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- build@sipseco.co.uk
Stone Valley House is an impressive 550m² contemporary self-build home located in the Cotswolds, delivered using the high-performance SIPS Eco Panels structural insulated panel system.
Commissioned by homeowners Ryan and Emily Breslin, the project was designed to achieve Passivhaus-level energy performance while allowing the architectural flexibility required for extensive glazing and large open-plan living spaces.
Working closely with the wider design team, SIPS Eco engineered and installed the two-storey structural shell above the ICF basement, delivering a highly insulated and airtight building envelope.
The finished home demonstrates how structural insulated panels (SIPs) can be used to create large, architect-designed homes that combine modern design with exceptional energy efficiency.
Location: Cotswolds, Oxfordshire
Project Type: Luxury Self Build Home
Total Floor Area: 550m²
Build Programme: September 2021 – December 2022
SIPs Supplier: SIPS Eco Panels
Planning Architect: Charlie Luxton Design
Building Regulations: Digi Design Co Architecture Ltd
The completed property includes five bedrooms, three of which are en-suite, alongside generous open-plan living areas designed to maximise natural light and connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.
The design brief was to create a modern family home that blends contemporary architecture with traditional Cotswold materials.
Externally, the property features a mix of Cotswold Cream and Cotswold Gold stone, helping the building sit naturally within its rural setting while maintaining a distinctive architectural presence.
• Five-bedroom layout including three en-suite rooms
• Guest bedroom within an ICF basement
• Sunken patio bringing natural light into the lower level
• Large open-plan kitchen and dining space
• Extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing
• Flat roof areas with a large roof lantern
• Strong connection between indoor and outdoor living areas
The design prioritises light, space and energy efficiency while maintaining a strong architectural character.
SIPS Eco Panels were responsible for designing, engineering and installing the two-storey SIP structure above DPC level, working closely with the structural engineer and wider project team.
The design required careful coordination between the SIP structure, the ICF basement and structural steelwork to support large glazed openings.
These elements allowed the design team to create expansive open-plan living spaces while maintaining the thermal integrity of the building envelope.
The structural envelope was delivered using the SIPS Eco high-performance panel system, designed to provide excellent insulation and airtightness.
The use of insulated SIP splines helped maintain a continuous thermal envelope while maximising internal floor space.
A key ambition for the project was to achieve Passivhaus-level thermal efficiency without pursuing formal certification.
The architectural design was developed using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) to ensure the building fabric and systems would achieve the required energy performance.
Combined with the high-performance SIP building envelope, these systems help create a home with significantly reduced energy demand.
One of the major advantages of using SIPs on this project was the precision achieved through factory-controlled manufacturing.
Accurate panel fabrication ensured that structural openings aligned perfectly with the project’s extensive glazing systems, allowing windows to be installed with minimal tolerances and improving airtightness performance.
The use of engineered open-web posi joists also allowed mechanical and electrical services to be installed quickly and efficiently, simplifying coordination for follow-on trades.
Stone Valley House demonstrates why structural insulated panels are increasingly chosen for high-end self-build homes.
The lightweight nature of SIP panels also allowed seamless integration with the ICF basement structure while reducing the need for excessive structural steelwork.
“To design and build our own home was always a dream. Through my experience in the glazing industry I had seen many different construction methods, which ultimately led me to SIPs.
Working with SIPS Eco Panels was a very professional and enjoyable process. They worked closely with everyone involved in the project and took pride in delivering the structural solution.
Building your own home can be stressful, but the experience with SIPS Eco was excellent and we would highly recommend them to others considering a self build.”
A SIPs house is a building constructed using Structural Insulated Panels, which consist of an insulating core sandwiched between two structural boards.
This system creates a highly insulated and airtight building envelope that improves energy efficiency and speeds up construction.
SIPs are widely used for self build homes, residential developments and commercial buildings due to their strength, thermal performance and construction efficiency.
Learn more about Structural Insulated Panels here
Yes – SIPs are one of the most popular construction systems for self build homes in the UK.
Because SIP panels are manufactured off-site, projects can often reach the weathertight stage significantly faster than traditional construction methods.
Explore how SIPs work for self builds:
SIPS Eco Panels design, manufacture and install high-performance SIP structural systems for self builders, developers and architects across the UK.
If you are planning a large self build home or residential development, our team can support your project from design through to installation.
Speak to our team today to discuss your project.
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