Prestigious Oxford build chooses Hemsec SIPS

Hemsec SIPS was the manufacturer of choice to supply its BBA-approved Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) on a prestigious scheme in Oxford, comprising six, high specification penthouse developments on top of an existing flat roof building which covered 660m2 of floor space. ABC+D finds out more…

Approached by McVeigh Offsite, specialist installers and fabricators of SIP structures, Hemsec, was requested to provide a bespoke manufacturing run of 197mm thick panels to achieve the targets set for the build.

Targets of paramount importance included a fast build programme, air tightness and thermal performance; the Central Oxford location also came with site restrictions and logistical challenges. Mark Conroy, project manager at McVeigh Offsite described the use of SIPs for this project as a no-brainer, adding that the flexibility provided by Hemsec SIPs made its panels “the most effective and efficient choice.”

Flexibility of the product is provided through the manufacturing process, allowing the panels to be manufactured in any length up to 6m long and thicknesses up to a staggering 250mm. Generally standard lengths, thicknesses and widths are adhered to with the added ability to include rebates on the panel edges, however, with Hemsec’s flexible approach and new engineering facilities, a much more individual project-focused end product is achievable.

This project used hot rolled steel for the structural supporting framework and utilised the SIPs as in-fills between the Ibeam flanges and outboard. With this in mind, it was decided that Hemsec would supply small format blank panels in a range of lengths to McVeigh Offsite where they would then be optimised to the project’s design and made manageable at height for ease of installation.

Being able to achieve the bespoke thickness allowed this project to achieve the excellent U-Value’s and added to the air tightness of the external envelope. Mark went on to praise the additional achievement of a bespoke SIPs spline joint panel:

“Having utilised Hemsec’s 15mm OSB/3 facings on the main panels, we had a core thickness of 167mm which we needed to be as airtight as possible. Hemsec tailored its mini-sip spline to suit our project needs, ensuring a cold bridge free construction at the joint.” 

Contact Hemsec:

Stoney Lane,
Rainhill,
Merseyside
L35 9LL

T: 0151 426 7171
E: [email protected]

Visit the Hemsec website

Visit Supplier's page