I Am Eastside

Shirey Contracting, builder of Bellevue’s Zero Energy Idea House, announced today that the use of structural insulated panels (SIPs) have cut weeks off traditional construction scheduling. In addition to greatly reducing the home’s energy usage, SIPs construction produces a framed, insulated, and sheathed structure in one step.  

This announcement marks a major milestone in the construction of the Zero Energy Idea House, a green building demonstration project designed to increase awareness of products and systems that can help homeowners move toward energy independence.

Located at Bass Cove, on West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE, the Zero Energy Idea House will demonstrate how home modifications and green building technologies, accompanied by homeowner lifestyle changes, can result in significant energy savings.  The project, designed by Clinkston Brunner Architects of Seattle, is being documented throughout construction via a website (www.ZeroEnergyIdeaHouse.com) and will be open for public tours starting in the spring of 2009.  Upon completion, the Zero Energy Idea House will be home to Donna and Riley Shirey, owners of Shirey Contracting. 

“If you’ve never seen SIPs panels being installed, it’s quite a sight,” says Donna Shirey, president of Shirey Contracting.  “SIPs installation is much faster and more cost-effective than traditional building techniques.  We expect to have the entire structure of the house built out in less than three weeks.”

SIPs, an alternative to traditional stud framing, are one of the most eco-friendly building systems available.  The manufacturing process of expanded polystyrene SIPs does not off-gas harmful chemicals, such as CFCs, a noted cause of atmospheric ozone depletion.  And these SIPs are closed cell, which means they do not absorb vapor and cause mold, a common problem in the Northwest.

The tight-fitting panels also create healthier indoor air by preventing drafts from outside and reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew through better humidity control.  Additionally, because SIPs are prefabricated and custom-cut for every project, there is less construction waste – a huge benefit considering that the National Association of Home Builders estimates that the construction of an average single-family home generates between 7,000 and 12,000 pounds of construction waste.

Other key sustainable features of the Zero Energy Idea House include photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and solar hot water; a 1,200-square-foot vegetated “green” roof; a planted “living wall” to serve as a retention wall; ENERGY STAR® lighting, windows, and appliances; rainwater harvesting; a small wind turbine; and in-floor radiant heating.

The home will also be equipped with an energy monitor that displays energy input and output in real time, a tool that will be key in helping homeowners modify their energy-consumption habits.