Present, Future & Beyond // The Facade
Half Day Event for Architects, including: Virtual Reality Experience, Expert Rainscreen Keynote Talks and in Person Industry Networking
Thursday 4th November 2021 from 1pm – Limited Tickets Now AvailableRainscreen Cladding expert Sotech invites you to join their team and industry contacts on Thursday 4th November in the Building Centre London for a unique, in person experience for Architects specifying rainscreen cladding.
We invite you to break out of your bubble and join us for an expert led, jam-packed half day of insightful keynote talks, innovative product launches and never been seen before virtual reality tech UNIQUE to the rainscreen cladding sector.
Tickets are limited and will be made available on a first come, first served basis.
Why Attend?
- Experience our brand new System Visualisation Tool (SVT). Using virtual reality technology you will be able to explore Optima Rainscreen Systems in different materials and finishes in a real-time environment.
- Get a first look at our brand new Optima XTR Contour Extrusion, and see Optima Edge up close.Attend a brand new Sotech Riba Approved CPD “How to safely specify rainscreen cladding”.
- Understand the latest safety regulations more deeply, the key findings of the Hackitt Report and testing and certification requirements in the UK.
- Learn from industry fire expert Nick Jenkins - Technical Manager at International Fire Consultants - on how avoid making mistakes of the past and what the future holds for facades.
- Network with industry contacts and meet Industry Key suppliers.
THE Schedule
- 13:00 : Arrival, with tea & coffee and meet and greet from Sotech team
- 13.30 : RIBA approved CPD – “How to Safely Specify Rainscreen Cladding” by Simran Thiara, Regional Specification Manager, with a focus on the latest safety regulations, the key findings of the Hackitt Report and testing and certification requirements in the UK.
- 14:00 : Keynote Speaker – Learn from industry fire expert Nick Jenkins – Technical Manager at International Fire Consultants – on how avoid making mistakes of the past and what the future holds for facades.
- 14.20 : Product Launch – “Optima XTR Contour” by Jamie Smith, Estimator at Sotech
- 14.35 : Product Launch – “Optima Edge” by Lee Gravett, Product Development Manager at Sotech
- Q&A with industry experts in rainscreen cladding and fire safety
- Open session : Join our live System Visualisation Tool (VR) experience.
- Spend time meeting and greeting key supply chain partners – ask key questions and learn about the latest innovations in the sector.
Sotech is proud to bring you the latest insight and innovation in fire safety and rainscreen cladding specification from leading industry experts.
13.30
Simran Thiara, Regional Specification Manager at Sotech
BIO : Having completed her architectural design technology degree in 2013 with honours Simran has been working in the construction industry specialising in anodising , building envelopes and glass manufacturing on a number of major projects. Since joining Sotech she has worked along side some key architects in London heavily focusing on fire safely and sustainability.
Our very own in-house expert, Simran Thiara, will be sharing the truth about the latest Safety Regulations in the UK, highlighting in particular how they relate to:
- Design considerations and the safe specification of rainscreen cladding in the UK
- The key findings of the Hackitt Report and what you need to know as an Architect
- Fundamental testing & certifications requirements for UK buildings, and how to ensure compliance
- A1 & A2 materials
14.00
Nick Jenkins, Technical Manager at International Fire Consultants
BIO: Respected and experienced construction industry professional with 22 years of experience gained working on diverse projects for metal envelope product system manufacturers and more recently as a fire safety professional.
Nick is a Technical Manager at International Fire Consultants – a specialist fire engineering consultancy recognised internationally for their expertise in all aspects of fire safety.
IFC Group are very proud of their growing reputation as one of the world’s leading fire engineering and solution providers, trusted by many of the most prestigious construction firms, architects and estate owners for the delivery of independent, fair, honest and confidential advice to professionals across the built environment.
How to get things done right – second time around – Nick will take you through the journey of a remediation project. This unique and insightful talk will cover the intricacies involved in delivering a successful remediation project including, planning, problem-solving and practical know-how while facing challenges such as weatherproofing, structural integrity and insulation needs. The talk will also cover what the future likely holds for facades.
