SIMPLE S.I.P. HOMES
Structural Insulated Panel - based Practical Houses (by: Art Smith ---- arts1650@outlook.com)
A technical guidebook on building "downsized/retirement" homes: better, faster, stronger, & low-energy use, with SIP WALLS &
Timber roof trusses. Six detailed floor plans included : 960 to 1700 s.f. (ISBN: 978-0-578-69700-0 , print only @ amazon & bookstores)
*** BOOK REVIEWS ***
Brice Hereford, Certified Sustainable Designer, South River Sustainability
Art Smith is a building innovator! As an engineer, residential designer and builder for over 40 years, he has developed affordable energy-efficient designs that use the best materials and methods interchangeably to provide right-sized homes with a rustic country charm. Intended for retiring baby boomers, SIMPLE S.I.P. HOMES builds on the efforts of his first book, BUILDING TODAY’S GREEN HOME (2009). In this most recent book, Art showcases 6 new house designs that utilize a hybrid construction approach integrating standard stick framing with energy-efficient structural insulated panels (SIPs) for the walls with handsome exposed timber trusses and wood cathedral ceilings giving these homes a cozy warm interior. The six home plans are designed in a Casual-Cabin/Timber style which resonates with many Baby Boomers seeking a warmer, more relaxed home style for their next abode.
Art guides you through the how and why of his designs in a simple easy style that enables you to see and understand the concepts as well as giving you the necessary information to share with your builder and suppliers. The information that includes many photographs and detailed color-coded, well labeled drawings will enable some readers to act as their own contractor working with the trades as well as with the SIP and Timber component manufacturers. These warm and cozy home designs make so much sense in these current times as more of us seek to exchange the city and suburbs for a more rural, relaxed and natural environment.
Amazon ---- 10/3/2020 ---- 5.0 out of 5 stars: Happily living in one of Art Smith house designs!
I highly recommend Art Smith house plans. I used his plan to add 2,800 sq. ft. to my 1,400 Sq. ft. bungalow home! Beautiful design, very efficient & I Love living in it! His designs are clearly a labour of love. Floor plans were clear and you get as much in-depth information as you like. The author loves designing homes and this book shows that. I live in a valley next to Look Out Mtn, very strong winds, his house designs can stand up to Hurricane strength winds! I would highly recommend! Best decision I ever made!
Michael C. --- 5/5 stars on Amazon –- 9/22/2020 : When you retire on a fixed income the efficiency is important and as you age low maintenance is key.
When I retired 11 years ago I dreamed of building my “log cabin in the woods”. As I did research I realized that what I really needed was a house that was efficient and low maintenance. This led me away from the log house and started me thinking about structurally insulated panels (SIP). Even though SIP construction had been around for a while it was not easy to find a contractor in my area who had any experience with it. Needless to say, it turned out to be a “learn as we go” experience. After many months and the use of efficient panels and low maintenance cement board siding topped with a metal roof I achieved my dream home. I just wish Art Smiths book had been around back when I was doing my research. I recommend it to anyone planning a retirement home.