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Upgrading social housing in Hulme, Manchester

Upgrading social housing in Hulme, Manchester

Epwin Window Systems

Profile 22 has supplied its Optima Casement solution to 84 social housing properties in Hulme, Manchester. The three blocks of two and three-storey buildings belong to People First Housing. David Smith, director of A&D Joinery, said: “We’ve been working with Profile 22 since 1991. On this particular project we were fabricating and installing windows from the new Optima range, which we’ve been using since it was launched in 2016. “Profile 22’s specification manager had done an initial window design survey and technical design drawings, which we were able to use during the tendering process.”
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Woodthorpe Court

Woodthorpe Court

Epwin Window Systems

Profile 22’s Optima windows were chosen for the refurbishment of two tower blocks and the construction of a new low rise apartment block to create 224 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments in Nottingham.
Sponsored
Profile 22 Flush Tilt & Turn windows helps create a tenure-blind new build

Profile 22 Flush Tilt & Turn windows helps create a tenure-blind new build

Epwin Window Systems

Optima casement window emerges as the prime choice in the industry. Our system offers market-leading structural strength and security for long-term performance. Find out more on about our recent projects below.
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Tamdeen Square Residential Towers

Tamdeen Square Residential Towers

Halspan Ltd

Suma International Manufacturing Company fabricated 773 fire doors for Tamdeen Square Residential Towers, which are situated in Kuwait City.The FD60 doorsets incorporated Halspan Optima door blanks.Tamdeen Square is a new urban development in the south of Kuwait City that will feature 74 retail stores, a hotel, and Tamdeen Square Residential Towers. Strategically located in Sabah Al Salem, the project location has access to two of Kuwait’s main highways – Fahaheel Express Highway and the Sixth Ring Road Expressway.The Tamdeen Square Residential Towers project features three 40 floor towers with luxury residential apartments featuring a swimming pool, gymnasium, multi-purpose communal spaces, and a car park containing 800 spaces. The three towers combined contain 256 sea-view luxury apartments and 7 car parking floors.The elegantly constructed apartments have been finished to the highest international standards, and as such, Suma International Manufacturing Company decided to incorporate Halspan Optima door cores in this project.The fire-rated doors feature wooden frames and are located in all of the main entrances, the staff entrances, and the entrance doors in every apartment per level, the doors feature a bamboo veneer face panel and the drivers’ entrances feature white paint.Halspan Optima is durability tested to severe duty and features Halspan’s unique 3-layer particle board and is suitable for veneer, laminate, or paint finishes.Photography courtesy of Suma International Manufacturing Company.
Sponsored
Lancaster University School of Mathematics

Lancaster University School of Mathematics

Sotech Ltd

Optima FC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium PPC Interpon D2525 Y2217f has been used in the completion of Lancaster Universtiy's School of Mathematics.Optima FC+ was specified in order to create the feature `Zig-Zag` pattern. The expert team at Sotech manufactured multiple panel depths, engaging with carrier rails set to irregular angles to create the architect’s vision.The four story building included a rooftop terraced area for students to relax and study, has a unique and iconic look, making it an immediate landmark for people travelling into Preston City Centre. Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM) is a specialist school that will deliver world-class mathematics education for 16 to 18 year-olds.Optima FC+ is an evolution of Sotech’s original secret fix hook on rainsreen. Featuring an innovative slide and lock adjustment mechanism, the rainscreen system now features carrier rail hooks, which can be locked in position on site by installers, rather than in the factory, leading to significantly reduced lead times for all parties. Its versatility is such that a multitude of materials and thicknesses (from 2.0mm to 4mm) used on one universal carrier.Optima FC+ has been fire tested to BS8414-2:2015, and classified to BR135 for high rise buildings. A full range of Euroclass A1 and A2 – s1,d0 panel materials from 2mm – 4mm are available. Mechanical fixing methods and no use of adhesives, providing true A1 and A2 cladding systems.TESTIMONIALSJamie Brown, Estimator at Sotech, noted: “This was an extremely difficult layout to accommodate onsite. Early-stage discussions ensured that all queries were actioned before the design commenced to ensure a streamline process of transferring information. The team at Saxon Contracting have done a fantastic job in bringing the concept to life!”Naveen Sandhu, UK and Ireland Specification Manager: “A distinct tapered cladding design needed to be complemented with a finish equally befitting it. The Pozzoni team wanted to replicate the look and feel of anodised aluminium but without the associated practical pains. They identified our D2525 Anodic Collection as the perfect solution, proposing a sleek metallic bronze finish, offering strong depth and naturality to the aluminium surface. D2525 Anodic boasts a strong track record in decorating a wide array of higher education establishments which instilled future confidence with the end client.”Lee Banks, Design Manager at Saxon Contracting: “The secret fix panels on this project needed to be completely bespoke to the Optima FC+ standard details, working with the Sotech team they highlighted any production issues early in the design which avoided any un-necessary re-design work or unsightly site fixes. The complexity in the setting out and the majority of time taken building this project is hidden behind the panels with the support bracketry so the site team deserve a special mention for their expertise.”
Sponsored
Great West Quarter (GWQ), London

Great West Quarter (GWQ), London

Sotech Ltd

Sotech worked with installers Stanmore on the Barrett Homes Residential Development Westgate House, which was a £500 million mixed-use regeneration project, designed by London-based Assael Architecture and located in Brentford, Middlesex. Westgate House is an NHBC (National House Building Council) project, and Sotech initially became involved in the project because the original specified cladding did not fit NHBC requirements. To provide an alternative, we worked with installers Stanmore to specify our Optima IPC Interlocking Pressed Plank Rainscreen cladding system for the project, which is both NHBC approved and full independently CWCT tested.Over 2000sqm of secretly fixed Interlocking Pressed Plank panels were used on the Westgate House development. 4 different colour panels were specified; 3 with a matt powder-coated finish and one using a bespoke, pre-coat, high gloss special finish.The combination of a series of PPC matt panels arranged in bands, combined with a reflective high gloss panel stripe created a sophisticated, modern appearance for the building’s exterior.There were some design challenges involved in this project, but all were tackled successfully through the development of bespoke areas of the system. Initially, Sotech had to develop a new, bespoke joint method between the Optima IPC rainscreen cladding panels to avoid slab deflection because a lot of the panels spanned floor slab areas. These customised joints allow the panels to move between the slabs like a damper while maintaining a pristine exterior.For the curved area of the building, Sotech developed a bespoke substructure for the Optima IPC panels with a different panel depth than that used for the flat rainscreen cladding. This involved setting the grid behind the IPC panels differently to the rest of the project, ensuring a seamless line from the flat areas to the curved areas. Although it was a complex design challenge, the solution was effective and ensured a uniform, flawless appearance.Our secretly fixed Optima IPC system was specified in particular because the long narrow panels were ideal for bringing the architect’s vision to life, and because it could be easily adapted where necessary.As well as the IPC rainscreen cladding, Sotech provided all the fascias and soffits required for the development.Westgate House involved the regeneration of iconic Grade II listed Art Deco building Wallis House and the construction of over 800 residential apartments spread across 17 new buildings.The site used advanced construction techniques to minimise waste and also ensured that homes benefit from solar panels and other renewable energy techniques.In addition to new housing, the Westgate House development also offers communal gardens, a health and fitness centre, a convenience store, a medical surgery and hotel, as well as cafes, bars and restaurants.The training facility and showroom at Sotech is open to specifiers and contractors, where all of our Optima Rainscreen Systems are on display alongside the widest selection of materials and finishes, including pre and post coat aluminium, ACM, Copper, Zinc, Stainless Steel and Anodised.
Sponsored
Horizon Heights, Student Accommodation, Liverpool.

