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Specifiers and contractors now have a professional timber frame system that will provide a time saving solution for garage and carport buildings. The system by Finnforest is made from engineered precision cut timber and is said to offer the look and nostalgia of a traditional oak-style framed building. Finnforest say the system also benefits from the Beamlock system which is an adjustable post support fixing which helps cut installation time and, therefore, cost. The new timber frame system is a technically-advanced modular structure available as either a two-bay carport or a garage with cladded walls. The company also offers 16 models comprising of gable, hipped and barn-end roof designs.

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With regularised timber taking hold across the building industry, demand is growing for builders to get their hands on hangers to fit these resized products. In response to this trend Simpson Strong-Tie has extended both its ranges of timber to timber (JHA) and timber to masonry (JHM) hangers to fit 47mm and 91mm variants. They have been designed to accommodate the reduced size of solid timber joists.

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Vacsol FR fire retardant framing timbers are claimed by Arch Timber Protection to be a 'revolutionary' option for fire safety management on timber frame construction sites. Tests are said to reveal that the timbers possess significantly improved fire performance, allowing greater time to evacuate a production site in the event of a fire. Production methods have been developed to make the product cost effective.

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Leading UK timber frame designer and manufacturer Prestoplan has announced a new procurement deal with housebuilder Gladedale. The company has been appointed as an approved supplied to Gladedale central region. Stewart Hackney, Prestoplan's key account manager, said that timber frame will help customers abide by thermal and acoustic rules: 'Demand for timber frame is increasing as the housing market continues to grow and changes in building regulations call for more eco-friendly methods of construction.'

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With concerns expressed about the quality of some building projects, Clive Durose Woodturners says it is spearheading a campaign to improve the quality of internal woodwork in the home. Its latest brochure for builders and architects showcases its wooden stair parts range giving details of crafted handrails, spindles and newel posts in both traditional and contemporary designs. They are available in a wide choice of hard andsoft woods.

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Hall 5, Stand C95/D90 Kingspan will be launching a new super 'off-site' division, Kingspan Off-Site, and will introduce its full range of timber and steel-based off-site solutions. The Kingspan Off-Site division will combine the product solutions and technical expertise of both the company's existing steel and timber divisions. This latest move follows the company's acquisition of Pace Timber Systems and Potton earlier this year, which made it the largest timber-based system manufacturer in the UK. Kingspan managing director Gilbert McCarthy, said: 'Kingspan has been at the forefront of developing modern methods of construction, but until now this has been under separate divisions. The formation of Kingspan Off-Site brings this work together to create a specialist.' '01908 266200 www.kingspanoffsite.com

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Recognising the increased demand for timber stairs for apartment buildings, Jeld Wen has invested in new equipment for the manufacture of common flights. The company's dedicated stairs factory in Melton Mowbray has recently been kitted out with a quarter of a million pound's worth of bespoke equipment to produce the flights, all of which have been accredited to meet British Standards. John Seragusa, general manager said: 'We are really excited. We now have the dedicated facilities and additional capacity to produce over 50 flights a week, and our dedicated teams can ensure delivery within 3-4 weeks. Our tailored service means we can respond to both small or large orders within short time frames.'

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The Soundbar System from Finnforest has been specified by Bloor Homes, for all its timber frame housing and flatted developments in the Wilmslow region, thanks to successful sound tests completed at the housing company's Wrexham site. The test results exceeded Part E relating to noise by 12dB for Airbourne and 12dB Impact, within residential compartment floors.

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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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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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