The Sky Health and Fitness Centre is a new build project providing the full range of health and fitness facilities for the Sky Media Group in Brentford, Middlesex.
Sotech worked with architects and engineers Arup, installers Glass Solutions and main contractors Morrisroe to deliver rainscreen cladding for the building’s main facade.
The project required over 1000sqm of bespoke Larson ACM rainscreen cladding with an anodic brushed high gloss finish.
Originally the clients specified 316 brushed stainless steel panels, but after providing a value engineered solution it was decided that the panel sizes were too big and so we worked with designers Glass Solutions to generate a bespoke panel solution.
The alternative ACM panels provide a stainless steel appearance but with a reflective finish, complementing the prominent glass panels that form the rest of the exterior. The panels shape the appearance of the building as the weather changes – with sunshine bringing out the vibrant look of the reflective ACM finish. This visual spectacle is even more appealing at night when the building’s open facade is illuminated, making it possible to see inside the building.
The design challenge of this project was centred on the unusual installation requirements for the exterior facade. This required a bespoke design because the panels had to be fitted like a curtain wall or glass.
After a series of post design meetings, Sotech developed bespoke designed sawtooth panels, which come together in a zigzag shape. The panels were installed horizontally and vertically on the main facade of the building.
Where the panels reached the floor, Sotech provided a bespoke plinth panels that fitted seamlessly in between the window panels.
This project challenged Sotech to come up with bespoke challenges for panel materials, panel design and material finish. Although the design was more complex than usual, we worked closely with Glass Solutions to provide an engineered solution that was suitable for the project, and installation went smoothly because we were able to design and fabricate a solution tailored to the needs of this unique development.
The training facility and showroom at Sotech is open to specifiers and contractors, where all of our Optima Rainscreen Systems are on display alongside the widest selection of materials and finishes, including pre and post coat aluminium, ACM, Copper, Zinc, Stainless Steel and Anodised.
Sotech has invested heavily in sophisticated design and manufacturing technology.
All Sotech Optima Rainscreen Systems have been independently tested to meet CWCT rigorous specification for rainscreen.