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

    By Mo Whelan, Studio-RMA 

Projects that are designed with SCIP

The Pasadena EcoHouse. CA

Hi'ilani House, Hawaii

West Port Ranch, N. California

Spa Hotel, Palm Springs, CA

Simcha Ranch, Mendocino N. CA

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 entire panel is made 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, sometimes called SIPs, are being designed, permitted, and erected in all 50 states. Studio-RMA is proud to be part of this international movement towards 'Better Building Practices'

 Multi-story SCIPs are now a reality

SCIP Design 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 building Design

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 Sustainable Architectural Design Concepts, providing and promoting these.  We do not sell SCIP panels or represent any specific producer of the SCIP panels. Several companies have now entered the American market, creating a highly competitive market for this building system.

Studio RMA's international position, our multi-lingual abilities, and our ease of converting Architectural and Engineering formulas between inches and metric values, allows us to provide our clients with the best Architectural and Engineering data available globally, resulting in cost efficient, sustainable structures. The Studio collaborates with local architects and engineers to ensure adherence to local codes, as well as promoting "Better Building Practices".

We will at times stretch the "Imagination" of our clients. In order to achieve our mutual goals, new architectural vernacular will need to be introduced. For example, to try to build a SCIP structure with a "Normandy' design theme leads inevitably to large cost over runs.  We recommend you go with a design that makes the most use of the material. 

Rapid Erection 

Less Construction Crews 

Hi'ilani House, HI - A Carbon Neutral SCIP Building House designed by Studio RMA

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, 90% 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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