My Journey with SIPs and the Future of Better Building
It began with a conversation
Over thirty years ago, my brother Jim returned from a trade fair excited about something new. He’d met Terry Deakan, an entrepreneur showcasing his Structural Insulated Panels—or SIPs. Jim was intrigued. I was too.
That conversation marked the start of a journey that would span two decades.
Meeting a Pioneer
Years later, I visited Terry at his factory in Cottonwood, Minnesota. He wasn’t just another enthusiast—he was a true innovator. His company, Extreme Panels, was leading the charge in SIP construction in North America. The more I saw, the more I believed this was the future of building.
A Decade of Learning
I made multiple site visits, expanding my knowledge. One highlight was visiting the Forest Products National Research Laboratory—a U.S. government research facility where SIPs had been tested for decades. Their work validated what I had already sensed: SIPs weren’t just innovative; they were durable, efficient, and smart.
It was also there that I encountered mass timber technologies like:
CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber)
Glulam (Glue-Laminated Timber)
These materials offered strength, beauty, and low carbon footprints—an ideal complement to SIPs.
Bringing SIPs to New Zealand
In 2013, my wife and I committed to the concept. We ordered three 40-foot containers of SIPs to build a home in Queenstown:
A 260 m3 two-storey residence with
A 205 m3 carriage house with an apartment
As we planned the build, I kept hearing the name David Koolstra, a SIP expert based in Melbourne. Since 2010, David had delivered over 100 SIP builds across Australasia. He agreed to send his experienced crew to help—ensuring our project’s success.
Collaborating with Experts
Working alongside David was Peter Duncan, a professional engineer in Christchurch who had partnered with David for over a decade. Together, they were pioneering the integration of SIPs and mass timber—something I was deeply passionate about.
We went on to build:
Two proof-of-concept homes SIP + mass timber homes in Lincoln and Methven, and
A mass timber office inside Mitre 10, Wanaka
We also designed apartment blocks with SIP + mass timber structures in Queenstown and Wisconsin.
These builds demonstrated not only rapid construction and low carbon emissions, but also beautiful, high-performing spaces.
Where We Are Today
Pure Panels now offers a complete turn-key SIP panel solution for builds across New Zealand with:
- A trusted network of suppliers
- In-house engineers and consultants
- Proven logistics and consenting systems
- A 15-year record of successful SIP projects
We make it easy to deliver warm, comfortable, energy-efficient homes faster and with a smaller carbon footprint.
This has been a personal and professional journey.
SIPs are more than a building product—they’re a smarter way to build.
For architects, builders, and homeowners, we’re proud to share what they can do. Give me a call on 021 755 900 or drop me a note at stenswick@purepanels.co.nz