Sotech unique rainscreen cladding at Cancer Research Centre

With a BREEAM Excellent Rating and recently shortlisted for the Greater Manchester Building of the Year Award by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) is part of a strategic partnership between The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie, with a vision to make Manchester a World leader in cancer research.

A total of 3400m2 of rainscreen cladding was manufactured and installed for the purpose-built Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), which is now designated a Cancer Research UK major centre.

The Wilson Mason design, created in signal white to give a clean, clinical look to the Research centre, reflects the advanced clinical research undertaken inside.

Sotech worked closely with installation specialist FK Group to re-create the challenging internal and external façade design concept of James Potter at Wilson Mason Architects, especially the laboratory buildings where walls were sloping back and forth as well as wrapping around the corners in continuously flowing lines.

The use of parametric design and development software allowed Sotech and FK Group to map and construct the unique framing system on which to install the bespoke façade which comprised of over 2500 unique and irregular geometric shapes all manufactured in aluminium composite.  

Sotech Optima TFC Through-Fix Cassette rainscreen cladding system was used both internally and externally on the MCRC laboratory buildings. Feature beam enclosures, deep window reveals and copings to the three laboratory buildings were also provided to match the aluminium composite rainscreen cladding.
 
700m2 of Sotech’s Optima FC Secret Fix rainscreen cladding together with deep window reveals, coping and columns was installed by FK Group to the MCRC administration building.

This unique Optima TFC rainscreen cladding was also installed to the entrance lobby, stairwells and shared office spaces to allow continuation of the façade theme inside, bridging the buildings internal and external environments.