It is constructed of Styrofoam panels

Marquis Construction believes that it has found a way to meet its own needs and those of its buyers. They are built with SIP: sections of EPS foam 4 and 6 inches thick, like the stuff coffee mugs are made of, sandwiched between sheets of galvanized steel.

The 4-foot-wide panels are joined with a T&G joint so workers can quickly assemble them. The foam is laminated between sheets of steel.

The panels, known as SIPs, have been around for 60 years, but only in the last ten years have they started to be used in the construction mainstream.

“It’s a thermal and structural shell,” the builder said, the homes are certified to withstand winds of up to 140 mph, making them hurricane-worthy. The absence of wood means that it is inhospitable to termites. “There is no food value there”,

Marquis says his customers “immediately grasp the concept that a solid foam core house has to be much more energy efficient than conventional ones. It really sells itself.”

In addition to energy efficiency, steel panels provide a cleaner, mildew resistant IAQ environment. They carry a 20-year corrosion guarantee. They exceed Florida hurricane codes, are impact tested, and are used for the construction of hurricane shelters in Ft, Meyers, FL.

Steel SIP construction will reduce insurance premiums by up to 53% in hurricane-prone areas compared to wood frame construction.

Panels are readily and quickly available for delivery throughout the southeastern US with a 2 week lead time.