Project Feature: Net-Zero Energy Cabin using new Platinum SIPS

Project photos & details provided by ArtemisiaCabin.com

“One of the reasons we chose to build with SIPs (structural insulated panels) is that they can go up very quickly, while maintaining excellent air-tightness and insulative qualities.”

Photos courtesy of artemisiacabin.com

Currently in the construction phase and just finished drying in, Artemisia cabin is located in Washington State and will be a net-zero-energy solar-powered house with two bedrooms and a loft.  It is constructed of Premier’s new Platinum SIPS for the high degree of insulation and air tightness needed to meet the project owner’s net-zero goal.  Glazing is triple pane, and the house and windows are situated to maximize solar heat gain in the winter and shade in the summer.  The home will be 100% net-metered solar electric, with no gas, wood, or other fuel sources.  The owners worked with an architect to come up with a design that will blend well with the natural surroundings, and they have tried to choose contractors who have experience minimizing soil disturbance during construction.

Photos courtesy of artemisiacabin.com

Visit Artemisia’s website for a list of the net-zero and green building features used.  The owners are documenting every step in the construction process with online details on resources, green building features used, construction steps and progress photos.

Premier SIPS Project Installation :

The Walls Are Rising:  Premier SIP installation

Framing Complete:  Photos of framed structure

PREMIER PLATINUM SIPS

PREMIER PLATINUM structural insulated panels (SIPs) that offer 20% higher R-values than traditional SIP panels. The next generation of high performance SIPs is made with the new Insulfoam Platinum graphite polystyrene (GPS) insulation. GPS is a new class of insulation made with BASF’s Neopor, a rigid foam that integrates high-purity graphite into the polymer matrix. The graphite reflects radiant heat energy like a mirror, increasing the material’s resistance to the flow of heat – or R-Value. In fact, testing has shown Platinum cores can increase the panel’s overall R-Value by over 20%.

Premier’s Platinum core SIPS are used in building enclosures which demand high performing and stable R-values – which notably increase as the temperature decreases. In some cases, PREMIER PLATINUM, with GPS cores, can result in the need for a thinner panel while still meeting energy code requirements. This, in turn, can reduce freight costs and reduce the size and thickness of accessories such as fasteners and lumber (if needed).