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The ability to create cost-effective long span floors that can be quickly installed is said to have seen TJ joists used to create a large industrial mezzanine floor. A part of the iLevel engineered wood floor system, the joists are more commonly found in new build residential and light commercial developments. The 18m x 12.2m mezzanine floor has been installed to create additional production space at a Bristol joinery company. The original floor designs called for sawn timber but the architects opted for TJI joists because of their flexibility.

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Geometric shapes are rapidly overtaking curves as the latest consumer must-have for the kitchen but achieving crisp edges requires precision manufacturing, says Franke. The company maintains it has employed expert engineers to develop 'unique tooling' to ensure the uniformity and consistency of angles to make its Mythos sinks and taps collection 'pin sharp and crystal clear.' Three sink materials are available: stainless steel; Frafanicite and ceramic. Each comes in single bowl or one-and-half bowl format, available with accessories such as strainer bowls.

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The Finnforest Merk Theatre, conceived by Maverick Designer Tom Dixon, will play host to the Low Carbon Building Seminar at 100% Detail - the exhibition being held at Earls Court later this month. Using 6m high panels of Kerto, the company's laminated veneer lumber, the theatre is designed as an organic structure.

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Global stance Kingspan Insulated Panels has issued its first full sustainablility report for 2006. The company says its 'proud to declare that it has achieved a level C report' in accordance with the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. The report covers the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability at its three manufacturing sites. Kingspan said it intends to implement an annual reporting cycle.

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The maker of Fibreglass products for the house building market, Stormking, has boosted its manufacturing capacity by nearly a quarter. The company has bought a 40,000 square foot building to bring the number of manufacturing sites in their Tamworth base to six. The acquisition enables the company to concentrate all its dormer roof production into one location and includes the wood frame manufacturing for the dormers. Established in 1985, the company is now believed to be the largest manufacturer of construction related glass reinforced plastic mouldings in the UK.

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The Tremco illbruck website has been designed to make navigation simple and easy, with clearly defined sectors for each of the company's product ranges and information on market issues and news. The new site brings together the company's product range and new features include a full searchable product sector.

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Corus Panels and Profiles is living on the edge after winning the contract to provide the complete building envelope solution for a new extreme sports centre in Aberdeen! The company has supplied 5,000m steel roofing and cladding to provide the entire building envelope for a £2.7 million purpose built recreation centre which features; an indoor skate park for skateboarders, BMX bikers, and in-line skaters, plus a climbing centre. The curved roofing system for the building is formed by Corus Panels and Profiles R40 insulated roof system using Colorcoat HPS200 pre-finished steel in Goosewing grey.

Details for Corus Panels & Profiles

Kembrey Business Park in Swindon has been clad using products from Corus. Colorcoat HPS200 and Colorcoat Prisma pre-finished steel were specified as part of the panels and profiles cladding system. They were chosen because they: 'Create a feeling of better quality, and because of their longevity they will perform to the highest standard over time.'

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Leading manufacturer of CFC/HCFC-free rigid phenolic and urethane insulation Kingspan Insulation has created a new website for its Koltherm Duct Insulation product range. The site is claimed to offer the construction industry an easy to use information source for insulating ductwork. It cover general topics such as the principles of thermal insulation, to more detailed product information along with the latest information on Building Regulations. The website, which is accessible via the main Kingspan Insulation site or www.insualtion.kingspan.com/duct/, builds upon the advances made during the redesign of the main site, which was revamped in November last year.

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The Swiss Re building, better known as the Gherkin, has been the subject of recent alterations. The fit out of the 16th to 18th floors has involved D R Services constructing a bespoke staircase. The aim was to create a link between the floors which would not detract from views across the capital. This was achieved by making a series of treads and triangular landings in stainless steel with slots along the inside edge to receive glass balustrades . While 15mm toughened glass was used to take account of the potential loadings, the design solution made use of a dry clamping system enabling glass to be fitted as if into a concealed channel.

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