Architect: Carey Jones
Main contractor: GMI Construction
Cladding contractor: Norking Aluminium
Type of works: supply and installation of Optima FC rainscreen cladding and Sotech Specialist Fabrications ancillary products.

As the new home for the Sheffield creative community, the city’s new Digital Campus boasts an equally creative cladding design provided by leading manufacturer Sotech.

Building 2.0 is part of the first phase of work at the city’s new landmark commercial development and to successfully realise the vision of architects Carey Jones, who desired a bold façade design, Sotech’s Optima FC system featuring panels constructed from Reynobond ACM was an ideal choice.

Specified in a modern anodic silver PVDF finish and measuring up to 5.5m in length, the large flat panels have been used to create a striking ‘wrap around’ cladding effect that provides seamless integration between the different elevations. Sotech also designed and manufactured PPC feature flashings to complete the look.

Sotech worked closely with installers Norking Aluminium to consolidate the design brief and ensure a successful installation programme. One of the greatest challenges overcome through such collaborative working practices was the creation of the 5.5m long ACM pressings, which were engineered to be supplied flat for assembly on site.