Centre in Bolsover Street marks an important
step in the overall renovation of the RNOH.
Developed in partnership with Ridgeford Prop-
erties Ltd and Manhattan Loft Corporation and
designed by HOK Architects, it is a landmark
in the design aspirations of the NHS Trust.
Hospital Chief Executive Rob Hurd states, ‘It
is our absolute priority to provide outstanding
patient care and this centre will have a huge
impact on our patients’ experience’.
Imaginative noise reduction: Inflatable noise barriers can also be created individually in order to bring more life to cities.
A large play area with lots of space enhances the experience of children who visit the new Outpa-tient Assessment Centre in central London.
a NEw PatIENt ExPErIENCE
portaBle noIse BarrIers
Installing in-flatable PVC membranes such as these at a construction site keeps acoustic disturbances to a minimum.
Phot
o: F
rank
Sch
mid
t, T
rebs
en
Phot
o: F
raun
hofe
r IB
P
Design Life
The materials were chosen to accord with
government specifications following a green
approach, and products were selected to meet
the building standards of the London authori-
ties. The design life of the materials used in
this project is intended to conform to the
British ’Guide to Durability of Buildings and
Building Elements, Products and Components’
building standard. The new building at Bols-
over Street has received an overall rating of
excellent by the NHS Environmental Assess-
ment Tool (NEAT).
Aesthetics meets Functionality
HOK Architects chose vinyl materials for the
flooring, wall coverings, and children’s play
area; it was an optimal solution in terms of
both aesthetic and environmental impact.
Durable vinyl flooring in attractive finishes is
almost non-porous and easy to clean, mini-
mizing maintenance costs throughout the
MagIC wONDErSimpressive. ‘Our membrane walls produce the
same protection as massive noise barriers
made of concrete and are several times lighter’,
stated Professor Mehra. The bivalve structure
creates a sound insulation gradient of almost
20 decibels. And because of its light weight
it is easily assembled and dismantled. It is a
great advantage in dealing with transient noise
sources when quick, flexible, and economic
solutions are required. For good reason this
noise abatement system has now received
the German ‘Landmarks in the Land of Ideas’
award.
The manufacturer, the company CENO Mem-
brane Technology, is a cooperative enterprise
product life cycle. At the same time, the vinyl
applications meet high aesthetic standards
for interior design, and soothingly promote
the healing process of patients. It is just the
right balance between aesthetics and building
standards.
www.rnoh.nhs.uk
Effective noise abatement at construction sites. The port-able barriers are easy to install and quick to adjust when construction noise changes direction.
and licensed partner of the Fraunhofer Insti-
tute. Convinced of the advantages of their
ultra-light system, the company has offered
the noise abatement system in modular form
since 2008. But the possibilities are far from
exhausted.
A Look into the Future
The future development of overarching inflat-
able structures for entire construction sites or
other transient noise sources is conceivable;
this is an area with considerable potential for
innovation.
http://www.ibp.fraunhofer.de/akustik,
www.ceno-tec.de
For the interior design HOK Architects chose vinyl applications for the flooring, wall coverings, and in the children’s play area, not only because of easy maintenance but also to create a friendly and aesthetic atmosphere.
The new collection,
called ‘Furla Tal-
ent Hub’ by
the Italian hand-
bag manufac-
turer, carries us
away to Dor-
othy’s wonder-
land and involves
us in her adventures.
All motifs depicted on
the bags retell the tale
in a suite of scenes
and a parade of char-
acters. We instantly
recognise the house in which our heroine was lofted away to a transcendent
reality. Not only Dorothy but also her fabulous companions the Cowardly Lion,
the Tin Man and the Scarecrow are represented in these vivid depictions
composed of all colours of the rainbow.
Enchanting Collection
Established in 1927, with its long tradition of
craftsmanship Furla produces some of the
world’s most elegant, high-quality hand-
bags made of exquisite materials and
designed for tasteful refinement. It
now incorporates the recent
fairytale collection by the Italian
fashion designers Fabio Sasso
and Juan Caro, creators of the
fashion trademark ‘Leitmotif’.
The wide range of products
comprises handbags of various
shapes and sizes made of high-
quality PVC-coated textile fab-
ric. Whether on elegant shopping
bags, petite evening pocketbooks
or spacious satchels, these suitable
companions are available for every
occasion. Exactingly designed fea-
tures like extravagant shoulder straps
and bag clasps with charming crystal
balls attest to a loving care for detail.
The product line includes umbrellas, leather
gloves, watches, scarves and many other
accessories besides handbags.
www.furla.com
Some literary masterpieces never lose their fascination even after 100 years.
