I will soon finish the design of a timberframe home which I will then have built. Quality methods and materials are most important me, followed by good aesthetics. For me, quality means materials that are non-composite/natural while decently high performing (energy efficient).

So here’s the thing: I’m really conflicted by SIPs. On the one hand, I find the energy efficiency that can be achieved with the help of SIPs incredible. I also really like the quick assembly and precision they bring. To not use them would feel almost like a costly mistake, and an obvious one at that.

But on the other hand, when I see a photo of a freshly SIPed timber frame, I want to turn away because it looks so wrong. The contrast of the quality and integrity of a timber frame with the manufactured components of the SIPs doesn’t work for me. And I also find the idea of a tightly air-sealed house unnerving. By sealing the house, we inhibit the natural flow of air and water, and replace it with machine to circulate the air inside. I know SIPs aren’t sealing the house, but the two often go hand in hand.

I know ultimately there’s no right answer since it comes down to values— if I want high-performance, then I should go with SIPs, but if natural materials is the priority, then I should choose a different wall system since there are plenty of other decent options out there.

I would really just like to know if anyone else has a similar conflict, and how you think about it or resolved it.