OPTIMA Edge RAINSCREEN
INTRODUCING a SECRET FIX RAINSCREEN with a FLAT PANEL APPEARANCE AND A CLEAN CRISP EDGE.
Optima Edge; a desirable variation on the innovative FC+ secret fix hook on rainscreen model. Taking the very best of the FC+ system , the team made significant modifications to give the new system a floating panel appearance with a clean, crisp edge.
View an interactive 3D model, animation, substructure information and panel sizes using the buttons below. If you have any comments or questions please get in touch and an expert will get back to you as soon as possible.
For a fully immersive virtual reality experience, SOTECHVR allows users to examine complete 3D models of our Optima range, change the rainscreen system to a material/finish of your choice, learn more about fire safety and rainscreen testing.
Benefits of the Optima Edge System
- The panel face has no folds and provides a clean edge appearance.
- User friendly with quick and easy adjustment on site – can be fixed top down, or bottom up, with individual panel removal and replacement.
- The carrier rail hooks can be locked in position on site by installers, rather than in the factory, leading to significantly reduced lead times for all parties.
- Improved ventilation to suite the latest standards, in line with the Optima plus range.
- System is available in 4mm Aluminium with Sotech’s bespoke carrier design.
- Designed to work in harmony with Siderise OCSI products
- Design and tested using Hilti products
- Mechanical fixing methods and no use of adhesives, providing true A1 and A2 cladding systems.
- Fire tested to BS8414-2;2020, and classified in BR135 for high rise buildings.
- Available in Euroclass A1 and A2 – s1,d0.
- NBS specifications available tailored to your project.
- The panel side returns could be finished in a different colour to the panel face to give a contrasting colour.
- Suitable for large and bespoke panel sizes.
ANODISED ALUMINIUM
Anodising is an A1 non-combustible finish. It is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts.
Due to the nature of the anodising process and the tight quality controls on both the aluminium and the surface treatment, anodising has a homogeneous (matching & consistent) appearance.
Colours, textures and patterns can be incorporated in the anodic film, enhancing the natural metallic appearance without affecting the total UV resistance of the rainscreen cladding.
Anodising enhances the natural qualities of aluminium further; it permits a strongly contemporary finish with incomparable corrosion and abrasion resistance.
Aluminium is exceptionally recyclable, requires minimal maintenance and has proven lifetime performance.
Polyester Powder CoatED ALUMINIUM (PPC)
PPC is an A2 limited combustibility finish.
PPC is a type of dry coating, rather than a conventional liquid paint, and is applied to metal rainscreen as a free flowing, dry powder. The powder is applied to rainscreen panels electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to form a ‘skin’. This electrostatic powder process means we can ensure complete coverage of the panels, even on more complex shapes.
Powder Coating can produce a much thicker coating than conventional liquid coating leaving PPC rainscreen cladding with a hard finish. This is much tougher than normal paint and its strong abrasion and corrosion resistance properties make it extremely durable and long lasting.
If you are looking for a finish to make your project stand out PPC is a great specification choice with a range of 200 standard RAL colours and a wide choice of special effects offer a great alternative to anodised aluminium and stone, natural effects and different textures can be used to add a unique touch to your project.

Learn More…
The Learning Zone plays host to innovative design workshops, CPD seminars and launch events where designers, contractors and material manufacturers can meet, evaluate and review projects and address technical issues at the very start of the design process.
We also have constructed training walls where installation teams can come and familiarise themselves with our Optima Rainscreen Systems, and products can be tried, tested and handled prior to going on site.
IF YOU’RE AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
There is a huge range of materials, finishes, colours and design options, offering the specifier an almost limitless choice of products, presented in a practical and convenient way designed to cut research time for the designer and provide an in-depth technical resource.
IF YOU’RE AN INSTALLER:
Experience the range of systems and choice of materials, explore technical solutions to specific problems, iron out design details and gain an understanding of scheduling requirements. All systems can be examined in detail and real-life applications can be rigorously reviewed and tested.

West End Quay, London

Leicester City Football Club Training Ground

One Ashley Road, Ashley Road East

Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM)

