How was 2025 for Solinear?
As with previous years, it’s been a busy one! Solinear proudly celebrates a period defined by innovation, growth and continued loyalty from our clients and partners. The highly respected Solinear name continues to garner admiration and attention, increasing the demand for its award-winning solar shading, louvres and façade systems. Solinear has even premiered a world first in architectural facades and might be appearing on the big screen!
Some team members proudly achieved personal goals and milestones too.
What have been Solinear’s stand-out projects for 2024/25?
Solinear has enjoyed another bumper year of phenomenal projects and over the last twelve months, we’ve delivered an impressive range of façade, solar shading and louvre projects across the UK and beyond – each showcasing our technical expertise, precision engineering and commitment to sustainable design.
As 2024 drifted into 2025, the dramatic sawtooth rooftop plant screening crowning London’s iconic Financial Times building was completed, and with it, the debut of a world first; the ‘brightened blue’ anodized finish was so bespoke and exclusive that it was the first time it has been used anywhere…GLOBALLY!
Michigan Towers in the Media City complex in Manchester’s Salford district, is a groundbreaking mixed-use development featuring four towers that range in height from 14 to 35 storeys and is “set to redefine the Manchester skyline”.
The new development comprises four iconic towers, each featuring “distinctive façades and cutting-edge architectural design”. Each tower is set within landscaped public spaces and will incorporate leisure, retail and office spaces along with 1,314 luxury residential units.
The façade would include several “notable technical features”, including “the use of the popular Manchester zero transom bulkhead details”, posing some challenges in terms of meeting fire safety requirements. The façade would also feature “inward opening floor-to-ceiling purge ventilation windows” opening to 90°, with an external perforated sheet acting as a safety barrier whilst enabling necessary ventilation.
With a focus on efficient manufacturing and sustainability benefits, Solinear was approached by long-time client, Vermont Construction, to design, manufacture and supply a louvre system that would address both the specific aesthetic and performance requirements of the project – including developing the firestopping detail which runs across the head of many of the louvres. Solinear’s Aquarius X-LINE 75 louvres, consisting of 82 no. louvre panels, were fabricated and assembled in both single and double bank versions with varying accessories including security mesh, blanking panels and bespoke extruded perimeter framework.
Collaboration was key; This was a supply-only project, so we worked closely with Dortech, who were installing the louvre panels into their curtain walling system. The panels had to be delivered in stages for the differing elevations and to strict deadlines to suit Vermont, who were offloading, and Dortech’s installation team.
Great work by all involved and the result is an extraordinary gleaming bronze (Drylac Tiger finish) façade that graces the edifice of this landmark development. We’ll reveal more details and updates in due course.
Solinear delivered some beautiful timber projects this year including Cliff House in Golant, which now boasts attractive, bespoke Solex™ Medera™ sliding shutters, improving thermal comfort for the building’s occupants with the flexibility of a manoeuvrable brise soleil system that harmonises with the natural, organic materials used in the property’s construction – adding warmth, texture and rich architectural façade elements to this incredible building.
Solinear’s stunning bespoke Medera™ western red cedar solar shading fins now grace Hoe Valley School in Woking, adding natural warmth and elegance to its design as well as reducing running costs and minimising solar glare for staff and pupils.
A striking new office building serving Earl of Plymouth Estates required solar shading and Solinear delivered a beautiful Accoya timber solar shading system befitting of the modern facility.
Graham Lammas from E G Carter praised Solinear “A collective thanks from EGC and particularly from the site team, for your assistance, co-operation and efforts to produce an excellent building. Graham stated that the client was thrilled with the results – “The building is brilliant – we all love it!”
We’re always grateful for feedback – it makes such a positive impact on the team and helps Solinear develop and progress both in terms of services and products.
Solinear’s bespoke ventilation louvre systems were specified for Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. This remarkable centre of research uses beams of light to explore the atomic and molecular structure of materials, supporting groundbreaking work across health, engineering, environmental science and more. As part of a forward-thinking update and expansion programme – driven by significant investment in cutting-edge facilities – the Diamond Light Source continues to push the boundaries of innovation, helping UK researchers tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
To complement the high-tech purpose and architectural significance of the site, Solinear delivered innovative, custom engineered ventilation turrets that are as functional as they are striking – providing essential airflow while shielding interior spaces from rain and debris, all within a bold, futuristic, minimalist design.
