What are Net Zero Cabins?

Zero Cabins are a prime example of beautiful, sustainable design. These prefabricated buildings are constructed from structurally insulated panels (SIPs) which consist of two layers of oriented strand board (OSB) with a layer of insulation in between.
The offsite manufacture of these cabins results in significantly less waste than alternative methods of construction. And uses 45% less CO2 (Carbon dioxide) than stick frame construction.
SIPS construction creates a robust and well-insulated building envelope that is highly energy efficient. Resulting in a 60% reduction in energy consumption when compared with standard NZ building code stick frame construction.
The OSB is sourced from fast growing renewable forests.  OSB is manufactured from fast-growing, underutilized, and often less expensive wood species grown in carefully managed forests. The OSB production process uses small wood chips and highly automated machinery, making OSB a very efficient use of raw materials. About 85-90 percent of a log can be used to make high quality structural OSB panels, and the remainder – bark, saw trim and sawdust – can be converted into energy, pulp chips or bark dust.
The insulation used in SIPs is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), a type of plastic foam known for its low thermal conductivity and excellent insulation properties. EPS is a lightweight insulation composed mostly of air. Only 2% of EPS is plastic. Over the lifetime of a house, the EPS insulation used in SIPs will save many times the energy embodied in the petroleum used to make EPS (see Life Cycle Analysis for more info). It takes 24% less energy to produce EPS than fiberglass insulation of equivalent R-value. And unlike fibreglass insulation which can deteriorate over time and created voids due to gravity pulling it down. EPS maintains its form and hence insulation performance over time. Scrap EPS generated during the manufacturing process can be recycled into new EPS products.
The use of SIPs in the construction of Net Zero Cabins results in buildings that are highly airtight, which helps to keep the heat inside during the winter and the cool air inside during the summer. ORNL blower door tests reveal that a SIP test room is 15 times more airtight than its stick framed counterpart with fiberglass insulation. Up to 40% of a home’s heat loss is due to air leakage. SIP buildings have amazingly low blower door test results when properly sealed. Due to the reliability of SIP performance, ENERGY STAR opted to eliminate the blower door test requirement for SIP homes to meet ENERGY STAR standards.
The exterior of the cabins feature a striking combination of coloursteel cladding and natural cedar and saligna timbers, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the cabins but also provides additional insulation and protection from the elements. The use of natural materials such as cedar and saligna timbers helps to create a more natural and harmonious look that blends in well with the surrounding environment.
The interior of these cabins is finished with natural OSB board, a material that is highly sought after by architects and interior designers for its natural aesthetic and durability. The natural OSB board provides a rustic and warm feel to the cabin’s interior, making it a highly desirable living space. This choice of material is in line with the current trend in architecture and interior design, which prioritizes the use of natural and sustainable materials.
In summary, Net Zero Cabins are a beautiful, sustainable alternative to traditional cabins for hire. Net Zero Cabins utilise structurally insulated panels, natural cedar and saligna timbers and natural OSB board in their construction, creating energy-efficient, beautiful, comfortable and on trend living spaces that are also environmentally friendly. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, comfortable and sustainable living/working option.