Sotech is delighted to announce that two of our recent projects – Glasgow Harbour and Nottingham Trent University’s Art and Design Building – have been shortlisted at the prestigious 2025 Façade Awards UK.
Celebrating innovation, excellence, and collaboration in façade design and delivery, the Façade Awards shine a spotlight on the very best in the industry. This year, Sotech has been recognised in two highly competitive categories:
- Best Refurbishment Project – Glasgow Harbour, with Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd.
- Best Use of a Rainscreen System Using Aluminium – Nottingham Trent University, Art and Design Building, with Keyclad Ltd.
These nominations are a powerful testament to Sotech’s ongoing commitment to safety, sustainability, and precision engineering – and to the collaborative partnerships that make such complex and meaningful projects possible.
Best Refurbishment – Glasgow Harbour
In collaboration with Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd, Sotech supplied 13,500m² of Optima TFC+, fabricated from Novelis FF3 3mm pre-coated aluminium, to reclad the riverside towers of Glasgow Harbour. This large-scale refurbishment replaced the original non-compliant material with a fully fire-tested and CWCT-compliant rainscreen system.
Optima TFC+ was selected as a discrete fix, cost-effective solution that offers superior fire safety performance. Tested to BS 8414-2:2015 and classified to BR135, Optima TFC+ is an outstanding choice for high-rise applications. The system also integrates seamlessly with other façade elements and offers a full range of Euroclass A1 and A2-s1,d0 panel materials.
The marine-grade Novelis FF3 material, selected for its exceptional corrosion resistance, was supplied in four bespoke colours, carefully matched to the original planning requirements. Special attention was given to the use of Polarmere Bleu, due to sensitivities around Glasgow’s strong culture and footballing identities.
A deliberate effort was made to ensure the shade was carefully balanced – respecting the locations Celtic heritage while preserving the design intent.
Despite encountering wind loads exceeding 3.0kPa, the project was delivered to exacting safety standards thanks to bespoke F.E.M. analysis, detailed planning, and on-site collaboration.
Mohamad Jenaban, Principal Technical Engineer at Sotech commented:
“This landmark project highlights the power of early collaboration and engineering-led design in overcoming even the most demanding site and performance challenges. By working closely with the client and contractor from the outset, we delivered a façade solution that is fully compliant, built to endure, visually iconic and expertly tailored to reflect the cultural identity and meet the technical demands of the Glasgow Harbour environment.”
Best Use of a Rainscreen System Using Aluminium – Nottingham Trent University
Working with Keyclad Ltd, Sotech manufactured a bespoke façade for Nottingham Trent University’s Art and Design Building, using a combination of Optima TFC+ and Optima IPC systems, finished in the stunning UA Regency Gold 2 anodised aluminium.
The building’s standout features – angular beacons on the north and south elevations – required complex panel geometries and high-precision fabrication. To ensure the panels could withstand environmental forces and meet performance requirements, Sotech conducted Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on the design. This proactive approach ensured that the façade not only met aesthetic requirements but also adhered to stringent safety and performance standards.
Sotech’s Project Engineer Tony Rhodes worked directly with Keyclad’s specialists to refine panel sizes, consider the best method of installation, and work through the integration challenges with the steel framework. This hands-on approach enabled a smooth installation process and ensured the finished façade met both aesthetic and structural expectations.
Tony Rhodes, Project Engineer at Sotech, said:
“This was a particularly challenging project and was a pleasure to work in collaboration with both the Keyclad Team and JMA Facades during the design process. Once the initial design concept was approved by the Architect/Client, the route through final system design and manufacture to site installation went very smoothly to produce some striking features to the building.”
Pushing Boundaries in FaCade Innovation
At Sotech, we are deeply committed to creating safe, sustainable rainscreen solutions that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings but lead the way in fire safety, engineering performance, and responsible design.
These nominations reflect our dedication to continuous innovation, long-standing partnerships, and a shared vision for the future of façades.
View the full shortlist here: 2025 Façade Awards UK – Shortlist >>
To learn more about Sotech’s approach to façade innovation, book an onsite visit with our expert team, or view our explore the full Optima range.
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