Continuing the technology theme, Solinear delivered Aquarius X-line 100 louvre systems for both and NTT Data Centre, EastLondon and NETPark, Sedgefield.
The award-winning Solinear team was pleased to be commissioned to design and manufacture an extensive bespoke horizontal louvre system to envelop the new NTT Data Centre building (Phase 2), incorporating coordinated double-louvre access doors. Solinear’s Aquarius™ X-Line 100 single-bank louvre system proved to be the ideal solution, offering high levels of plant screening while allowing large air volumes to pass through with minimal pressure drop – making it particularly suited to the performance demands of data centre environments. With NTT Ltd.’s strong commitment to sustainability across both the construction and operation of its data centres and targeting net zero emissions by 2040, Solinear’s louvres will help sustainability goals.
NETPark offers a combination of infrastructure, collaborative opportunities and support for science, engineering and technology companies. Plans to expand the park were approved by Durham County Council Cabinet, who have invested £100m to finance its expansion providing more laboratory, office, production and storage space including new units. As with NTT Data Centre, the integration of Solinear’s Aquarius louvre systems within the expansion delivers clear performance benefits while enhancing the sleek, contemporary façades of the new units, which will play a vital role in supporting future scientific breakthroughs in the UK.
These projects are just a handful (we wish we could have mentioned all of them) that have joined a long list of remarkable and architecturally diverse projects we’ve been privileged to be a part of – and it’s a true testament to our commitment to excellence.
Look out for these in future case studies
Will Solinear be making a Hollywood debut?
Solinear is no stranger to fame – Ok, that might be a bold statement!…
Not necessarily stratospheric stardom but more a case of wider publicity and recognition of our facades thanks to Grand Designs, a number of celebrities who have benefitted from our façade solutions and a few TV programmes that captured our work whilst filming something else…perhaps a former Prime Minister who was stood near one of our louvre projects.
Featuring a simple yet effective vertical arrangement of white solar shading fins, a spectacular Solinear project from 2021 caused a buzz this year. Prestige residential project, ‘Orchard View’, was featured on the latest series of Channel 4’s ‘Britain’s Most Expensive Homes’ priced at £10 million. There was interest from a well-known face of the ‘80s as well as a film location scout searching for a suitable spot to shoot a movie featuring “some A-listers”.
Could Solinear’s solar shading have a starring role in a major blockbuster?! We’ll keep you posted!
Solinear makes it easier to find the information you need
We’re committed to making it easier for clients to specify Solinear’s façade solutions for their projects; Brochures, data sheets and specification advice sheets are an important area of the business, as they’re often the first port of call for those looking for Solinear products and services. Therefore, we like to ensure that our clients have as much knowledge as possible to make an informed initial decision regarding how we can help with their project.
Over the course of 2024/25, we have simplified our most popular product brochures and condensed the information therein, making them more relevant and simpler to use whilst maintaining the vital material our clients need.
We will regularly review our brochures ensuring that our clients are furnished with all the information they require.
In line with our brochure overhaul, we have also revamped the website with our commitment to provide clients with a smoother and speedier browsing experience by removing cumbersome irrelevant videos and graphics along with outdated information and downloads. The new website is now live but is a gradual progression and will include more relevant material and engaging contemporary videos. Happy browsing!
If you have any suggestions that would make your experience of specifying Solinear easier then please let us know
Accreditations
Safety, quality, reliability and responsibility are at the heart of the Solinear team’s working day which is why we’re regularly audited to ensure we are compliant with the latest industry standards.
We’re proud to hold CHAS Advanced Certification of Compliance, Constructionline Gold, Silver and Bronze, Alcumus SafeContractor certification along with SMAS Worksafe, SSIP/UKAS Once For All health and safety accreditation. These are the UK’s most recognised standards for health and safety, environmental management, quality assurance and risk control and for Solinear’s clients, these accreditations offer complete reassurance that we not only meet but exceed the highest industry standards. In the case of CHAS Advanced, going beyond the basics, demonstrating that Solinear has met rigorous assessment across several key areas, including:
Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation is an important benchmark for excellence in health and safety management across the UK. Achieving Safecontractor accreditation reflects our long-standing commitment to creating safer working environments, protecting our teams, clients and partners and delivering projects to the highest professional standards. SafeContractor status demonstrates that our procedures, training, and site practices consistently meet rigorous independent assessments – giving our clients added confidence that Solinear delivers responsibly, reliably and safely.
