BUILDING OUTSIDE THE BOX: STRUCTURALLY INSULATED PANELS

Imagine a house that’s so cleverly designed you won’t need to turn on the air-conditioner, or crank up the heater to keep warm in winter.

Just think about how much money you would save on your electricity bills – not just this month, but forever.

We recently completed a new client home for the Mitchell family right here in Perth using the very on-trend alternative construction material of structurally insulated panels, otherwise known as SIPS.

The clients couldn’t be happier with the end result. It not only acts as fantastic insulation to the home but it also looks amazing as a stand-alone design element! A couple of the reasons this home was a finalist in this years HIA awards for custom build and also for innovation in building materials.

We asked Promenade Homes Director, Rob Frigo, to list some reasons why more Perth home buyers should consider this type of product for their custom home build. Here is what he said:

1.    Thermal efficiency
In the building industry, the rating system used to measure thermal efficiency is called an R-rating. Brick has an R-rating of about 0.5 whereas structurally insultaed panels have an R-rating of 9. 

2.    Sound insulation
You won’t ever hear your noisy neighbours again in a house built with structurally insultaed panels. SIP's are prefabricated steel-reinforced insulated wall panels and have a polyurethane dual core providing market-leading acoustic insulation. 

3.    Engineered for strength
Structurally insultaed panels are multi-level load bearing without the need for additional columns or beams. One SIPS manufacturer, R9, made construction history in 2011 when its patented panels were the first lightweight wall panels to support a second storey slab.  

4.    Fire safety
Structurally insulated wall panels have a magnesium oxide outer coating which provides for a robust, fire retardant finished surface.  Magnesium oxide is rated A1 non-combustible fire retardant. 

5.    Faster build time
A home built with structurally insulated panels can be built much quicker than your average brick house. Shorter build times mean reduced labour costs and lower finance holding costs. More importantly, you will be enjoying the comfort, peace and quiet of living in your new home much sooner!

6.    Luxury finish without the mess
Building with structurally insulated panels reduces the need for messy and costly wet trades. Internal walls don’t require internal plastering – joints are taped, filled, sanded and painted. Exterior walls can be finished using a render coat, plaster, cladding or paint finish.

7.    Cost competitive
Simple construction methods reduce trades on site which cuts building waste and building costs making structurally insulated panels extremely cost competitive way to build. 

If you would like to learn more about how you can build your own custom designed home, utlising the latest in alternative building materials, then get in touch and we can talk you though your options.