SIPs or Bricks and Mortar?
We're always looking for ways to design better buildings. By better, we don't just mean more aesthetically pleasing, although this is important. What we also consider is better from a functional perspective, i.e., does the building meet our client's brief for how they want to use it, and performance in terms of construction and running costs?
Our approach with our clients is to explore innovative building techniques, such as the opportunities of structural insulated panels, or SIPs, for the building system used.
What are SIPs?
SIPs are prefabricated building components made from an insulating foam core sandwiched between two layers of structural board, usually Oriented Strand Board (OSB). The foam core provides insulation, and the structural board provides strength, making SIPs a highly efficient building material.
The panels are manufactured in a factory and then shipped to the site where they are erected to form the building structure. SIPs are a building material for walls, floors, and roofs in residential and commercial construction.
SIPs are sometimes referred to as a modern method of construction.
Why would you choose SIPs rather than bricks and mortar?
There are several benefits to building with SIPs compared to traditional building systems, like bricks and mortar.
Here are perhaps the top seven advantages:
Energy Efficiency: SIPs have a higher insulation value than traditional building methods, leading to lower running costs (heating and cooling) which assists in reducing carbon emissions.
Speed of Construction: SIPs can be erected quickly, reducing the construction time. Less time on site reduces overall construction costs.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: SIPs prevent air infiltration, reducing the amount of allergens, pollutants, and moisture that can enter the building. The result is a better internal living environment.
Structural Integrity: SIPs provide a solid, continuous structural component that can enhance a building's stability.
Environmental Benefits: SIPs can be made from sustainable materials and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional building methods, which is crucial as we drive towards a net zero society.
Lower Maintenance Costs: SIPs are durable and require less maintenance than traditional building materials.
Improved Acoustics: SIPs have good sound insulation properties, making them ideal for soundproofing buildings.
If it sounds too good to be true, there are some projects where SIPs are not suited as the building system.
There are also some disadvantages to consider, such as a higher initial cost and some limits on design options to factor into decision-making.
Please contact our team if you would like to consider whether SIPs are the right building system for your project.