Working closely with installer OCL Reclad and main contractor Mount Anvil, Sotech has supplied over 5,000m² of Optima TFC+ in 3mm Aluminium J57S “Up” grade anodised aluminium for the reclad of The Filaments in London.
Why Optima TFC+?
The Optima TFC+ system and final colour were specified to closely match the original façade aesthetic while meeting modern safety and durability standards.
Anodised aluminium was selected over polyester powder coating (PPC) to offer superior surface protection, especially given the rainwater runoff challenges presented by the building’s GRC feature bands at each floor level.
The anodised finish ensures reduced cleaning requirements and long-term corrosion resistance – essential in a busy urban environment like central London.
Intelligent Panel Design
One of the standout elements of this project was the panel design itself. The window reveals were engineered to be part of the panel system, reducing the need for additional fixings and trims.
This integrated approach demanded high levels of precision in both design and manufacture. The margin for error was minimal, requiring a fit-first-time approach that Sotech and OCL Reclad delivered through close collaboration and detailed planning.
A Complex Urban Installation
The façade is segmented with horizontal GRC bands, making tolerance and alignment critical. The challenge was not only in aesthetics, but in ensuring long-term performance where different materials meet.
Sotech’s in-house technical expertise helped ensure that the interface between materials was carefully managed, avoiding potential corrosion issues and ensuring overall façade integrity.
Speaking about the project, Jamie Smieth Commercial Manager Commented:
“The replacement panels bring new life to the building, offering a robust product which will give protection to the building for years to come.”
Project details:
The Filaments, London
System: Optima TFC+
Sector: Residential
Size: Circa 5,000m²
Recladding for fire safety and building performance
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. Upgrading building materials through recladding 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.
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