Horizon Heights, Student Accommodation, Liverpool.

Sotech Ltd

4500m2 of Optima FC, TFC, IPC & Feature Fabrications in Aluminium Axalta PPC has been used in the completion of Horizon Heights student accommodation at Liverpool Lime Street. The project has been awarded BREEAM Excellent rating for its sustainable building design, development and management. It has also been nominated winner of the RICS Social Impact Awards for the North West region for student accommodation.
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Nottingham College City Hub

Nottingham College City Hub

Sotech Ltd

2400M2 OF OPTIMA TFC IN 2MM ALUMINIUM AXALTA PPC HAS BEEN USED IN THE COMPLETION OF THE STRIKING NOTTINGHAM COLLEGE CITY HUB, IN ADDITION TO 800LM OF FEATURE FIN PRESSINGS & 200M2 OF OPTIMA XPC 200.Painted in Axalta Noble Bronze SE3018039020, Ral 8002 and Copper AE2018007721, the panels form a major point of attraction for students across the city.Standing centrally in the former brownfield site next to the Broadmarsh, the hub is a focal point of activity, with over 2000 students and staff able to access to the building each week.Celebrated as the winner of Building Project of the Year Highly Commended in the Midland Construction Excellence Awards 2021, the landmark City Hub represents a £58m investment in education in Nottingham. The projects includes an impressive six storeys of state-of-the-art facilities including a restaurant, café and performing arts centre.he handover marks over two years of build works, and many more on planning, to re-purpose the former site.he new campus will offer a broad curriculum for the College including performance, media and business, complete with amenities for the community to enjoy including a restaurant, café and performing arts centre. 
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Calico, Norton Street, Liverpool

Calico, Norton Street, Liverpool

Sotech Ltd

6500m2 of Optima TFC in 2.0mm Reynolux Pre-Coat & 2.0mm Aluminium Axalta PPC has been used in the completion of the £36 million student accommodation on Norton Street, Liverpool. The Reynolux Pre-Coat was chosen due to its Euroclass A1 Fire Rating. The material was recommended by Sotech to ensure panel flatness and consistency throughout. Pre-coat is a tensioned levelled material which is perfect for maintaining a flat facade
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Imperial 2, Bromley by Bow

Imperial 2, Bromley by Bow

Sotech Ltd

300 m2 of Optima XTR Contour in 6063 T6 Aluminium Extrusion and 3000 m2 of Optima TFC+ in Aluminium 3103 Grade has been used in the completion of Bromley-by-Bow in East London.Bromley-By-Bow is a visually striking array, comprised of five high rise residential blocks with community spaces and commercial areas at ground level.Sotech’s newest system innovation – XTR Contour – was chosen as it allowed the design team to mimic the pre-cast concrete fluted panels in a consistent manner.In order to form the fluted decorative areas below the windows, a new extrusion profile was developed – XTR Contour Concave. The profile of the design was a copy of the pre-cast concrete façade panels which are fluted in the same general locations.Whilst systemised testing wasn’t carried out on this project, the design team invested significant time in 3D printing profiles to prove concepts prior manufacturing the physical die. This saved time and money in the overall project scheme.Mohamadrez Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech “I have undertaken a number of simulation analyses for this project to ensure panel safety, adequate performance and stability under the given conditions. We were able to determine 1- number of stiffeners required for these panels to keep deflection below CWCT recommendation 2- the maximum fixing span to keep the stress below the material permissible stress value”. The main challenge on the scheme was implementing a cap to the XTR Contour profiles upon the request of the Fire Engineer. On such a shallow profile this is challenging as there is little room for any form of fabrication works. In response to this challenge, we therefore developed internal screw ports within the extruded profile. This allowed us to mechanically fix plates to the head and the base of the profile and conform the Fire Engineer’s requirements.Sotech’s was able to provide key advice and guidance in the creation of the XTR profile, as well as key guidance on how to rationalise the arrangement to standardise die quantities, shape and size.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Commercial Manager at Sotech: “The extrusion process has some restrictions and requires knowledge of the extruding process to determine what can be manufactured through a die. Flow rates of aluminium, hollow elements and wall thickness all play a significant part in the final die composition. Sotech’s technical team are able to remove the risk to the client and advise on what is physically capable, saving time and money through failed dies.”“The Optima XTR Contour – Concave systems gives an aesthetically pleasing visual and the powder coating enhances the system giving more definition to the fluting vs the contrasting brickwork surround. Our Optima TFC+ system, finished in Axalta Textured Powder to the recessed balconies, mixes well against the pre-cast concrete. The discrete fixing of the system is perfectly suited for this type of application when secret fixing systems by be burdensome in confined spaces.”Reece Barnes Commercial Director at Alliance Facades said: “Bromley-by-Bow is our flagship project and largest to date, providing over 500 homes, and requiring over 3,000m2 of rainscreen cladding…We worked closely with Sotech to deliver phases 1 and 2 of the mixed-use development, selecting the Optima XTR Contour and TFC+ range respectively.“XTR Contour was the perfect solution for the scheme as it’s extremely hardwearing and versatile, and enabled us to conform to the fire engineer’s requirements. The design team at Sotech proved themselves again and again in the way they rose to the challenges of this scheme and found innovative solutions. The project looks fantastic – well done everyone!”
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Rooftop Hub Decked Out In Sadolin Classic

Rooftop Hub Decked Out In Sadolin Classic

Sadolin, product of Crown Paints Ltd

Terracing at an apartment complex in Birmingham has been restored to its former glory with Sadolin Classic. The elevated deck serves as a community hub and meeting place for residents from surrounding apartments in the Digbeth area. Its location, on the rooftop of a multi-storey carpark, leaves the terrace exposed to varying weather conditions and Optima Community Association - part of WM Housing Group – called on Crown Paints Specification Services to find a solution to preserve and protect the space.
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Southampton NHS Press Release

