International forest products company Weyerhaeuser has introduced a eucalyptus hardwood called Lyptus. The product is said to be carefully grown, dried and processed.
The timber is clear, showing fewer knots than other species, due to the manual pruning process as the crop grows.
Side limbs are removed while the canopy is left intact, encouraging the growth of tall trees with few knots. With logs air dried for 12 months prior to kiln drying, the resulting timber is straight and dimensionally stable.
Lyptus products include solid wood, plywood and veneer, as well as unfinished and pre-finished flooring. They are claimed to be hardwearing, maintaining a fresh appearance.
Used in key areas of the ?111 million refurbishment of London's Royal Festival Hall, Weyerhaeuser Europe's Medite FR flame-retardant MDF provides the front of the acoustic ceiling panels used above the concert platforms.
Incorporated inside the 18mm thick Medite panels is a Dufaylite resinated carboard honeycomb. The new panels, especially those used to provide curved reflectors, provide an attractive finish.
One of the largest single installations of mdf in recent years, the interiors of the new Scottish Parliament building have made use of Weyerhaeuser?s Medite MDF. European oak veneered Medite flame-retardant MDF was used for wall panelling throughout the building, notably in the debating chamber.