ACME Panel Recently Featured in the Journal of Light Construction

Recently, ACME Panel provided the structural insulated panels for a 2024 Journal of Light Construction Case Study home, referred to as the Queen of Zero.

The custom single-family home is a rebuild of a 1901 Queen Anne Victorian style that was previously destroyed in a fire. This time, however, it is being built as a high-performance home.

Located just outside of Washington DC, the owner wanted to rebuild the original home but modernize functional aspects for advancements in energy efficiency, resiliency and comfort.

In an article published in January, JLC attempted to bust a number of SIP myths including cost, technology, and installation requirements. It also featured some lessons for potential builders. The article featured pictures of ACME panels SIPs being installed in the custom home.

The Journal of Light Construction plans to include a number of articles about the home over the coming year, featuring various energy-efficient aspects.

For this particular project, ACME manufactured 6.5-inch-thick panels to the exact specifications for the home. Each panel was labeled for its location and sequence in assembly. The panels were manufactured with pre-made horizontal and vertical chases for electrical wiring.

While SIP panels are practical for a number of different home design styles, featuring a Victorian home is important to bust the myth that SIPs are only a good fit for “production style” homes with minimal architectural features. This particular home is designed to maintain all of its original Victorian charm while exceeding today’s energy standards.

Read more about the Queen of Zero project here.

Joe Fortier Elected SIPA President

ACME Panel President Joe Fortier was elected earlier this year to serve as president of the Structural Insulated Panel Associated (SIPA).

SIPA is a non-profit trade association representing manufacturers, suppliers, delaers/distributors, design professionals and builders who provide quality structural insulated panels to the construction industry. ACME has been a member of SIPA since 2009 as a signal of their commitment to ethical practices and good service in the manufacturing of SIPs

“SIPA has helped us work with other manufacturers to ensure we are delivering the best possible product and service to the end user,” Fortier said. “Everybody at SIPA is committed to providing a better building system.”

In the mission to get innovative builders to adopt SIPs as their preferred building method, SIPA has been an important tool in ensuring manufacturers use best practices, communicate the benefits of SIPs clearly, establish technical standards, and create clear implementation practices.

Fortier said he’s pleased to contribute to the years of good work that SIPA has already accomplished while continuing to promote the benefit of SIPs.

Increased awareness regarding SIPs has the potential to benefit both homeowners and builders alike.

For homeowners, an important message is that not only do SIPs pay themselves back in utility savings, but they also radically decrease their house’s carbon footprint. Fortier likened it to a gift for the planet.

“It really is a win-win,” Fortier said.

But equally important is helping builders understand that using SIPs can benefit them too. In many instances, builder and homeowner interests don’t align. That isn’t the case for SIPs. Not only are SIPs faster and easier to build for an experienced builder, but they can also reduce labor on the job site.

During his term, Fortier will continue leading many of the recent efforts already underway, including calculating embodied carbon and establishing environmental product declarations.

“I think there’s a lot of really great work that’s going on right now. SIPs have always been a very green product. Now we are trying to give architects and builders the objective tools to see that. It’s a very exciting time,” Fortier said.

Fortier also praised the spirit of collaboration that has already been established with SIPA. Unlike many industries where competitors are reluctant to share information or work together, SIPA has a history of bringing manufacturers together to tackle shared obstacles. Fortier credited Executive Director Jack Armstrong with steering members’ focus into expanding SIPs market share instead of allowing members to fight over the existing business.

Fortier started his term in January and has the potential to serve up to three terms as president. He had previously served on the board for 10 years, three years as Treasurer and a year as Vice President.