Innovating Educational Spaces – Franklin Ellis Architects

The Rise of SIPs in Modern School Construction

In our 20 years working in the education sector, we have primarily worked on school buildings using steel frames, composite concrete floors, and SFS walls clad in brick or insulated render. This tried and tested method has been reliable especially compared to our early experiences with modular construction.

Recent advances in modern methods of construction (MMC), particularly with structurally insulated panels (SIPs), have led to their increased use in school buildings. The Department for Education’s recent MMC Framework has driven this shift. SIPs are made of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, capable of supporting precast concrete floors.

Despite the benefits of SIPs and offsite construction, some clients still prefer traditional methods due to concerns about cost, robustness, and longevity. Switching to timber-based construction can require a leap of faith for those unfamiliar with its benefits.

Understanding the advantages of SIPs helps explain why they are becoming a preferred choice for modern school construction.

SIPs Benefits

Energy Efficiency

SIPs significantly reduce thermal bridging, offering superior energy performance. This results in lower heating and cooling costs, which in turn allows schools to redirect more funds towards educational resources.

Environmental Impact

SIPs are often sourced from sustainable materials and contribute to reduced construction waste. Their excellent energy efficiency also leads to a lower operational carbon footprint, helping schools meet increasingly important green building standards.

Speed of Construction

Minimising disruption is critical in school projects. Thanks to their prefabricated nature, SIPs can dramatically reduce construction timelines. Manufactured off-site and assembled quickly on-site, they help projects stay on schedule — an essential factor in the education sector.

Structural Strength & Durability

Despite being timber-based, SIPs offer robust and stable structures capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. They can be clad in a wide range of external materials, and their durability translates into reduced long-term maintenance costs.

In conclusion, incorporating SIPs into school construction offers benefits like energy efficiency, speed of construction, structural strength, and environmental sustainability. As the building industry continues to face many challenge’s moving forward, it’s encouraging that educational institutions continue to seek innovative solutions for better learning environments.

Image Shown to the left was created with ChatGPT 4.0 to show a representation of SIP’s in construction.