Agility and quality.

SIP Wood Houses

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are Insulating Structural Panels that were invented in 1934 in the United States of America. Today, they are one of the most widely used construction systems in the USA, Canada, Northern Europe, and the United Kingdom, and are also gaining popularity in Russia due to their excellent characteristics.

After extensive research in search of alternative construction systems to our traditional masonry, we discovered SIPs, which are virtually unknown in Portugal. We specialized in SIPs and were immediately captivated by their quality and simplicity. Our focus is on developing this construction method in Portugal.

Equipped with the best tools and top professionals, and after an intensive search for the best suppliers to implement this construction system in Portugal, we are already in the starting phase and able to provide estimates for your property.

What are SIPs?

Essentially, they are panels composed of two sheets of OSB3 or MgO (Magnesium Oxide boards, which are fire-resistant) measuring 2500mm x 1250mm x 12mm, glued together with a core of EPS100, more commonly known as expanded polystyrene. The core thickness typically ranges from 80 to 200mm, depending on the wall's location and type. Together, these components form a compact and structural panel with built-in insulation. Depending on the property's location or the intended use of the panel, the thickness and type of insulation can vary. Options include EPS, Graphite EPS, XPS, PIR, PUR, Rockwool, Wood Fiber, or Cork (Expanded Cork Agglomerate), which is 100% natural and an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator. Currently, we work with EPS, Rockwool, and Cork.

We are committed to bringing the benefits of SIPs to Portugal and have the best tools and professionals to make it happen. We are now in the initial phase and ready to provide estimates for your property.

Thermal comfort

Only the 70mm EPS core provides thermal insulation equivalent to a brick wall 1000mm thick.

Quick and efficient assembly.

The panels arrive at the construction site ready to be installed, eliminating preparation time. Framing and insulation.

Termite guarantee

We use OSB Home Plus with a 20-year warranty.

Versatile

Accepts various types of cladding.

Resistente ao fogo:

OSBi com OSB 9.5mm+ EPS 3F 70mm + OSB 9.5mm revestido com gesso acartonada standart de 12,5mm nas duas faces. Classifica-se com II-A(OT 10 - Bombeiros/SP e CF30 - Norma 10636:1989

Eco-sustainable

Reduces energy usage and gas emissions, minimizes waste on-site, and helps preserve natural resources.

Mechanical strength

OSB Home Plus panels are considered structural.

Lightweight and easy.

With low weight and prepared for electrical and plumbing installations, it reduces cost and assembly time, eliminating the need to hire separate services.

SIP panels are manufactured in a warehouse and then joined together on-site using wooden battens and beams or with so-called Splines, which replace the battens. However, we currently do not use Splines, and it's even possible to assemble entire walls and then transport them to the construction site. This construction system falls into the category of Prefabricated Houses, enabling us to achieve a completely clean construction process, as everything is prepared in the warehouse, leaving the construction site entirely clean as found.

In the fabrication of the panels, we use 12mm OSB3 boards, but we can also use MgO (Magnesium) boards, which are fire-resistant, with an EPS100 core ranging from 80mm (for internal walls) to 200mm (for roofs and floors). All joints are sealed to ensure complete airtightness and prevent any air leakage, which is one of the main concerns for comfort.

Traditionally, our construction has been masonry (concrete and bricks), and we have always regarded other construction systems with skepticism due to various reasons. However, in more advanced countries, these systems have been widely used for many years. With the increasing openness in our mindset, as evidenced by the growing demand for alternative construction systems, we have strongly embraced SIP panels, which boast excellent characteristics and immense growth potential in Portugal.

Triple Insulation:

Ventilation and breathability are essential for the well-being of those who live in a house, and only a wooden house allows for natural breathing since wood is the only construction material that enables natural breathability. Additionally, we work with naturally ventilated facades, roofs, and foundations. For exterior walls, we always create a ventilated facade with a minimum air gap of 30mm. Roofs have a 40mm air gap to efficiently dissipate the typical hot air of our summers. For the house's foundation, we recommend constructing it elevated, meaning we advise that the house be raised on cement pillars or large screws about 400mm above the ground. These pillars are fitted with specialized fittings that minimize contact between the wood and cement/steel, and insulation is applied between them to reduce thermal bridging. The support beams of the entire house are fixed into these foundations, providing natural ventilation and preventing moisture transmission from the ground to the house. This is crucial as moisture transmission is common in Portugal. Additionally, this setup prevents direct heat or cold transmission in the walls and roof, especially heat, as temperatures can frequently reach 45ºC in Portugal.

Ventilated facades will allow hot air to circulate freely behind the facade, which receives the initial impact. As hot air naturally rises, it continues to circulate through the roof until it reaches the ridge, which has its own openings to expel the hot air. Inside, we also create a 30mm minimum air gap where all sewage and water pipes, as well as electricity, pass through. This air gap is filled with Mineral Wool, an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator, creating a Triple Insulation effect. This Triple Insulation is the combination of the interior air gap, the SIP panel wall, and the exterior ventilated facade.

Claddings

In terms of claddings, we offer a wide range of options to our clients. For the exterior, we have choices ranging from real wood to wood composite, natural stone, or its imitation, among several others. As for the interior, some options include plasterboard (Gypsum Board) and wainscoting/lining.

Some examples of
projects with SIP panels.

This construction system is truly practical and quick to apply. With a small team of people, walls can be set up in no time. On average, each panel takes less than 20 minutes to be assembled.

The spectacular Gemma Observatory, which won an architecture award, is an excellent example of this construction method.

A few more purely
indicative images:

Any house made with masonry can be built using SIP panels. So, all you need to do is imagine how you would like the configuration of your house to be, and leave the rest to us. We will create the project from scratch and handle all the permits. Afterward, we will present you with various cladding and insulation options we offer. Depending on the construction area, within 2 to 3 months after obtaining the necessary approvals from the municipality, your house will be ready to move in.