Undoubtedly “The Wizard of Oz” by American author Lyman Frank Baum belongs in
this category. It is the enchanting story of Dorothy, who is borne away by a tornado to
a world of magic wonders. Italian manufacturer Furla has now dedicated to Baum’s
classic tale a special collection of its handbags made of PVC-coated canvas.
Young Dorothy with her iconic ruby slippers is at the centre of this shoulder bag. The colourful handbag made of PVC-coated textile fabric is held shut by a crystal ball.
This delicately crafted evening pocketbook made of PVC-coat-ed canvas shows Dorothy in the midst of her magical fairyland.
Unusual shape, unusual motif: The Scare-crow on this enchanting handbag is one of the main characters from “The Wizard of Oz”.
Phot
os:
Furla
S.p.
A.
7
Phot
o: C
ENO M
embr
ane
Tech
nolo
gy G
mbH
Phot
os:
ww
w.b
ubbl
etre
e.fr
IMMedIate experIenCe of nature
He originally intended the CristalBubble as a
kind of winter garden designed to furnish
a comfortable outing in the back yard in
those first sunny but still chilly days of spring.
As Dumas explained, ‘My basic idea was to
allow for a maximum amount of comfort and
direct experience in nature with minimal use
of energy and materials’. The idea has resulted
in an entire product line for various occasions
and target groups with the potential of becom-
ing a real trendsetter.
Unrestricted Panoramic View
An unobstructed view in all directions is made
possible by flexible transparent PVC film and
the special air-renewal system. The inflated
Bubble’s diameter is four metres at the bot-
tom, and the transparent living space is three
metres at the highest point. Installation of
proper flooring is possible, and your imagina-
tion is the limit in furnishing the interior area.
Whether it be a romantic dinner for two, relax-
ing hours by the lake, or a day in your own
colourful autumn garden, the CristalBubble
furnishes a panorama of nature and enjoy-
ment through all the senses.
Refreshing Ventilation
The living space is equipped with an air-renew-
al system which operates continuously when
in use to vent and replenish the air inside. The
process sucks outside air in, whereupon an
air-filtration system removes pollen and other
particulates, while directing clean air into the
CristalBubble. The huge Bubble is thus the
ideal place for allergy sufferers. The system
allows air circulation to be manually control-
led at several power levels. Humidity can also
be regulated. Constant internal air pressure
(slightly higher than atmospheric pressure)
is monitored by an automatic regulator. This
keeps the PVC film taut and wrinkle-free dur-
ing use. The system’s low-noise motor outside
the Bubble is energy-efficient – using between
70 and 90 watts.
A Comfortable Lodge
To savour starlit nights to the full, Dumas
developed variations of his magical Cristal-
This BubbleLodge consists of two Bub-bles: a completely transparent living area and a semi-transparent second one providing a separate sleeping area. White PVC film over the lower half of the sleeping Bubble provides privacy.
The ante-chambered air-trap entrance prevents air from escaping when going in or out of the CristalBubble. If entering from the outside, you first close the outer door behind you, then open the inner door into the living space.
Both cosy and trendy: The Honeymoon BubbleLodge. The bed is filled with air and made of 100-percent PVC.
CristalBubble: In the midst of nature with maximum comfort. Blissfully relaxing days like these leave strong memories.
Bubble. He redesigned its lower section with
white PVC film to create visual privacy from
prying neighbours. The transparent upper sec-
tion remains unchanged – an ideal solution
allowing for more seclusion while experienc-
ing nature. A modular second Bubble that
functions as either a bath- or bedroom can be
added-on to make an extended BubbleLodge.
The ensemble is comparable to a hotel room
en suite.
Rental Service Available
The French designer rents his unusual Bubbles
for special events. Modular Bubbles of various
sizes are combined to create extraordinary
venues for festive occasions or business func-
tions. Dumas has captured the spirit of the
times with another new idea: a BubbleRoom
to be rented with breakfast for a weekend in
France. It is an attractive offer for adventur-
ous weekend vacationers who enjoy being
immersed in nature. ‘The response has been
impressive. People from the city especially
enjoy experiencing nature directly for two
days at a time without giving up comfort’,
says Dumas. A BubbleLodge is even available
for honeymooners!
www.bubbletree.fr
Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Schweizerischen PVC-Industrie
CHPan initiative of the pVC industry
The CristalBubble is a magical sphere in nature with an unrestricted 360-degree panoramic view. Through this innovative product made of trans-
parent PVC film the French designer Pierre Stéphane Dumas has succeeded in combining supposed opposites: immediate experience of the wild
and maximum comfort.