Between 1865 and 1867, the first factory of the Big(Great) Vapour was created by the co-operative of the industrial engine. Workers polished the celluloid for combs, rented(praised) workshops(studios)-cells arranged around a central steam engine and bought energy. In 1905, a new factory is built by the electrical Union, on the same system of gathering of independent workshops(studios) around the same engine working this time in the hydropower (cf. the system used today by EDF which sells to every individual of the electrical power). Having listed(classified) MH in 1988, work was realised by the entrepreneurs(contractors) of Lyon Bergeron and Peral, holders for the region of the licence(Bachelor's degree) of process Hennebique, on the plans of the architect Augustus Chanard (1878-1934). François Hennebique (1842-1921) was an engineer and a French architect who mattered(counted) among the pioneers of the use of the ferroconcrete and who, from 1879, made many experimentation ending in the realisation of the first paving stones and of the first concrete(watertight) prefabricated elements. The factory borrows a plan in V and divides into 2 distinct parts(parties), with a central tower (offices(desks) and engine), and two wings including all in all 60 cells(units)-workshops. The ferroconcrete was used for the roofing - terrace, beams, columns and frames(supervisions) of the windows of staircases. The filling is in traditional armed masonry of some iron bootstraps. Facades borrow a classic composition which does not reflect the function(office) of the factory and that conceals constructive innovation. The establishment uses hydroelectric energy thanks to the system of the roofing training(forming) a reservoir or accumulator on pillars above workshops(studios). Driving energy is passed on(transmitted) in every cell(unit) by means of a tree running(roaming) along the ceiling. The roof - terrace also served to flood workshops(studios) in the event of a fire thanks to system Sprinkler.
Access
Parking à proximité.

Address
Angle de la rue René Nicod et de la rue Anatole France, 01100 Oyonnax, Ain, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Ain, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France