Cold Bridging is dramatically reduced due to the continuity of the insulation within the panels and splines. This significantly improves the thermal performance and reliability, forming an excellent platform for clients taking a ‘Fabric First’ approach, those looking to achieve low u-values both through the walls and roof, and those looking to build to the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes, or Passivhaus standards.
SIPs is a Modern Method of Construction (MMC) - A precision cut, factory manufactured SIP kit will be in production whilst you are completing enabling and preparatory works on site, meaning you are effectively completing two elements of your build programme concurrently. You can save weeks on your build schedule.
Structural Insulated Panels can initially be slightly more expensive than an un-insulated timber frame. However, a faster build program reduces on site costs (e.g. scaffold and welfare hire costs, temporary accommodation and finance charges, project management / labour costs), ultimately saving you money and completing your project sooner. If the cost and installation time of the insulation is also considered, the project should produce a better insulated and quicker built building, for a similar or even lower cost than other forms of construction. The SIPs cost per m² will vary from project to project subject to the design complexity, size and scale, time and accessibility constraints etc. If you have drawings for your project Request a quote now.
SIPs are an accepted form of construction and raise no issues when obtaining planning approval. Foundation design and external finishes are not restricted by a SIP superstructure. As with any construction route, the Local Authority’s requirements, the ground conditions on your site plus your own personal preferences will have an effect on the final approved design but with a SIP superstructure you can have traditional cavity and brick or stone wall, render, brick slips, timber cladding, slate, copper, zinc, stainless standing seam, etc.
The British Government issued a white paper in February 2017, announcing it will ‘create new opportunities for the use of modern methods of construction’, ‘promote more modular and factory built homes’ and stressing its intention to support ‘those who embrace innovative and efficient methods’.
Warranties for SIPs construction are available from the majority of companies that offer warranty schemes. The majority of lenders are able to offer mortgages on SIPs houses.
Our SIPs are BBA / NHBC approved and are eligible for Premier Guarantee.
SIPs will form the superstructure for your building, including the roof structure, omitting the need for secondary structural frames and roof trusses – ultimately providing you with more usable space. SIP buildings are shown to perform well in extreme climate and weather conditions.
It is claimed that SIPs can be upto seven times stronger than a timber framed structure. With an external brickwork skin, the brickwork will tie back into rely upon the SIP superstructure for stability.
Our Panels have been used with solid concrete intermediate floors.
Air-tightness tests have shown SIP construction to be five times more airtight than traditional timber frame buildings; particularly significant considering buildings can lose up to 40% of their heat from air infiltration. Airtightness is related to soundproofing and SIP homes have been praised by occupants as considerably quieter than timber frame. Less air leakage means less drafts, fewer noise penetrations and significantly lower energy bills, thus a reduction in CO2 emissions. Indeed the superior air-tightness of SIPs can be so successful that you may wish to consider positive ventilation, which can be linked to a heat recovery system and further reduce energy costs.
A factory produced kit produces minimal wastage during the manufacturing process, which means less wastage on your site and less to landfill sites.
The Polyurethane (PUR) core in our Structural Insulated Panels is CFC/HCFC-free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential and has a “Less than 5” value for Global Warming Potential (GWP) supplied by BASF.
The timber used in the production of OSB is sourced from young, fast growing trees in managed forests accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Young trees produce more oxygen and remove more carbon dioxide from our atmosphere than mature trees and are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and non-toxic. OSB timber production uses 80% less energy to produce than concrete.
Thinner overall external walls or superior thermal performance within the same overall wall thickness.
Trusses are not required to most roof structures, meaning pre-insulated, accessible/useable attic space is provided – often space that had not previously be expected from the building design and not easily achieved with conventional roof designs. If additional roof-space rooms are not required, the feature vaulted ceiling is a stunning addition at no further cost.
Structural posts (if required) can usually be incorporated within the external walls and beams within the floor zones.