Kelaty House, Wembley

Plot C1, English Cities Fund (ECF) – New Bailey, Salford Quays

Science, Engineering & Environment Building, Salford University

Project Vita, Nottingham

PEMC Nottingham
OPTIMA EDGE Testing
BS 8414-2 refers to the fire performance of external cladding systems and is the test method for non-load bearing external cladding systems fixed to and supported by a structural steel frame.
The BS 8414 test methods were developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). They evaluate whether a cladding system subject to fire breaking out of an opening (such as a window) in an external wall, will result in excessive fire spread up the outside of the building and the potential for fire to re-enter at a higher level.
The tests are carried out in specialist laboratories, and are performed on full-scale systems (rather than small-scale samples) incorporating; joints and corner details, fixings, insulation, firebreaks, cavities and other elements of the system construction.
Performance criteria for assessing cladding systems tested using BS 8414 is contained within BR 135 – Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings. It is important to note that the classification applies solely to the specific external facade system which has been tested.
Any deviations or product substitutions from that which was tested are strictly subject to BS 9414
FIRE TEST – BR135 CLASSIFICATION OPTIMA EDGE – 4MM PPC
Performance criteria of the test was based on BR135 Classification standard.
Optima Edge cladding solid aluminium panels with PPC finish and rockwool insulation
Test was in accordance with: BS8414-2:2020
Any deviations or product substitutions from that which was tested are strictly subject to BS 9414
- Test Report: DLR1854
- Fire Test Performed at: Al Futtaim Element
- Date test performed: October 2020
- Steel framing system (SFS) : 150mm Kingframe SFS
- Insulation : Rockwool 140mm Flexi A1
- Sheathing Board : 12.5mm Siniat Weather Defence Board
- Bracket : HILTI MFT-MFI 155-M-6.5, HILTI MFT-MFI 155-L-6.5
- Horizontal Intumescent Cavity Barrier : Siderise RH25G – 90/30 horizontal intumescent cavity barrier
- Vertical Cavity Barrier : Siderise RVG -90/30 vertical cavity barrier
- Cassette Insert : Siderise open state cassette insert (OSCI)
- Carrier Rails : Sotech Optima Edge Carrier Rails
- Panel : 4mm PC Aluminium Optima Edge Rainscreen

Learn More…
The Learning Zone plays host to innovative design workshops, CPD seminars and launch events where designers, contractors and material manufacturers can meet, evaluate and review projects and address technical issues at the very start of the design process.
We also have constructed training walls where installation teams can come and familiarise themselves with our Optima Rainscreen Systems, and products can be tried, tested and handled prior to going on site.
IF YOU’RE AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
There is a huge range of materials, finishes, colours and design options, offering the specifier an almost limitless choice of products, presented in a practical and convenient way designed to cut research time for the designer and provide an in-depth technical resource.
IF YOU’RE AN INSTALLER:
Experience the range of systems and choice of materials, explore technical solutions to specific problems, iron out design details and gain an understanding of scheduling requirements. All systems can be examined in detail and real-life applications can be rigorously reviewed and tested.

West End Quay, London

Leicester City Football Club Training Ground

One Ashley Road, Ashley Road East

Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM)

Kelaty House, Wembley

Plot C1, English Cities Fund (ECF) – New Bailey, Salford Quays

Science, Engineering & Environment Building, Salford University

Project Vita, Nottingham

PEMC Nottingham

Nottingham College City Hub

Frederick Douglas Centre, Science Central, Newcastle

Lancaster Circus

Fulham Boys’ School

Premier Inn, Glasgow

Bournemouth Gateway Building

Discovery Quay, Salford

The Refinery, Bingley Street, Leeds

New Era Square

Unite White Rose View

Queen Street, Glasgow

Bath Court, Birmingham

Oman Air Traffic Control, Oman

The Lumen, Newcastle Helix

Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Sport

Horizon Heights, Student Accommodation, Liverpool

Calico, Norton Street, Liverpool

Hilton Garden Inn, London Heathrow T2 Hotel

Queenshurt Kingston

Alto NW06 Wembley

South Shields Interchange Hub

Northshore – Hilton Stockton

Collaborative Teaching Lab, Birmingham Uni

Milton Keynes Car Park

Chaucer House, Portsmouth

White Rose Shopping Centre Leeds

Thorpe Park, Leeds

Hill Court, Pitt Street, Newcastle upon Tyne

Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Vue Cinema

Guildford Business Park

Westgate Travelodge

Aldwych House

Chrisp Street

North Shore Innovation Centre

Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK)

Glow, Bluewater Shopping Centre

Regent High School

First Direct Arena

Manchester University

Manchester Air Traffic Control

Newcastle University Viewing Box

Outwood Academy

Vermillion, Rathbone Market

Silverstone University Technical College

Staffordshire University Science & Technology Centre

Westgate Cineworld

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts

Asda Multi Storey Car Park

Paradise Street

Park View

The Elements, Almondvale Shopping Centre Car Park

Hull Royal Infirmary

Darlington Business Growth Hub

GWQ Barratt Homes LDN

The Core, Science Central

Krispy Kreme

The View, Downing Plaza

B Sky B

NEC Resorts Development

The Foundry

Farnham Road Hospital

Apex Phase 2, University of Liverpool

Grimsby Leisure

St Vincent Plaza, Glasgow

Elephant Road

Hallam University, Charles Street

Victoria Halls

Sheffield University, Durham Road Car Park

Optic Cloak, Greenwich Energy Centre

Pullman Hotel Liverpool Waterfront

Case Study: Oakfields Community College, Middlesbrough
OPTIMA EDGE CWCT TESTING
The CWCT ‘Standard for systemised building envelopes’ gives a framework for specifying building envelopes and provides a ‘Specifiers checklist’ showing information that will change from project to project.
This includes:
- Internal and external environment
- Air permeability
- Thermal performance
- Access and safety
- Design life
Tests performed:
Watertightness – dynamic
Wind resistance – serviceability
Wind resistance – safety
Soft body Impact
Hard body impact
SOTECH Optima EDGE
Certificate Number: 2021/112
Fire Test Performed at: Vinci Technology
Date test performed: December 2020

