EFFICIENCY
SIPs cut construction time and reduce waste, making eco-friendly homes more attainable and sustainable for communities in need
FUTURE READY
SIPs deliver energy savings, durability, and speed—essential qualities that position them as the building blocks of tomorrow’s housing.
Blog
November 5, 2024
Back to the Future
Why SIPs Are the Future of Construction
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) may sound like cutting-edge technology, but they actually date back to the 1930s. This vintage innovation, pioneered during the Great Depression, has re-emerged as a cornerstone of modern, sustainable building. Today, Fortis Homes uses SIPs to deliver efficient, high-performance housing that meets today’s environmental and affordability demands. By revisiting this tried-and-true method, we’re building a bridge between the past and the future of construction.
Courtesy Alden B. Dow Home & Studio
Dow Test House/Carras Residence, Built: 1961
Courtesy Michigan Modern
SIPs have roots in the 1930s and are reshaping the future of construction with sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.
SIPs Through Time: A Sustainable Legacy
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a forward-thinking construction solution with roots in the past. Their journey began in the 1930s and accelerated in the 1940s and 50s, thanks to Alden B. Dow, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. His work led to three prototype sandwich panel homes in 1952 and 1953, built on a cul-de-sac. The first took two carpenters three months to build, but with improved techniques, the third was completed in a mere six weeks.
Fortis recently completed four SIP homes in 47 days using Extreme Panel Technologies.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability of SIPs: Then and Now
- Thermal Performance: SIPs offer superior insulation, reducing energy consumption significantly. This feature has been essential since the early days of SIPs and remains a core benefit today, cutting energy costs for homeowners.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Dow’s early panels used innovative, durable materials, and today’s SIPs build on that legacy, using sustainable sources to support a low-carbon footprint.
- Waste Reduction: Modern SIP construction minimizes waste by producing panels precisely to specifications. Fortis Homes leverages this efficiency to meet our zero-waste goals.
Cost-Effective and Reliable Construction
- Rapid Construction: SIPs allow for quick assembly due to their pre-engineered design—a benefit Dow recognized in the 1950s that remains central to SIP builds today. This quick assembly time saves on labor costs, which ultimately benefits homeowners.
- Long-Term Savings: SIPs provide exceptional insulation, lowering heating and cooling costs over time, a cost-effective advantage that has only grown more relevant with modern energy demands.
- Enduring Durability: SIPs have always been known for their strength and longevity. Fortis continues this tradition, creating homes that require minimal maintenance and provide enduring quality.
Fortis and SIPs: Innovation Meets Tradition
The innovation introduced over half a century ago continues to shape modern construction. Fortis honors the early vision by making SIPs the backbone of our affordable, sustainable housing solutions. As we face urgent needs for energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and rapid construction, today's SIPs offer unmatched advantages that position them as the future of construction.
SIPs stand out for their ability to drastically lower energy consumption, making homes more affordable to live in over the long term. Their standardized production means faster build times, minimal waste, and consistency in quality—all critical factors as the construction industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and streamline building practices. With SIPs, Fortis is not only delivering high-quality, affordable housing today but also pioneering a building method that sets a sustainable path forward, ensuring future homes are as resilient as they are eco-friendly.
© 2024 Fortis