I am a SIP fan, but not exclusively to other systems. I am in NYC metro area where full (or walkout) basements are expected, and labor costs are among the highest in the world. There are "Comparative market values" that have to be considered for resale, as "Real Estate" is a huge part of the economy here with the average time for change in ownership/sale of a house was under 4 yrs before the Recession. I emphasize the better value of a longer term investment of higher quality, better performing, lower maintenance, energy efficiency. Of course that eliminates "house flippers" and pushes people to "think smaller" than is the norm and hopefully consider what they really need in a house and home, and how to use limited financial and sweat equity resources. We all know that TF building is a small market sector that we encourage to grow - join the TFG and pay your dues!
I'll say again, that my FAVORITE TFG rendezvous project was 1989 Habitat for Humanity hose building in York PA. We used SIPs there. Get a copy of "Raising the Roof" from the Guild online store - inspiring and instructional.
Foundations/basements can be thermal mass components, easily making use of active or passive solar gain. They can be used for cooling moderation in the summer. Also, all local and neighboring utility companies give incentives for off-peak use including ETS systems.
Use of SIPs is labor efficient, energy efficient, well engineered for structural and Energy Code compliance. I think we have an array of great SIP producer companies who are in it for the long run who are innovating, refining, responding to environmental concerns, and provide great customer service. SIPs on a TF makes for rapid enclosure and easy, quick weather protection, plus if it's winter it's lots easier to bring the inside temp to a minimal comfort (thus efficiency level) for subcontractors, mechanicals and finish work to proceed.
We stopped using urethane foam core panels after the 1st time because of environmental and worker/worksite safety and waste problems.
We switched to EPS panels, early on learning to use cut-offs and cut-outs efficiently. We used our dust/chip collector and Sears W/D vacs to collect crumbled panel "Stuff" on job sites and "reused" it for various insulating purposes. An easy use was poring bagfuls of EPS crumbles from inside the attic of a church down into the voids of the hollow concrete block exterior walls while we were doing structural repairs to the steeple and some of the roof trusses. We won one of the earliest NYSTAR energy efficiency awards in our area for a house we built in Putnam County NY 1993 - '94. From the start of the 1/4 mile long driveway up the mountainside, to clearing site for house and septic system, and for construction of TF house enclosed w SIPs, full basement and stick framed 2-car garage, we took away 8 large garbage bags for disposal as non reusable, non recyclable waste. 8 garb bags for a whole new house - no dumpsters on site! Trees were harvested and milled into flooring and interior trim lumber and for firewood. Compost piles were started on site and used throughout he progress of the job and owners continued beyond. Most of the waste was plastic wrap from various materials and component packaging plus from electricians installation of wiring. We used a HRV system, gentle slow forced air circulation using electric heated water, made and stored during off-peak hours 12 hrs/day 7 days/week. It is sized to provide DHW also. Very comfortable and clean indoor environment w low cost of operation.
I like solid poured concrete w lots of steel for foundations, so we have used 2" x 2' x 8' T&G expanded polystyrene for exterior or interior foundation insulation. We always put sheetmetal flashing termite/vermin barriers under bottom of first level of SIPs.
I was inspired by Helen and Scott Nearing, "The Maple Sugar Book" etc for back to the land homesteading, have done community barn and house raisings. I have built stone foundations. I have done lots of retro-fitting of old buildings. And I know several people who have done straw bale houses - all "out in the sticks". Maybe it will become more popular with the current high unemployment and low availability of bank loans. The financial and economic systems we live under anger me lots, for many reasons - topic for a different thread...
Where to find clay ..... how to convince local building code officials straw bale w clay plaster will meet code ...? Enough for now, hope this is helpful. Going back outside to finish some new locust Craftsman style posts for handrail at steps and landing to my kitchen door. Handrail to be black walnut profiled on my shaper. Locust and walnut grown and harvested and milled within 25 miles of my house. Then continue on an engine swap into my International flatbed dump.
Looking fwd to reading everyone's posts on this topic.
Steve