Learn More…
The Learning Zone plays host to innovative design workshops, CPD seminars and launch events where designers, contractors and material manufacturers can meet, evaluate and review projects and address technical issues at the very start of the design process.
We also have constructed training walls where installation teams can come and familiarise themselves with our Optima Rainscreen Systems, and products can be tried, tested and handled prior to going on site.
IF YOU’RE AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
There is a huge range of materials, finishes, colours and design options, offering the specifier an almost limitless choice of products, presented in a practical and convenient way designed to cut research time for the designer and provide an in-depth technical resource.
IF YOU’RE AN INSTALLER:
Experience the range of systems and choice of materials, explore technical solutions to specific problems, iron out design details and gain an understanding of scheduling requirements. All systems can be examined in detail and real-life applications can be rigorously reviewed and tested.

West End Quay, London

Leicester City Football Club Training Ground

One Ashley Road, Ashley Road East

Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM)

Kelaty House, Wembley

Plot C1, English Cities Fund (ECF) – New Bailey, Salford Quays

Science, Engineering & Environment Building, Salford University

Project Vita, Nottingham

PEMC Nottingham

Nottingham College City Hub

Frederick Douglas Centre, Science Central, Newcastle

Lancaster Circus

Fulham Boys’ School

Premier Inn, Glasgow

Bournemouth Gateway Building

Discovery Quay, Salford

The Refinery, Bingley Street, Leeds

New Era Square

Unite White Rose View

Queen Street, Glasgow

Bath Court, Birmingham

Oman Air Traffic Control, Oman

The Lumen, Newcastle Helix

Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie School of Sport

Horizon Heights, Student Accommodation, Liverpool

Calico, Norton Street, Liverpool

Hilton Garden Inn, London Heathrow T2 Hotel

Queenshurt Kingston

Alto NW06 Wembley

South Shields Interchange Hub

Northshore – Hilton Stockton

Collaborative Teaching Lab, Birmingham Uni

Milton Keynes Car Park

Chaucer House, Portsmouth

White Rose Shopping Centre Leeds

Thorpe Park, Leeds

Hill Court, Pitt Street, Newcastle upon Tyne

Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Vue Cinema

Guildford Business Park

Westgate Travelodge

Aldwych House

Chrisp Street

North Shore Innovation Centre

Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK)

Glow, Bluewater Shopping Centre

Regent High School

First Direct Arena

Manchester University

Manchester Air Traffic Control

Newcastle University Viewing Box

Outwood Academy

Vermillion, Rathbone Market

Silverstone University Technical College

Staffordshire University Science & Technology Centre

Westgate Cineworld

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts

Asda Multi Storey Car Park

Paradise Street

Park View

The Elements, Almondvale Shopping Centre Car Park

Hull Royal Infirmary

Darlington Business Growth Hub

GWQ Barratt Homes LDN

The Core, Science Central

Krispy Kreme

The View, Downing Plaza

B Sky B

NEC Resorts Development

The Foundry

Farnham Road Hospital

Apex Phase 2, University of Liverpool

Grimsby Leisure

St Vincent Plaza, Glasgow

Elephant Road

Hallam University, Charles Street

Victoria Halls

Sheffield University, Durham Road Car Park

Optic Cloak, Greenwich Energy Centre

Pullman Hotel Liverpool Waterfront

Case Study: Oakfields Community College, Middlesbrough
OPTIMA Edge DOWNLOADS
PLEASE ADD WHAT YOU REQUIRE TO YOUR DOWNLOAD LIST.
Once you have added all the files you require to your download list you can gain access to them using the downloads button in the top right or bottom right of your screen. If you have any issues, comments or questions please get in touch and an expert will be in touch as soon as possible.
SOTECHVR
A NEW WAY TO VIEW OPTIMA SYSTEMS
No VR headset? No problem! SOTECHVR will automatically start a standard 3D version if no headset is detected.
For a fully immersive virtual reality experience, SOTECHVR allows users to examine complete 3D models of our Optima range, change the rainscreen system to a material/finish of your choice, learn more about fire safety and rainscreen testing.