SIP Warehouse and Distribution Center West Bend IA

Location: West Bend, IA

Project Information

Project Type: Commercial, Other Commercial
Manufacturer: Energy Panel Structures
Builder: Quail Construction
Design Professional: Quail Construction
Year Built: 2024

Performance

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

BEA: 2025 Building Excellence Award - Classic Winner

Warehouse Freezer Building / Distribution Center for Danish pastries and other frozen products manufactured by Country Maid. Country Maid distributes their products in over 45 states

Country Maid's Frozen Delights: A SIP-Built Distribution Center

Country Maid, renowned for its delectable Danish pastries and an array of frozen treats, needed a state-of-the-art distribution center to keep their products frosty fresh across 45 states. Enter SIPs – Structural Insulated Panels – the key to building a high-performance, energy-efficient warehouse.

Why SIPs?

Freezer buildings demand exceptional insulation to maintain frigid temperatures. SIPs, with their robust EPS cores (Freezer: 9-3/8", Loadout: 7-3/8", Office: 5-5/8"), create an airtight envelope, minimizing thermal bridging and ensuring consistent cold storage. This efficiency was a game-changer for Country Maid.

Building Benefits

  • Speed & Savings: SIP construction accelerated the project timeline, allowing Country Maid to start distributing sooner and enjoy a quicker return on investment.
  • Cost-Effective: The single-building structure approach using SIPs proved more economical than traditional methods, reducing material and labor costs significantly.

Engineering Marvel

The sheer scale of this project – 80' wide x 204' long x 28' high – demanded meticulous engineering. SIPs provided the ideal structural foundation for this impressive building.

Energy Efficiency

  • Envelope Excellence:
    • Walls: SIPs with their impressive R-values were the cornerstone of the building's energy efficiency.
    • Roof: Freezer Ceiling SIPs (10" with 9-3/8" EPS core) maintained optimal temperatures.
    • Windows: High-performance Gerkin Vinyl Office Windows (U-Value = .30) minimized heat gain/loss.
    • Doors: Plyco 92 Series Insulated Steel Entry Doors (U-Value = .28) with thermal breaks enhanced energy performance.
    • Attic Insulation: R-50 Cellulose insulation in the office area further boosted energy savings.
  • HVAC: An efficient electric mini-split, two-head heat pump system provides comfortable heating and cooling for the office space.
  • Sustainable Practices:
    • Low-VOC Paints: Minimizing harmful emissions.
    • LED Lighting: Energy-efficient and long-lasting.
    • On-Demand Water Heater: Conserves energy by heating water only as needed.
    • Automated Storage: Optimizes space and reduces energy consumption.

Country Maid's distribution center showcases the power of SIPs in creating a sustainable and efficient building that keeps their delicious treats frozen and ready for delivery across the nation.

Documents

Affiliated Members

Energy Panel Structures, Inc.
Manufacturing
Graettinger, IA

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