Featured in Tampa Bay Times: Florida Builder Makes Green Homes Using Snap-N-Lock SIPS

Christopher Mora looks over building plans while working alongside other workers with KHP Homes on erecting foam panels, an alternative, energy-efficient construction method, at the site of a future residence on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 in Odessa. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]

"While it’s not technically Styrofoam — which is a brand name — it’s a polystyrene foam just like it, six inches deep and sandwiched by steel plates painted white. The foam panels serve as both insulation and structure of the home, making it more energy efficient, according to the Wesley Chapel home-building company called KHP Homes.

“If you’ve been to a Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks you’ve basically got 120-degree hot coffee and 1/8th of an inch saves your hand from being burned,” said Falgoon Patel, sales and business manager for KHP Homes. “We’re wrapping the entire house in six inches of it.”

In addition to the foam panels, the homes are made with steel strips that support the roof and drywall. Patel said homeowners of this model of home are expected to save 50 to 70 percent on their electric bills.

KHP’s Green Home model, such as the Odessa house, also feature more efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems and because they have no wood, there’s no need to treat it with pesticides, Patel said. They also typically have extra-efficient appliances and solar panels." - Foam Sweet Foam: Florida Builder Makes Houses with Plastic Foam

One worker in a cherry-picker helps place a foam and steel panel that will become part of the Odessa house's structure and insulation. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]

A construction worker secures the bottom of a foam and steel panel with bolts. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]

A close-up of a panel shows the polystyrene foam sandwiched in between steel. The unique construction materials make the homes more well-insulated and energy efficient, according to KHP Homes. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]