News Release - 05/26/2005
NUMBER: 6-05
DATE: May 26, 2005
CONTACT: Bill Wachtler
PHONE: 253-858-7472
E-MAIL: billw@sips.org
GIG HARBOR, Washington — Submitted by Alternative Building Concepts, Santa Rosa, CA, The “Now House” won the Single Family Home – under 3,000 sq. ft. category and was judged to be the most innovative entry in terms of structural concepts, and the manner in which it showcases what is technologically available in the current construction technology market today. Alternative Building Concepts used SIPs for the foundation, floors, walls, and roof, as well as interior structural walls and was completed in 38 working days. SIPs for the “Now House” were manufactured by Premier Building Systems.
The “Now House” was built as a demonstration house on the parking lot of San Francisco Giants Stadium October 29, 2004 -March 14, 2005 as a benefit for Friends of the Urban Forest of San Francisco. The nowhouse2-web.jpgpurpose was to showcase currently available technology. The “Now House” will be used as a Community Opportunity Center by the city of San Francisco.
Judging for the 3rd Annual SIPA Building Excellence Award Competition was held at the 2005 SIPA Annual Meeting and Conference in Louisville, KY, April 22, 2005. Created to recognize SIPA members who excel in building with SIPs, this year’s competition included five categories: Single Family Homes over 3,000 sq. ft., Single Family Homes under 3,000 sq. ft., Multi-Family Commercial Buildings, Agricultural Structures and Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Structures. After careful consideration of each category winner, the judges then determined an Overall Competition Winner.
All projects were built with a minimum of 50% structural insulated panels, and were judged on the following criteria:
- Energy-Efficiency
- Design and/or Structural Engineering Innovation
- Other SIPs-related factors that contributed to the over-all success of the project.
Additional competition category winners were:
Single Family Homes Over 3,000 sq. ft. Category:
- The Black Bear II Model submitted by Building Alternatives, Inc.
The Black Bear II Model was chosen for it’s multi-faceted approach to energy efficiency, its well-integrated design, and the quality of SIP manufacturing and construction. The home was built with structural insulated panels from R-Control-Advance Foam Plastics. The Black Bear II model features SIP walls & roof with ICF below grade walls, radiant floor heat in all floors, and an efficent side arm water heater/boiler. The home has also won two Colorado Springs Parade of Homes Awards – the People’s Choice Award and the Built Green Award of Excellence Award given by the Colorado Springs HBA.
§ Honorable Mention: The Seaman Residence, submitted by Wickiup Builders
“New construction techniques, energy savings, time savings, and financial savings, were all priorities for the owners John and Joan Seaman.” said Tikker Jones, President, Wickiup Builders, Ennis, Montana. “There are times when the wind howls incessantly at this homesite. Behind the SIP walls, John and Joan are oblivious to the sounds and strength of the winter gales in the Madison Valley. The structure is so rigid, airtight and soundproof that they have to go outside to see if the wind is blowing” said Tikker. “After researching many different building material possibilities, we chose SIP construction because we were convinced of its superior integrity and energy efficiency. We absolutely made the right choice,” said the Seaman’s in a letter to Tikker Jones. The structural insulated panels were manufactured by Big Sky Insulation of Belgrade, Montana.
Multi-Family/Commercial Buildings Category:
§ Cardinal Courts submitted by Energy Panel Structures, Inc.
“Cardinal Courts Condominiums are solid core homes, are beautifully Cardinal-Courts.jpgfurnished and offer an owner energy efficent and durability in a home” said Chris Spaeth, Energy Panel Structures Graettinger, IA, the SIP manufacturer that provide the SIPs for Cardinal Courts. “The complete package sold to the customer as well as turn key construction from the dealer. The condominiums went up quickly with significant savings in material and labor,” Spaeth said.
Agricultural Structures Category:
- Elysian Valley Ranch submitted by Energy Panel Structures, Inc.
Energy Panel Structures, Inc. built this innovative hay storage and cattle barn for Elysian Valley Ranch, Janesville, CA. Some of the unique features of the project that deserve recognition include the roof dormers and cupola which allow for natural lighting, and the board & batten siding over SIP walls to achieve a dramatic combination of wood, steel and SIPs to achieve optimum energy efficiency.
Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Structures Category Winner:
* Bureau of Indian Affairs submitted by Energy Panel Structures, Inc.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Ashland, WI was chosen because of its unique design features including the incorporation of the parapet wall in one system and the project’s overall cost savings compared to masonary construction.
To obtain high-resolution pictures and more detailed information about the winning projects, please contact SIPA at staff@sips.org or by phone at (253) 858-7472.
About SIPA
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit association representing manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry.
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