Design and build company in London. Designers, a quantity surveyor and builders, under one contract.
As the construction industry develops, newer and newer building techniques are emerging. When picking the right one, many things need to be considered. These include quality, cost and time of build, sustainability or weather conditions.
Finding a system that combines energy efficiency, cost, strength and sustainability is not simple. Structural insulated panels do a good deal of it at once.
What exactly are SIPs?
SIPs, or structural insulated panels, are a building system. They are used for residential and light commercial construction.
The SIPs system consists of a sandwich panel. It has two structural facings, typically oriented strand board (OSB). It also has an insulating foam core, usually EPS polystyrene or Neopor.
The panels are produced under controlled and strictly regulated operating conditions. The panels can be fabricated to fit almost any building design. They can be erected in most weather.
Benefits of using SIPs
1. Thermal performance
SIP panels give high insulation and airtightness. This cuts energy costs over the life of the building. Compared with traditional timber framing, SIPs are commonly cited as more energy efficient. The figure cited is around 50 per cent.
2. Improved air quality
A SIP residential or commercial building has better control over indoor air quality. Airtight buildings have controlled ventilation, limiting incoming air and filtering out contaminants and allergens.
The SIP envelope doesn’t have the voids or thermal bridging of conventional stick framing. These can cause condensation to potentially hazardous mould, mildew or rot.
3. Sustainable credentials
SIP is a highly sustainable building system, reducing CO2 levels through its energy efficiency. Compared to traditional construction methods, SIPS need significantly less energy when manufacturing. They also have lower embodied energy than conventional materials. Examples are concrete, steel or masonry.
4. Fast construction, less labour
The panels are designed and manufactured offsite, then assembled quickly on site.
This reduces the expenditures on project management and scaffolding. It reduces framing labour, and the list goes on.
A BASF study confirmed that SIP panels reduce job site labour needs by 55%.
NU Projects uses modern construction methods and 3D modelling. It does so on its design and build projects in West London.
To talk to the team, send two lines through the contact form. You can also call 020 7731 6841. We usually reply within a few hours, weekends included.
This is the work we do. Design and build company in London, or ask for a cost estimate.
Published 9 February 2022. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.