Students and staff of King Edward’s would like to thank the Spilsby Grammar School Foundation for their very generous donation towards our Eco Barn.   Quite simply, King Edward’s would not have been able to build this state of the art design without their support. Students following diploma and science courses will use the area and will enjoy modern facilities in an eco friendly environment. We are very grateful for the continued support from the Spilsby Grammar School Foundation and hope they will be able to join us at our opening ceremony when the date is confirmed. 

ECO BARN – SEPTEMBER 2011

 Opening of Eco Barn

ECO BARN – MARCH 2011

 Click here to see the progress

ECO BARN – NOVEMBER 2010

 The building of the Eco Barn has now progressed from the foundation stage.   Construction of the earth wall commenced following a day of tuition from Rowland Keeble,  Rowland is also involved with Hill Holt Wood near Newark who are trailblazers in sustainability and shortlisted for the 2010 Sustainability Awards.  Earth for the wall came from the footings on site and was mixed with stone from the local quarry and clay from the local brick company.   This was constructed over a seven day period and the shuttering keeping it in place removed as soon as possible to let the wall breathe. 

 The next stage was the erection of the timber frame which included several Glulam and Kerto beams which sit directly on the earth wall.  After this stage was complete the Hemcrete walls could be started.

 The Hemcrete was delivered in bails and plastic shuttering was immediately fitted round the barn ready to receive the hemp which was mixed in a paddle mixer and cast in place.   The roof covering was also being added at  this stage to make  the building water tight ready for the internal work to begin. Warmcell (recycled shredded paper) was then pumped into the roof void acting as part of the insulation to the roof.  Following this the first fixed carpentry took place (noggins, studwork) ready for the electrician to start installing the wiring and cables which was completed in a week to enable the plasterer to start boarding the ceilings,  

 The plastering will proceed over the next two to three weeks and windows have now been delivered ready for installation. The Sedum roof covering has now arrived in college and should be in place by the end of week commencing 1 November to allow for the scaffolding to be taken down the week after and the lime rendering to start.

 Click here to see the photographs

Outline Eco Barn

Update - JUNE

D. Brown Building Contractors Ltd. arrived for the first time on Monday 7th June, to set up the site ready for the construction of the new Eco Barn.

Initially they drafted out the footprint of the barn, started to remove the existing garage bases and reduced the ground level to a depth to suit the new floor level. They then laid out the foundations, which incorporate the final position of the build in relation to the existing school. Finally they started digging. The next step was to concrete the foundations and after the concrete had cured they started to lay the sub structure blockwork up to damp proof level. Hardcore was then imported into the oversite ready to receive the new sub floor and they are now laying storm and foul drainage systems around the build, ready to be back filled after the inspection of the building control officer. The next stage was to concrete the sub base on Thursday 22nd July. This is now ready to receive the timber frame which is in the final design stage.

Plans for the new Eco Barn at King Edwards continue to move swiftly.  Plans have been submitted and architects are busy investigating eco-friendly materials to use both outside and within the building.

Hemp will be used to construct the barn, formed into Hempcrete and will support the sedum lid which will contain nesting boxes and a growing roof.  Solar panels will be used to generate power and tinted skylights will maximise the amount of natural light available for use in the building.

Insulation materials include rammed earth and sheep wool in the walls and treated recycled newspapers for frost insulation.

The floor coverings will be made from recycled yogurt pots and worktops from recycled rubber boots and washing bottles.

The building will be a real asset to the college and provides a purpose-built base for the new Environment and Land-Based Diploma.  Headteacher, Margaret Reeve, said “The design brief for the building was very specific in providing the most effective eco-friendly facility in which to deliver the new diploma.  Our surveyors and architects have scoured the country for natural and recycled materials to use in the project and we are delighted with their proposals.  The building is scheduled to open in September 2010 and when local schools and community groups will have access to this remarkable building.”