Simple S.I.P. Homes Paperback – August 28, 2020

As a point of reference, I have a primary profession in academics my "side hustle" is in construction, renovation and flips. With regard to construction, I have worked as a laborer and light carpenter in the field on various construction projects over the years. In addition, I have formal academic training in construction techniques and management.I have lightly studied SIPs over the years and, for one project we are looking at, it seemed SIPs are the way to go. To that end, I wanted to really come up to speed on SIPs so I bought Art Smith's book here. I can earnestly say the book delivered and then some.First, Art Smith is both an engineer and a hands on builder out in the field. Generally speaking, I've noticed people are usually either trade workers in the field or engineering types in the office. Much like many other professions, people in different parts of the industry can tend to end up working in their own "silos" and become disconnected from each other a bit. I strongly believe Art is able to deftly bridge the office and the field.As I was reading the book, I had a question so I emailed him from his website and he got back to me promptly with a well rounded and thorough reply. I then had the privilege of having a conversation with him about my specific project. His passion and enthusiasm for his work, and SIPs in particular, is patently clear in both his book and any communication with him.First the theory part:Regarding this book specifically, I find it to be a very concise yet thorough work that explains his ideas and how to implement them. This book in particular is designed for a certain demographic; those downsizing to a more manageable home, for whatever reason, or those who just prefer the benefits of a smaller, more simple house. Art is very open about the simple angle of this book and, after reading it, I firmly agree with just about everything he wrote. He clearly states his opinions in a non-judgmental and matter of fact way and explains why he designs and builds the way he does. Knowing the theory and reasoning behind a specific method chosen is, to me, critical knowledge for true understanding. With regard to one of his key beliefs that I strongly share, he argues that money should be spent on quality construction instead of just costly ornate decorations that don't really have functional value. In other words, I would rather have a less fancy looking house that is built well, for the same money, than a giant shiny house with ornate aspects but had every corner cut during the construction process. The cheaper construction is also usually put in places where people can't see it. One example is spacing studs 24" apart instead of 16". Of course people want their house to look nice and have "curb appeal" and Art is fully aware of that and incorporates that as well. Different options are given if you want to cosmetically enhance one of the houses in the book.For the technical field part:The book gives very detailed, clear actual floor plans with very thorough explanations as to why they are designed and built the way they are. For me, this book can also serve as a bit of a technical manual too. A few different designs and plans are given for a few different corresponding situations and goals of the end user.I strongly recommend this book to anyone even tangentially associated with the SIP industry. While it is geared towards one specific type of project, it gives so much valuable theory, concepts and practical information, I think it's useful for everyone who wants to learn about SIPs in any capacity. Of course, he goes into HVAC and other relevant building parts.

It took about an hour to read the book. The only thing I learned was the author loves Mike Rowe. He has a a degree in Engineering. His wife is a Master's level nurse. 20' ft wide roof trusses are his suggestion for a retirement home. He prefers to call Cape style homes chalets. SIPS panels can be erected more quickly than traditional framing. That's it.

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!

I've always been interested in deploying technologies that provide utility - in this case a more comfortable home that is better for the environment. But these technologies don't seem to get broad traction until they also make sense economically - without subsidies. This book describes an approach to building a home that makes sense - technically you get a more comfortable home and economically this approach looks feasible. My goal is to give this approach when I get around to building my retirement home. Thanks Art for a very useful book.

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.

It doesn't show how the houses are built in detail. It does have good house plans.