Circular and Sustainable Prefabricated SIP System for Passive Housing

OBJECTIVES

To design and develop a circular, sustainable prefabricated Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) system for passive housing in Australia

Transform typical housing designs and construction methods used in Australia to effectively use recycled waste materials

Creation of SIP that demonstrate high performance levels in terms of energy and functionality

To identify and evaluate eco-friendly materials suitable for SIP manufacturing

Team

Shanaka Kristombu Baduge

Lead Researcher

Sadeep Thilakarathne

Research Fellow

Nipun De Zoysa

PhD

Partners

University of Melbourne

EVISSA

Progress

SUMMARY

This research project, led by the University of Melbourne in partnership with EVISSA, is working to change how homes are built in Australia by developing prefabricated Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) made with recycled and sustainable materials. The goal is to create housing that is not only energy efficient and functional but also part of a circular economy.
So far, the team has produced reports on sustainable SIP materials and connection systems, completed transverse load testing on EVISSA’s existing SIPs, and run small-scale structural and fire safety experiments on both standard and recycled insulation SIP samples. Work has also begun on exploring biobased alternatives such as mycelium insulation. Results and progress have been shared through a PhD Confirmation Seminar and international conference presentation.

OPPORTUNITIES

Further research grants in circular housing and sustainable construction

Real-world application of recycled materials in mainstream Australian housing

Collaboration with construction, manufacturing, and waste management industries

University-industry partnerships to pilot and scale innovative building systems

Contribution to government and council sustainability targets and housing policy reform

AS SEEN AT

The 15th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment 2025 (ICSBE)