Why should I build a concrete TIPS panel home

For many years, it has been recognized that wood frame homes do not represent the future of high-quality home construction. Factors such as the limited lifespan of wood, susceptibility to warping, termite and insect damage, sheetrock cracking due to shifting wood components, and thermal energy inefficiency contribute to this assessment.

Wooden homes are becoming obsolete, while concrete homes are gaining prominence. However, there are several barriers to the adoption of concrete homes, including the cost of concrete and the technical expertise required from builders. Builders tend to prefer familiar methods.

Numerous companies are innovating in concrete construction, exploring efficient and practical approaches to make concrete homes more accessible to the general public.

TIPS Concrete walls offer advantages such as resistance to mold, dust, and fire. A monolithic structure, free of joints or fault lines, is capable of withstanding various challenges from both man and nature. Laboratory tests have shown that TIPS walls can endure sustained winds exceeding 300 kph and withstand two minutes of continuous shaking at a simulated level 9 on the Richter Scale without incurring structural damage. Real-world events have confirmed this strength, with homes surviving hurricanes and earthquakes greater than level 7.

Build Sustainable Structures with Total Integrated Panel System

The Total Integrated Panel System (TIPS) is designed with multiple technological advantages. It features an EPS core positioned between steel wire welded mesh fabric, connected by a diagonally oriented galvanized steel truss wire through the EPS core. This pyramidal-shaped truss system ensures a three-dimensional distribution of loads and stress across the structure. Each panel is linked to adjacent panels with additional mesh fabric overlaying the joints. When shotcrete is applied, it forms a monolithic structure with exceptional strength, capable of supporting a structural load of over 78,000 lbs in testing. This system facilitates the construction of multi-story and complex designs without additional support elements. The panels are versatile, suitable for walls, ceilings, roofs, and as filler panels for larger metal structures. They are applicable in a wide range of projects, including homes, apartments, hotels, assisted living centers, townhouses, storage units, commercial buildings, government structures like firehouses and prisons, military facilities, fencing, and sound walls.

The monolithic nature of the structure ensures it is free from joints or fault lines, allowing it to withstand various challenges from man and nature. Laboratory testing has demonstrated that TIPS walls can endure sustained winds exceeding 300 kph and withstand two minutes of continuous shaking at a simulated level 9 on the Richter Scale without structural damage. Real-world events have confirmed this strength, with homes surviving hurricanes and earthquakes greater than level 7.

Testing information

Thermal & Sound Insulation

The Total Integrated Panel System (TIPS) is engineered for optimal thermal performance. Its structure maintains cooler temperatures in summer and warmer temperatures in winter. The combination of high-density shotcrete and variable polystyrene thicknesses ranging from 2-6 inches provides an excellent thermal barrier. The mass effect of concrete sandwich panels, as discussed in ASHRAE 90.1, explains how the insulative performance of the panel exceeds the sum of its parts. For instance, while the material R-value of TIPS walls ranges from R-10 to R-30, the performance of a typical 4-inch EPS wall is equivalent to a stick frame structure insulated with R-38 insulation. This value can be increased by using thicker EPS or Neopor. Additionally, TIPS walls have fewer wall penetrations, minimizing thermal loss. In comparison, standard wooden 2×4 studs have an R-value of approximately 3.5, meaning that for every 8 standard studs in a wall, there is a 1-foot section with an R-value of 3.5. Overall, a wooden wall with standard insulation and siding likely has an R-value of 15-20, while an uninsulated concrete or block wall has an R-value of around 0.5/inch. Ultimately, TIPS can reduce heating and cooling costs by over 50% compared to traditional residential building materials.

Furthermore, TIPS not only reduces heat and cold transfer but also enhances sound insulation. The standard panel system has a sound transmission coefficient rating (STC) of at least 50, which can increase to the mid or upper 50s depending on the finishes used. In contrast, a standard wood frame wall with insulation and drywall on both sides has an STC in the mid-30s. As the STC is a logarithmic scale, this represents a significant difference. Other tests have shown that the panel system alone reduces noise by 42 dB (airborne sound insulation index). This means that even loud noises, such as musical instruments or stereos, would only be faintly heard in adjacent rooms, maintaining distinct sound zones. This feature is particularly beneficial in settings like apartments, schools, churches, businesses, and manufacturing sites where noise pollution can hinder daily activities. TIPS is also an excellent choice for sound barrier fencing.