How do we build a tiny house?

10 May

Edit - Please note, since writing this blog post, we have upgraded our models even further. For updated information, please click here to read 'We’ve Upgraded Our Models’

If you've been following us for a while, you'll know that we simply ADORE tiny houses, compact cabins and those who are looking to live or stay in a greener environment. Especially if you have been in contact with us via email, you'll have also learnt a thing or two about our build materials and processes.

But since we love to spread the love, we thought we'd let you all in on how we build our homes and why we use SIP construction to build our homes.

Where it all began!

Since the beginning, when we first set out on the great adventure of constructing tiny homes, we started like most other companies with the use of timber frames, a very classic sustainable method of building tiny houses and a equally durable home.

Over time, as we developed our knowledge of new construction methods, we discovered that light gauge steel was being used across the pond where tiny houses are much more popular. We decided this could work for us, but after our first constructed home, we discovered it worked a little too well as this home was over-engineered (too strong for its purpose) it was costly and creating unnecessary weight reducing the mobility of the home. The weight for us wasn’t the issue, a stronger longer life home is what we wanted to pride ourselves in, but sadly, for a customer who has a dream of driving their home up and down the country made this method unpractical leaving us to make a choice between quality and meeting customers expectations.

This was a fortunate accident and became our breakthrough phase leading us to make a choice - We had to choose between solid heavier homes followinig housing standards to create a true home but just more compact or to continue to follow the crowd of building lightweight homes with thinner walls for a lighter ‘caravan’ style tiny house. In the end, we chose to focus on building toward housing standards for longevity and quality purposes.

What did we do to modernise our construction methods?

We did as anyone in the business would do, we sought out long standing professionals who had 30+ years of experience in the modular housing industry. We were invited over to the EU to learn more about Pasivehaus priciples and to understand the makings of a high quality home that is designed for all seasons (-20C to 30C). SIP panels were the first recommendation by the professionals in the industry. They explained this modern method would allow us to build to the quality we desire with less wastage AND at a shorter speed. Since then (November 2021), we have been using SIPs and will continue to do so for as long as they outperform other build methods.

What are SIP panels and why do we use them to build our tiny houses?

SIPs are a modern way of constructing a house with precision and to a high standard. The abbreviation SIP is short for a structurally insulated panel. Each SIP is made up of two OSB panels with high performing foam injected in between to sandwich the panels together leaving zero room for any air pockets or for air to get between the panels. Each panel is then slotted together using a SIP spine. Effectively it is a giant jigsaw puzzle with SIP panels that are cut and shaped to fit one another to create a super airtight home.

What is the purpose of SIP construction?

SIP construction is one of the best methods for creating a high-performing super airtight home to reduce heat loss, even in the winter months. To break this down into energy costs, homes with an A-C rating mean they keep warmer in the winter reducing your energy bills which is much needed in today's world of increasing energy prices. According to EPC Mortgage, based on data from 2015, if a Band D has an annual fuel bill of around £1500, a band A will save you up to £1000 per year on bills! As this is old data and we are aware of the significant price increases that took part this year, this could be closer to £1500 saved each year.

To compare this to our models, we had the Nomad 2 bedroom home SAP tested to see what its performance would be. We were delighted to discover that we scored a 98 out of 100 which equates to an A-rated certfication. As a tiny house or cabin isn’t attached to the ground therefore isn’t mortgageable, to offer this certfication, you would need to permanently fix your home to the ground with a concrete base. Without this, you can simply know that your home is an A-rated home, just without the piece of paper!

Are our SIP panels better than a timber frame?

In the UK, SIPs are gradually gaining popularity as an alternative construction material for residential and light commercial buildings. They are better performing with high thermal performance and increased strength for the longevity of a build. Their durability and smooth installation reduce human error compared to timber frame construction which relies heavily on manual labour and an increased risk of human error. However, the panels do equally have their downside as no method is 100% perfect.

SIP panels and the environment

Whilst they are highly airtight and insulative for a high performing home, both the insulation and the toxic glues to hold the boards together are not great for the planet as well as our own health. We’ve all heard of VOC off gas from painting your walls and ceilings which is emitted into the air by any chemical based product which is always a concern for ourselves as work progressively towards a healthier solution for a high quality home that is equally a healthier home for you and this beautiful planet.

The current pro to these panels is they eliminate a lot of waste reducing our carbon footprint and as we continue to develop our models, we will be learning about other methods of construction until we find the perfect ah ha moment discovering one that is the perfect balance between health and ease of construction.

That's it from us this week. We hope that you have learnt a thing or two about our build methods, why we build the way that we do and what we hope to achieve in the future!

If you have any questions about our methods feel free to message me anytime - leanne@thetinyhousing.co