Technical +44 (0) 191 587 9213 | General Enquiries +44 (0) 191 587 2287

Modelling Environment

From Idea to Manufacture:

Your Facade Partner at Every Step

For over 40 years, Sotech has partnered with architects, contractors, and installers to bring complex façade designs to life — from first sketch to final installation.

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

Sotech SolidWorks Nottingham Trent Rainscreen

Sotech SolidWorks Nottingham Trent Rainscreen

A Collaborative Approach That Prioritises Accuracy and Efficiency

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

One Strawberry Lane Perforated Rainscreen

What is the quickest route to production for standard rainscreen panels?

If you’re using our standard systems – like Optima FC+ or TFC+ – then using pre-populated order sheets is by far the fastest and most efficient method

For our CWCT-tested standard systems, using pre-populated order forms is the most efficient path to production.

These order forms let us recommend the best system build-up for your project — reducing revisions and accelerating manufacture.

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

What is the quickest route to production for bespoke rainscreen panels?

If you’re looking to specify a bespoke rainscreen cladding system – such as a complex perforated facade or curved panel layouts – then using 3D Model Collaboration is the most efficient method

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

NOTE: The UK government has mandated BIM Level 2 compliance for all centrally procured public sector projects since 2016, and there’s a push towards BIM Level 3 by 2025, emphasising full integration and real-time collaboration across all project stakeholders.

Introducing the Sotech Modelling Suite

Sotech has developed a technical infrastructure designed to support clients from concept to manufacture. This includes:

3D Modelling with Autodesk Inventor

From the earliest stages of a project, we work directly with architects, contractors, and consultants in a 3D modelling environment to develop fully manufacturable façade designs.

We’re able to simulate how panels interact with subframes, accommodate openings like windows and doors, and integrate complex detailing such as perforations, returns, and curved elements.

This method results in a smoother transition into production, fewer surprises on site, and better overall project outcomes.

Use pre-populated order sheets for a quick and efficient path to production.

  • Fully manufacturable models 
  • Designing for complexity
  • Models simulate how panels interface with sub

“Sometimes we’re tooling up within 24 hours of receiving the job sheet. That’s the power of working together in 3D. When both teams are aligned, things move fast.”

Amy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech

BIM Objects

BIM 3d Model Sotech

Using accurate BIM components ensures that what’s drawn is buildable, helping to avoid rework, delays, and on-site surprises. Our BIM objects are rich in data and designed to represent the true geometry and performance characteristics of our rainscreen systems — giving you a clearer picture of how each panel interacts with the substructure, openings, and other building elements.

  • Identify clash detection and design coordination
  • Faster specification and approvals
  • Alignment with our manufacturing workflows

Downloading Sotech’s BIM objects ensures maximum compatibility between your design and our manufacturing systems.

“If clients use our BIM components, we can extract the data we need to quote, model and plan production with incredible speed.”

Mo Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech

FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

At Sotech we use Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations as a critical part of our design validation process.

FEM allows us to digitally test how a facade system will perform under real-world conditions before we begin fabrication. Using advanced simulation software, our technical team can analyse how panels will respond to external forces such as

  •  Wind load pressures
  • Deadloads and structural movement
  • Thermal expansion and contraction
  • Fixing configurations and performance
  • Panel material, thickness and geometry variations 

“FEM gives us the ability to validate panel performance in a virtual environment. It’s a powerful tool in the design phase – ensuring the system can withstand wind pressures, thermal effects, and other real-life stresses long before we cut the first panel.”

Mo Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech

Virtual Reality (VR) Experience

Rainscreen cladding Virtual Reality VR Showroom

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.

“VR brings projects to life in a way that traditional modelling simply can’t.”

Mo Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech

Working with sotech:

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

Call our technical team on +44 (0) 191 587 9213

Email us at technical@sotech-optima.co.uk

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.

Working with Sotech means you’re not just choosing a system. You’re gaining a project partner with decades of façade experience, a deep understanding of design and performance requirements, and a commitment to engineering excellence at every stage.

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