Southampton NHS Press Release

Tarkett

Tarkett chosen for NHS teenage cancer unit - The unit at Southampton General NHS Hospital was funded by the Teenage Cancer Trust and designed to create a space as comfortable as possible. Featuring six en-suite bedrooms, a four bed day unit, social space and support facilities. The bright and engaging décor of the centre was created using a variety of Tarkett flooring. The Tarkett flooring used included iQ Optima in Yellow, Medium Blue and Green, iQ Eminent in Turquoise and Acczent Excellence 80 in Bamboo.
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Birmingham Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, Birmingham University

Birmingham Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, Birmingham University

Sotech Ltd

1400 sqm of the unique Sotech Optima Shingle System has been used on the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, Birmingham University. The shingles were Anodised Regency Gold 2, 2.5 & 3, the finish was selected to create a scaled texture, which can be seen in the project photography. This stunning façade had to be flexible enough to accommodate the practical demands of a modern building. Due to a requirement to ventilate the high level plantroom, the shingles in this area were perforated and fixed to a bespoke support grid, which integrates seamlessly with the surrounding cladding.
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Holiday Inn Hotel, London,

Holiday Inn Hotel, London,

Sotech Ltd

1000sqm Optima FC was provided for London’s Heathrow Holiday Inn Hotel, the FC Rainscreen was the perfect choice as the client required secret fix large format panels for the 623-bedroom hotel. The panels were manufactured in Alucobond A2 ACM, the material is lightweight, and has perfect flatness. Alucobond A2 is non-flammable and does not actively contribute to combustion. The project came with its challenges, the system required each panel to ‘return’ into the window reveal. As there is little room for error with this material a great deal of accuracy in manufacturing and installation was required.
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Sandtex Trade 365 proves its worth in cold-weather makeover

Sandtex Trade 365 proves its worth in cold-weather makeover

Sandtex Trade, product of Crown Paints Ltd

COMMUNITY housing in Birmingham was given a fresh new look over winter - despite challenging weather conditions. Twelve homes in the Smith’s Wood area of the city had been identified for redecoration work by the Family Optima Community Association. But the falling temperature meant the plan to repaint the external elevations to each property required a special solution. The specification services team at Crown Paints selected Sandtex Trade 365 All-Weather Masonry Paint – a product that has been used on the homes in the past and one which is able to cope with cold conditions.
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Style’s New London Showroom Launch a Huge Success

Style’s New London Showroom Launch a Huge Success

Style - Moveable Partition Specialists

Over 300 architects, specifiers, contractors and clients recently enjoyed the official launch party of Style’s impressive new London showroom. A market leader in operable wall solutions and the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG, Style welcomed the prestigious guest list with beer, bubbles and a buffet, whilst demonstrating the very latest moveable wall innovations and flexible space concepts. Conveniently located in London’s Shoreditch, Style shares the showroom with Optima Contracting, experts in glazed partitioning systems and Atrium, the UK’s largest independent specialist lighting distributor.
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Profile 22’s Windows and Doors deliver thermal efficiency to tower block residents

Profile 22’s Windows and Doors deliver thermal efficiency to tower block residents

Epwin Window Systems

Profile 22’s award winning optima suite of casement and Tilt and Turn Windows along with matching PVCU doors were specified in the refurbishment of two tower blocks in Walsall, West Midlands. The windows are designed to deliver increased insulation and weather protection, which makes them the perfect choice for high-rise, exposed locations. Increasing energy efficiency was one of the key drivers of the refurbishment. They are capable of achieving WER of A++ and U-values of 0.8 W/m2K. Indicative performance measures are 600Pa for air permeability, 600Pa for water tightness and 2400Pa for wind resistance.
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Profile 22 Fully Reversible Windows were specified in the refurbishment of 15 tower blocks in Bristol

Profile 22 Fully Reversible Windows were specified in the refurbishment of 15 tower blocks in Bristol

Epwin Window Systems

The legacy PVC-U windows, doors and curtain walling at 15 high and low-rise blocks owned by Bristol City Council at Eastville, Easton, Clifton, Redcliffe, Shirehampton and Ashton Gate needed to be replaced to improve thermal efficiency, security and aesthetics. An experienced company was required to carry out the complex, high profile, multi-phase works required. The contract was awarded to longstanding Profile 22 Approved Window Manufacturer Emplas. The Optima 70mm fully reversible window system provides high security locking, child resistant safety catches and achieves a weather performance of 2400pa for wind, 1500pa for water and 600pa for air.
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The Core, Science Central

The Core, Science Central

Sotech Ltd

Sotech supplied Optima FC secret fix rainscreen panels andoised in Regency Gold 2 finish. The project won awards such as CEEQUAL 'Excellent' award, for being an incredible example of sustainable building, and the legacy sustainability award, from the 2015 constructing excellence in the North East (CENE) awards. The building include horizontal and vertical fins spanning out from each floor, created so that the gold anodised fins on the mid points of the panels hang over the floor creating a picture frame effect. We also saved precious site installation time by fitting the fins onto the panels at our manufacturing facility.
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West End Quay, London

West End Quay, London

Sotech Ltd

1100sqm of Optima FC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium Polyester Powder Coating finished in RAL 9006 has been used in the completion of West End Quay, situated in the heart of London.West End Quay, a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments, provided a new challenge for Sotech – with working to a curved panel requirement. Optima FC+ was chosen as it allowed fully welded and dressed units, that were both robust and aesthetically pleasing.The existing panels were curved horizontally around the slab and vertically around the window, with very little information on the existing structure. A2O used a 3D scan of the building to determine datum levels. With no ‘as-built’ drawings being available to assist in the remaking the panels, the team started again with new information supplied by A20’s design team.A20’s site team worked with Sotech to supply corex templates of existing curved panels to check the radius. Sotech also agreed to manufacture one of each panel type, before starting full production of the project to ensure the panels fit the complex curves. This gave the design team the opportunity to make modifications if required.Close collaboration was imperative by all parties to complete West End Quay on time and on budget. Work was carried out on a live residential area, meaning deliveries to site had to be carefully co-ordinated and palletised effectively for installation.Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech, said:“As the works were carried out on a live residential area, it was vital our deliveries to site were carefully co-ordinated and palletised efficiently for install. The curved panel remakes had to be within millimetres of the templates provided from site to ensure they fit within the existing apertures. This is another fantastic example of how close collaboration between all parties gets the job done on time and on budget.”
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Bournemouth Gateway Building

