The Home Owners Guide To building with Structural Insulated Panels
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Energy efficient homes that are strong yet flexible.
The Benefits
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) provide you:
- Superior insulation performance
- Superior air tightness
- 75-90% saving on heating and cooling bills
- High structural strength
- Withstands high wind loads and seismic forces (ductile).
- Freedom of design, plus ability to span large distances without additional bracing.
- Reduced build time as weathertight shell achieved fast (see timelapse videos below).
- Reduced risk of weather delays with indoor pre-assembly and panels taken directly to site for same day install.
- A sustainable product.
Structural Insulated Panels Guide
What Are Structural Insulated Panels?
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are high-performing, thermally efficient composite panels—essentially a sandwich of two structural boards with a rigid insulating foam core.
SIPs replace three traditional elements: framing, plywood bracing, and insulation batts, and can be used for walls, roofs, and floors.
Their popularity is growing, both in New Zealand and overseas, due to proven benefits in insulation, strength, and fast installation.
While often recognised for their thermal performance, SIPs also offer exceptional strength and ductility—making them ideal for earthquake-prone areas.
SIPs are one of the most effective ways to achieve air tightness. An airtight SIPs home with mechanical heat recovery ventilation can save up to 90% on heating and cooling bills, and optimise the health and comfort of the home.
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Is Building with SIPs Expensive?
Whilst the material is slightly more expensive than traditional frame construction, cost savings occur with a shorter build time, reduced risk of delays, and long-term savings on energy.
An experienced SIPs builder will save you money in terms of efficiencies and expertise, and an experienced design build team can also suggest how the unique properties of SIPs can be used more economically to meet your requirements.
If you are interested in finding out more, request a copy of our ‘Homeowners Guide to Building with Structural Insulated Panels’ or feel free to contact us to discuss your energy saving options.
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SIPs FAQs
How fast can a SIPs home be constructed?
One of the benefits of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) is their quick installation.
While the floor is being laid, the panels can be assembled in our indoor assembly yard. A crane will then transport the panels to the site, where they can typically be craned and fixed into place in one day.
Walls: The walls are installed in one day.
Ceiling Panels: Approximately one week later, the ceiling panels are installed in one day.
Roof: The roof can also be installed approximately one week after the ceiling panels.
Because the panels require shop drawings for their manufacture, window openings are confirmed in advance. No site measure is required allowing windows to be ordered early and installed soon after the panels, ensuring the home is weathertight quickly.
At this stage, homeowners can walk around their new home and see the structure taking shape.
Do SIPs help reduce waste?
90% of the tree is used in the OSB board (a lot less wastage than traditional frames). Plus, the EPS polystyrene used is fully recyclable unlike other rigid foams.
Do SIPs Off- Gas?
The panels we use have undergone independent assessment and adhere to some of the world’s most stringent air quality standards. Testing and certification has concluded that the SIPs we opt to use does not emit harmful emissions.
Not all SIPs are the same so always conduct due diligence when choosing a SIPs supplier.
Do SIPs contain formaldehyde?
Tests of OSB panels fresh from production revealed formaldehyde off gassing of less than 0.1 parts per million (ppm), declining near zero as the panels age. To put this in perspective, there is more formaldehyde naturally occurring in many foods, such as apples and onions, or the human blood (3 ppm), than in a home built with OSB SIPs.
To clarify, this OSB does NOT contain urea-formaldehyde that is associated with other composite products.
Not all SIPs are the same so always conduct due diligence when choosing a SIPs supplier.
Are SIPs fire retardant?
EPS (expanded polystyrene) is not a propellant. Panels made with fire-retarded EPS shrinks away from heat when it’s exposed to ignition energy and will self-extinguish as soon as the heat source is removed. This means that SIPs panels made with EPS will not provide a route for fire to spread.
EPS is also recognised as non-toxic and chemically inert, producing considerably fewer toxic fumes than other insulants. It requires a very low level of fire retardant (0.5% – 0.1%) compared to other insulation materials (up to 30%).
Not all SIPs are the same so always conduct due diligence when choosing a SIPs supplier.
Are SIPs homes safe in earthquakes?
Not only do (OSB/EPS) SIPs withstand the applied force of an earthquake really well but they have a unique ability to take the shock out of the movement by allowing some non-permanent flex in the structure. Engineers call this ductility. Small but enough to significantly reduce the impact of the multi-directional earthquake cycle. More rigid and brittle materials tend to fail abruptly without warning and once gone they require extensive remediation or replacement.
The engineers measure resistance to earthquake movement in ‘Bracing Units’ but for the rest of us it simply means they can withstand severe earthquakes and keep us safe inside.
Do you need a specialist builder?
There are no formal training requirements for SIPs construction, but experience makes a big difference. A builder familiar with this method will work more efficiently, deliver greater accuracy, and give homeowners confidence in the outcome.
Specialist tools, lessons learned from varied projects, and established systems all contribute to a smoother build process and a higher-quality result. From contributing to shop drawings at the outset to ensuring airtightness isn’t compromised during construction, knowledgeable involvement at every stage is essential.
To save time and money for both homeowners and other builders, we offer a pre-assembly and installation service that guarantees precision. Our indoor assembly yard also reduces weather related delays. Once assembled, panels can be transported and installed anywhere across the South Island.
SIPS INSTALL SPEED
Time Lapse Of SIPs Install
Check out our two 30-second time-lapse videos of one of our Christchurch home builds!
Why Choose Chatterton Homes for Your SIPs Build?
Having designed & built SIPs homes since 2011, we can confidently claim to be leaders in this field of construction.
Don’t take our word for it – check out our SIPs testimonials.
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What You'll Gain:
- Proven Experience – Building with SIPs since 2011, with a trained and knowledgeable team.
- Expert Guidance – We understand what’s required in both design and construction, offering trusted advice from start to finish.
- Indoor Panel Assembly – Panels are pre-assembled in our indoor plant, protected from the weather and ready for fast, efficient installation on site.
- Collaborative Network – We work closely with SIPs-experienced designers, engineers, and suppliers to provide practical input and cost insights.
- Streamlined Process – Established systems ensure smooth supply, delivery, and on-site installation.
- Technical Know-How – In-depth understanding of SIPs shop drawings, with the ability to identify and solve design inconsistencies early.
Want To Use SIPs For Your Next Project?
Find out how SIPs could benefit your project!
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