Structure Assembled!

The SIPS have gone together incredible quickly. In two weeks time, the walls have been erected, loft framed, beams set, and roof erected. Of course, because the house is constructed of SIPS, this also means at this point it is insulated, sheathed inside and out, and once dried-in ready for the electrical, plumbing, and drywall subs.

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The interior photos provide a good look at the PSL posts, massive structural glulams, and the large windows that have been strategically placed. IMG_3565

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Looking from back-to-front gives a good idea of how the floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the house will look. IMG_3566

Looking at the back of the house, you begin to appreciate the glulam timbers that span the length of the structure and are designed to hold over 60,000lbs of weight on each side of the roof!

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The final pictures provide a good view of the exterior build-up that id designed to ensure a tight, well-ventilated envelope.

My plans call for foaming between each panel (standard) and then taping the inside and outside joints. Building science indicates that taping the inside joints helps to prevent air and vapor movement through the joints. The outside joints are taped for the same reason as well as to prevent any water movement through the joint and promote outward drying.

To double-down on the integrity of air and weather sealing, I opted to utilize Pro Clima’s Mento 1000 house wrap. This high performing weather resistive barrier will cover all the exterior walls and roof with every joint taped with Pro Clima’s Vana Tape.

In essence the SIPS are well-sealed with foamed and taped joints, then we put a plastic bag that is able to diffuse water vapor outward over it. Over the housewrap furring will be laid to ensure there is a gap between the siding the house to further encourage outward drying.

All of this should yield dry, air-sealed panels, that yield a high-performing envelope while performing for many years to come.

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The last photo shows the beautiful view the house enjoys of the surrounding mountains!   IMG_3576