Bournemouth Gateway Building

Sotech Ltd

OVER 3000SQM OF SOTECH OPTIMA IPC RAINSCREEN CLADDING HAS BEEN USED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOURNEMOUTH GATEWAY BUILDING (BGB).Working closely with anodising partner United Anodisers, the Optima Interlocking Plank finished in anodised Anolok regency gold, natural and Anolok bronze, the rainscreen cladding forms a prominent part of the building, situated on the St Paul’s site – next to the St Paul’s roundabout on the Wessex Way; a key location on the main route into Bournemouth.Aluminium is one of the most durable and versatile of metals, anodising enhances aluminium and its environmental virtues. It is exceptionally recyclable, requires minimal maintenance and has proven lifetime performance. Due to the nature of the anodising process and the tight quality controls on both the aluminium and the surface treatment, anodising has a homogeneous (matching & consistent) appearance. Anodising enhances the natural qualities of aluminium further; it permits a strongly contemporary finish with incomparable corrosion and abrasion resistance.At five to seven stories high, the building provides a strong visual gateway to the Lansdowne Campus and a landmark entrance to the town.The building, which accommodates the institute’s Faculty of Health & Social Sciences (HSS) delivers a unified base for the faculty education, research and office activities and provides 10,000 square metres of space for the Faculty and the wider BU population.The BGB is designed to be environmentally-friendly with a number of carbon-reduction measures. The full team behind the build is committed to an ‘excellent’ rating for the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) certification.The building opened officially in October 2020, but access is currently limited to staff and Postgraduate Research (PGR) students while they familiarise themselves with the building.Special thanks to TAC Projects for choosing Sotech to deliver on this project, which was overseen by Kier Construction with architectural firm Atkins.
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The Pears Building

The Pears Building

Halspan Ltd

Ahmarra Door Solutions manufactured over 200 fire doors for the Pears Building, which is situated next to the Royal Free Hospital in London.The FD30 and FD60 doorsets incorporated Halspan Optima door blanks.The Pears Building will accommodate the UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation. This is a state-of-the-art medical research centre which will advance the understanding of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis, and for traditional and tissue-developed transplants.Designed by Hopkins Architects and constructed under main contractor, Willmott Dixon, the building’s seven-storey structure includes laboratory space, research facilities, offices and two levels of patient accommodation, which will enable people undergoing clinical trials to rest and recover there.Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, sustainability was at the heart of the building’s creation. As such, Ahmarra Door Solutions used Halspan as all Halspan fire door blanks are made from FSC® certified timber.Photography courtesy of Cannon Photos Ltd.
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River Street Tower, Manchester

River Street Tower, Manchester

Sotech Ltd

6500SQM OF OPTIMA FC IN COR-TEN WEATHERED STEEL RAINSCREEN PANELS HAVE BEEN USED IN THE STATE-OF-THE-ART STUDENT ACCOMMODATION ON RIVER STREET.As described by Architect Simpson Haugh, the student accommodation comprises three distinct volumes: a volume stepping from ten storeys fronting Garwood Street, down to five storeys facing River Street, and a 32-storey tower.Cor-Ten, a steel alloy which forms a rust-like appearance over 18 – 36 months, was selected for the project due to its striking appearance and in tribute to the copper shades surrounding River Street’s built environment. Cor-Ten is immediately recognisable with its bright red and orange tones.The strong textures of the Cor-Ten provide a fantastic contrast to the dark-blue glass cladding covering the inner elevations.Originally designed for use in coal carriages in 1930s American, the name Cor-Ten was patented in 1933 by U.S Steel, deriving its name from ‘Corrosion Resistance’ and ‘Tensile Strength’.Whilst it might look like the metal is rusting, the outer layer of the metal is actually undergoing a planned corrosion process under the influence of outdoor weather elements, which protects the metal from further corrosion over time.Referencing the corrosion process, Sotech Specification Manager Charlie Mclaughlin said: “Cor-Ten panels developed a patina in-situ on the buildings as a response to the elements. The local climate should be ideal. It was great to do another job with Simpson Haugh, especially on a site just a stone throw from their office.”Sotech’s Optima FC secret fix hook-on rainscreen system was installed to carry the panels, this fully tested system had the added precautions of stainless steel hooks and polyester powder coated rails to eliminate any bimetallic reaction between the Corten panels and aluminium support system.As you can see from the project photos, the Cor-Ten panels were perforated with hole cluster patterns positioned to coordinate with extractor vent outlets in the backing wall. This is achieved through a laser cutting process.As experts in the industry with over 30 years’ experience, Sotech wasn’t just involved at the manufacturing stage, but were engaged from design stage, offering details, advice and budget costs during the project.With 792 bedrooms and state of the art social space, the building fills a spot in Manchester’s landscape that had been empty for years.
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Project Medius, Leicester

Project Medius, Leicester

Sotech Ltd

2500M2 OPTIMA TFC IN 4MM ALUCOBOND A2 ACM SILVER METALLIC 500 HAS BEEN USED IN THE COMPLETION OF PROJECT MEDIUS IN LEICESTER.Part of a wider £50m project on the site of the former Great Central Railway Station, the 35,000 square foot, five-storey office building provides a striking finish in the heart of Leicester city centre.As visible in the photos, some extremely complex panel shapes and geometry – some 5,500mm in length – was required to achieve the finished look. To make this possible, the expert team at Sotech used state of the art 3D development software to ensure accuracy during manufacture.Alucobond A2 ACM, a limited combustible aluminium composite panel, was selected to accommodate the 5,500mm long panels due to its superior strength and flatness properties. In addition, Alucobond A2 ACM is fully recyclable and can be finished in a variety of ways.TESTIMONIALSMohamadreza Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech said: “This has been a very challenging and complex façade that required close planning and collaboration between all parties involved. We are thrilled with the final look!”
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Science, Engineering & Environment Building, Salford

Science, Engineering & Environment Building, Salford

Sotech Ltd

5500m2 of Optima TFC+ has been used in the completion of the brand new Science, Engineering and Environment building on Salford University’s Peel Park campus.As you can see from the photos, a striking colour palette has been used in the modified window interface details. Interpon’s D2525 Ostuni Y2211I, 3030 High Gloss & 7022 High Gloss in 3.0mm Aluminium 3103 Grade PPC were selected.The unique overhang window details were created using the 20mm overlapping joint that is standard in Optima TFC+. A bespoke sharp edge detail was added to window interface locations for dramatic effect, creating a stunning visual contrast between the bright red window pods against the white vertical cladding as per the architect’s original design intent.Sotech assembled a full-size sample rig in the factory for the client, architect, main contractor and installer to view a full scale mock-up of the final proposed solution. This ensured that any design details or install sequences were scrutinised and fully understood before the project began onsite. Sotech then created a full 3D model of the project alongside their long-term partners Metclad Contracts. This allowed both parties to identify and avoid potential issues at the design stage before panels were fabricated and delivered to site.The SEE Building is Salford University’s brand new £65 million hub for discovery and innovation. Consisting of four stories over 15,500 sq meters, the department will house the university’s departments of Built Environment, Computer Science and Networking, Mechanical Engineering and Human & Natural Science, in addition to the university’s Morson Maker Space – an additive manufacturing and digital fabrication facilityTESTIMONIALS:Jamie Brown of Sotech said: “This is yet another example how close collaboration from day one, involving the full supply chain, ensures projects can be delivered on time and on budget. The very clever and intricate window interface details showcases just how versatile rainscreen cladding can be, whilst staying within the boundaries of a fully CWCT tested and accredited system.”Naveen Sandhu at Akzo Nobel said: “Great to see this installation following an increasing trend of injecting vibrant tones into the elevation. One of a plethora of schemes in Salford and Manchester adopting our enhanced D2525 PPC technology across the envelope. Pleasure to work with the team at Sheppard Robson and delivering yet another outstanding higher education facility with Sotech.”
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Abbey Place, London

