Hollis Croft Student Accommodation

Delivering a High-Rise Facade Solution in the Heart of Sheffield

Hollis Croft is a landmark student accommodation development in the centre of Sheffield, comprising two residential towers rising to 10 and 26 storeys.

Designed by Lewis and Hickey, the project required a façade solution capable of delivering both architectural impact and long-term performance on a large-scale, high-rise development in a heavily built up area.

Working closely with Hamilton First Building Contractors from the early stages of the project, Sotech supplied a bespoke façade package that included bespoke FC+ rainscreen panels with 20mm upstands, TFC+ vent panels, feature band panels, Optima XTR Trigon extrusions and bespoke flashings, all manufactured to meet the project’s specific design and performance requirements.

Engineering a Bespoke Facade Solution

Every element of the façade was carefully engineered to realise the architect’s vision while delivering the durability, precision and buildability expected from a modern high-rise façade system.

One of the project’s most significant technical challenges was achieving an exceptionally slim 10mm shadow gap between panels.

To make this possible, Sotech redesigned the standard hook fixing detail, increasing the hook fixing leg from the standard 43mm to 48mm.

This bespoke engineering solution allowed the desired aesthetic to be achieved without compromising the performance or integrity of the façade system.

To validate the design, Finite Element Modelling (FEM) was also undertaken to verify panel stiffness and optimise stiffener requirements, providing confidence that every component would perform as intended once installed.

Collaboration from Architectural Design to Delivery

As with many city-centre developments, logistics played an important role throughout the programme. Limited site access meant deliveries had to be carefully coordinated on a just-in-time basis to ensure materials arrived exactly when required while minimising disruption on site.

Sotech worked alongside Hamilton First Building Contractors throughout the design and construction phases, providing technical guidance, manufacturing expertise and ongoing project support.

Sotech’s technical team developed project-specific manufacturing schedules and order sheets streamlining the design process and reducing unnecessary administration. By creating standardised templates that could move directly into manufacture, improving efficiency and reducing the potential for errors helped keep the project on programme.

Delivering Details at Scale

Hollis Croft demonstrates Sotech’s ability to combine bespoke engineering, collaborative project management and manufacturing expertise to deliver technically demanding façade solutions on large-scale developments.

From redesigning fixing details to meet challenging architectural requirements, to coordinating complex logistics and supporting the project team throughout delivery, Sotech played an integral role in bringing the architect’s vision to life.

The completed development stands as another example of how Sotech delivers technically complex façade systems with precision, reliability and attention to detail at significant scale.

Testimonials:

Tony Norton, Operation Director at Sotech:

“Working with Hamiltons on the Hollis Croft project was a highly positive experience from start to finish. As our first project together, it provided an excellent opportunity to develop a strong working relationship and demonstrate the value that collaboration can bring to a complex façade installation.

Throughout the project, there was a genuine team ethos between all parties involved. The communication, commitment, and problem-solving approach shown by the Hamiltons team helped ensure challenges were addressed quickly and effectively as they arose.

In particular, the professionalism and support from Mark Tilley, Nigel Armstrong and Theo Konstantinoudis were instrumental in maintaining momentum and driving the project forward.”

Your next project:

Complex projects require expertise, collaboration and details at scale. If you require advice with design detail, assistance with a specification, or support on a complex project requiring details at scale, contact our technical department. With over 40 years of industry experience, the team is on hand to provide knowledge and support at every stage of your project.