#United States #Tempe #SIPA #Building Excellence #Structural Insulated Panels

SIPA Announces the 2026 Building Excellence Award Winners

The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) recently held its annual meeting in Tempe, Arizona, where it celebrated the outstanding achievements in building design and construction by announcing the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Building Excellence Awards. The event, which took place from January 26 to 28, recognized residential and light commercial projects that effectively utilized Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) to create remarkable structures featuring energy efficiency and innovative design.

These awards are crucial within the construction industry as they highlight effective use of SIP technology that meets the modern demands of energy efficiency and resilience, particularly in today's economically and environmentally conscious society. The use of SIPs helps ensure that buildings are both comfortable and sustainable, thus promoting healthier living environments for occupants.

The Importance of SIPs

SIPs are a building system that provides superior thermal performance and durability, resulting in a more energy-efficient structure. Their panelized design consists of a solid foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, making them highly durable and effective at creating an air-tight seal. This is especially relevant as building codes evolve to prioritize energy efficiency across various climate zones.

Award-Winning Projects in 2026

The Building Excellence Awards encourage builders, designers, and manufacturers to showcase their notable projects completed in the previous year. To be eligible for this honor, at least 50% of the exterior walls and roof must incorporate SIPs, a criterion that emphasizes the material's unmatched benefits.

This year, the awards included various categories tailored for different types of projects, from affordable housing to commercial enterprises, enabling a comprehensive overview of on-the-ground innovations within the construction sector. Here are some of the key winners:

Affordable Housing

• - Winner: Affordable Senior SIP Apartments in Las Vegas, NV
• - Runner Up: Affordable SIP Duplex in Gypsum, CO

Agricultural Buildings

• - Winner: SIP Barn in Yamhill, OR
• - Runner Up: SIP Gathering Barn in Blair, NE

Commercial Projects (Over 10,000 sq ft)

• - Winner: SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT
• - Runner Up: SIP Restaurant and Arcade in Queen Creek, AZ

Commercial Projects (Under 10,000 sq ft)

• - Winner: SIP Rest Area Roof in Frisco, CO
• - Runner Up: SIP Car Barn in Romulus, NY

Multifamily Housing

• - Winner: Duplex SIP House in Ridgeway, CO

Renovations

• - Winner: SIP Building Transformation in Apple Valley, MN
• - Runner Up: Revamped SIP Synagogue in Sag Harbor, NY

Homes Over 3,000 sq ft

• - Winner: SIP Rustic House in Rapid City, SD
• - Runner Up: SIP Desert House in Phoenix, AZ

Homes Under 3,000 sq ft

• - Winner: SIP Studio Office in Lewiston, ID
• - Runner Up: SIP Custom House in Florence, MT

Overall Winners

The Overall Residential Winner was the Solar Panel SIP House in East Hampton, NY, while the Overall Commercial Winner was the SIP Airport Terminal in West Yellowstone, MT. These outstanding projects serve as a beacon of innovation, pushing for sustainable practices within the construction industry and reflecting substantial advancements in technology.

Looking Toward the Future

The SIPA aims to position SIPs as the foremost choice for sustainable building solutions, and with over 800 project entries cataloged within the SIP Project Library from past awards, it serves as a testament to the effectiveness of SIP construction techniques. As the industry moves towards more eco-friendly practices, embracing SIP technology will be vital.

For builders and architects looking to create more sustainable buildings, SIPs not only reduce energy consumption and minimize carbon footprints but also enhance the overall quality and efficiency of construction. For more information, resources, and current projects, visit www.sips.org.

In conclusion, the SIPA's Building Excellence Awards not only celebrate the present achievements within the construction world but also serve as a platform to inspire future innovations that prioritize energy efficiency, sustainability, and superior design. The recognition of these exemplary projects demonstrates the significant role SIPs play in shaping a greener future for the built environment.