Abbey Place, London

Sotech Ltd

11,500m2 of Optima TFC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium PPC Interpon D2525 YW206F, Y4312I, Y4317I has been used in the completion of Abbey Place in London.Sitting within walking distance of Cross Rail station, with excellent links to central London, the development comprises two energy efficient residential buildings, one standing at 22 storeys, and the other at 12 storeys.Optima TFC+, Sotech’s through fixed cassette rainscreen, was selected as the perfect solution for creating the three-sided vertical and horizontal column units, whilst maintaining optimum system performance.To validate system performance against the project specific loads and panel profiles, Sotech undertook many FEM studies to ensure the system performed in line with expectations. This also ensured that the correct number of stiffening members and the appropriate fixing requirements were dealt with prior to the project commencing, ensuring a smooth flow of information.The Interpon D2525 Stone Effect range was selected to provide GRC and Natural Concrete look-a-like finishes. Along with the metallic YW206F, all finishes are Qualicoat Class 2 approved and offer an A2-s1,d0 fire rating to the façade.Abbey Place is a development of 245 new homes across two buildings. Linked by a shared communal garden, the new homes provide quality housing, with connections to central London and beyond via the Elizabeth Line.Optima TFC+ has been fire tested to BS8414-2:2015, and classified to BR135 for high rise buildings. A full range of Euroclass A1 and A2 – s1,d0 panel materials from 2mm – 4mm are available. Click here to learn more about the materials and finishes available, and to explore 3D models of the system in Sotech’s virtual showroom.Aluminium PPC is a type of dry coating, rather than a conventional liquid paint, and is applied to metal rainscreen as a free flowing, dry powder. The powder is applied to rainscreen panels electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to form a ‘skin’. This electrostatic powder process means we can ensure complete coverage of the panels, even on more complex shapes.Powder coating can produce a much thicker coating than conventional liquid coating leaving PPC rainscreen cladding with a hard finish. This is much tougher than normal paint and its strong abrasion and corrosion resistance properties make it extremely durable and long lasting.TESTIMONIALS James Harris, Managing Director at OCL said: “Sotech are long-term supply chain partners of OCL. At Abbey Place Sotech once again provided a first class service from start to finish.The façade was originally specified as GRC, but with early engagement and a collaborative approach, our respective teams were able to come up with a look-a-like solution, using the Interpon D2525 Stone Effect range, which was both cost effective and aesthetically appealing.The completed scheme looks exceptional and is a testament to all involved” Craig Skidmore, Radan Programmer at Sotech, said:“Abbey place was a great job to work on, utilising both of our punch machines. For the complex parts we punched them on our Pullmax punch machine. On our Salvagnini S4 & P4 the standard TFC+ parts flew through our production line using parametric programming it was great to see the line work so efficiently on this job.” Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech, added:“Like the rest of the industry at the time, we were facing considerable cost increases across the board. It was therefore vital that we engaged a supply chain that could offer us cost certainty and could confidently meet the clients programme and keep up with demand throughout. The outcome is another amazing project delivered with OCL Facades. The quality of work from early stage design to installation was exceptional by the OCL team. A massive thank you to our supply chain for their continued support. The two buildings look fantastic!”
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PEMC, Nottingham

PEMC, Nottingham

Sotech Ltd

Optima FC in 3.0mm PPC Aluminium 1050 grade has been used in the completion on The Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Group on Nottingham University's Jubilee Campus.Home to three purpose-built labs – High Power, Power Electronics, and Drives – the building was built after PEMC secured investment of £18million, including £1.5m from the Wolfson Foundation and £4m from Propulsion Futures.The 5,400m² development is internationally renowned and one of the largest on its field.FEA analysis was carried out by Sotech as non-standard sheets were used due to the sheer size of some panels. The purpose was to ensure enough stiffening resistance had been built into the sheets, to ensure the larger panels were safe and compliant.The project was completed during the first lockdown (due to Covid 19) meaning operations were paused during the project. Sotech and Deane Roofing worked closely together to keep as tightly as possible to the original timeline.Josh Stevens, Estimator at Sotech said: “This was my first project working with Deane Roofing, which was an absolute pleasure. The project ran smoothly from start to finish, and I think the end product looks fantastic.”
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CMS

CMS

3v Architectural Hardware Ltd

Architect/Designer: MCM ArchitectureLocation: Cannon Place, LondonProject Overview: New office fit-out for Top-10 global law firm CMS, open plan environment with shared cellular support. Scope included a complete ironmongery package for all new full height timber and glazed doors.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & Bespoke Design.Project DetailsTo help create an outstanding quality to CMS' new innovative law office 3v worked closely with MCM architecture to develop a full hardware specification that worked with their simple, clean design.Across the 3 large floors there are a mixture of door types, full height timber doors provided by Dealerward alongside Optima double and single glazed doors. Our experienced team co-ordinated all requirements for each door working closely with MCM and both door manufacturers throughout the design and construction process. With client experience being central to this design, ironmongery was chosen from the high end of our Vieler range including tailor made pull handles to suite the full height glazed doors.We are delighted that this project has been awarded the British Council for offices (BCO) Award for Fit-Out of Workplace 2016 for the london and South-East region.
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Premier Inn, Glasgow

