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7 Self Builds Featuring Structural Insulated Panels

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If you’re considering building with structural insulated panels, also known as SIPs, take a look at these seven projects to get an idea of the scope of design possibilities

SIPs and Oak Frame Home
(Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

Structural insulated panels, commonly known as SIPs, are made by sandwiching insulation between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB).

The panels are strong (often requiring little further support), and offer good U-values and excellent airtightness.

These seven homes all feature SIPs in their construction.

1. An Energy-Efficient Barn Style Home

A Barn Style SIPs Home

(Image credit: Keith Hunter c/o Allan Corfield Architects)

Homeowner Colin Amor chose to build his barn-style home using SIPs to make his home as airtight and energy-efficient as possible.

  • Location: Stirling, Scotland
  • Build cost: £474,000 (£1,185/m²)

2. Contemporary-style Oak Frame Home

SIPs and Oak Frame Home

(Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

After struggling to find a suitable home when wanting to downsize, Sue Crowe opted for self build. Her contemporary oak frame home features structural insulated panels which were erected quickly and offered remarkable U-values at a reasonable cost.

  • Location: Suffolk
  • Build cost: £301,000 (£1,881/m²)

3. Characterful Oak Frame Cottage

Oak Frame and SIPs Cottage

(Image credit: Jamie Mason)

Rebecca and Matthew Stenson’s oak frame self build has been clad using SIPs and finished externally with a traditional lime render, proving that an understated cottage style can be achieved on a modest budget.

  • Location: Cambridgeshire
  • Build cost: £200,000 (£909/m²)

4. An Unusual SIPs Home

An unusual SIPs home in a Manchester suburb featuring a steep-pitched roof, basement and large decked area.

(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)

Isobel Heyworth’s self-designed new home has been constructed using SIPs and is considered a benchmark for new houses in her Manchester suburb.

  • Location: Manchester
  • Build cost: Undisclosed

5. A South-Facing Cornish Self Build

A SIPs self-build home in Cornwall that takes full advantage of its stunning, south facing plot

(Image credit: Nigel Rigden)

Beccy and Steve Kestin have built an energy-efficient home, choosing structural insulated panels for their fast construction time and airtightness. Despite its extensive use of glazing, the property is superbly insulated thanks to the SIPs.

  • Location: Cornwall
  • Build cost: £360,000 (£1,333/m²)

6. Timber Clad Oak Frame Home

Energy Efficient Timber Clad Home

(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)

First-time self builders Caroline and Julian Owen encased the walls of their oak frame self build in SIPs to satisfy their desire for an energy-efficient home.

  • Location: Cambridgeshire
  • Build cost: £941,000 (£2,476/m²)

7. Striking Riverside Self Build

An Amazing Riverside Self Build on a Brownfield Plot

(Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

Stephen Yeomans has incorporate SIPs into his head-turner of a self build. The panels were used for the roof and first floor walls, which were then wrapped in an expanded corten steel mesh.

  • Location: Lewes, East Sussex
  • Build cost: £850,000