Another guarantee that you’re in safe hands with Solinear and that our projects are built on quality, compliance and care.
SSIP/UKAS Once For All health and safety accreditation – a clear, industry-recognised sign of our commitment to outstanding health and safety meaning peace of mind for our clients, knowing that Solinear is a trusted, compliant and reliable partner for even the most complex projects. From design and manufacture to installation, this accreditation proves our processes meet rigorous standards, reduce risk and make procurement simpler for our clients.
SMAS Worksafe is a recognised health and safety accreditation that demonstrates Solinear meets robust, independently assessed standards for managing health, safety and risk across its operations. SMAS Worksafe reinforces Solinear’s credibility, professionalism and commitment to safe delivery, supporting our reputation as a trusted partner on high-quality architectural and construction projects.
Achieving Constructionline Gold, Silver and Bronze reflect our commitment to the highest standards in quality, safety, sustainability and integrity. From robust health and safety practices and environmental management to ethical business policies, Constructionline Accreditation demonstrates that we go above and beyond to deliver with confidence. It means peace of mind for our clients, knowing that Solinear is a trusted, compliant and reliable partner for even the most complex projects.
These accreditations mean safer sites, smoother project delivery, reduced administrative burden and confidence that every system we design, manufacture and install is supported by robust, nationally recognised processes.
In terms of Solinear, it’s further reflection of the care, discipline and integrity that underpins our work. Whether we’re designing our award-winning bespoke façade solutions, installing complex solar shading systems or supporting early-stage project planning, these accreditations reinforce that Solinear is a trusted, compliant and responsible partner.
Huge congratulations to our award-winning team for their hard work in securing this accreditation and to our clients who continue to put their trust in us.
The Solinear team
We boast about our project successes, but what about the team behind Solinear, we hear you ask?! Well, you might not think it, with all our professional successes, but the Solinear team is a modest and sometimes bashful bunch. In 2025, however, we were able to disclose certain revelations about some of the team…
It was a momentous day in February when long-serving Solinear team member, Mark, celebrated his 65th birthday!
Mark has been with Solinear for quite some time and in 2015 he became one of our highly-skilled fitters, but thanks to his dedication and expert knowledge, he was promoted to site manager – a job he thoroughly enjoys and that has allowed him to perfect his telephone voice!
Mark states that he’s “65 years young and not planning on going anywhere!”
We’re pleased to hear it!
To quote Mark, we’re looking forward to a “tickety-boo” 2026!
Edit: Mark has just revealed that he has renewed his Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) qualification – so we’ve definitely got him until at least 2030!
You can find some more of our team members here
Another one of Solinear’s seasoned team members, Andy Moore, completed his first half-marathon and full distance marathon this year. He’s not only Solinear’s talented Design Manager and part of our award-winning design legacy – but he’s also now making strides outside of work as a medal winning long distance runner! We’re sure that Solinear will have more of Andy’s accomplishments to boast about next year.
Read more about Andy’s running journey
Solinear project designer, Andrew Sigsworth, continues to enjoy sidecar racing following his success last year at the Isle of Man TT races with partner Andy King, travelling at a heady average speed of 104.031 mph. We’re always proud and excited to hear that he’s competing even though the speeds are dizzying to the rest of us mere mortals!
Upon being asked what their maximum speed was during the race, he casually replied “only 140mph, the fastest outfit was clocked at 160 mph”. Oh, that’s ok then, Andy.
When another Solinear team member commented whilst watching the races on ITV4 “the sidecar cam is making me feel nauseous”, Andrew replied “It doesn’t bother me, I just close my eyes”! Thankfully, he’s the passenger.
Click here to watch video of Andrew and Andy racing
On the subject of sporting interests, Solinear continues to support grassroots football this year by sponsoring young teams at Wigginton Grasshoppers FC – a community-oriented F.A. England Accredited football club based in Wigginton, on the outskirts of York. The club promotes grassroots football, offering football education and opportunities for children and adults in a safe, enjoyable and nurturing environment. With “Success Through Endeavour” as the club maxim – over the years, Wigginton Grasshoppers FC has achieved notable success, including multiple league championships and recognition as the FA Charter Standard Club of the Year in 2018. The club continues to be an integral part of the local community teaching footballing skills to its members with an ethos of fairness, respect and fellowship with competitors.
