Question 1

What are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

Accepted Answer

Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, are pre-manufactured building panels used to construct floors, walls, and roofs. Each panel consists of two oriented strand board (OSB) timber facings bonded to a central expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation core. The sandwich construction is what gives SIPs their structural strength — no additional timber framing is required.
SIPs panels are pre-cut before they arrive on site, meaning construction is faster, cleaner, and requires fewer trades than a conventional build. Once assembled, standard cladding, plasterboard, and finishes apply the same as any other build.

Question 2

How long have SIPs been used in construction?

Accepted Answer

SIPs technology has been in use since the 1930s, when architect Frank Lloyd Wright began incorporating the system into residential projects in the United States. The product has been refined and widely adopted across North America and Europe over the past 50 years. SIPs Industries introduced the system to the Australian market in 2009 and has since completed over 1,200 projects across Australia.

Question 3

What are SIPs panels made from?

Accepted Answer

Each SIPs panel has two outer facings of Oriented Strand Board (OSB/3), bonded to a central core of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation. The OSB is engineered from timber sourced through the routine thinning of managed plantations and manufactured using a formaldehyde-free bonding process. The EPS core is non-toxic, manufactured using a low-energy steam process, and treated with a fire retardant. Both materials are recyclable.

Question 4

How is a SIPs panel different from a regular wall or roof panel?

Accepted Answer

A standard wall panel is a non-structural lining. A SIPs panel is the structure, the insulation, and the wall surface in one pre-manufactured unit. It replaces the timber frame, the insulation batts, and several trade stages simultaneously. Because the structural strength is inherent in the panel design, there is no need for internal steel posts or additional framing within the wall.

Question 5

What can SIPs panels be used for?

Accepted Answer

SIPs panels are used for floors, walls, and roofs across a wide range of building types. Residential projects include single and double-storey homes, granny flats, and modular dwellings. Commercial applications include education facilities, hospitality buildings, light industrial, and hotels. SIPs floor panels work particularly well in elevated construction on post and beam (stump and bearer) systems, where the panel's strength delivers high thermal performance with fast installation.

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What are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

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FAQS.

Browse our FAQs.

What are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

How long have SIPs been used in construction?

What are SIPs panels made from?

How is a SIPs panel different from a regular wall or roof panel?

What can SIPs panels be used for?