Premier Inn, Glasgow

Sotech Ltd

WORK IS NOW COMPLETE ON THE GLASGOW CENTRE PREMIER INN SUPER TOWER! AT 18 FLOORS HIGH AND VISIBLE FROM MUCH OF GLASGOW’S CITY CENTRE SHOPPING SPOTS, THE 249-BEDROOM HOTEL IS PERFECTLY LOCATED FOR VISITORS TO THE CITY.6,500m2 3mm Aluminium 3103 H14 and 6063 T6 Extruded Aluminium has been used in the impressive reclad project, in a modified version of the Sotech Optima FC Eco system.Originally built in the early sixties and one of the first high-rise buildings in Glasgow, the 14,500 sqm project contains two distinct elements – the 3 storey podium and the 17 storey tower. The tower houses the hotel accommodation while the podium element incorporates upgraded retail accommodation on ground, first and second floor levels.In order to maintain the previous aesthetic of the building, the FC Eco system was modified to create an increased panel depth. Sotech had to completely re-engineer the panel system to allow for this increased panel depth whilst maintaining its integrity and superior flatness. As a result, the panels have been fixed to a composite panel wall build up, meaning the ECO support grid system arrangement was required due to its shallow zone requirement.Some of the panels produced for this project are circa 5.5m in length making it one of Sotech’s first solid Aluminium projects with panels larger than 4.2m.Months of F.E.A analysis was required to produce a system capable of meeting the site requirements and we are incredibly proud of the technical team for their expertise and flexibility in finding a solution to the complex challenge.
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One Ashley Road, Ashley Road East, London

One Ashley Road, Ashley Road East, London

Sotech Ltd

Over 4000sqm of Optima TFC+ in 3mm Aluminium polyester powder coating has been used in the completion of One Ashley Road, near Tottenham’s tube station in North London, with 5.0mm aluminium selected for column at the entrance to offer a more rigid panel face.The Optima TFC+ system was collaboratively selected by Sotech, CCS Façades and the Client Design Team as it could be adapted to suit the unique geometry of the architect’s vision.Taking inspiration from The Eagle Pencil Co (later taken over by Berol), which operated in the area, the building’s geometry follows the hexagonal shape of a pencil.The hexagonal style of the building meant adaptations were required to manufacture and install the unique pattern and shapes of both the ground floor soffits and the perforated panels.3D models were created by the Sotech team to perfect the final panels before manufacture. This required a lot of design collaboration with Our Client CCS FaçadesThis modelling process saved huge amounts of time and money over producing physical mock ups, and ensured the installation process on site went smoothly.Sotech’s Principal Technical Engineer, Mohammadreza Jenaban (Mo), ran number of specific computer simulation analyses on various panel types including colonnade panels, soffit panels, feature band panels, parapet panels subject to abseil loading and standard panels. The main purposes of carrying out these analyses were first safety and then performance / rigidity within the given boundary conditions.Amy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech, played a lead role on the design side, creating detailed manufacturing schedules and 3D assemblies of each area of the building. This allowed CCS Façades to check and approve panels before they were manufactured and also ensured timely delivery and installation at every stage.TESTIMONIALSAmy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech, noted: “Having weekly meetings with CCS Façades, Design and the site team was a great way of highlighting any issues and ensuring the design and install went smoothly.“After 3 years of working on this project it’s great to see the finished building in reality! I look forward to working with Ian Gibbs, Ian Sessions, Ryan Sutherland, George Robbins and the CCS Façades team on future projects.”As Alison Brooks Architects explained on their company web site:“With a rich orange brick outer skin and a faceted metal courtyard façade, our design employs the graphic colours and hexagonal forms of the iconic Berol Eagle Pencil. These have been translated formally as abstract surface patterns within the architecture of the building, gathering and reflecting light into its heart.”Source: https://www.alisonbrooksarchitects.com/practical-completion-in-tottenham-hale/Josh Stevens, Estimator at Sotech added:“It has been a pleasure working closely with CCS Façades on this project throughout. They are a very professional team, and I think we’ve helped develop our relationship moving forward on future projects.”One Ashley Road is a striking addition to the Tottenham skyline. It includes residential accommodation, co-working spaces, and a south-facing communal roof garden.Ian Gibbs, CCS Contracts Manger added:“Having worked closely with Sotech on this technically challenging project for 18 months from inception to delivery of the panels, the 3D design and collaborative sign off process proved invaluable to ensure each bespoke panel went together seamlessly. It was a pleasure to work with Sotech throughout the project and as a business we are already working on the next project together and looking forward to many more successful projects with Sotech in the near future”.Phil Fisk, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at Axalta Coating Systems said:“I love the contrast of brightness and shade created by the use of the intense Gold of Alesta Supranodic Halo, juxtaposed with the more subtle Grey of Alesta Supranodic Mink.”
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Premier Inn, Milton Keynes

Premier Inn, Milton Keynes

Sotech Ltd

1,200SQM OF SOTECH’S OPTIMA FC SYSTEM IN 2MM CORTEN A HAS BEEN USED IN THE COMPLETION OF A BRAND-NEW PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE FOR SPECIALIST RESEARCH IN DIGITAL RAILWAY ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM.Clad in the distinguished steel Corten material, which weathers over a period of 6-36 months, the material was selected as a direct nod to the rail industry, with the Corten providing the same visual impact as railway lines and track signalling.Designed by Associated Architects, the Corten material has fully weathered, linking perfectly to the Engineering disciplines the University will deliver.The building represents the first phase of construction work for a £46.5m School of Engineering development at the University of Birmingham. Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the 3,000m2 facility offers a variety of contemporary and flexible design and research spaces that act as an incubator for innovation, strengthening teaching and building research partnerships.Open offices, meeting rooms, seminar rooms and event spaces will enable industry partners to come and work directly with University experts and researchers.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Estimator at Sotech said: “The façade was expertly installed by Alucraft Ltd with the finish quality testament to the hard work put in to complete this project”.Warren Jukes, director at Associated Architects, was quoted on the UKRRIN web site as saying: “The completion of the UKRRIN facility is an important milestone within the wider School of Engineering project. We are thrilled with the distinct identity achieved using weathered steel, which epitomises the industrial nature of the railway industry in a contemporary and refined style – juxtaposing yet complimenting the buff brick of the School of Engineering and traditional styles of the iconic red brick buildings on campus.Nick Gibb, deputy managing director for the Midlands at Willmott Dixon, added: “Despite completing the final stages of the project during the Covid-19 pandemic, our teams optimised industry-leading safety and social distancing measures, which meant we were able to remain on-site during the pandemic and ultimately deliver this phase of the project on time.”
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UKRRIN, Birmingham University

