Spalding, New Build Education Scheme

Project Overview

Background

In 2023, the Department for Education appointed the building and infrastructure business, Tilbury Douglas to manage the construction of Tulip Academy, a new-build education scheme in Spalding. It would be delivered on behalf of the Community Inclusive Trust (C.I.T. Academies).

The aim of the project was to build a new, two-storey school for children with special educational needs, all aged between 11 and 16. The property would replace an outdated school building on the same site, which was due for demolition. The new facility would boast classrooms, dining and assembly halls, sensory rooms, a library, staff offices and other facilities.

An important part of the brief was that the building phase must be net zero carbon. Numerous energy efficiency measures – including insulation, solar PV arrays, air source heat pumps, heat recovery units and others – would help to keep routine operating costs to a minimum.

Brief

The building had a steel frame design and the specification called for an external wall insulation system to be installed over its cement fibre sheathing boards. This work would help to ensure exemplary levels of thermal insulation that, in turn, would reduce heating costs in winter and air conditioning costs during the warmer months.

Over the insulation, the appointed contractor (RendServe) would then apply a decorative mineral render. This was required to produce an attractive, low-maintenance finish that would also afford good weather protection and improve the overall airtightness of the building.

Design and Specification:

As part of the design and planning application process, Permarock technical staff conducted pull-out tests and provided digital visualisations and material samples in a range of colours. The sample boards, featuring the EWI system applied according to the specification, were retained on site throughout the contract for the purposes of inspection and comparison.

The chosen EWI system comprised:

When combined with Permarock SiliconeUltra K finish, Permarock Mineral Fibre EWI systems achieve an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification (EN 13501-1:2007 + A1:2009). This means that they may be installed on buildings of any height, including those with floor levels of 11 or more metres above ground level.

The Permarock Mineral Fibre Dual Density Insulation was supplied in boards measuring 1200 mm x 600 mm, and installed to a thickness of 250 mm. On all elevations, the insulation boards were affixed using both a cement-based adhesive and galvanised steel screws.

Permarock SiliconeUltra K Finish is a lightweight textured render with a nominal 15 mm grain size. It is water repellent, vapour permeable and available in a wide range of colour-fast shades. On this scheme, white and other light colours were specified in order to minimise thermal gain during the summer months.

Permarock SiliconeUltra K Finish features nano-quartz technology that helps to shed dirt through the normal actions of weathering. It also contains special preservatives that inhibit organic growth. Both features enable it to maintain a bright, unspoiled appearance without the need for frequent cleaning or maintenance. It exhibits a typical working life of over 30 years.

Permarock systems based on dual density mineral fibre insulation and SiliconeUltra K Finish can be designed to achieve levels of hard- and soft-body impact resistance that satisfy the requirements for building facades (including the zones associated with Categories I, II and III as defined in ETAG004.)

Performance and Sustainability

Permarock Mineral Fibre External Wall Insulation systems have low embodied energy and are BIM Level 2 compliant. They exhibit thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK, and have an Ecopoints score of 0.10 (m2). This is classified as an ‘excellent’ rating.

Permarock Mineral Fibre insulation is manufactured to EN 13162 and is CFC and HCFC free. It has zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential.

Result:

Assisted by Permarock technical staff, who provided design advice throughout, Rendserve completed its work on time and on budget. The new block was completed on schedule in September 2025.

Project
New Build / Healthcare
Client
Community Inclusive Trust Academies
Substrate
Sheathing Board on Steel Frame
System
Permarock Mineral Fibre External Wall Insulation Systems
Finish
Permarock SiliconeUltra K Finish