Project Overview

N2 Construction Custom Residence

High-Performance SIP Home Designed for Cold-Climate Living

The N2 Construction Custom Residence is a single-family home located in Montana, designed to deliver long-term durability, comfort, and energy efficiency in a cold-climate environment. The project reflects a performance-driven residential approach, prioritizing a strong building envelope and construction methods that support year-round livability while reducing operational energy demand.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were used as a primary component of the building envelope, supporting consistent thermal performance and efficient construction.

Design and Sustainability

The home was designed to respond to Montana’s seasonal extremes, where cold winters place high demands on residential buildings. A continuous, well-insulated envelope was central to the design strategy, helping minimize heat loss and maintain stable interior conditions.

SIP construction supports sustainability goals by improving airtightness, reducing thermal bridging, and enhancing overall envelope durability—key factors in achieving efficient, comfortable homes in northern climates.

Why SIPs?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were selected to provide a reliable, high-performance building system capable of meeting cold-climate requirements while simplifying construction. For custom residential projects, SIPs offer a practical way to improve energy efficiency without adding unnecessary complexity.

By integrating structure, insulation, and air sealing into a single assembly, SIPs help ensure consistent performance across walls and roof assemblies while supporting predictable construction outcomes.

Benefits of SIPs

The use of SIPs delivered several important advantages for this project:

• Energy Efficiency:
  Continuous insulation and reduced air leakage help lower heating demand in a cold climate.

• Interior Comfort:
  SIP construction supports more consistent indoor temperatures and reduced drafts.

• Construction Efficiency:
  Panelized SIP assemblies streamline framing and enclosure, improving build efficiency.

• Durability:
  SIPs create a solid, resilient envelope designed for long-term residential use.

Construction and Innovation

SIP construction enabled efficient enclosure of the home while maintaining envelope continuity across the building. The system’s prefabrication and precision helped reduce onsite variability and support overall construction quality—important benefits for a custom residence.

Performance & Sustainability Features

• High-performance SIP building envelope designed to significantly reduce energy demand compared to conventional construction, particularly given the home’s extensive glazing

• Mechanical systems designed to work in concert with the SIP envelope, allowing for efficient heating and cooling with right-sized HVAC equipment and consistent indoor comfort

• ICF rigid insulation foundation supporting thermal performance and durability

• High-performance window systems integrated within timber-framed window walls to balance daylighting with thermal efficiency

• Careful detailing at window openings to maintain continuous air sealing and envelope integrity

• Envelope materials selected to complement SIP performance, durability, and long-term resilience

• High-performance glazing designed to reduce heat loss while maximizing natural light

• Vaulted ceilings paired with SIP roof assemblies to maintain thermal continuity

• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances supporting overall building performance
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• Durable material selections intended to minimize long-term maintenance

• Design focused on longevity and efficiency, supporting aging-in-place and reduced operational costs

• Construction approach emphasizing quality, performance, and resilience

Challenges and Solutions

Cold-climate construction requires careful attention to insulation, air sealing, and envelope continuity. SIPs addressed these challenges by delivering a high-performance building envelope that limits heat loss and improves long-term comfort without increasing construction complexity.

Key Features

• Custom single-family residence in Montana

• Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) wall and roof construction

• High-performance building envelope for cold-climate conditions

• Energy-efficient residential design

• Durable, low-maintenance construction approach