Abbey Place, London - Sotech Optima

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 facade.

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.

To learn more about this finish, and specify it in your next project, click here.

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!”