Cement & Foam Panels
The more lengthy, more precise name for this exciting innovation is “structural cement insulated panel” or “SCIP.” If you are interested in green building, this is a concept that looks to have a bright future.
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Structural cement insulated panels, note interior struts for extraordinary unit strength. (Photo: Studio RMA) |
We learned about SCIP technology from Herman Blanke, a Los Angeles based expert on green technology who attended the AlwaysOn “GoingGreen” event. For an example of this technology in use today, Blanke recommended Studio RMA, based in Dusseldorf, Germany.
On Studio RMA’s website, their “What is a SCIP Building” page provides a pretty good description of how it works, and the synergies are obvious. Basically a SCIP wall has a thin exterior of cement, interlaced with a strong mesh of steel. In between these cement exteriors is a thick foam center. And throughout the foam, connecting the cement sides to each other internally, is a series of strong steel diagonals that tie the exterior concrete skins on each side together, yielding an extremely strong panel.
Structural cement insulated panels are so strong they can be used as roofing material or walls without any additional structural support. They constitute a modular building panel that performs the function of exterior stucco, plywood siding, 2×4 wood (or steel) studs, and insulation, in one integrated panels. They are so strong the framing requirements of a building can be partly fulfilled simply by using these panels. They have incredible insulation values, they last virtually forever, and they cost less.
Another variation on the SCIP technology can be found on the SIPCRETE website. Located in Turvey Beds, England, SIPCRETE has taken SCIP technology a step further, where they manufacture and deliver not only panels, but modules. In this application, a builder might order, for example, 100 identical room modules, and would simply stack and connect them to an infrastructure frame in order to build a hotel.
Alternatively, SIPCRETE provides technology and materials to builders who wish to prefab a “thermocore” of foam, rebar, diagonals and forms, afterwhich cement is poured in over the core in order to complete a building exterior. Again, the cost in time and materials competes well with traditional building technologies, especially considering what is built is extremely durable and has very good insulating qualities.
The green building revolution marches on.
October 1st, 2007 at 8:23 pm
The SCIP system in Germany is similar to a California innovation certified for the building code in the late 70s known as the Covington ‘W-Panel’. The concrete veneer sandwich has other variations including houses built in Baja with a panel called Tri-D. There’s a sequence animation here using the spray-on veneer panel for more robust two-story walls.
October 3rd, 2007 at 9:36 am
[...] http://www.ecoworld.com/blog/2007/10/01/concrete-foam-panels/ [...]
October 4th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
There are environmental pro’s and con’s to these type of building materials.
First of all, EPS foam is far from a sustainable product. It is basically the same material as a styrofoam cup. This foam does not biodegrade, and cannot be recycled.
However, SIPs provide much needed insulation and are strong enough to last intense storms. They will continue to be “greener” products as the materials become greener. Some companies are testing bio-based foams, and other recycle core alternatives. There will be many exciting products in the future. This site talk sandwich panel products available.
Sandwich Panels.org
October 16th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
In response to Todd’s comment that styropor (which is the type of styrofoam used in SCIP technology) is not recyclable, I know for fact that it is recyclable. It is not biodegradable, so it really depends where this product is found that makes the difference. Let’s say you buy food that comes in Styrofoam packages. That styrofoam is not recyclable due to sanitary reasons, but if the foam is just for packaging or in this case for building purposes, it is fully recyclable. There is a company in the USA that has a recycling program specially for this type of foam: Here is the web link in case you have any further questions:
http://www.basf.com/corporate/news2000/recycling122200.html
December 5th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
I keep hearing about these panels but I can’t find anyone who is actually making them or building with them. Does anyone have contact info for a manufacturing plant capable of providing the finished scip panels and a builder capable of not only constructing a SCIP house but having the documentation needed on the product to pass city building inspector codes? If you do have this info, please share it.
January 24th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
In producing of the concrete panels, the quality of reinforcing mesh is very important, especially the welding spot for the mesh fabrics. For more information, you can consult me or visit our site. We are from China. Lucia