Leicester City Football Club

5000m2 of Optima TFC+ in 3mm Aluminium PPC (Interpon) Y4207i `Corten Bond` has been used in the completion of the striking Leicester City Football Club training ground.

As visible in the project photos, the project has been finished in an eye-catching ‘copper’ colour, which was unique to this design. Working closely with supply chain partner, Akzo Nobel, the Sotech team developed the project specific paint to resemble a weathered steel, giving the façade a unique and dynamic look.

Using the latest 3D software, Sotech and installer Roofdec worked closely to develop the complex interfaces, where vertical fin panels intersected with the horizontal panels.

Whilst working to a tight programme and under the restrictions caused by COVID-19, it was important that the Sotech operations team maintained constant dialogue with the Roofdec site team to ensure delivery schedules were managed and adapted as necessary.

Finite Analysis undertaken by Sotech’s Technical Engineer, Mohamadreza Jenaban, was used to ensure Sotech’s new and improved approach to panel stiffeners was effective and reliable.

The final project, with its curved design to blend in with its rural setting, features 11 full-size training pitches, eight smaller pitches, five training grids, two goalkeeping areas and a pitch for the club’s academy sides with a 499-seater stand. The main training centre building includes 35 bedrooms so players can stay at the site.

TESTIMONIALS:

Jamie Brown, Estimator at Sotech said: “The finish is striking. Knowing what went into making it possible makes it even more impressive to consider.”

Scott Richardson, Architectural Facade Design Technician at Sotech, noted: “I was proud to be part of this project. I’m not a Leicester City football fan but when I hear it mentioned in passing on the radio or TV it’s hard not to take notice”.

Akzo Nobel’s UK and Ireland Specification Manager, Naveen Sandhu, explained:

“We were presented with a unique challenge by the KSS team, whereby the cladding design intent sought to create a futuristic look and feel, whilst still embracing the traditions of the club’s Thai owners.

“A warm and earthy tone was desired, but one which was able to achieve certain characteristics, namely the ability to subtly change in tone based on exposure to different daylight conditions.

“Our expert in-house formulators devised a multi-faceted copper metallic effect, backed with a super durable polyester backbone. Copper is traditionally viewed as a lucky colour in Thailand.

The resulting finish certainly not only elevates the myriad of components across the complex, but the enhanced durability technology which underpins it, ensures it will do so for many years to come.”