Public Works SIP Projects

Long-term energy efficiency and sustainability make SIPs the building system of choice for environment-minded government groups. The SIPA Project Library includes schools, municipal town halls, park visitor centers and zoo aquariums. Browse the sample projects below or choose SEARCH at the right to see more civic SIP buildings.

Public Works SIP Project Winners

South Pole SIP Science StationSouth Pole SIP Science Station
South Pole, Antarctica
SIPA manufacturing member Enercept worked alongside the contractor in the manufacture of the SIPs for the project; providing the design greater R-value (R50+ for the walls and R-70+ for the roof panels) and superior strength when compared to standard framing methods. Enercept also worked with the builder in the construction of its Degree Angular Scale Interferometer (DASI Satellite) at the Pole. For both the station and DASI, the use of SIPs gave the project a material that was system built, generated less waste, and – most importantly – offered the builder a greater speed of construction. Why did they build this 60,000 sq. ft. building with Enercept SIPs? For the superior insulating qualities and because a quick construction cycle was critical to this building project. A key feature in this building is that it can be lifted over time to avoid being buried in the drifting snow.

SIP Zoo AquariumSIP Zoo Aquarium
Tacoma, WA
Climate controlled environments to support the large exhibit's habitats were required, which meant an efficient and stable indoor environment was required. The large tank exhibits also required huge spans of the roof to allow the massive tanks the space for the exhibits and habitats to function naturally.

SIP Middle SchoolSIP Middle School
East Moline, IL
“We looked at metal studs and it came back more than we wanted to spend, more than SIPs,” said Maynerich. “SIPs gave us more than adequate R-value to meet the insulation requirements in the walls and roof.”

SIP Arts CenterSIP Arts Center
Fishtail, MT
The Olivier Barn was designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification. SIPs were used to enclose the timber frame barn to achieve optimal energy efficiency.

Building Green SIP SchoolBuilding Green SIP School
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas firm SSA Architecture was able to cut energy use by 50 percent and save more than $1 million dollars from the construction budget by specifying SIPs for this 68,000 sq. ft. elementary school.

SIP Ranger StationSIP Ranger Station
Payson, AZ
SIPs saved time and labor. AC is a major concern in Arizona and SIPs will help lower the energy costs. Jumbo panels (8’ x 24’) helped with the roof installation.

Public Works SIP Project Case Studies

Building Green SIP SchoolBuilding Green SIP School
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas firm SSA Architecture was able to cut energy use by 50 percent and save more than $1 million dollars from the construction budget by specifying SIPs for this 68,000 sq. ft. elementary school.

Net Zero SIP Education CenterNet Zero SIP Education Center
Accokeek, MD
Environmental educational building that embraces the world's most stringent set of green building and energy efficiency requirements. "It's more than just a structure," said the Foundation's Executive Director. "It's a teaching tool to help students have an even more meaningful experience connecting with and understanding both the natural and the built world."

SIP Middle SchoolSIP Middle School
East Moline, IL
“We looked at metal studs and it came back more than we wanted to spend, more than SIPs,” said Maynerich. “SIPs gave us more than adequate R-value to meet the insulation requirements in the walls and roof.”

SIP Middle SchoolSIP Middle School
Kirkland, WA
“When you start looking at SIPs, you can’t look at just SIPs versus a conventional wall,” said Grant. “SIPs allow me to reduce structure, they allow me to avoid installing continuous rigid insulation on the exterior walls, and when you add all those things together it starts to look more comparable, but you have to look at it more holistically.”

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