10,000 Shingles Used in Landmark Coastal Facade
Working alongside GT3 Architects, Wates and façade installer Chemplas, Sotech has produced and supplied approximately 10,000 individual Optima Shingles (around 2,000m²) and 550 linear metres of coping for the brand new Hartlepool Leisure Centre.
Located at Jacksons Landing in Hartlepool, the striking new landmark on the town’s waterfront features a distinctive combination of anodised aluminium shingles and perforated solar shading elements, creating a dynamic façade that responds to changing light conditions throughout the day.
The project also features perforated brise-soleil fins to the south elevation. Designed to appear as though sections of the shingle façade have peeled away from the building, these elements provide solar shading while creating depth, movement and continuity across the elevation.
The result is a dynamic, visually striking building that reflects the character of Hartlepool’s coastal setting while delivering long-term durability and performance.
A Facade Designed for a Challenging Coastal Environment
Due to the building’s close proximity to the North Sea, material selection was a critical consideration throughout the design process. To maximise the lifespan of the façade and ensure long-term resilience against the coastal environment, anodised aluminium was selected as the preferred finish.
The Optima Shingle system utilised 1.0mm Aluminium J57S UP in a combination of Alumet Alu Gold 00, Alu Gold 01 and AluNature anodised finishes. The coping elements were manufactured from 2.0mm Aluminium J57S UP in Alu Gold 01 and AluGrey 01.
The carefully selected palette creates depth, texture and visual interest across the building envelope, helping the leisure centre establish a strong identity within the local community.
Collaboration from Concept to Completion
The project demanded close coordination between the design, manufacturing and installation teams. The combination of anodised shingle panels, varied finishes and perforated brise-soleil elements required a high degree of precision throughout the design and installation process.
Sotech worked closely with the wider project team from the early stages of development, supporting design reviews, factory visits and the creation of a full-size visual mock-up.
The mock-up allowed GT3 Architects and Hartlepool Council to assess the appearance and detailing of the façade before production commenced, providing confidence that the finished building would achieve the desired architectural vision.
Careful planning was also required throughout the manufacturing programme, with anodising production slots scheduled months in advance to ensure project timelines were maintained and materials were delivered in line with programme requirements.
Precision Manufacturing at Scale
The completed façade showcases the capabilities of Sotech’s manufacturing team, with approximately 10,000 individual shingles produced and supplied for the project. Each component was manufactured with precision to ensure consistent quality, accurate alignment and a seamless finished appearance across the building envelope.
The result is a technically robust façade solution that not only meets the demands of its exposed coastal location but also delivers a distinctive architectural statement for Hartlepool’s waterfront regeneration, at significant scale.
Project Details
Project: Hartlepool Leisure Centre
Location: Jacksons Landing, Hartlepool
Installer: Chemplas
Main Contractor: Wates
Architect: GT3 Architects
System: Optima Shingle
Materials: 1.0mm & 2.0mm Aluminium J57S UP
Finish: Anodised Alumet Alu Gold 00, Alu Gold 01, AluNature and AluGrey 01
Testimonials:
Marc Middlesmiss, Contracts Director at Chemplas Limited
“This project required close coordination between the design, manufacturing and installation teams to successfully bring the facade design to life. The combination of anodised shingles, varied finishes and perforated brise-soleil elements demanded a high level of precision throughout the installation process. Through collaborative working and careful planning, the façade was delivered to a high standard, resulting in a striking finished building that reflects the quality and attention to detail invested throughout the project.”
Neil Hardy, GT3 Architects
“Our ambition was to create a building that would become a landmark within the local community, with a façade that reflected the changing qualities of the coastal landscape. The combination of anodised shingle panels and perforated solar shading elements delivers a visually rich and highly durable façade that changes character throughout the day. Through early collaboration with Sotech, the design team was able to realise a complex architectural concept while ensuring buildability, performance and long-term resilience.”
Scott Parkes, Assistant Director (Neighbourhood Services) Hartlepool Borough Council
“From early design development and factory visits, to large scale mock ups and finally the installation of the finished product, Sotech have been great to work with. They have produced a unique façade that has successfully delivered on our vision that compliments and elevates its surroundings, whilst being technically robust in a challenging environment.”
Kristian Kerr, Senior Site Manager at Wates
“Here at Wates, we understand that a key driver to the success of this project has been strong collaboration, clear communication and an aligned supply chain. Chemplas, as the façade installer and a key delivery partner, played a pivotal role in delivering the façade package, working closely with the wider team to ensure a high-quality installation in line with programme requirements.
The material specification was also critically important given the building’s close proximity to the North Sea, requiring a robust, durable solution capable of performing in a challenging coastal environment. Sotech’s proactive approach from design through to delivery ensured the façade was well-coordinated, resulting in a high-quality finish that contributes significantly to the building’s overall impact and long-term performance.”
Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech Limited
“It is always a great pleasure and honour to work on a local project. Many of us at Sotech have the chance to pass this impressive building on a regular basis and admire its beauty! It’s a great addition to the town of Hartlepool and the North East as a whole. Around 10,000 individual Optima Shingles were produced by our expert team with speed and precision. A huge thank you to the Chemplas team and our dedicated supply chain partners for making this happen.”
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.
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