SIPS housing in temperate and equatorial climates. A comparative analysis

The University of Liverpool (UoL) and housing developer Dragonboard are seeking to appoint a suitable experienced and qualified individual to undertake a three year doctoral research programme.

Dragonboard are in the process of acquiring planning permission for a block of 15 apartments on the outskirts of Chester. The developer is keen to build from the outset, high quality, energy efficient homes and is therefore proposing to use composite Structurally Insulated Panel (SIPS) panel to form the external envelope of the apartments. On completion the company anticipates significant growth in this type of Modern Method of Construction (MMC) and has already had enquiries to build the same development in different global geographical locations including Africa and Dubai.

The successful applicant will work with the developer in
a) understanding and supporting the build in Chester
b) assess the overall environmental performance of the Chester development
c) create and validated a 3D model of the development
d) simulate the building in different geographical locations such as Africa and Dubai

The aim of this project is to assess the performance of the SIPS system against current construction systems, using either Traditional Masonry, Timber Frame or other ‘Modern Methods of Construction’.

The results of the project may prove that the system offers an affordable, green, quick building system resulting in low energy bills and a part solution to the UK housing shortage by increasing the speed that new energy efficient homes are brought to market.

We believe this research project is a unique and exciting opportunity for the right candidate to be involved in a class leading building product that can offer a step change in the way energy efficient buildings are designed and constructed, not just in the UK but worldwide.

A collaboration research project between the manufacturer and the University will offer the graduate an opportunity to demonstrate to the building industry an innovative, energy efficient, quick to construct system (using semi-skilled labour), that will benefit not just standard housing schemes and ‘Grand Design’ type buildings, but homes and other community buildings suitable for third world countries, refugees and disaster areas. We are keen to demonstrate that the composite panels can become as ubiquitous to the construction industry as brick, timber and concrete.

The objectives are:
• Assess the architectural designs and have input into specific detailing
• Monitor the build sequence
• Monitor energy, CO2, temperature and humidity readings in a non-occupied apartment
• Continue to monitor energy, CO2, temperature and humidity readings of occupied apartments
• Build a 3D and simulate performance under different climatic conditions.