High Vaulted Ceiling SIP House Culpeper VA

Location: Culpeper, VA

Project Information

Project Type:	Residential, > 3,000 sq. ft.
Manufacturer:	Insulspan
Builder:	T&M Contracting and Construction Services, LLC
Design Professional:	MM&I Construction and Design, Inc.
Year Built:	2023

Performance

High Performance:	No
HERS/EUI Index Score:
ACH50 - Blower Test Results:	0.9
kBtu/sq.ft./year:
CO2 lbs./sq.ft./year:

Awards/Certifications: Building Excellence Awards

BEA: 2024 Building Excellence Award - Classic Winner

Age in place home for 2 persons, single family residence.

How did SIP construction help you get this job?
The homeowner came to us with a design that did not include SIPs but using conventional construction methods, building that design without SIPs was just not in their budget. We started over from scratch and designed a house that had the modern industrial look and feel that they wanted but using SIPs design and construction we were able to achieve the open areas, high vaulted ceilings, and multiple shed roof angels they desired. We also used window design and trim to actually scale back the large floor-to-ceilling commercial windows in their original design and achieve a more budget friendly window package that still allows floor to ceiling light in to all the living spaces and even added some small high windows for added light at the ceiling.

SIP wall thickness and core material: 6" EPS with 19/32" skins
SIP roof thickness and core material:10" EPS with 19/32" skins

Describe the benefits of using SIPs on this project. Did SIPs help save time, labor, construction costs, or energy?
The use of SIPs on this project allowed for us to go from nothing but a floor system to a dried in structure in five days with our trained five-person crew. Compared to alternative methods of constructing the exterior walls and roof, savings on time, material, and labor costs were significant. The tight seal that properly installed SIPs provide creates an air-tight but well-ventilated structure, and allows the HVAC system to operate at maximum efficiency, keeping utility costs down. The SIP roof allowed for vaulted ceilings and large covered areas on the front and back of the house, creating large stamped concrete front and back porches protected from the elements and are cool in Summer and sheltered and warm in winter.

Describe any innovative design elements or structural engineering involved:
The bedrooms account for half of the main level of the house, which sit on top of an unfinished but conditioned basement with superior walls foundation and closed cell foam insulated floor system, while the rest of the house sits on an insulated concrete slab. Above the living room and kitchen island hang two custom made light fixtures, manufactured on site using reclaimed wood from an existing barn on the property. The house includes a home office with access to the back porch and attic storage Exposed ductwork running through the portion of the main floor that sits on a slab is both functional and achieves the modern industrial look the homeowners were looking for. In addition, the structural concrete slab was cleaned, colored and polished to create a unique and beautiful finished product that fits the style of this home.

HVAC: There are 2 systems

System 1 - 15+ SEER 2.0 ton 10 Kw Aux heat, variable speed air handler.
System 2 - 15+ SEER 2.5 ton 10 Kw Aux heat, variable speed air handler, RenewAire EV 300 ERV 4:1 multi port bathroom exhaust fan system.

Describe any other energy-saving materials used in the building envelope other than SIPs. List U-values of windows used and the U or R-value of any insulation materials.
10" Superior Wall Foundation R-Value 12.5
Closed Cell blown foam insulation on band board R-Value 20.90 Marvin Elevate Windows U-Factor 0.27

Please list any energy-efficient products or design features, such as lighting, hot water heating, appliances, passive solar:

All LED lights
All appliances, except the gas range, are energy star compliant
Net-Metering with Electric Cooperative

Were any solar panels installed on the project?
Yes, there are 25 panels installed in a ground array 100 ft from the house.
The Solar system has an 11.0 kWdc system with a 10.0 kWac inverter, the system's estimated production is 16 mWh per year. The homeowner is already Net-Zero with the local Electric Cooperative even with 2 electric cars.

Please list any sustainable materials or design features not listed above, such as recycled materials, low-VOC finishes, landscaping, etc.

LP Smartside siding and Boral trim
low-VOC Benjamin Moore interior and exterior paint
Advantech OSB Subflooring
Rain water collection system for patio containers and adjacent vegetable garden
Design elements and furniture inside the home were made from trees harvested from the building lot, such as: Dining Room table and chairs, fireplace mantle, side tables, lights hanging over kitchen island and in living room, half-bath and guest bath vanities. Locally obtained and crafted Butcher Block island and open shelving in kitchen.

Any additional comments on the project:
The SHM Modern Home is a contemporary rustic home in the secluded countryside of Culpeper, Virginia and is enjoyed by a retired couple relocated from Washington D.C. Vaulted ceilings tower over the main level of the house, creating an elegant great room and fireplace area.

One of the residents is a retired chef and focused on her passion in the design. The kitchen has custom cabinetry and huge center island, just behind the kitchen is a spacious 125 sq/ft. pantry and prep area with upper and lower cabinets lining the walls, under cabinet lighting, full size prep sink, additional dishwasher and wine refrigerator all accented by quartz countertops and custom tile backsplash.

Vaulted ceilings also extend into the practical living portion of the house, divided into the two spare bedrooms and bathroom often visited by homeowner’s children and grandchildren, and the main suite with an impressive spacious bathroom, walk-in closet and laundry room. The main suite also has direct access to the 700 sq/ft. covered porch. The covered porch was a focal point of the house design, and it is also accessible by glass doors in the office, dining and living room.

The SHM Modern Home is more than accommodating for its residents and family as a peaceful but luxurious retirement retreat in the country

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