The Forum, a newly completed £27 million development in Southend-on-Sea forming the centre of the town’s educational quarter and incorporating a state-of the art integrated municipal and academic public library building, features Sotech’s FC Eco rainscreen cladding in a striking blue grey anodised finish.
A unique partnership project, the Forum, designed by architects ADP has been delivered jointly by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, The University of Essex and South Essex College, where by pooling resources of the three partners, residents and students now have access to the books, records and archives that are jointly held.
Set within a new public square, the Forum will act as a focal point for community based activities, becoming integral to the regeneration of the town centre. The four storey building incorporating Sotech Optima FC anodised aluminium rainscreen, provides a modern new teaching facility for the college and a stimulating new research environment for the university. The first phase of the project includes a reading area housing the combined book collection, extensive ICT facilities for public use, new teaching spaces together with a children’s library, play area, Focal Point Gallery and café.
Installed by Dane Architectural, over 900 sqm of Sotech aluminium Optima FC Eco rainscreen was installed to the building featuring circular windows incorporated into the anodised panels during factory manufacture with the window returns anodised separately for absolute consistency. The anodised panels, specified for the superior performance characteristics necessary to meet the demands of a coastal environment, required anodising twice to achieve the unique blue grey finish.
A large outdoor display screen to the north of the building features local cultural and sporting events and is set into projecting columns clad in Sotech Optima FC Eco rainscreen to provide a striking and low-maintenance gateway to the square. The secret-fix rainscreen system provides a long-life solution however where inspection or replacement is necessary the system is easily demountable without impairing the integrity of the façade. In addition the aluminium rainscreen is fully recyclable and independently tested to CWCT standards.
Sotech is one of the leading exponents of rainscreen anodising, a unique surface treatment integrating totally with the metallic substructure rather than simply being applied to the surface of the aluminium. Providing a totally UV resistant finish, the anodic layer enhances the natural qualities of the aluminium whilst providing exceptional durability.
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 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.