New book published about fabric architecture

November 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Graphics, Industry News

Samuel J. Armijos, vice president of sales for FabriTec Structures, Costa Mesa, Calif., has coordinated the design and construction of fabric structures throughout the world. He’s gathered ideas, materials, structure types, samples of fabrics and more than 400 full-color photos in Fabric Archi…
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‘Down-under’ barbecue launches SeaShell Awnings

November 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Industry News

An Australian-born product line of sustainable, self-retractable shade products made its debut at a new facility in Carlsbad, Calif., in August with an Aussie-style grand opening barbecue. SeaShell Awnings USA™ hopes to create 300 jobs by 2010 making the energy efficient awnings. The products …
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Awnings save energy

October 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies

By Barbara Ernster The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association and the European Solar Shading Organization have different challenges but the same shady goals. In Europe, where the buildings sector accounts for 41 percent of the EU’s energy requirements, it also offers the largest single …
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Guidelines for cutting knitted shade fabric

October 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

Problem: When cutting knitted shade fabric, it is difficult to know how to compensate for the stretch factor. Solution: Gale Pacific calculated how best to cut and sew the company’s Commercial 95 patterns and prepared a Web site FAQ to provide directions. Patterns should be cut approximately 2…
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Digital printing offers diverse opportunities for awning makers

September 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Features, Graphics

Awning makers use digital printers to adapt to changing industry By Janice Kleinschmidt In the natural world, the strength of a species lies in its diversity. In the business world, the strength of a company lies in its ability to serve customers. Like living organisms, diverse companies adapt to a …
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Wireless wall switch controls automated window coverings

September 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

The DecoFlex™ wireless wall switch, the latest in Somfy’s Radio Technology Somfy® controls, can be personalized for intuitive control of automated window coverings. Each button on the wall switch can be customized with printed text, with approximately 40 options available. Unit provi…
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Awning material used on KeyBank locations worldwide

September 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

Cooley Weathertyte® is now being installed on KeyBank locations worldwide; the technically advanced, completely waterproof awning material offers the look and feel of a woven fabric, with all the benefits of a high-performance composite vinyl. Daniel Mocny, art director for awning fabricator Bri…
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Fabric-coated insert covers staples seamlessly

September 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

Problem: Using traditional PVC stripping to hide staples on a staple-in awning system detracts from the looks, especially when used with woven or textured fabric. Solution: The CaMillion™ fabric-coated insert covers staples with a tailored look. It seats down into the staple channel of the ext…
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CoverTrax system hides screws and tracks on structures

September 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Products

Problem: Unsightly awning screws and tracks mar the aesthetics of an otherwise attractive structure. Solution: The CoverTrax system features white PVC track, unique small-size keder tape and four PVC lower panels that slide into place over screws and provide a fresh and pleasing appearance. SOURCE B…
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Skoldeberg values people-driven business

September 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Ben Skoldeberg employs people skills and skilled people to bring solar protection to central Texas. By Sigrid Tornquist “This business is really about people. The rest is just aluminum and fabric,” says Ben Skoldeberg, co-founder and co-owner of Texas Sun & Shade. Well … high-quality, high…
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