Optima TFC+ in 3mm Aluminium J57S UP Grade Anodised Blue Grey B717 has been used to reclad the ICOSS Building in Sheffield, an educational facility providing specialist research facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories.
Originally designed by CPMG Architects in 2006, the ICOSS building has undergone a recladding project to meet updated building requirements. The previous cladding was removed, and new, non-combustible anodised aluminium panels were installed.
Why Optima TFC+?
Sotech’s Optima TFC+ system was the ideal choice for this recladding project due to its seamless integration with existing building components and its rapid, straightforward installation process.
Additionally, Optima TFC+ has been tested to BS8414-2 standards and has met the fire requirements of BR 135 in specific system configurations, making it suitable for high-rise and sensitive building projects.
The United Anodisers Blue/Grey B717 finish was specifically selected for its exceptional fade-resistant properties and lifetime guarantee, ensuring durability and maintaining the building’s aesthetic appeal over time.
Recladding
In recent years, Sotech has partnered with numerous new clients to reclad landmark buildings.
Rainscreen façade retrofitting involves the installation of a new cladding system on the existing building. The new systems might sit on top of the existing exterior envelope of a building, in the case of brick and cement, for example. Where an existing rainscreen solutions is in situ, this is often dismantled and a new rainscreen solution is put in its place. This is particularly relevant when fire safety requirements are not being met by the existing building Regulations.
Whilst recladding has historically been used to update the external façade of a building for aesthetic reasons, in more recent years recladding has been required to ensure the materials used in the building are fire safe and compliant.
Current fire safety regulations in the UK, including the Building Regulations (Approved Document B), mandate that materials used in external wall systems for high-rise buildings over 18 metres must be non-combustible. This is typically achieved with materials rated A1 or A2-s1,d0 under the European Fire Classification system (Euroclass).
Additionally, cladding systems are required to undergo rigorous fire testing, such as the BS8414 test, to demonstrate their resistance to the spread of fire. Systems that meet these requirements are classified under BR135 for their suitability in high-rise and sensitive building applications. This ensures not only compliance but also the safety of building occupants by significantly reducing fire risks.
With over 40 years of experience, Sotech has been at the forefront of developing non-combustible, fire-safe products rigorously tested to the highest standards. Our Optima range includes true A1 and A2-rated materials such as PPC Aluminium, Anodised Aluminium, and Zinc, ensuring compliance with the latest fire safety regulations.
Testimonials:
Close collaboration between all parties was key to the success of this project. Task Contracts worked with Sotech to ensure precision in design and manufacturing, enabling the team to deliver the high-quality solutions needed for the ICOSS building’s transformation.
Ian Blakemore, Commercial Manager at Task Contract Services Ltd said:
“Task Contract Services Ltd is proud to highlight our excellent collaboration with Sotech on the ICOSS project in Sheffield. This successful partnership saw Sotech supplying their high-quality 3mm Anodised Aluminium Optima FC cassette panels, while we expertly handled the installation. We specifically selected Sotech as the manufacturing partner for this reclad scheme, ensuring a seamless delivery of premium results that meet and exceed client expectations.”
Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech, commented:
“Another excellent collaboration with our long-term partners, Task Contracts. It’s always a pleasure working with the Task team, as the quality of information provided from design through to manufacturing is consistently of the highest standard.”
Project Details:
Project Name: ICOSS Building
Location: Sheffield
Sector: Education
System: Optima TFC+
Installer: Task Contracts
Main Contractor: Robertson Construction
Architect: Castle Construction
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