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Building a Net Zero House with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Updated: Sep 23

Is building a net zero home a dream of yours? Maybe it seems unattainable, or maybe finding an eco-friendly construction material that makes it possible is putting you off starting?


building a net zero house with SIPs

Well, we’re excited that you’ve found us as building a net zero house is not only possible but completely achievable through the wonderful Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). We provide a complete home design service too so you can achieve the net zero home of your dreams without compromising on design or functionality.


Why build a net zero house?

Striving to build a net zero home is an environmentally responsible thing to do. In the current climate, being environmentally conscious is more important than ever. This is especially true in the construction industry. 


Net zero homes produce as much energy as it consumes, leading to significant benefits for the environment and also the owners who will see significantly reduced energy bill longterm. 


How building with SIPs will help you achieve a net zero house

It probably all sounds too good to be true, so let us share why you should choose SIPs for the environment and for your back pocket.


  1. Superior insulation: The insulation that a SIPs home envelope provides is far superior to any traditional framing method, such as timber framing. If you’re interested in seeing a side by side study comparing the performance of a SIPs home and a stud wall home, then please click here for a full rundown of the findings. 

  2. Energy efficiency: due to the superior insulation, a SIPs home require far less cooling and heating, significantly reducing the home’s energy consumption. With less energy required, homeowners can rely on renewable sources of energy, such as solar panels.

  3. Improved indoor air quality: Again, due to the insulation and airtightness that SIPs provide, the indoor air quality of a SIPs home is far better, creating a healthier environment that is less prone to allergens, mould, damp, dust and more. This air quality will lead to less need of any air humidifier/dehumidifiers etc. leading to less consumed energy again. This also makes the home more robust meaning it’ll require less maintenance than a comparable, non-SIPs home.

  4. Eco-friendly material: SIPs are essentially a carbon neutral material as they are recyclable. They can disposed of as a soil nutrient.


Other benefits of SIPs

  1. Efficient construction: A large advantage of SIPs is how quickly they come together while completing framing and insulation in the one step. Sidestep the usual labour shortages and construction delays with SIPs. 

  2. Reduced waste: see a significantly reduced amount of construction waste with pre-cut and ready to assemble SIPs.

  3. Fire resistance: SIPs can provide some peace of mind for those in bushfire prone regions as they can resist fire. You can learn more about their strength and fire resistance on our SIPs testing page. 

  4. Climate adaptability: SIPs help keep houses temperature controlled, creating a more comfortable internal environment in both hotter and cooler zones. For humid and tropical areas, your home will be more mould and damp resistant too. 


How to build a net zero house with SIPs

Here at Smart SIPs, we can help you through every step of the way.


We provide a custom home design service that includes design and building requirements passive house or net-zero design, sloping blocks, narrow blocks, coastal blocks and alpine blocks. All done with your budget and energy rating requirements in mind.


We have a Complete Building System and can supply all of the following:

  • Smart SIPs building materials 

  • New home design

  • Pre-contract documentation

  • Engineering

  • Energy rating

  • Estimating

  • Building certification

  • Smart SIPs training

  • Smart SIPs installation

  • Supply of all additional building materials, if required


If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us today. 

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