Designer & Contractor:

Benchmark Builders (Kevin Shawhan)
115 West First Street, Phoenix, Oregon 97535
Tel: (541) 535.8707
benchmark_builders@msn.com

Sustainable Practices Used

• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
• Geothermal heat source
• Radiant floor heating
• Marvin Integrity low-E windows
• Therma-Tru insulated doors
• Large south-facing windows and clerestory windows to capture sunlight
• Formaldehyde-free cabinets custom made by Benchmark Builders
• Miller no-VOC paints
• Concrete dyed and sealed floors (instead of carpeting)
• Recycled lumber
• Trex composite decking

Why SIPs?

"We believed it would significantly reduce the time to build since we had a short window for construction. We also were interested in making the home as 'green' or energy efficient as possilbe." -- Homeowner Nancy McLaughlin

"I built a house 25 years ago using panels - they were called stress skin panels then. I've been seeing more articles on SIPs and wanted to use them again." -- Contractor Kevin Shawhan of Benchmark Builders

Experience with SIPs on this project:

"The finished product is awesome." -- Contractor Kevin Shawhan of Benchmark Builders

Kevin and the homeowner believed the panels would install much more quickly than they did and were disappointed by that part of the experience. PSI recommends to contractors and owner-builders to factor in time for the learning curve on their first project. (The learning curve typically last for only part of the first project, but depends on the complexity of the project and experience of the contractor or owner-builder.)

When asked if he would use SIPs again, Kevin Shawhan of Benchmark builders said, "Absolutely."

Article
SIPs: Part 4 of 6
By Brandon Helms, P.E., Maple Brook Engineering, Inc.

Design Considerations
Although the panels come in 4"-0" and 8"-0" widths, they can be adapted to fit any design. In the shop drawing process, we maximize the use of the panels in the building by using cutoffs from some panels to fill other areas. We generally recommend that the floor plan be worked out to fit the client's requirements and then we can adapt the SIP panels to fit their needs. Although any project can be converted to SIP construction, if a structure is designed with SIPs in mind from the beginning, minor adjustments simplify the construction process.

• Electrical: Electrical chases are provided in all wall panels at plug and switch height as well as vertical chases at approximately 4"-0" on center. Any additional chases needed should be planned for in the architectural design, such as wall sconces, surround sound speakers, and data cables. The preformed chases allow the electrician to have a grid in which wires can be pulled and installed. Remodel boxes are installed for all electrical boxes. Recessed lighting cannot be used in the SIP panels because the panels do not allow for the heat generated by these lights to dissipate.

• Plumbing: Good construction practice is to keep all plumbing inside the building, not in the exterior walls. This is especially true with SIP structures. Plumbing is at best difficult to install in the SIPs and any maintenance or repair requires the wall disassembly to access the plumbing. Planning interior plumbing walls and incorporating furred out walls in select areas greatly simplifies the construction for a building.

Energy Efficiency
SIPs have a higher R Value than conventional fiberglass batt insulation (R-24 for a 5 1/2 " core SIP as opposed to R-19 for a 2x6 conventional wall). Although we have all been conditioned to think in terms of R Value, there is much more to the energy efficiency of a building envelope than the R Value alone. The idea being that all the R Value in the world doesn't do any good if the front door is left wide open. By building with SIPs, we are in effect "closing the front door." A properly installed SIP system eliminates air infiltration and exfiltration from a building, meaning a 6" SIP wall will perform up to 60% more efficiently than a 2x6 conventionally framed wall.

About Us - Panel Source, Inc.
Panel Source, Inc. is an Oregon-based distributor of Premier Building System’s structural insulated panels. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of SIPs in the design phase and provide training for proper installation to encourage high quality and sustainable building practices. We promote SIPs primarily through education for design professions, construction specifiers, contractors, building departments, and homeowners. Our primary area of focus is Oregon and Northern California, but we sell into any of the western US states including Alaska and Hawaii. If you are interested in learning more about SIPs, please feel free to visit our website and contact us to learn more about using them on a specific project or to schedule a presentation with your firm or construction team.

Project Profile
McLaughlin Residence

Article
SIPs: Part 4 of 6
Design Considerations
Energy Efficiency

About Us
Panel Source, Inc.

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