Project Overview

Sherman Duplex

High-Performance SIP Duplex for Cold-Climate Housing

The Sherman Duplex in Ridgway, Colorado, is a residential duplex designed to provide durable, energy-efficient housing in a cold-climate mountain environment. Built as a two-unit residential structure, the project prioritizes long-term performance, occupant comfort, and efficient construction—key considerations for multifamily housing in rural and high-altitude regions.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were used as the primary building envelope system, supporting a high level of thermal performance and construction efficiency while delivering a resilient, low-maintenance residential structure.

Design and Sustainability

The duplex was designed to perform efficiently in Colorado’s variable climate, where cold winters and significant temperature swings place high demands on residential buildings. A strong, continuous thermal envelope was central to the design approach, helping reduce heat loss and maintain consistent indoor conditions for both dwelling units.

SIP construction supports sustainability goals by reducing energy demand, minimizing air leakage, and improving overall envelope durability—benefits that contribute to lower operating costs and improved long-term housing performance.

Why SIPs?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were selected to provide a reliable, high-performance building envelope well suited to duplex construction. For small-scale multifamily projects, SIPs offer a practical way to improve energy efficiency while simplifying framing and enclosure.

By integrating structure, insulation, and air sealing into a single system, SIPs reduce construction complexity and improve consistency across both units—helping ensure predictable performance and quality throughout the building.

Benefits of SIPs

Using SIPs on the Sherman Duplex delivered several key advantages:

• Energy Efficiency:
  Continuous insulation and airtight construction help reduce heating demand in a cold-climate environment.

• Occupant Comfort:
  The SIP envelope supports stable interior temperatures and reduced drafts for improved year-round comfort.

• Construction Efficiency:
  Panelized SIP assemblies streamline installation and reduce overall construction time compared to conventional framing.

• Durability and Longevity:
  SIP construction provides a solid, resilient enclosure designed for long-term residential use.

Construction and Innovation

SIP construction enabled a simplified and repeatable building process well suited to duplex housing. The system supports consistent envelope performance across both units while reducing onsite variability and coordination challenges.

This approach helps ensure that each dwelling benefits equally from the high-performance characteristics of the SIP envelope.

Performance & Sustainability Features

• High-performance SIP building envelope providing continuous insulation, reduced air leakage, and improved thermal performance for cold-climate conditions

• ENERGY STAR® electric split HVAC systems with multi-zone interior units serving both residential units

• High-performance windows:
  Andersen 100 Series dual-pane, non-metal frame windows
  U-factor: 0.28 | SHGC: 0.28

• Energy-efficient lighting:
  All fixtures utilize LED technology

• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures meeting EPA WaterSense® criteria

• ENERGY STAR® appliances installed throughout both units

• High-efficiency condensing tankless water heater with smart controls, meeting ENERGY STAR® standards

• Low-VOC interior finishes supporting improved indoor air quality

• Native, drought-tolerant landscaping reducing water use and long-term maintenance requirements

Challenges and Solutions

Cold-climate residential construction requires careful attention to thermal continuity and air sealing. SIPs addressed these challenges by delivering a continuous, high-performance envelope that limits heat loss and improves overall building efficiency—supporting reliable performance in a mountain environment.

Key Features

• Residential duplex in Ridgway, Colorado

• Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) wall and roof construction

• High-performance building envelope for cold-climate conditions

• Energy-efficient, low-maintenance housing solution

• Consistent comfort and durability across both units