Ultimately, for Solinear, the most important aspect of sponsoring the team – aside from ensuring they have additional financial assistance in conjunction with the incredible support they already receive from the club – is following their progress and seeing their unwavering enjoyment of playing football. The dedication these footie players have for the game is obvious; Seeing the smiles on their faces is evidence of just how much these eager youngsters relish playing footie and working as a team. Solinear is a firm believer in teamwork makes the dream work!
Does Solinear have social media?
Yes!
Solinear has had a strong social media presence for a number of years and we welcome new followers/subscribers. Our posts tend to be helpful and insightful with some ‘Monday Motivation’ and ‘Wednesday Wisdom’ as well as topical and entertaining with our ‘Feelgood Friday’ posts. Occasionally we reveal our silly side too with humorous posts…
Do you have time to leave a review?
The Solinear team takes immense pride in the quality of their work – but what truly drives us forward is hearing from our clients, collaborators and those directly benefitting from a Solinear architectural facade system…
We’re often told how our architectural façade solutions have made such a positive impact on buildings, their owners and their occupants, which not only helps us celebrate what we do well, but also guides us in continuously improving our service, systems and support.
And whilst we always enjoy hearing compliments for our work, we also appreciate sharing them with others and making it easier for potential clients to read honest reviews for themselves.
This means leaving feedback via our website, on our social media posts or other public forums such as Google.
Whether we’ve supplied a bespoke façade system, solar shadingsolution or acoustic louvre installation – your insights are what help us refine our craft and maintain the high standards that Solinear is renowned for.
Every project we complete is a partnership built on trust, innovation and collaboration., so If you’ve worked with us (or you’re an occupant of a building with a Solinear system), we’d love to hear your thoughts!
We value your feedback so please leave us a review – it only takes a few minutes, but it makes a lasting difference to our team.
What will 2026 have in store for Solinear?
Solinear continues to be specified on leading global projects by top construction and architecture professionals – making us one of the UK’s most trusted names in brise soleil/solar shading, architectural louvres and façade systems and we see that continuing in 2026 with even more innovative and diverse architectural façade projects.
Last year, Amazon presented a four-year investment plan worth £8 billion to build, operate, and maintain data centres in the UK. The increase in data centres will help Amazon continue to provide access to Amazon web service (AWS) resources for various small and medium-sized businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions, amongst others.
It was also announced that ‘cloud computing’ represented more than £42 billion in the UK in 2023, roughly 1.6% of the GDP and over three-quarters of AWS users claim that ‘cloud computing’ has helped them reduce their energy consumption, contributing to their sustainability targets.
Significant advances in technology in recent years, such as ‘cloud computing’ and AI have created new opportunities and inspired a series of standout projects for Solinear.
Solinear recognises the vital role data centres play in powering our digital world – from keeping businesses connected to supporting everyday online life and we’re proud to contribute to this essential industry through our expertise in façade and solar shading systems for data centres across the UK. Our bespoke louvres and screening solutions are designed to balance ventilation, security and aesthetics, helping data centres operate efficiently while reducing environmental impact. By combining functionality with architectural quality, we help create facilities that not only perform at the highest level but also integrate seamlessly into their surroundings. Therefore, we foresee more data centre work coming Solinear’s way as investment in our digital technology increases considerably and the Solinear name becomes progressively synonymous with data centre ventilation and screening louvres. As Solinear is known globally for its pioneering systems, we also predict that our systems will be specified for international data centre projects.
Solinear wants to make its systems readily available to everyone regardless of budget or geographical location, which is why we offer supply only solutions – Solinear precision engineering without the cost and availability considerations of our installation team. This option is becoming increasingly popular, especially for overseas clients and we predict that 2026 will see a marked increase in supply only systems.
A Solinear supply only solar shading system has recently been specified for a project in Finland – watch this space for updates.
Solinear has been the grateful recipient of numerous awards, and we predict that next year there will be more accolades coming our way!
Thank you, from Solinear
Of course, our awards, our success, our proudest moments of this year – as in previous years – must be shared with our clients, collaborators and supporters.
We wish we could mention you all but there were so many – the Solinear team is grateful to you all.
We can’t wait to embark on more exciting and innovative collaborations in the year ahead and seeing familiar faces, as well as new ones.
In the meantime, we wish you a fabulous festive break and a happy new year!
