SIPs in 'real homes' for the future

Structural insulated panels by Vencel Resil form roof of Persimmon's Techno house being showcased for sustainability and eco-friendly build style.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are helping housebuilders meet the latest energy efficiency requirements, as part of Modern Methods of Construction and the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Major housebuilder Persimmon was keen to incorporate this energy efficient method of building into its 'Living-I' development at Irlam in the North West.

Persimmon chose structural insulated panels by Vencel Resil to form the roof of its Techno house, which was one of five house types that are being showcased for their sustainability and eco-friendly build styles.

SIPs in the form of Jabroof SlimFix panels from Vencel Resil were combined with a modular, light steel frame to create a quicker and more environmentally friendly method of construction.

Neil Conway, General Sales Manager for Vencel Resil, explains: "We were delighted to be involved with this project as it provides the perfect opportunity for housebuilders to see how well SIPs work in a real home environment".

"As Persimmon will be monitoring energy levels, we expect that fuel bills will be significantly less than normal, as well as the home environment being more comfortable".

The British Board of Agrement (BBA) approved product consists of an inner and outer layer of 8mm thick moisture-resistant chipboard bonded to an insulating core of low lambda expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Depending on the chosen thickness of insulation, Jabroof SlimFix can be used to typically improve the U-value of a pitched roof to 0.37 - 016 W/mK.

This method of construction is becoming more popular with housebuilders as it opens up the possibilities for three storey living, as SIPs create an insulated warm area under the roof space.

This means it makes very effective use of space in the home, maximising the living area, but still retaining a smaller footprint.

"Homebuyers are more aware than ever of the importance of buying energy efficient homes, which is being driven by greater environmental awareness and rising energy bills," explains David Broadbent, Regional Chairman of Persimmon.

"We have had a huge number of enquiries from homebuyers interested in these properties and are really excited about being able to demonstrate their energy efficient credentials".

"The idea behind developing Living-I was to show how alternative methods of construction, such as the use of structural insulated panels really do hold huge benefits for homeowners in the future".

A common problem with traditional roof constructions is cold bridging which causes the temperature to drop dramatically at every stud.

This results in a very cold loft space which may also result in condensation forming.

However, with a Slimfix roof construction the temperature remains constant across the entire surface because there are no studs or braces to cause breaks in the insulation, which creates a warmer and more comfortable living environment.

Jabroof SlimFix is an excellent example of Modern Methods of Construction; highly insulative, modular and available in a choice of pre-cut lengths, with counter battens and gutter laths already fitted to speed up fitting on site.

Building with SIPs not only gives time and energy efficiency benefits but also produces minimal waste because of the off site manufacturing process, a requirement of MMC.

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