A unique piece of French architectural history is set to go under the hammer this Thursday evening in Rennes, France. Rennes Enchères Bretagne auction house will offer a rare "six-shell bubble" house designed by engineer Jean-Benjamin Manéval in the early 1960s. The distinctive dwelling, estimated to be worth more than 80,000 euros, represents a fascinating example of experimental residential architecture from the modernist era.
The bubble house, officially known as a "six-shell bubble," was created by Jean-Benjamin Manéval at the beginning of the 1960s as part of the revolutionary architectural movement that challenged conventional housing design. These innovative structures were characterized by their organic, pod-like appearance and represented a bold departure from traditional rectangular buildings. Manéval's design philosophy emphasized both functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating homes that looked almost extraterrestrial in their futuristic appearance.
The auction, scheduled for Thursday, November 13th at 6:00 PM, marks a rare opportunity for collectors and architecture enthusiasts to acquire what experts describe as "a piece of French architecture." The bubble house concept was part of a broader experimental housing movement that emerged in post-war France, reflecting the era's optimism about technology and new materials. These structures were designed to be both affordable and mass-producible, though they ultimately remained rare due to their unconventional nature.
Rennes Enchères Bretagne has positioned this particular bubble house as a significant cultural artifact that represents an important chapter in French architectural innovation. The auction house expects considerable interest from both domestic and international buyers who recognize the historical and artistic value of Manéval's pioneering work in alternative housing design.