UKRRIN, Birmingham University

Sotech Ltd

1,200SQM OF SOTECH’S OPTIMA FC SYSTEM IN 2MM CORTEN A HAS BEEN USED IN THE COMPLETION OF A BRAND-NEW PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE FOR SPECIALIST RESEARCH IN DIGITAL RAILWAY ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM.Clad in the distinguished steel Corten material, which weathers over a period of 6-36 months, the material was selected as a direct nod to the rail industry, with the Corten providing the same visual impact as railway lines and track signalling.Designed by Associated Architects, the Corten material has fully weathered, linking perfectly to the Engineering disciplines the University will deliver.The building represents the first phase of construction work for a £46.5m School of Engineering development at the University of Birmingham. Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the 3,000m2 facility offers a variety of contemporary and flexible design and research spaces that act as an incubator for innovation, strengthening teaching and building research partnerships.Open offices, meeting rooms, seminar rooms and event spaces will enable industry partners to come and work directly with University experts and researchers.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Estimator at Sotech said: “The façade was expertly installed by Alucraft Ltd with the finish quality testament to the hard work put in to complete this project”.Warren Jukes, director at Associated Architects, was quoted on the UKRRIN web site as saying: “The completion of the UKRRIN facility is an important milestone within the wider School of Engineering project. We are thrilled with the distinct identity achieved using weathered steel, which epitomises the industrial nature of the railway industry in a contemporary and refined style – juxtaposing yet complimenting the buff brick of the School of Engineering and traditional styles of the iconic red brick buildings on campus.Nick Gibb, deputy managing director for the Midlands at Willmott Dixon, added: “Despite completing the final stages of the project during the Covid-19 pandemic, our teams optimised industry-leading safety and social distancing measures, which meant we were able to remain on-site during the pandemic and ultimately deliver this phase of the project on time.”
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Park Central - Bow Lintels

Park Central - Bow Lintels

IG Lintels

Crest Nicholson’s multi award-winning Park Central regeneration scheme is a fifteen-year project delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Optima Community Association. Awarded ‘The Placemaking Award’ at the National Property Week Awards and recognised for regenerating the Lee Bank area in Birmingham, the scheme has created 1300 new homes promoting desirable city living. The project required IG’s special bow lintels for the final phase of 355 apartments to achieve the curvature of the façade whilst accommodating large span balcony openings and unusual loading conditions.Challenge:Glenn Howells Architect’s creative design composed of intricate brick detailing throughout the curved façade. The combination and variation of multiple bond patterns presented unusual loading conditions. A three-course stacked soldier bond pattern above window openings significantly reduced distribution of load through adjacent masonry. The heavy concentrated load carried down the brick piers and through the stacked masonry onto the central point on the lintel. IG’s experienced technical experts attended design meetings to find a viable special lintel solution for each application without disrupting the integrity and design of the architects vision.Solution:IG’s technical team designed bespoke special bow lintels to accommodate opening spans up to 4284mm and allowed for a 650mm end bearing for typical sizes to counter the cantilevered effect of the curved openings. In order to further improve the load bearing, IG designed brackets that secured into a pre-cast channel maximising structural strength at the central point of the lintel. The centrally located brackets bolted through the back of the lintel and accommodated the concentrated loads and eliminated the need to prop lintels during construction. IG provided comprehensive technical support throughout every stage of construction process for the most effective structural design solution.Testimonial:“The development has been a resounding success in transforming and rejuvenating the Lee Bank area in Birmingham. IG’s technical team were responsive and receptive to all urgent requirements throughout every stage of the construction process. An outstanding technical service that we have come to expect from IG.”Crest Nicholson
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Sotech City, A virtual World for Architects and Designers

Sotech City, A virtual World for Architects and Designers

Sotech Ltd

WHAT IS SOTECH CITY?Sotech City is a fully immersive virtual world, developed to help architects and designers to make informed decisions when selecting a rainscreen system suitable for their scheme. We wanted the experience to be as close to real life as possible and have replicated our offices and manufacturing facility. You emerge into the city from Sotech’s front doors.We have built a low-level building with horizontal panels and a high rise building with vertical panels to give architects and designers an idea of what their project may look like in their chosen Optima system, material and finish.We’ve developed it to allow the user to visualise how each system would look on a full-scale building. But rather than seeing this as a 3D render on a page, they can experience Sotech City ‘in first person’ on their computer screen, or in VR, but putting on a VR headset, diving into our virtual world and walking right up to a building to view the systems like never before.People can see how the shadows fall on the panels, how the building looks in the morning vs. in the evening. Architects care about those details, and so do we. The invention of Sotech City puts the love of design front and centre. HOW IS SOTECH CITY DIFFERENT FROM SOTECH’S VIRTUAL REALITY SHOWROOM?Sotech’s virtual reality showroom is a fully immersive environment where architects can view the full range of Optima rainscreen systems. The panels are designed to be small enough to pick up and examine closely as though you are in our actual showroom.The user can change the material and finish on a given rainscreen system, choosing from our supply partners wide range of colour pallets. Architects can view project case studies of the selected system and read the full specifications. By interacting with the showroom avatars you can learn more about who we are and what we offer.What you can’t do in the showroom is see how that selection looks on large panels on a full-scale building in a virtual environment. Sotech City is the answer to that.There is something uniquely special about putting on a VR head set, shutting out the outside world and really engaging with this unique experience. There is nothing like this currently and we’re excited for architects to experience this more deeply.CAN ARCHITECTS SEE THEIR CURRENT PROJECTS IN SOTECH CITY?Not yet but watch this space! Right now, in Sotech City, architects can see their rainscreen cladding selection on two types of buildings: A high rise tower with portrait panels, and a school-type building with landscape panels.This is a huge development in the way architects can visualise, manipulate and inspect buildings in real time. It’s so much more than a sketch on a page, an artist impression or even a 3D mock up on a screen. This gives architects the opportunity to turn off the noise, immerse themselves in a real time virtual environment and truly consider the possibilities. The user can view it from afar or walk right up to the building to inspect the finish at close range. It gives architects and designers total immersion.It is our intention in time that user would be able to upload a 3D model of their unique building into our virtual city. For now, our hope is that this really helps with the process of creation and the user can now make even more informed decisions, with a much clearer idea of how that finish will look in a real-world environment. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT SOTECH CITY?There has been a lot of excitement around Sotech City and our supply partners have been keen to collaborate. When you select a finish or a colour, you’re not just selecting ‘an idea’ or a theme. You’re selecting one of many real-life options available through our incredible partners. This means the selection is available in real life and can be specified immediately. We don’t have to search it out. We can supply it.We have made it possible to change the time of day and even the weather conditions to give a full appreciation of how the system will look in different environments. Depending on the time of day shadows will fall on the panels differently in the morning to the evening allowing the user to visualise how the buildings will appear in real time.As with the showroom, we put together a testing team and called ourselves the ‘Guinea Pigs’. The team was made up of people from different departments to gain perspective from different personalities and understand their expectations of what the user might enjoy and value. We did this to ensure the final outcome is useful and practical for everyone. It is too easy to focus on your own ideas but with our team of ‘Guinea Pigs’ we had a lot of interaction, enthusiastic input and ideas.And lastly, we wanted this to be fun and surprising. We’ve hidden a few quirks in Sotech City for users to spot and enjoy as they walk around. Hint hint: brum, brum, swoosh, swooshWHEN WILL SOTECH CITY BE AVAILABLE TO ACCESS?Sotech City is live now.Please download the update to your showroom experience or, if this is your first experience of the Sotech VR solution, download the experience here: https://sotech-optima.co.uk/vr/ or contact us to arrange a demonstration. WHICH VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT IS BEST FOR WHOM?Installers/designers will very likely get the most benefit from Sotech’s virtual reality showroom. They can pick up the panels, inspect the substructure and see how the panels mount to the wall.Architects will get a lot of benefit from the showroom too, as they can visit our learning zone where they can book RIBA approved CPDs, download full system details and learn more about CWCT and BS8414-2 fire testing, which have been carried out on all our Optima rainscreen systems.But there is something special about seeing your design at scale on a building in a city environment. I’d suggest everyone would benefit from exploring the showroom to make their panel selection, and then walk out into Sotech City to see it rendered full scale on a Sotech City building.WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL REALITY FOR SOTECH?We are putting a lot of time and investment into virtual reality. The lockdowns showed us how much can be done remotely and there is a clear move to virtual working.With all of the current hype around the Metaverse, Sotech wants to get in there early. There is nothing stopping us from being able to hold virtual meetings in the future and for users to upload their own 3D building models or participate in virtual system training.Sotech were having conversations about virtual reality 5-6 years ago. The world wasn’t ready then but one thing that has come out of Covid is that technology has progressed quickly bringing our ideas of a virtual world to reality in 2022. HOW DO I ACCESS THE SHOWROOM AND SOTECH CITY?Both the Showroom and Sotech City can be accessed using a virtual reality headset or via most desktop computers with adjustable settings to allow the most optimised experience.The best and most immersive way to enjoy these virtual environments is through a virtual reality headset. If you’d like to experience this but don’t have access to a headset, you’re welcome to visit our offices in London or County Durham in the North East of England to enter the VR world through our dedicated in-house VR spaces.If you’d like to experience the Showroom or Sotech City without a headset, you can experience it on most laptops and PCs. The programme will automatically detect if a headset is present and start up accordingly. 
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Leicester City Football Club

