Did you end up building a house using SIPs in Te Anau? I am also in Te Anau and we are really keen to build a passive solar house using SIPs. Id be keen to get in touch and see where you ended up with your house plans. My number is 021 02556918.
Cheers
Vanessa

Interesting reading thank you. We inherited a small fully self contained cottage that is made from freezer panels with the internal and external cladding being the raw product itself. It is freezing in the winter and condensation is s big issue. Hot in the summer. It’s a spare room on our property so not the main living. Can this be rectified with insulation and then wooden framing and gib? Keen to know your thoughts please.

Thank you
Lisa

– builder, we used Haven Renovations as I had worked with them before and I knew how good they were to work with and how skilled they were. They had no hesitation in working with SIPs, in fact they suggested it when we were looking at prefabrication solutions for our home. I think any progressive builder enjoys something new and different.
– cladding – we used cedar via Rosenfeld Kidson
– leaving the OSB exposed inside – the panels come with black markings from the supplier and are a bit rough/splintery. I think with a light sand and then sealed (white washed or clear) you could have a nice finish. I know the builders at Haven went on to build another SIPs home that did just this – the owner sanded all the panels which did take quite a while I understand. But worth the savings no doubt on the internal finishing.
– project management – that was something I did alongside our builder. Doing it with SIPs was fine, in fact made it a bit easier in the fact you knew when they would arrive, when they would be erected and when the sub trades could come in with more certainty.
– no, neither myself or draughtsman had used SIPs. It was also the first one through Auckland Council and had no issues there. Formance provided all the guidance we needed, but was pretty straightforward. They supply a panel layout plan based on your design, plus all the producer statements you need, they also have an engineer as part of the SIPs package. Suggest dropping them a line, great company to work with.

Hope that all helps!? Feel free to send through any other questions you have. Look forward to seeing some progress photos as things get built!

Cheers
Ben

So for starters : Did you have trouble finding a builder who was prepared to build with SIPs? Anything I should consider/be mindful of when approaching builders?
What cladding product/supplier did you go with?

We would look at leaving the OSB board exposed on the interior, what would you say to that now you seen a panel? Nice enough finish (I dont necessarily mean aesthetically, because that comes to personal taste, but more quality of the finish)

I see you used formance panels, this is the company I have been researching – did you use a company to oversee the project and coordinate everything (panels, joinery, electrical etc etc)? If so, who did you use , and if not, did you find it easy enough to coordinate with different suppliers using a unique system such as SIPs? It is stressing me out doing something for the first time when I am so used to timber construction.

In terms of the building consent package, had your architect used SIPs before? Do you have any links to your building consent drawings and details on this site? My scheme is a much smaller, single bedroom + loft, gable end cabin like structure but it would be really helpful to visually see what is involved with a consent package using SIPs.

Cheers,
Alyssa

Yes, we used the Formance SIPs and as you note, only external walls. Agree, sound proofing insulation in the walls is very effective and pretty cost effective. Best advice I would have is go and see some homes in the area and chat to the owners….that’s what convinced us, speaking with the owners in Christchurch of the first Formance home. And walking in off the street in the middle of a freezing Canterbury day, into a toasty warm home which didn’t have the heater on! Whatever product you end up using, truly believe SIPs are the future of building in NZ. Just makes so much sense.

I am sure Ben will comment to let you know how living in a SIPS house is simply just healthier, warmer and would suit your environment there in Te Anau. I am unsure if you managed to watch the last episode of Grand Designs NZ this season -http://www.3now.co.nz/shows/grand-designs-new-zealand/season-2-ep-8/117967/M10921-794 It showed http://www.litegreen.co.nz building a SIPS home from Habitech – a SIPS product that also has an external cladding as its exterior – a huge advantage when it comes to closing which would be particularly helpful down in Te Anau. The R value is around 4.3 and is an exceptional product coming in from Australia. Ben – did you use the Formance SIPS product for your internal walls? To be honest Cassie, you would not use SIPS for your internal walls as this is just expensive insulation particularly when you have limited budget. Frames with potentially Knauf insulation would be your best bet but I am sure Ben has some ideas on that also. All the best with your build.