Net Zero Custom Home | SIP Residence in Colorado

Colorado

Project Type Residential | Single Family > 3000 sf

Year Completed 2025

Project Size 6874 sq ft

SIPS Used 6" EPS exterior walls, 4" EPS interior walls, 12" GPS Max Roof Panels (7/16 OSB skins)

Architect Crown Jade Design & Engineering

Contractor Epic Structures

Project Overview

Epic Structures Net Zero Custom Residence

Net Zero SIP Home Built for High-Performance Living in Colorado

This custom residence in Colorado was designed and constructed as a net zero energy home, demonstrating how high-performance building systems can significantly reduce energy demand while enhancing comfort and durability. Developed by Epic Structures, the project reflects a commitment to efficient, resilient residential construction suited to Colorado’s climate.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were used as a primary building envelope system, supporting the home’s net zero goals by minimizing heat loss and uncontrolled air leakage.

Design and Sustainability

The home was designed with sustainability and long-term performance as core priorities. Achieving net zero energy performance required a highly efficient building envelope paired with thoughtful system integration.

SIP construction allowed the design team to create a continuous, airtight thermal enclosure that supports reduced energy demand, stable interior conditions, and predictable performance—key requirements for net zero residential design.

Why SIPs?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were selected to deliver the high level of insulation and airtightness required for net zero construction. SIPs reduce thermal bridging and air infiltration by integrating structure, insulation, and air barrier into a single system.

This integrated approach simplified construction while ensuring the building envelope performed as designed—an essential factor in meeting aggressive energy efficiency targets.

Benefits of SIPs

Continuous insulation reduces heating and cooling loads
Airtight construction minimizes energy loss and drafts
Improved interior comfort across seasonal temperature swings
Predictable envelope performance supports net-zero goals
Durable, long-lasting wall and roof assemblies

By extending SIP construction beyond the exterior envelope to include interior walls, this home achieves higher levels of energy efficiency, sound control, durability, and indoor comfort. The approach demonstrates how thoughtful SIP integration can deliver net-zero-ready performance without added construction complexity or cost.

Performance & Sustainability Features

Net-zero ready home exceeding 2021 IECC building code requirements
Approved under the 2021 IECC Performance Path (HERS Index not required)
Blower door test result: 1.34 ACH50
Extremely low winter energy use: 0.53 kBtu/ft²
High-performance SIP wall and roof envelope
Whole-house hydronic radiant floor heating with zoned controls
ENERGY STAR® Laars Combi water heater
Heating system right-sized for reduced SIP envelope loads
Superior Walls precast foundation with continuous 2" EPS insulation
Interior SIP walls for improved thermal stability, durability, and sound control
9.12 kW solar photovoltaic system
37 kWh total battery storage (two Fortress batteries)
Simplified structural design reducing material waste
Digitally coordinated design minimizing construction rework
Durable assemblies supporting long service life and improved indoor environmental quality

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