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People and Places | |
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Engineering Sidra Trees | |
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First Hong Kong Biennale | |
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Architectural Products Update |
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Icynene Insulation System® is a soft foam insulation and air barrier system that helps manage moisture, control air leakage, and improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality for residential and commercial projects. The spray-on insulation expands in seconds to 100 times its original volume, filling all open cavities and offering an airtight solution. The company web site offers advice about how to specify high-performance structures using Icynene insulation. |
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Tecta America introduces the TectaGreen™ modular "green" roof system, a multilayered living rooftop designed for installation on top of an enhanced traditional roofing system. The tray units are made of recycled utility polyethylene and measure two feet by two feet (61 by 61 centimeters), with a depth of four inches (ten centimeters). The system includes plants tolerant to rooftop environments, plus a growing medium blended and engineered for sustainable green roofs. Units can be installed preplanted or filled onsite after installation. |
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ThyssenKrupp Elevator, the maker of space-saving TWIN elevators, offers an innovative glass dual-car elevator system with panoramic views, as installed in the Main Triangel building in Frankfurt, Germany (pictured). The basic system places two elevator cars in the same shaft, arranged one above the other. The cars can run independently, at different speeds and in different directions, providing efficient transportation. New technical developments allow elevators with glass cabs to run in an open shaft. Air conditioning, underfloor heating, and heating elements in the glass walls maintain passenger comfort. TWIN systems are designed for use in combination with at least one conventional elevator to make it possible to travel from the ground to the top floor. |
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The Versa Lift electric storage lift moves boxes, equipment, and other heavy items safely from floor to floor. The lift can transfer a 200-pound (90-kilogram) load up to the attic or down to the basement in 15 seconds. The lift can solve storage problems for split-level and stilt homes. Easily installed into a framed opening in a ceiling. When not is use, the opening is automatically closed. Available with a standard corded remote or with the new wireless remote control (pictured). |
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Boral® Thin Brick is a concrete interior cladding that simulates the look of oversized handmade bricks while measuring only three-fourths of an inch (1.9 centimeters) thick. With each piece weighing less than a pound (half a kilogram), this easy-to-install product does not require wall or foundation reinforcement and does not appear bulky when installed flush with appliances. Inspired by historical brick styles and natural weathering, the color range includes gray-taupe, traditional red, rustic brown, and caramel-gray. This wall covering provides an alternative for restaurants, offices, wine cellars, and residences. Use standard installation practices for thin veneers. Backed by a 50-year limited warranty. |
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AlumaFloor tiles are precision-machined from aircraft aluminum. They require no grouting or fasteners, resulting in a smooth, high-tech appearance. With a durable, slip-resistant surface, the flooring is well suited to high-impact, high-traffic areas. The floor tiles have been used in a variety of buildings, including the Parsons School of Design in New York, the upscale Trois Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, and the headquarters of the Timken Company in Canton, Ohio (pictured). The flooring includes recycled content and can be recycled at the end of its useful life, estimated by the Professional Flooring Installers Association to be over 100 years. The cost of the tiles is competitive with other metals and lower than marble or granite. |
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