Energy-Efficient SIP Home in River Falls, Wisconsin

The Julkowski, Inc. team is excited to share the details of another exciting project! Last October, we partnered with a couple to build a high-performance SIP home. We recently completed the shell of this home and can't wait to tell you all about it - read the details below!

What is a SIP Home?

A SIP home is built using structural insulated panels (i.e. SIPs). These high-efficiency building panels are made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) and can be used for walls, floors, foundations and roofs. SIPs are prefabricated in a factory to each project's exact specifications. Door and window openings are pre-cut and electrical chases are run before being delivered to the building site significantly reducing labor time and waste.SIPs are frequently used to build Net Zero Homes because they create an extremely tight building envelope which reduces the amount of energy required to heat or cool the home by up to 50 percent. Homes built with a SIP shell are better at regulating temperatures and are more comfortable to live in due to a reduction in noise, moisture, drafts, and allergens.Benefits of SIP homes include:

Improved energy-efficiency
Faster construction time
Minimal waste
Cost-effectiveness
Reduces noise, drafts, moisture, and allergens

One of our favorite things about SIP homes is how versatile they are. Whether you lean toward a traditional or more modern aesthetic, the panels can be custom-made to fit various architectural styles. SIPs can also create exciting visual details, such as a curved roofline. As a bonus, homes with SIPs roofs automatically have vaulted ceilings, which allow for more windows and natural light.

Project Details

When this energy-conscious couple approached our team about building a SIP home, our answer was a resounding "Yes!" The couple worked with Architect Ted Clifton at Zero-Energy Plans to create their home design. They also found the perfect spot to build their new home. The beautiful acreage property has access to a landing strip, and the couple plans to build a pole barn to house their airplane. It also includes ample space to plant a garden for their organic produce business.Although early snowfall in Wisconsin made the job site a little muddy, this home's construction went quickly. We partnered with Extreme Panel Technologies, a Minnesota-based SIP manufacturer, to supply the SIPs. Once they were delivered to the property, we could attach them piece by piece until the shell was completed. With a traditional farmhouse feel, this SIP home features plenty of windows and an expansive front porch — perfect for taking in the property's gorgeous views!We had so much fun watching this energy-efficient home come together. The couple was such a joy to work with, and it was so great to see how excited they are to move into their new healthy and cozy home. Scroll below to see the progression of this project!