Working on a housing scheme at Lydd, in Kent I was very pleased our client Jenner contractors selected s on this residential development as it allowed us as energy assessors (Reina Group) to use the insulation performance of SIPs with the added benefit of low thermal bridging values. In comparison to traditional and timber frame builds, the predictable high performance of thermally modelled SIPs junctions allowed more accurate estimates of the psi-values which exceed the enhanced construction details recommended by the energy savings trust. This was also a pleasant surprise for the client Sanctuary Housing, they are not strangers to SIP’s as they have it on another scheme, but they expected a Timber Frame system and to be upgraded to a SIP product for the same budget had exceeded their expectations.
The result is extremely good Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE) results which exceeded design stage targets (TFEE)
When producing design stage SAP calcs to satisfy Building Control is great to have the confidence in the manufacturer you are recommending. When using Innovaré products and taking individual measurements / calculations to determine Psi values, it’s like waving a magic wand, but all wizards are not the same, the work to validate PSI values claims needs skilful sorcery, many say they can do it but, it can be all a bit embarrassing when you get audited and they cannot, all too common! My view is select SIPs and life is easy, select Innovaré and they can do all your thermal modelling in house and for freeeeeeeeeee!
Fabric Efficiency becomes critical next year with the new part L, SIP’s could help you more than you know for residential housing schemes after Spring, so make it easy on yourself!
Peter Graham – Reina Group
