The project
The RAD Building has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and will include Passivhaus measures to reduce energy requirements, providing a comfortable space for users whilst maintaining outstanding energy efficiency.
The 7 million pound development, funded by Innovate UK, houses many of the UK’s leading academics in its laboratories, offices and breakout spaces.
The design
The 172 mm TEK® Cladding Panel was used in the walls of the iconic 2000 m2 building, in order to restrict energy demand.
A multi-disciplinary approach was taken to meet the project’s challenging performance targets including input from building fabric engineers, specialist designers and BREEAM consultants. The use of the TEK Cladding Panel was essential to maximise space in the laboratory building, whilst maintaining excellent levels of insulation.
In addition to their excellent thermal performance, the combination of the panel’s OSB/3 facing and unique jointing system also help to limit air loss from the building. This allowed the project team to limit air-leakage to below 0.6 ACH@50 Pa.
The use of the TEK Cladding Panel was essential for maximising space in the laboratory building, whilst maintaining excellent levels of insulation. The RAD Building development offered the opportunity for creating a building with a dynamic appearance and unique identity, consistent with the aspirations of the ERA initiative. The use of the TEK Cladding Panel aligns perfectly with these aspirations, due to the panels’ FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC (PEFC/16-37-1330) Chain of Custody certification, which demonstrates sustainable sourcing of construction materials.
"The original specification indicated both SIP and Steel Frame System (SFS) internals. Through teamwork between Kingspan Insulation and SIP Build UK, we changed the specification to a thinner build, saving up to 250 mm. The Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel was selected for the project as it offered reliable performance, space saving opportunities and quality delivery by qualified installers".
Chris Duckworth - Managing Director, SIP Build UK
Reviewed April 2026
