Commercial, Equipment Facility
VDOT Equipment Center: Virginia
Virginia
The VDOT Equipment Center in Virginia shows how SIPs with metal framing can bring the benefits of a high-performance building envelope to commercial construction. For this facility, ACME supplied Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) walls and roof panels designed to work with the building’s metal structural system, creating a continuous insulated envelope around the frame.
Coordination was especially important at the roof, where the SIPs span across metal trusses. ACME worked with the general contractor to verify the truss spans before fabrication so the panels would arrive ready to fit the structure. ACME’s installation crew then used lifting plates, crane straps and a crane to position the roof panels, secure them to the structure and seal the panel connections. Because the metal frame provided the primary structural support, crews were also able to complete the SIP roof before installing the walls.
The finished project demonstrates the flexibility SIPs can bring to commercial construction. Rather than dictating the structural system, the panels worked with the metal framing to provide continuous insulation across the walls and roof while reducing field adjustments and helping the building envelope come together efficiently.
At a Glance
Project Details
| Location | Virginia |
| Project Type | Commercial, Equipment Facility |
| Builder | |
| Architect | |
| Size | |
| SIP Application | Exterior walls and roof, SIPs integrated with metal framing (roof panels span metal trusses) |
| Completion | |
| SIP Benefits | Compatibility with metal framing, continuous insulated building envelope, precision fit through preconstruction coordination, efficient installation, less onsite cutting & adjustment |
Why SIPs, Here
- ✓ A tighter building envelope means less energy used to heat and cool it, winter and summer alike.
- ✓ Panels arrive cut to spec and go up fast, so the home was closed in before the weather turned.
- ✓ Less energy used over the life of the home means less carbon produced, for this family and the next one who lives here.
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