Sotech Expands Facade Offering with Optima Vertex Spandrel Panels
Expanding system capability and reducing risk through full build-up integration
Sotech has announced the launch of Optima Vertex Spandrel Panels, a new high-performance, fire-rated curtain wall infill solution designed to complement its engineered rainscreen façade systems.
The launch marks an expansion of Sotech’s offering – enabling clients to source both external façade systems and integrated spandrel panels from a single technical partner.
With increasing demand from customers for coordinated system packages and reduced supply chain fragmentation, Optima Vertex has been developed to provide a robust, tested and thermally efficient spandrel solution aligned with Sotech’s commitment to full system validation.
Responding to Market Demand
The development of Optima Vertex was driven directly by customer demand.
Many of Sotech clients working on high-rise residential, commercial office and mixed-use schemes increasingly requested spandrel panels alongside their rainscreen packages – particularly where curtain wall façades required fire-rated infill panels to replace non-compliant PVC or outdated materials.
Richie Gray, Project Estimator, who is customer facing and understands customer challenges brings significant experience in the spandrel market, explains:
“We were seeing more and more projects where we were supplying the rainscreen panels, but the spandrels were being sourced elsewhere. Clients were asking if we could provide the full package. That’s where the idea really took shape.”
The result is a system designed to integrate seamlessly into curtain wall assemblies while meeting modern fire, thermal and aesthetic expectations.
Three Profiles. Complete Flexibility.
Optima Vertex Spandrel Panels are available in Flat, Stepped, and Double-Stepped profiles, each engineered for different glazing layouts and thermal performance needs.
The Flat profile provides a clean, flush appearance, ideal for concealing areas like hidden slab edges, while the Stepped and Double-Stepped profiles enhance U-value performance and maintain perimeter glazing compatibility.
A stepped-front option also allows a subtle shadow detail for architectural effect.
Panels come with three edge options to suit performance, fire strategy, and curtain wall system:
- Pro Edge – A1-classified calcium silicate board
- Fab Edge – High-density A1 mineral wool for extra compressive strength
- Lite Edge – PVC foam board acting as a thermal break
All panels are manufactured bespoke to project requirements, ensuring seamless integration with curtain wall systems, and are available in anodised aluminium, powder-coated finishes with bespoke material options available upon request.
Fire Performance and Material Integrity
Optima Vertex Spandrel Panels are tested to BS EN 13501 and available within a Euroclass A2-s1,d0 rated range. Testing considers not just the visible facings but the complete build-up, including insulation, adhesive layers and perimeter packages, with particular focus given to the adhesive specification and application methodology, recognising its critical influence on fire performance and calorific contribution.
“One of the more surprising parts of the development process”, explains Lee Gravett, Technical Manager at Sotech, “was the attention given to the glue used in the process. Sotech typically does not use glue, opting instead for mechanical fixing methods to ensure A1 build ups. However, this is not an option with this product. Glue is required. For this reason, we have spent a huge amount of time testing the type of adhesive, how much is applied, the thickness, the coverage, and the curing process to ensure compliance.”
Sotech has developed very clear production controls to monitor the application of glue very carefully in the factory to ensure consistency.
Thermal Performance and Technical Support
Given the increasing use of glass-heavy façades, spandrel panels play a crucial role in achieving overall building U-value targets.
Optima Vertex panels incorporate high-density mineral wool insulation, with adjustable thicknesses to meet project-specific thermal requirements. Where required, Sotech’s technical team can review client U-value targets and advise on appropriate build-up configurations.
Each panel is manufactured to suit the specified glazing system and site tolerances, ensuring compatibility with existing curtain wall frameworks in both new build and retrofit scenarios.
Sotech’s team are on hand to review and recommend client U-value targets, and advise on appropriate build-up configurations. With over 40 years of façade expertise, Sotech works closely with architects, contractors and developers to ensure every solution is engineered, validated and aligned with project objectives from concept through to installation.
Investment in Advanced Manufacturing
The launch of Optima Vertex has been supported by significant investment in new manufacturing technology.
Sotech has installed state-of-the-art heated vacuum press systems, in place of older-generation equipment commonly used elsewhere in the market. The new machinery allows precise temperature control, consistent vacuum bonding and optimised curing cycles, ensuring full adhesive contact across the panel surface.
The automated system improves bond consistency while reducing energy usage by shutting down automatically once optimal curing is achieved.
“We invested significantly in advanced manufacturing”, commented Lee, “to ensure repeatable, controlled fire performance at scale to ensure consistent, quality panels.”
This investment supports higher throughput, improved quality control and scalability as demand increases.
Designed for Retrofit and Replacement
Optima Vertex panels are particularly suited to remediation and retrofit schemes, where outdated or non-compliant infill panels require replacement.
Unlike stacked rainscreen panels, spandrels are inserted directly into curtain wall frameworks and can be replaced individually where required. This makes them well-suited to upgrade projects aiming to improve fire performance while preserving primary glazing systems.
The first live project has already incorporated a double external skin configuration, including a perforated decorative outer layer – demonstrating the system’s flexibility and architectural potential.
A Collaborative Team Effort
The development of Optima Vertex was a cross-functional effort involving technical, manufacturing and commercial teams.
Lee Gravett led product development as an expert in fire testing and compliance, supported by Richie Gray with his knowledge of spandrels and Andy Hall with years of process and method planning, alongside detailed input from manufacturing and procurement teams to refine component selection, costing and assembly processes.
“It’s exciting to see something move from an idea to a fully realised product launch,” says the team. “This has been a genuine team effort.”
Strengthening the Full Facade Offering
With the introduction of Optima Vertex Spandrel Panels, Sotech reinforces its commitment to delivering engineered façade solutions that are safe, sustainable and market-leading in design and manufacturing.
By offering both rainscreen systems and fire-rated spandrel panels within a coordinated package, Sotech reduces supply chain fragmentation and strengthens full build-up validation.
For architects, contractors and developers, this means clearer accountability, reduced risk and the convenience of sourcing complete façade solutions from a single trusted partner.
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