Leading rainscreen manufacturer Sotech provided a range of bespoke Optima FC Secret Fix rainscreen systems for the recently opened commercial development, The Core, Science Central in Newcastle.
Sotech worked closely with Faulkner Brown Architects and installers Charles Henshaw and Sons to produce bespoke secret fix panels anodised in Regency Gold 2.
The bespoke rainscreen included horizontal and vertical fins spanning out from each floor on the development, this was specifically designed to create a picture frame effect. The horizontal fins were fitted onto the FC Rainscreen at Sotech’s manufacturing facility, helping to save time during installation.
The corners of the building also generated a challenge in that Sotech had to manufacture the panels for these in two parts with bespoke bolted corners. This was done to ensure they were still able to be anodised and secretly fixed without compromising on panel module size.
Graham Todd, Technical Sales Manager at Sotech, was heavily involved in the Science Central project and also conducted weekly site visits to ensure installation was proceeding as planned. He has commented: “There’s a wide range of techniques used on Science Central that show the level of expertise we employ at Sotech to ensure design requirements are met. The end result is fantastic, and we’re all extremely proud of it.”
Sotech has invested heavily in sophisticated design and manufacturing technology and remains the only rainscreen manufacturer to offer a system that is both independently tested to CWCT standards and achieves LPCB Red Book accreditation.
The training facility and showroom are open to specifiers and contractors, where all Sotech’s 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, digital print and anodised.
