Sotech push industry boundaries with BSkyB building

The newest addition to BSkyB’s head office campus was clad in Sotech’s signature Optima FC Secret Fix rainscreen system.

Sotech, a leading rainscreen manufacturer based in the North East, utilised new manufacturing techniques to provide ACM panels of up to 5.2 metres long which is above the industry standard length, for BSkyB’s Believe in Better Building in London.

A total of 2500sqm of Optima FC, secret fix rainscreen panels was provided in sunrise silver metallic Alucobond along with 700sqm fascias, soffits and window pods anodised in Sky Blue UA160-0.

Working with Arup Associates, Mace Contracts and Glass Solutions, Sotech used over 30 years of experience to develop a specialised carrier rail for their FC system in order for it work effectively with the SIPS panels used on the Believe in Better Building, and within an extremely limited cladzone.

Graham Todd, Technical Sales Manager at Sotech, was heavily involved in the project and commented: “This was a fantastic project to work on; it was great to be involved in the panel design for the building, and to be able to provide such a range of bespoke systems. We’re extremely proud of the finished project.”

The Believe in Better Building is to be used as an office and training facility, with a focus on community and creativity. The building was designed around the idea of flexibility, and the spaces are able to be converted into interactive classrooms or corporate event space as required.

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.