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Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) |
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There many kinds of structural insulated panel systems, including the above mentioned vertical shotcrete ones. Instead of cement used as a skin over the insulation, other systems mostly use oriented strand board (OSB) onto which the finished surfaces can be attached. The insulating core is typically EPS or polyurethane foam, but SIP's manufactured with MEPS is preffereable because the process does not emit ozone-depleting gas. The advantages of these systems are that they are air tight, well insulating (dependng on the type and thickness of the insulation) and easy to install. Also the panels can be used as insulated roof components. It is estimated that a SIP building might use 30% less wood than a conventionally framed one.
One disadvantage of these wood-clad panels is that they don't provide
any thermal mass as part of their composition. While SIPs with EPS cores
will burn, it has been demonstrated that they remain structurally sound
for a lenthy period during a fire and do not emit fumes any more hazardous
than those of wood products. Another possible concern is with insects
or rodents nesting in the insulation since this can be an ideal habitat
for them. One last concern is that a well-constructed SIP structure is practically hermetically sealed, which means that the walls are not breathable; for this reason they require some sort of mechanical ventilation system for healthful habitation. greenbuilder.com/sourcebook This page discusses the environmental advantages of SIP's that use MEPS as apposed toEPS for the insulation.
Below are listed links to manufacturers of SIP's: |
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Building With Structural Insulated Panels (Sips): Strength and Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction by Michael Morley, 2000. Within the decade, it is estimated that as much as one-third of residential construction will use structural insulated panels, or SIPs. These energy-efficient building panels are among the strongest, most versatile construction components available today. Michael Morley presents information about this relatively new technology for the many builders who will be using it within the near future but who know little about it.
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Solar Chalet
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Related to SIPs is a method of building with EPS foam (like Styrofoam) blocks, and then plastering them with a skin of fiber-impregnated stucco. An article about this method can be found at 
