High-performance building practices are integral to this design and build project. Timber frame elements are used in conjunction with the SIP panels.
Arts and crafts three-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Portland Maine

Island cabin-cascade joinery
Mountain style porch idea in Seattle

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Deck - modern deck idea in Chicago

Small minimalist gray two-story metal exterior home photo in Other

Example of a small minimalist gray two-story metal exterior home design in Other

The Porch House sits perched overlooking a stretch of the Yellowstone River valley. With an expansive view of the majestic Beartooth Mountain Range and its close proximity to renowned fishing on Montana’s Stillwater River you have the beginnings of a great Montana retreat. This structural insulated panel (SIP) home effortlessly fuses its sustainable features with carefully executed design choices into a modest 1,200 square feet. The SIPs provide a robust, insulated envelope while maintaining optimal interior comfort with minimal effort during all seasons. A twenty foot vaulted ceiling and open loft plan aided by proper window and ceiling fan placement provide efficient cross and stack ventilation. A custom square spiral stair, hiding a wine cellar access at its base, opens onto a loft overlooking the vaulted living room through a glass railing with an apparent Nordic flare. The “porch” on the Porch House wraps 75% of the house affording unobstructed views in all directions. It is clad in rusted cold-rolled steel bands of varying widths with patterned steel “scales” at each gable end. The steel roof connects to a 3,600 gallon rainwater collection system in the crawlspace for site irrigation and added fire protection given the remote nature of the site. Though it is quite literally at the end of the road, the Porch House is the beginning of many new adventures for its owners.

This custom kitchen showcases the perfect blend of timber frame craftsmanship, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and high-performance SIP construction. The exposed wood details bring warmth and character, while SIPs provide superior insulation, energy efficiency, and lasting durability. Built by Tamarack Construction for beauty, comfort, and performance that lasts for generations.

Example of a classic home design design in Burlington

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Example of a minimalist two-story exterior home design in Chicago

The living room was designed as an open, light-filled space with a strong connection to the outdoors. Expansive lift-and-slide doors span the full width of the wall, opening directly to the patio and allowing the interior living space to flow seamlessly outside. Exposed steel posts and beams express the structural framework of the home, adding rhythm and industrial character throughout the space. Above, a dramatic vaulted ceiling highlights the structural roof system constructed with SIPs panels, creating both visual warmth and high-performance energy efficiency. A custom floor-to-ceiling steel-clad fireplace serves as a sculptural focal point within the room, contrasting against the smooth polished concrete floors and clean modern detailing. The layered combination of steel, concrete, wood, and glass creates a refined yet comfortable living environment, thoughtfully designed by H2D Architecture + Design. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Interior Design: Karlee Coble Interiors + Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes + Photography: Christopher Nelson Photography

Beach style deck photo in Charlotte

The exterior of this high performance SIPS home is clad in reclaimed fir, pine and larch from Eastern Washington Grain Elevators that were built in the 1920's and 30's. The beams at the exterior porch are milled from 12x12's that were the support structure of the grain elevators.

© Square Root Architecture + Design, Ltd.
Minimalist entryway photo in Chicago

Large rambler with slab on grade, hydronic infloor heat, SIPs walls, raised heal trusses and 22" blown-in attic insulation. Photo by Mary Haskin.
Craftsman one-story concrete fiberboard gable roof idea in Seattle

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. John Allegretti

The exterior of this high performance SIPS home is clad in reclaimed fir, pine and larch from Eastern Washington Grain Elevators that were built in the 1920's and 30's. The beams at the exterior porch are milled from 12x12's that were the support structure of the grain elevators.

Located in the Perrinville neighborhood of Edmonds, this waterfront project began as a vision for a large addition and attached garage and evolved into a substantial partial rebuild of the existing home. The design goals centered on expanding and modernizing the residence while responding thoughtfully to the site’s sensitive environmental conditions, including a stream, steep slope, and the Puget Sound shoreline with associated buffers. Careful planning ensured compliance with critical area restrictions while maximizing sweeping water views and strengthening the home’s connection to its remarkable setting. The reimagined main floor was designed as an open, light-filled great room organized around a large kitchen and generous entertaining spaces. Expansive glass doors and a dramatic wall of windows frame views of the Puget Sound, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection and allowing natural light to fill the interior. A new addition is designed with a two-car garage at the lower level and a primary suite above, designed as a private retreat with elevated views and refined finishes. Sustainability and efficiency were also central goals: the existing foundation and main floor system were salvaged and reused, while rebuilt walls support a modern double shed roofline constructed with SIP panels (Structurally Insulated Panels) over exposed wood beams. The result is a cohesive, contemporary home that balances environmental sensitivity, performance, and waterfront living. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

We removed part of the roof from this home and added a full second floor. We used Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) so to allow for vaulted clear span ceilings.

Close up of custom wood window.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman three-story wood gable roof remodel in Denver