IGLOO CIC (Community Interest Company) Est 2025 Powered with Generative & Agentic AI. (formerly 'Hexayurt Project' - 2005)
SUPERSIP® is a system.
Silicone fibreglass and for a higher grade aramid (Kevlar) fibreglass provides good impact resistance and compressive strength. For cost control we use lots of different grades of finish. Please note all prices are listed with chopped stand and woven roving only; Kevlar is for those concerned about security; all silicone fibreglass resist hand tools; but not power tools.
Urethanes
Ureathanes, Methyl and Poly are used for jointing PUR/PIR to more of the same material. We use ureathane because it is the same material so bonds to PIR/PUR very well; Much like how concrete blocks are joined with cement based mortar and lime stone requires lime mortar and timber is joined by cellulose based glues.
Polyisocynaurate.
Polyisocynaurate is used for external walls and roofs, extruded polystyrene is used for the flooring. Polyureathanes are used for any moulded aspects, and custom decorative work.
Epoxy.
Epoxy resin is used to waterproof the igloo to the level of a boat.
Rebar.
Rebar is used through the foam; a system only seen before in Bower Boats in Australia.
The only essential material in a building is the insulation. Every other material makes the insulation stronger or more weather tight.
We tried all the old versions in a previous ventures, we specialized in flipping houses with poor Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), focusing on modernizing and improving their energy efficiency. For extensions, we frequently utilized Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) due to their ease of construction and adaptability. By crafting our own panels—two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) bonded with Gorilla Glue—we created a straightforward, cost-effective solution that was manageable for small-scale builders.
Through experimentation, we identified key areas for improvement in the traditional SIP system. While insulation materials provide excellent compressive strength, their tensile strength is often inadequate. Initially, we used epoxy resin exclusively to address this weakness, but our approach evolved when we observed that products like JACKOBOARD and other wet room systems incorporated fiberglass mesh for reinforcement. Inspired by this, we integrated renderer's fiberglass mesh into our panels. This enhancement significantly improved the tensile strength while maintaining drill ability and paint ability, making the panels more versatile for various applications.
To achieve strong, durable joints, we applied Knauf Jointing Compound along the edges of the panels, a method borrowed from wet room construction. Over time, we discovered that Sticky PU Adhesive offered a more affordable and effective alternative. In addition to its superior insulating properties, this adhesive proved to be a reliable jointing compound, though slightly less dense than traditional jointing materials.
By combining these methods, we developed a SIP system that was not only strong and thermally efficient but also user-friendly and cost-effective. The integration of fiberglass mesh, paired with high-performance adhesives, allowed for enhanced durability, ease of installation, and adaptability to different finishing requirements.
This innovative approach to SIP construction demonstrates the potential for significant performance improvements using accessible materials and techniques. It also highlights the value of practical experimentation in developing systems that balance efficiency, affordability, and sustainability.
Only 50mm of insulation. This Garden Room requires heating; also the heat radiation is absorbed by the OSB. All together this is more costly to build, more costly to run; and wood rots.
Video shows 25mm for Project PINGU; a fast deployment emergency shelter. The Garden Rooms in Project MAMA are 8 times as thick at 200mm; so is more secure. You house probably only has 25mm of PUR