What is a SCIP (structural concrete insulated panel) Building? 

    By Mo Whelan, Studio-RMA 

In a SCIP (structural concrete insulated panel) building all the walls, floors and roofs are made of prefabricated foam panels with robotically welded mesh on each side and a 3-D truss system welded through the center foam panel.  Applying a concrete skin to both sides of the panel  brings strength to the structure.             

Each panels are made of a large content of recycled materials.  The building can be erected rapidly by connecting the panels for walls, roofs and floors. Concrete coatings on each side of the panel give these structures tremendous strength, fire resistance and great insulation.                  

Because of it's monolithic structure- the panel components are connected by mesh reinforced concrete - this building system allows for very expressive sophisticated architectural designs with extreme strength.

Studio-RMA's  Spa Hotel  SCIP Design

EVG's Robotic Welding System

History of SCIP's [Structural Concrete Insulated Panels]

Combining foam cores with concrete skins has been a proven building system worldwide since 1970.  A new SCIP technology was developed by EVG in Austria. EVG is a multinational leader in robotic welding technology.  Its precision in welding increased the calculable strength of this building system manifold, thus expanding building possibilities, including multi-story units.  The building system is rapidly being adapted in Europe, Asia, Mexico, Australia and now the USA. Most of its Design and Engineering principles are formed in Metric systems and the German Language.  As these principles are translated into inches with its related Construction Engineering, SCIP buildings are starting to emerge in the USA.

SCIP structures are being used in the re-building of New Orleans and surrounding areas that were devastated by Katrina. Miami Dade County in Florida endorses the system for it's proven hurricane resistant strength, Malibu City endorses the system for its fire and earthquake resistance. Currently SCIP buildings, are being designed, permitted, and erected world wide. Studio-RMA is proud to be part of this international movement towards creating building technologies that can enter the dawn of Carbon Neutral Design

 Multi-story SCIPs are now a reality

SCIP Construction Advantages

* Produced with recycled and sustainable materials 

* Fire rating up to 4 hrs. 

* Seismic design can be up to 8 on the Richter scale 

* Can withstand hurricane winds of 200 MPH. 

* Reduces construction time of the building, lowering costs of construction loans 

* Heat insulation starts at R-40 upwards [2x4 framing walls R19, Roofs R-30] 

* High sound buffer, also between floors and rooms. 

* No termite and vermin problems. 

* If designed well, a SCIP building can compete with 2x4 framed structures.

Unlimited Design Options

Studio-RMA and SCIP construction technology

Studio RMA endorses SCIP building systems because it seems a sane way to go environmentally. It's innate structural strength, high sound and insulation factor, fire resistance and the low maintenance of the structures over time make it a very compelling option.

The Studio focuses on creating Carbon Neutral Design Concepts

Studio RMA's international position, our multi-lingual abilities, and our ease of converting the required mathematical formulas between inches and metric values, allows us to provide our clients with the best values available globally, resulting in cost efficient, sustainable a construction concepts.

Studio RMA specializes in visualizing the SCIP construction method and can review its potential intergration into Carbon Neutral Design.

The Studio's concepts and technology are to be expanded upon and designed by local architects, engineers and contractors to ensure adherence to local codes, state and governamental requirements.

Rapid Erection 

Less Construction Crews 

Hi'ilani House, HI - A Carbon Neutral SCIP design

Origami Engineering

This term, on how to take advantage of the structural properties of a SCIP was really coined by our founder Robert Mechielsen. His background in, and love of structural engineering are evident. In his own word...

" I love Concrete, and Concrete Technology! Being from Europe, I guess, I grew up in it. One of my favorite Professors and Tutors, Bakema, started to fold concrete slabs to increase the strengths of roof structures. It always stayed with me, like how folding a piece of paper suddenly increases its strength. Gaudi, more known for outrageous designs, little known for his Structural Savvy, as Bakema pointed out, used similar structural systems."

"Of course at this time, it was solid concrete, heavy, brittle, and folding it took expensive molding and casting systems."

"Reviewing SCIP Technology, I realized, that one can now, SKIP, 70% of the concrete weight, by inserting an insulating foam, yet keep the two cardboard-like concrete skins to structurally act in unison via the robotically welded mesh."

"It dawned on me, that any roof overhang, built with that system, would act as a box that protects a fragile column of crackers. Look how sturdy your "Carr's Water Crackers", or whatever, cracker box really is."

"The folding of these dual concrete skins, mesh re-enforced, robotically structurally connected, tends to structurally equate to immense strength and cantilever abilities."

" In honor of Bakema and Gaudi, I called it 'Origami Engineering'. So, if in your designed structure you see folded planes, remember that they increase the structural ability of your habitat, protecting you the best way from nature's ravages, as a habitat should do."

More Info?

For more information on our services, please call or email Michele Gobatto MicheleG@Studio-RMA.com

A Folding Concrete 'Bakema' Design 

Studio-RMA folding roof studies 

Structural Analysis Gaudi's work 

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