SIPTEC, a pioneer in the development of Modern Methods of Construction, (MMC) is using Norbord’s Sterling OSB in the manufacture of its high-technology Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs.

SIPs are a composite panel comprise of a polyurethane foam core bonded to two rigid outer skins thus creating a sandwich panel. The foam core gives the panel an extremely high thermal efficiency and ensures that the OSB facings remain rigid in shear, the OSB transfer tensile and compressive forces down into the foundations; The result is a very strong and rigid panel which is extremely light.

Interest in SIPs has increased enormously over the past few years, largely as the result of Prime Minister Tony Blair’s decision to encourage a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions as part of the UK’s Kyoto Protocol commitments.

At the same time, efforts to improve the operational efficiency of the construction process have stimulated interest in the development of MMCs – particularly those which entail a high proportion of off-site manufacture.

SIPTEC, which offers licenses to manufacturers, is a company created by a team of experts which has been making SIPs since 1982. “Until 1999, we used Far Eastern plywood for the outer skins” says SIPTEC director, Tony Palmer. “However, Sterling OSB has a much better environmental profile because it is made from renewable softwood from properly-managed UK forests”.

Unlike plywood, which is made from expensive, large-diameter logs, the wood fibre which goes into Sterling OSB comes from forest thinnings. These are the small, immature trees harvested as part of the forest management process to create space for larger trees to grow.

Norbord supplies SIPTEC with large-format, moisture-resistant Sterling OSB boards produced to SIPTEC’s size requirements. Thicknesses range from 11 mm to 15 mm. The boards are supplied by specialist timber board merchant, and official Norbord distributor, Montague L Meyer.

“We specify Sterling OSB quite simply because it’s a reliable, high quality product which gives excellent value” comments Mr Palmer. “Our intake of OSB is increasing dramatically due to strong demand from our customer base, which includes builders, developers and self-builders”.

The variety of buildings erected using SIPTEC panels is increasing all the time, says Mr Palmer. They currently range from home-offices, erected in domestic back gardens, to hotels. “We are about to start an order for a 15-storey, 680-room hotel in Dubai” says Mr Palmer.