How it works

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are high-performance composite building panels used in floors, walls and roofs for residential and light commercial buildings.

Typically, panels weigh 16-22 kg/m2.

SIPs can be stored outside for 2–3 months as long as they are off the ground, located in a well ventilated area and covered with waterproof membranes. We recommend installing a vapour permeable building membrane, cladding and roofing as soon as SIPs are fully erected.

The Neopor insulation of SIPs includes a flame retardant which inhibits the spread of fire.

At Evissa, we see greater value in comparing outcomes – instead of construction methods. With this in mind, SIPs buildings are far more cost-effective than a traditional build in achieving the following outcomes: airtightness, strong structural integrity, continuous insulation, accuracy, easy installation and no on-site construction waste.

All projects are unique, which makes it difficult to predict cost per sqm. Please send us your project in PDF format and we will issue a tailored quote and recommendations.

Our SIPs homes are typically erected within 2 to 3 weeks. A crew of 3 to 4 skilled people and a small crane will assist well in installing a SIPs structure.

All plumbing should sit on the interior faces of the OSB layer. Penetrations placed through SIPs should be properly sealed to prevent air infiltration. Plumbing should not be positioned on exterior SIP walls due to the likelihood of condensation. It is considered best practice to transfer plumbing to the non-SIP internal walls during the project’s design phase.

Our SIPs are vapour permeable. We recommend using a vapour permeable membrane that allow for the material to breathe towards the outside. The cladding and roofing is fixed on to the face of the panel mechanically, via a ventilation cavity created with battens and counter battens.

Building surveyors are typically interested if the product CodeMark is current from the building permit stage. Installation drawings and a photographic record with the critical connection details are essential for the framing inspection.

Typically, 8 to 10 weeks for a medium scale dwelling. You should make contact with us early days to make sure your project is well in line with our DfMA - Design for Manufacturing and Assembly - processes.

We have developed great alliances with commercial and domestic builders who are able to fully build your project from start to finish, using the Evissa SIPs modular components.

SIPs buildings can last 50+ years, if our building physics recommendations are fully adopted within the project planning. Eliminating thermal bridges, allowing for ventilated cavities within the building fabric and heat recovery mechanical ventilation across the internal spaces, are just a few critical aspects that will prolong the lifespan of your SIPs building.

SIPs base materials are Neopor Graphite Polystyrene (GPS), glue, oriented strand board (OSB) and timber framing. All these raw materials combined under clever engineering, makes SIPs more sustainable than other construction methods that depreciate at a quicker pace.

Net zero refers to an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions removed from the atmosphere. However, true zero, or 24/7 carbon-free energy, focuses on purchasing round-the-clock clean energy each hour – and on each regional grid – where electricity consumption occurs. Through energy-efficient design, careful appliance selection and photovoltaic integration, the design and build of a home should produce more power than it uses over the year. On top of this, a true zero carbon build considers and calculates embodied carbon in material selection, with help from renewable energy such as photovoltaic panels. This contributes to the overarching purpose of paying back the home's entire carbon debt by 2050 (based on today’s carbon intensity).

The recycling of GPS waste to produce new GPS insulating materials is possible if building materials are separated by type. Ground recycled material can easily be used as a lightweight aggregate for mortar and concrete. It is also used as an additive for PS-light concrete, containment plaster and light plaster used in the clay industry.

Of course. Our SIPs follow all protocols and adhere to the standards of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) as highlighted by our SIPs’ CodeMark certification.

Yes! Our SIPs are certified through the CodeMark Certification Scheme. We are the only Victorian practice to hold this certification.

Evissa has established good industry alliances with different builders who can build to Passivhaus standard using our SIPs.

Evissa SIPs can achieve ~2 air changes per hour (ACH) at 50Pa pressure testing. Additional taping and joint sealing is required to achieve 0.6ACH airtightness, which is the Passivhaus required standard.