Modelling Environment

From Idea to Manufacture:

Sotech as your design partners, problem solvers, and technical collaborators

Sotech has worked collaboratively with clients to manufacturing building facades for over 40 years.

From the moment an architect or contractor engages with our team, we share decades of technical knowledge, cutting-edge tools, and hands-on experience to ensure every panel is engineered for precision, performance, and aesthetic appeal.

Work with us to help shape your next project, advising on the best system build up for the job, working through challenges, and ensuring the design meets your vision, and is safe, sustainable and long-lasting.

“At Sotech, every single project – whether using our standard CWCT-tested systems or a completely bespoke façade design – requires manufacturing-ready drawings, which we produce in house. The way information is supplied can dramatically impact project speed, cost, and even outcomes on site.”

Mo Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech

Why early engagement matters:

Whether you have a sketched layout, a detailed BIM model or a full set of 2D elevations, contact our team early in the design process and we will help by: 

• Spotting risks before they become issues – saving time, budget, and stress later on.
• Recommending system types and configurations that align with performance and aesthetic goals.
• Advising on materials and finishes – from premium materials and sustainable options.
• Collaborating with our design team to test ideas, optimise layouts and ensure feasibility before anything hits the factory floor.

“It’s a true collaboration. We’re not just reacting to drawings. We’re actively advising, improving and helping our clients deliver on their design goals.”

Amy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech

Pre-populated order sheets:

“A huge benefit of pre-populated order sheets is that we can recommend the best build up for your project. Sometimes customers select systems that look good on first glance, but aren’t the most effective choice for the project.”

Amy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech

3D modelling environment:

Our 3D modelling process focuses on manufacturability. Using Autodesk Inventor and our system-specific templates, we collaborate directly with customers to build fully manufacturable models before a single panel is cut. This ensures that by the time designs reach our production team, they’re accurate, efficient, and ready to go.

We also support BIM (Building Information Modelling) workflows to improve collaboration during the early stages of design. While 3D modelling and BIM are closely related, they serve different functions. BIM models (typically created in Revit) provide critical design intent and data, whereas Inventor models are optimised for production and precision manufacturing.

“Imagine being able to pick up and review every detail of your cladding system and be confident that it can be manufactured exactly as designed. That’s the benefit of working in 3D-we can spot challenges early, optimise panel layout, and move quickly into production.”

Mo Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech

3D Modelling with Autodesk Inventor

We use Inventor to create fully manufacturable models of façade systems, allowing us to simulate how panels will connect to subframes, accommodate windows, or integrate complex perforations and returns. This ensures what’s designed can actually be built — with no surprises on site.

BIM Objects

Our systems are fully BIM-ready, with downloadable objects available via our website, NBS and BIM Store. These enable architects and specifiers to design with Sotech systems from day one — reducing clashes and streamlining approvals.

We recommend architects download our BIM components from our website, NBS and BIM Store  to ensure compatibility from the outset. Early engagement helps align design intent with our manufacturing process, enabling faster and more accurate downstairs processing

Tip: Encourage your design team to download and use Sotech BIM objects for maximum compatibility.

FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

We test panel performance against wind load, fixing arrangements and other critical factors using FEA software. That way, we can validate system choices and suggest the best panel depth, fixing type, or material thickness — all before fabrication begins.

Virtual Reality (VR) Experience

Sotech’s virtual showroom lets clients explore panel assemblies, fixings, finishes and layout options in immersive 3D. This is especially powerful in early design stages when reviewing build-ups, solving interface challenges, or comparing material choices.

The virtual experience allows clients to:

• Explore panel details from every angle, zoom in to inspect fixing methods, and evaluate surface finishes in real-time.
• Validate design intent by visualising how panels will interact with elements such as windows and subframes.
• Experiment with materials and finishes, switching between options effortlessly to determine the best aesthetic and performance.

Working with sotech:

If you’ve got a project coming up – standard or bespoke – reach out to an expert member of our team today.

If you’d like to learn more about our processes and how we can help bring your concept to life, we would love to welcome you on site to meet our teams, visit the factory floor and discuss your project in person.

If you’d like to explore our full range of Optima rainscreen systems from the comfort of your office, you can use Sotech’s virtual showroom to examine intricate panel details, and visualise how different materials and finishes can transform your project. This interactive 3D platform allows you to rotate, zoom, and interact with 3D models, providing a tangible sense of our products’ quality and versatility.