The Aspire Trade High School is the first charter trade high school in the Charlotte, North Carolina metro area which offers hands-on education for students to gain a variety of trade skills. This innovative approach to learning is paralleled by the innovative building methods that brought it to life: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) from Nudura. ICF construction provides superior insulation and resiliency to the building for a comfortable and safe environment no matter the outside conditions.
This project faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather. With construction slated to start just as the pandemic started, it pushed the timeline back to the winter of 2022. The new schedule meant the structural walls would be built during extremely wet and cold conditions, posing a threat to the construction's overall pace. However, the use of ICFs allowed for faster and more efficient construction, actually saving a total of 45 days. This speed not only mitigated the delays caused by the pandemic and unfavorable weather but also demonstrated the adaptability inherent in ICF construction.
The school spans two stories, 65,561 sq. ft. and features a contemporary design, spacious halls, and unique elements like asymmetric angled walls and an open atrium area. Utilizing Nudura ICFs allowed them to create a modern building that not only looks good but performs well, contributing to a tight building enclosure, enhanced sound attenuation, high energy efficiency and disaster resiliency. These attributes showcase the advantages of ICF construction, promoting its benefits in educational projects where financial benefits and safety are paramount.
The executive director was so pleased with the outcome and support received during this project that she is committed to building the next campus with Nudura ICFs. The Aspire Trade High School's construction is a showcase for the uses of ICFs in creating safe, sustainable and visually appealing structures. It stands as a model for future educational projects, promoting the adoption of ICFs in construction while training the next generations of builders.
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