The first prototype: the Tropical House of Niamey, 1949.

Henri Prouvé, architect. Commissioned by the African Land and Industrial Company (C.F.I.A.) through Studal.

“This ‘demonstration’ building, serving as accommodation for the director of the Niamey college, was intended to convince the authorities of Niger. A vast, ventilated roof measuring 26 x 10 m houses two cells (daytime and nighttime living areas), separated by a patio and surrounded by a perfectly ventilated veranda. The main structural elements, such as the porticos and beams, are made of folded and welded steel sheet; all other elements (roofs, facades, ceilings, etc.) are aluminum. The facade elements are of four types: solid panels, window panels, porthole panels, and door panels. These panels consist of two 10/10th aluminum sheet shells, separated by insulating studs; the frames are made of extruded profiles; thermal insulation is provided by crumpled aluminum sheets, allowing for minimum weight; and the aluminum sheet sunshades have adjustable inclination.”

P. Sulzer, 2004, p. 128.