14.20
Product Launch: “Optima XTR Contour” by Jamie Smith, Estimator at Sotech (15 mins)
BIO: With over 14 years of experience in Construction and a primary focus on Facades, Jamie Smith is Sotech’s Senior Estimator. Through his extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and rainscreen systems Jamie has became an expert in Façade Estimating, Project Management and Product Certification.
His proven track record of successfully completed projects throughout the UK with Bespoke System Solutions cements Sotech’s philosophy as industry leading solution providers.
Jamie will be showcasing a brand new Sotech product range: Optima XTR Contour. Optima XTR is a new range of eye-catching extrusion cladding tailored to meet an architect’s unique vision. Extremely hardwearing, versatile and durable, XTR is an alternative to traditional terracotta cladding.
14.35
Product Launch “Optima Edge” by Lee Gravett, Product Development Manager at Sotech
BIO: As Product Development Manager at Sotech, Lee specialises in the safe and ground-breaking development of the leading Optima range of rainscreen cladding products.
With experience in large scale testing, 3D design build up and FEA analysis, Lee brings unique and practical insight into fire safety in relation to BS8414 standards and BR135 classifications.
Lee will introduce a new secret fix rainscreen system Optima Edge. This innovative new rainscreen cladding system is the only one of its kind available in the UK passing the latest 2020 fire testing standards (tested to BS8414-2;2020 and gained BR135 classification).
SOTECH SVT Virtual Reality Demonstration
BIO: As the leader at ANIMA, Chris supplies web, animation and VR products to sme’s from Durham to Seattle – specialising in creating unique products and experiences for rainscreen cladding providers and the construction industry as a whole.
Join Chris for our live VR experience demonstration of the new SOTECH System Visualisation Tool (SVT).
Test our brand new, never been seen before, virtual reality technology and preview all the Optima range of rainscreen cladding products, change Optima system material and finishes, disassemble and reassemble each system as well as find key information on how to build with Optima – all inside a real time environment built with Unreal Engine.
This latest innovation in specification planning will enable architects to:
- Make decisions earlier in a project life;
- Preview, disassemble and reassemble Optima systems;
- Inspect and build Optima substructure;
- Change panel finish and material by brand name
- Explore System Features; and,
- Explore buildings in different environments in diverse weather elements.
In addition to the demonstration, Chris will explain how VR and digital copies of your products can help drive sales, speed up decision making and save on time and resources.
Take your CAD drawings into VR using Unreal Engine for real time 3D and VR experiences to fully engage your customers, now and in the future.
Meet key industry suppliers
Spend time meeting and greeting key industry supply chain partners across the full range of rainscreen cladding solutions.
This is the perfect opportunity to make new connections, ask questions of industry experts and learn about the latest innovations in the sector.
We are delighted to welcome our expert industry suppliers.
This is your chance to put faces to names, make new industry connections and ask questions directly to experts.
the Venue
The Building Centre in London is a hub for the built environment, providing a platform for the exchange and development of knowledge.
The Building Centre is within walking distance of several mainline railway stations Euston (15 mins), Kings Cross/St. Pancras (25 mins), Charing Cross (23 mins).
The nearest underground stations are Goodge Street (Northern Line), Tottenham Court Road (Northern & Central Lines), Russell Square (Piccadilly Line) and Warren Street (Victoria Line)
Key Event Details
DATE: Thursday 4th November
TIME: 13:00 – 17:00
DRESS: Business Casual
ATTENDEES: Architects + Industry Experts
REFRESHMENTS: Tea, coffee will be served throughout the day, with cake during the break
PRICE: Free
COVID SAFETY
Sotech is committed to hosting a Covid safe event. The venue will be ventilated with open windows. And hand sanitiser and cleaning stations will be provided throughout the building.
Masks are not compulsory but may be worn if desired.