DIY Network

SIP Homes: Part 2 From "Assembly Required" episode DASR-202

Usually structural insulated panels, or SIPs, aren't known for use in complex custom jobs. However, Kelley and Christina Murphy decide to go against the norm when building their 7,000 square foot mansion. If that challenge wasn't enough, they also have to build the house around four 18 foot tall retaining walls!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

The Murphy Build

In order to preserve the historic walls, Kelley and Christina work with architect John Battle to create a Mediterranean-style, tiered home design that cascades over the retaining walls.

Kelley, acting as his own general contractor, heard about the benefit of SIPs and heads to the Insulspan factory in Michigan to investigate the product. Once there, SIP dealer Josh Seiser shows Kelley the steps for making the panels. They review Kelley's architectural plans, and are soon convinced that with a few modifications, the house can easily be built with SIPs.

Both Christina and architect John Battle are skeptical at first, but Kelley pulls the trigger and begins building his family's 7,000 square foot mansion out of SIPs.

The Murphys find that the stone retaining walls are not strong enough to carry the load of the house, so they connect steel beams and columns to pilings sunk deep in the ground so the load of the house will pass by the fragile walls (figure A).

After four months of sorting through the ground work, Kelley and his build team were ready for the panels. One of Christina's concerns with SIPs was that the design couldn't be modified. This concern was put to the test half way through the build when the Murphys discovered the fireplace mantle overshadowed one of the windows. Fortunately, SIPs proved flexible, the plans were changed on site, and construction continued.

In just six weeks, the entire shell was put together (figure B). After a year and a half of construction and finish work, the Murphy's custom-designed SIP home was complete (figure C). The outside has Mediterranean-style rooftop decks and grand archways. The interior is designed using family psychology. It's an 'upside down' house, with all of the public spaces on the first, or top floor. The second level down is space for Kelley and Christina to enjoy their time kid-free. Their two sons have reign over the third and bottom floor.

The Murphy's home is now twice the size of their old home, with their energy bills down by a third. The sound of the commuter rail line running through their back yard is kept at a minimum - all thanks to structural insulated panels.

RESOURCES :

Panel Pros, Inc.
Website: www.panelpros.com

Insulspan
Website: www.insulspan.com

GUESTS :

John Battle
Battle Associates, Inc.
Website: www.battlearchitects.com

Elizabeth Church
Church & Barrett Architects
White River Junction, VT
Telephone: 1-802-296-0004