What are Structural Insulated Panels?
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a type of building material that consists of a rigid foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, usually made of oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs are commonly used as an alternative to traditional timber framing or masonry construction in smaller residential and commercial buildings.
Timber framing involves individual studs, joists and other elements being cut and then screwed or nailed together on site, before being clad. The space between the studs and joists can be filled with insulating material to improve thermal and acoustic performance.
SIPs, on the other hand, are typically prefabricated off-site in a factory and workshop. Their light weight means large panels can be easily transported and then assembled on-site, leading to quicker installation and lower labour costs.
One of the main advantages of SIPs over timber framing is their superior insulation value. The foam core of SIPs provides a continuous layer of insulation with no thermal bridging, which can significantly reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort. SIPs are known for their airtightness, which enhances their energy efficiency by reducing draughts and leakage. The low weight of the material also reduces the amount of energy required during manufacture and transport, which helps offset one downside of SIPs- the foam insulation is typically made from non-renewable oil-derived polymers like polyurethane.
In terms of structural performance, SIPs are generally considered to be comparable or even superior to timber framing. The rigid foam core of SIPs provides a strong, lightweight structure that can resist both compressive and bending loads. This can make SIPs an ideal choice for buildings in areas with high winds or seismic activity - or it can simply allow for less material to be used in the structure.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when choosing SIPs over timber framing. One issue is that SIPs can be more expensive than traditional framing materials, which can make them less cost-effective for some construction projects. Additionally, SIPs are not as flexible as stick framing, which can make it more difficult to make changes or modifications to the building during or after construction. This impact can be reduced through a thorough design process, and ensuring the function and utility of the building is considered as early as possible. Our consultation process will take you through this in detail, and our garden rooms can be designed with those future “what-ifs” in mind.
We find SIPs to be a versatile, energy-efficient building material that can offer several advantages over traditional timber framing. They are known for their superior insulation value, airtightness, and structural performance. However, they can be more expensive and less flexible than framing, and may require specialized knowledge and equipment for installation. Demaus & Marsden garden rooms are bespoke, built to suit your life. Whereas one project may suit the modular, pre-fabricated approach that SIPs can offer, another project may call for another approach entirely (see our recent garden room project, The Bunker). As designers and engineers, we believe in using the right tool for the job at hand.
