Affordable SIP House Birmingham AL

Location: Birmingham, AL

Project Information

Project Type:	Residential, Affordable Housing
Manufacturer:	Extreme Panel Technologies
Builder:	Navigate Affordable Housing Partners / Locke General Contractors
Design Professional:	Design Initiative
Year Built:	2023

Performance

High Performance:	Yes
HERS/EUI Index Score:	56
ACH50 - Blower Test Results:	0.87
kBtu/sq.ft./year:	32.2
CO2 lbs./sq.ft./year:

Awards/Certifications: Building Excellence Awards

BEA: 2024 Building Excellence Award - High Performance Winner

Building End Use:
In the pursuit of providing affordable housing without compromising energy efficiency, a groundbreaking project in the State of Alabama introduced a single-family home constructed entirely with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). This innovative approach not only reduced construction time but also delivered a high-performance shell, ensuring low energy bills for its future low-income residents.

Wall Construction:
The walls of this forward-thinking home are built with 5-inch thick SIPs, featuring Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) as the core material. This choice provides excellent insulation, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the structure.

Roof Construction:
The roof is constructed with 8.5-inch thick SIPs, also incorporating EPS as the core material. This substantial insulation helps maintain a comfortable interior environment while minimizing the need for excessive heating or cooling.

Benefits of SIP Implementation:
The use of SIPs in this project yielded multiple advantages, revolutionizing the construction process and enhancing the home's overall performance.

Time Efficiency:
SIPs played a pivotal role in reducing construction time by a remarkable four weeks. The precision and ease of installation offered by SIPs allowed for a quicker and more streamlined building process.

Labor Optimization:
Significantly less labor was required for the installation of SIPs compared to traditional construction methods. This not only saved costs but also contributed to the project's overall efficiency.

Energy Performance:
The home achieved an impressive 56 Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index, showcasing its commitment to energy efficiency. Additionally, the blower door test resulted in an impressive <1 Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50), ensuring a tightly sealed and energy-efficient building envelope.

Innovation in Design and Engineering:
This project marked a significant milestone as the first fully SIP home built for affordability in the State of Alabama. The integration of SIPs into the design allowed for a fresh perspective on constructing homes that are both cost-effective and energy-efficient.

Performance Metrics:

HERS Index: 56
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index for this home stands at 56, reflecting its energy efficiency compared to a standard new home.

Blower Door Test Results (ACH50): 0.87
The blower door test yielded impressive results with a leakage rate of only 0.87 Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50), indicating a well-sealed and energy-efficient building envelope.

Energy Use Intensity: 32.2 kBtu/ft2
The Energy Use Intensity (EUI) for this home is 32.2 kiloBritish thermal units per square foot (kBtu/ft²), underscoring its commitment to low energy consumption.

HVAC System: 15.2 SEER2 ducted system
The home features a 15.2 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ducted system, providing efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to ensure occupant comfort.

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