energy-efficient SIPs houses are especially ideal for construction in ecologically sensitive zones.
Components of SIPS energy-efficient houses are always designed, engineered and constructed to specific, local environmental conditions. Since the house can be covered with many traditional materials, it will appear indistinguishable from traditionally constructed, less efficient buildings. They are not prefabricated 'kit' houses.
Because components are made at a factory, by-products are recycled and on-site waste and degradation to the construction environment are almost eliminated.
Construction materials are manufactured from products that do not damage the environment or use large amounts of energy to manufacture or transport.
southwest view showing solar gain windows
house heated by solar gain and masonry stove (llar)
Much more insulation is placed under floor, within walls, and within the roof than has been traditional in Spain. Special coated insulating glass is used in insulated window and door frames.
Amounts of interior floor and wall mass that collects solar heat are correctly proportioned and in correct ratio to windows. Proportions and ratio is calculated to latitude, mean temperature, and other environmental variables. Largest windows are oriented to the south-east to collect light between at least 10 am and 2 pm. Roof overhang is calculated to shade the solar windows during hot summer months.
Auxiliary heat is necessary and will be produced by ‘masonry heaters’ made from brick or stone, with a secondary burning chamber. Wood burns at a very hot temperature (1100°C) so that all energy and gas pollutants are extracted from the wood and do not pass into the atmosphere. Efficiency is rated at 85% - 95%. Brick mass surrounding the stove stores the heat, which then slowly radiates into the house. Even when outside temperature is below freezing, and without auxiliary heat, the inside temperature does not fall below 10° C, even when there is no direct sun for 4-5 days. A 50% gain in temperature is gained at no cost!
northeast view
The house uses no butane or kerosene; its efficient masonry stove burns less than half the amount of wood burned by a traditional iron stove; almost no pollution is emitted and, instead of burning trees, wood waste products from local sawmills, which otherwise pollute groundwater, are burned. Hot water is provided by the wood burner and the sun.