Aspire Trade School - North Carolina

*2024 ICF Builder Awards Education 2nd Runner Up*

The Aspire Trade School is a specialized educational institution where students can learn a trade while earning their high school diploma, preparing them for the workforce. 

To achieve this same innovative approach to its physical facilities, they chose to build with Nudura Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) instead of typical construction methods. The continuous insulation provided by the ICF walls increases energy efficiency, leading to long-term financial savings with lower heating and cooling costs. In addition, ICF offers enhanced durability in an environment where safety is paramount. Having a structure that is resilient to natural disasters such as fires and hurricanes was invaluable.

This project involved interfacing four different building materials – Nudura ICF blocks, Prebuck forms for openings, air barriers from Tremco Sealants, and Dryvit's exterior finishes for the façade. The compatibility of these products streamlined the submittal, procurement and installation processes.

At the end of construction, the school will have one warranty for all these products, simplifying any potential future issues. The collaboration with Nudura opened doors to other cutting-edge brands like Tremco, Dryvit and Prebuck, all working together to create a safe, energy-efficient and beautiful school for the owners, faculty and staff, and the students.