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You might have heard about SIP buildings but have no idea what they are or what the acronym stands for. Or how they’re made or used in garden rooms—so let’s talk about it in this guide. Ready?
SIP Explained
SIP stands for structurally insulated panel. These wooden panels form a high-performance building system that comes insulated as standard. They’re used for walls, floors, and roofs in residential and commercial construction. However they also have applications in garden rooms, which is where our expertise lies.
How are SIPs made?
A SIP’s unique design inserts insulation within its structure, with a soft heat-absorbing core sandwiched between two pieces of wall cladding, which can include wood but also other types of boards such as resin-based composite. The cladding protects and holds the insulation material while performing the structural function of a wall.
You can see an example cross-section in the photos above and below.
When used in garden rooms, this results in excellent thermal efficiency and lightweight structural strength. The panels are also very strong, easy to build with and install, and provide an attractive finish both inside and out.
Design Considerations for SIP Garden Rooms
SIPs look and work best in wood-based buildings that accommodate and maximise the benefits and appearance. A wooden finish makes SIPs blend in naturally, while other smart insulating features and components, like composite cladding, help them perform at their best.
Garden rooms built from structurally insulated panels are a great alternative to the traditional garden log cabin, while effectively performing the same purpose. They also tend to come with double glazed windows and doors as standard, while other garden buildings either only have single glazing or offer double glazing as an add-on.
Take a look at our BillyOh Outpost Insulated Garden Room, for instance. It’s a modern garden cabin, built around SIPs, with multi-foil insulation and exterior cladding to boost performance and protection. With great space and pre-insulation, it’s ideal for use as a garden office.
Keep in mind that these structures tend to be more expensive due to their structural design. You’re paying for the strength and built-in insulation, which cuts out the need for extra materials and installation later. While the upfront cost is higher, it can be worth it in the long run.
What You Get from a SIP Building
Still not convinced? Let’s run through their benefits over conventional buildings:
- Pre-installed insulation. This might be the best part of SIP buildings—they’re all the insulation a building needs. With SIPs, there’s no need to install a separate layer of insulation like you would in regular buildings.
- High energy efficiency. SIPs are efficient when it comes to energy because of how effectively they insulate. This is thanks to the foam core insulating layer, supported by the timber boards on either side. You won’t have to spend much on heating because the insulation helps keep it all in. This makes them perfect fur use as all-year-round garden rooms
- Structural strength. The way SIPs are designed gives them especially good strength. The foam core in the centre adds extra durability by acting as a shock and stress absorber. The boards are less likely to break from impact, giving the building extra durability.
- Attractive design. The stylish and modern finish of SIPs makes them look, to put it simply, brilliant. They’re designed to emulate the look of natural wood, so they blend in naturally with wood-based SIP buildings.
- Long-lasting. As with most modern technology, SIPs are built to last. They’re strong enough to last for years without losing their insulating ability.
- SIP buildings can be enhanced with other features. The effectiveness, longevity, strength, and appearance of SIPs can all be improved alongside composite cladding, interior foil insulation, and double-glazed windows.
SIPs are a revolutionary way to fit and build garden buildings. They provide structural integrity, insulation, and an attractive design in one simple package.
An SIP building could be a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to use it year-round, like for work. Read our guide to garden rooms to discover more.