Leicester City Football Club

Sotech Ltd

5000m2 of Optima TFC+ in 3mm Aluminium PPC (Interpon) Y4207i `Corten Bond` has been used in the completion of the striking Leicester City Football Club training ground.As visible in the project photos, the project has been finished in an eye-catching ‘copper’ colour, which was unique to this design. Working closely with supply chain partner, Akzo Nobel, the Sotech team developed the project specific paint to resemble a weathered steel, giving the façade a unique and dynamic look.Using the latest 3D software, Sotech and installer Roofdec worked closely to develop the complex interfaces, where vertical fin panels intersected with the horizontal panels.Whilst working to a tight programme and under the restrictions caused by COVID-19, it was important that the Sotech operations team maintained constant dialogue with the Roofdec site team to ensure delivery schedules were managed and adapted as necessary.Finite Analysis undertaken by Sotech’s Technical Engineer, Mohamadreza Jenaban, was used to ensure Sotech’s new and improved approach to panel stiffeners was effective and reliable.The final project, with its curved design to blend in with its rural setting, features 11 full-size training pitches, eight smaller pitches, five training grids, two goalkeeping areas and a pitch for the club’s academy sides with a 499-seater stand. The main training centre building includes 35 bedrooms so players can stay at the site.TESTIMONIALS:Jamie Brown, Estimator at Sotech said: “The finish is striking. Knowing what went into making it possible makes it even more impressive to consider.”Scott Richardson, Architectural Facade Design Technician at Sotech, noted: “I was proud to be part of this project. I’m not a Leicester City football fan but when I hear it mentioned in passing on the radio or TV it’s hard not to take notice”.Akzo Nobel’s UK and Ireland Specification Manager, Naveen Sandhu, explained:“We were presented with a unique challenge by the KSS team, whereby the cladding design intent sought to create a futuristic look and feel, whilst still embracing the traditions of the club’s Thai owners.“A warm and earthy tone was desired, but one which was able to achieve certain characteristics, namely the ability to subtly change in tone based on exposure to different daylight conditions.“Our expert in-house formulators devised a multi-faceted copper metallic effect, backed with a super durable polyester backbone. Copper is traditionally viewed as a lucky colour in Thailand.The resulting finish certainly not only elevates the myriad of components across the complex, but the enhanced durability technology which underpins it, ensures it will do so for many years to come.”
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Kelaty House, Wembley

Kelaty House, Wembley

Sotech Ltd

OVER 9,500M2 OF THE BRAND NEW OPTIMA FC+ ANODISED ALUMINIUM HAS BEEN USED IN THE AMBITIOUS COMPLETION OF KELATY HOUSE, A TOWERING STUDENT ACCOMMODATION AND HOTEL IN WEMBLEY LONDON.With three different surface finishes – matt, gloss and perforated – this stunning project brings together numerous wins for the Sotech team and their wider supply chain, not least the captivating tree designs visible on the finished project, created by specially perforated panels.As you can see from the pictures below, the perforated panels have been carefully orchestrated to form the highly original tree silhouettes, visible from quite a distance on the project, which is made up of five separate high-rise blocks.Standing back to view this building, an onlooker can’t help but look up and down the full height of the building, following the shape of the branches.Sotech manufactured hundreds of panels for the scheme on the Salvagnini automatic panel bender, achieving maximum precision. Before the first delivery was made to site in Spring 2020, the panels were stacked and shipped to Holland to be anodised by our anodising partner, Alumet, these were then returned to Sotech and shipped to site.Aluminium is one of the most durable and versatile of metals, anodising enhances aluminium and its environmental virtues. It is exceptionally recyclable, requires minimal maintenance and has proven lifetime performance. Due to the nature of the anodising process and the tight quality controls on both the aluminium and the surface treatment, anodising has a homogeneous (matching & consistent) appearance. Anodising enhances the natural qualities of aluminium further; it permits a strongly contemporary finish with incomparable corrosion and abrasion resistance.It has been a complicated project to complete, not least because of the logistic coordination, but also because of the challenges caused by Coronavirus and the lockdowns, both in the UK and on the world’s borders.All teams across the full supply chain, from material supply and manufacturing through to anodising and installation on site, everyone had to work closely together to follow the guidance, whilst keeping to tight project timescales.Sitting in the Wembley Park regeneration area, within the immediate vicinity of Wembley Football Stadium, Kelaty House will include 300 bed Apart Hotel and 600 bed student accommodation arranged within five separate buildings ranging in height from 4 to 13 storeys.The final delivery to site will be in March 2021, and we look forward to sharing final project images with you then. Be sure to sign up to our monthly mailer to be notified when final project images are available.

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