Rebecca Foster explores the benefits of this construction method, as well as investigating the key considerations and costs involved

On this project by Glosford SIPs, a crane slots the Kingspan TEK building components carefully into place to form the roof of the house. Openings for rooflights have already been precut into the panels

If you’re looking for a construction system that delivers design freedom, fantastic thermal performance and swift build speeds on site, it’s likely that you’ve already considered structural insulated panels (SIPs) for your project. This high-performance building system is formed from pre-insulated, storey-height panels that slot together to form the structural load bearing elements of the building. Each panel comprises two wood-based sheets. These are usually made from oriented strandboard (OSB), sandwiching a layer of plastic-based insulation (generally polyurethane) in the middle.

Following the technical design phase of the build, the panels are precision engineered in your chosen supplier’s factory in a quality-controlled environment. “This includes pre-cutting all elements to accommodate window and door openings, so no on-site cutting is required,” says Ian Clay, a founding partner at SIPS@Clays. “Once the panels are cut to size, they are routed, packed and sequentially stacked wall by wall, roof panel by roof panel, then delivered to site ready for installation.” Erection of the kit can be completed in less than two weeks, paving the way for speedy construction progress thereafter.

SIPs can be used as the exclusive structural system for your self build or paired with other methods such as oak frame to create a hybrid solution. The lightweight nature of the panels means they can easily be used to enlarge existing buildings, too, such as the addition of a second storey on a bungalow. “SIPs can also be used for extensions, though factors such as architectural design and site location would need to be considered,” says George Gifford, commercial director at Glosford SIPs. “We’re often faced with interesting challenges, and it’s very rare that a workable SIPs solution isn’t found.”