Multifamily residential construction projects come with their own set of unique challenges. The sheer size of these structures demands a significant amount of materials for framing and exterior wrapping, skilled labor to complete the tasks, and extended project timelines. Additionally, developers must address the critical issues of soundproofing and fire resistance. Coordinating material, skilled labor and schedules, while maintaining project quality can be a challenge for larger scale projects. Particularly when every owner is anxious to get the building operational and provide housing for new residents as fast as possible. 

To overcome these obstacles, developers increasingly turn to offsite construction methods like Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). SIPs optimize the construction process, allowing projects to be completed faster, enhancing energy efficiency for tenant comfort, and reducing operational costs. They offer solutions that help keep projects on schedule, within budget, or even under budget. Let’s explore the benefits of using SIPs in multifamily projects and discover how they can enhance the overall value of your construction endeavors.

Why Developers Are Turning to SIPs For Multi-Family Projects

As the demand for energy-efficient, durable, and cost-effective construction methods grows, many developers are turning to advanced construction techniques such as SIPs for several reasons:

• Lower Tenant Utility Bills: SIPs significantly reduce heating and cooling loads by 60%, protecting tenants from energy cost fluctuations.
• Easier Building Maintenance: The durability and structural integrity of SIPs result in lower maintenance costs and less damage over time compared to traditional framing methods.
• Tenant Attraction, Less Churn: Energy-efficient housing is increasingly attractive to tenants, enhancing property desirability and occupancy rates.  
• Resident Happiness & Decreased Churn: LEED-certified buildings offer better indoor air quality and comfort, leading to higher resident satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
• Increased Rental Value: LEED-certified units can command higher rents, with premiums starting at 2.1% and growing over time, maximizing investment revenue.
  
  

⇒ PROJECT PROFILES:  Take a peak through our portfolio of high-performing multi-family projects to see the many benefits ranging from energy efficiency to faster move-in. 

Top Benefits of SIPs in Multi-Family Construction Projects

1. Occupy Buildings Faster With Accelerated Construction Time

“Compared to stick framing, SIP walls go up much faster since they can be installed in large sections and eliminate the need for separate on-site framing and insulation work. The finished walls are also beautifully straight, which saves time on drywall installation, painting, and other finishing work.” –Sharon Bullock, Project Manager for Community Development Programs Center of Nevada (CDPCN)

One of the standout features of SIPs is their ability to expedite the construction timeline of multi-family projects. The prefabricated nature of SIP panels allows for rapid installation, reducing onsite labor requirements and cycle times. With SIPs, developers can realize significant time savings during the framing and enclosure phases, enabling faster occupancy and revenue generation. Additionally, the precision engineering of SIPs minimizes errors and waste, further streamlining the construction process and enhancing overall project efficiency.

A great example is this recent multi-family project by the Community Development Programs Center of Nevada (CDPCN), founded and led by former NFL Raider Frank Hawkins. This impressive structure was framed in approximately 13 days, from May 17th to June 5th.

2. Superior Sound Control & Fire Resistance

Sound control is crucial in multi-family housing, where shared walls can mean unwanted noise and reduced privacy. Building codes throughout the United States require a measure of sound privacy between dwelling units, with the International Building Code (IBC) specifying a minimum STC (Sound Transmission Class) of 50.

Premier SIPs excel in sound control, with certain wall assemblies achieving STC ratings of up to 58 and 59—well above the required STC 50. Additionally, these assemblies are ASTM E119 hourly fire-rated, providing excellent fire resistance. This dual benefit of superior sound insulation and fire resistance ensures a safer and quieter living environment for residents.

3. Energy Efficiency & Cost Saving

SIPs offer unparalleled thermal performance, significantly reducing heating and cooling loads in multifamily buildings. By their composition—two layers of structural board enclosing a rigid foam core—SIPs provide superior insulation, minimizing thermal bridging and air infiltration. This translates to substantial energy savings over the building's lifetime, resulting in lower utility bills for both developers and residents. And to make it even better, SIPs contribute to achieving energy efficiency certifications such as ENERGY STAR, unlocking potential incentives and rebates while enhancing the property's marketability.  View Energy Efficient Tax Credits and Incentives here.

⇒PROJECT HIGHLIGHT, MULITFAMILY APARTMENT HOUSING:  The client was able to frame the project in 3 weeks. This greatly reduced the cost of labor for part of the project. When they did the blower testing the inspector was amazed at how tight of a building had been created. Now current tenants pay $30/month to heat or cool their apartment regardless of season.    

4. Durability, Structural Superiority, and Fire Resistance

SIPs are renowned for their durability and structural resilience, making them an ideal choice for multi-family housing developments. Unlike traditional stick framing methods, which may be prone to warping, settling, and moisture-related issues, SIPs provide straighter, stronger walls that resist damage and degradation over time. This inherent durability reduces maintenance costs and improves building longevity, ensuring a sustainable and resilient housing solution for residents.

The solid core walls of SIPs is a huge advantage, with double-sided sheathing on all walls and ceilings, resulting in fewer cavities between studs. This design leads to fewer holes in walls and less drywall damage, which means faster turnaround times for rental units. With fewer repairs needed, units can be ready for new tenants more quickly, enhancing the efficiency and profitability of property management.

Additionally, SIPs have passed the NFPA 285 Fire Test, ensuring fire safety for multistory buildings like multi-family projects. This excellent fire resistance provides an added layer of safety for residents, making SIPs a comprehensive solution for durable, efficient, and safe multi-family housing.

⇒PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: This unique multi-family project in Sonora, California chose Premier SIPS for three primary reasons: high performance, need for speed, and zero-energy (Title 24) mandates. Premier SIPS provide superior insulation and air-sealing while eliminating the need to vent the attic—a big deal for the Wildlands-Urban Interface Code. This 18-unit complex, designed with Zero Energy Home (ZEH) principles, showcases the perfect blend of renewable energy and high-performance construction with fire-resistant properties.

5. Compliance with Regulatory Standards

Multifamily projects constructed with SIPs often exceed regulatory requirements and certifications, providing peace of mind for developers and residents. SIPs’ superior energy performance and airtight construction contribute to achieving certifications such as ENERGY STAR and LEED, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Additionally, SIPs offer excellent fire resistance and sound insulation properties, ensuring compliance with building codes and enhancing occupant safety and comfort.

⇒PROJECT HIGHLIGHT, AFFORDABLE HOUSING:  By utilizing SIPs for all exterior walls across four stories, Community Development Programs Center of Nevada (CDPCN) achieved significant energy savings, faster construction timelines, and enhanced structural integrity. This project showcases the transformative impact of SIPs, providing affordable, sustainable, and resilient housing for the Las Vegas Westside community.

Learn more about Premier SIPS through our online resources and our extensive YouTube video library.  Contact your local Premier SIPS Rep today to talk about your next project.