Structural Insulated Panels

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) consist of a layer of foam (polystyrene or polyurethane) sandwiched between two layers of oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, fiber cement, or gage metal, which creates web-and-flange structural strength across the panel depth. SIPs can handle axial, bending, racking, and shear loads, and easily replace conventional framing.

The benefit is that a panel is an integration of both structure and insulation and has spanning capabilities, eliminating the need for rafters in roofs. Panels also have axial and bending load capacities and can be used as a wall system, eliminating the need for wall studs. Furthermore, these products are typically prefabricated which enables a shorter on-site construction schedule. Studio NYL has used several different manufacturers’ SIPs systems and our familiarity with these products allows us to optimize their use or to reinforce panels to increase the length of cantilevers, create flush bearing conditions or increase diaphragm strength.

Below are some examples of Studio NYL SIPs projects.

Wildwood Casino, Cripple Creek, CO

Architect: Semple Brown Design

Description: The project consists of five levels of underground parking garage below two levels of gaming. The roof structure for the building consists of both heavy timber wood truss and steel beam supported SIPs panels. The panels were supplemented with steel straps to enhance the roof diaphragm’s capacity to distribute lateral loads.

Hutton Residence, Sedalia, CO

Architect: Hutton Architecture Studio

Description: This Net Zero Energy residence includes load bearing SIPs walls and Roof panels.

Chautauqua Residence, Boulder, CO

Architect: Arch 11

Description: This private residence utilizes a SIPs roof designed to bear flush to steel beams. A typical drawback in contemporary residences using SIPs is dropped beams breaking up the ceiling. Steel beams with bearing plates were utilized to establish a flush ceiling.

Chautauqua Residence 2, Boulder, CO

Builder: Renove

Description: This private residence utilizes a SIPs roof reinforced with LVL's to allow for cantilevers in excess of 7 feet over butt-glazed windows.

Studio NYL
Structural Engineers

2995 Baseline Road
Suite 314
Boulder, Colorado
80303

Phone: 303.558.3145
Fax: 303.440.8536

Julian Lineham, P.E.
jlineham@studionyl.com

Christopher O'Hara, P.E.
cohara@studionyl.com

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