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Quacent – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About Quacent

1. What does Quacent do?
Quacent is a manufacturer and supplier of prefabricated building solutions based on SIP
(Structural Insulated Panels). We provide complete building shells, modular units, and
custom solutions for sustainable residential and commercial construction.

2. Where are Quacent SIP panels produced?
Production takes place in our certified factory in China, with European representation and
distribution through Quacent B.V. in the Netherlands

3. Which markets does Quacent serve?
We deliver worldwide, with a strong focus on Europe

4. What are SIP panels?
SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panel: a sandwich panel made of two structural facings
(such as OSB or cement board) with an insulating foam core. They combine insulation,
structure, and airtightness in one building element.

5. Why choose SIP over traditional building methods?
● Faster construction time
● Excellent thermal performance (low U-values)
● Minimal thermal bridges
Prefabrication reduces errors and delays
● Ideal for energy-efficient and Passive House projects

6. What panel types and thicknesses are available?
● Exterior walls & roofs: 165, 210, 260, 310 mm
● Interior partitions: 114 mm
● Floor panels: 210 mm (beam + OSB3 T&G) or LGS + OSB3 T&G
Ground floors: 210 or 260 mm

7. Are Quacent SIP panels suitable for Passive House?
Yes. Thanks to their high insulation levels and airtight design, SIP panels are perfectly
suited for Passive House certification.

8. How energy-efficient are SIP buildings from Quacent?
Depending on thickness and detailing, our SIP shells achieve U-values as low as 0.11
W/m²·K, far beyond most building code requirements

9. Are Quacent SIP panels environmentally friendly?
Yes. SIP buildings reduce energy demand during their lifetime. We are actively developing
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the European
market.

10. How does construction with SIP panels work?

1. Design & engineering
2. Prefabrication in the factory
3. Shipping to the project site
4. On-site assembly with a local crew or supported by Quacent supervisors
5. Handover of a weather-tight shell

11. How long does it take to build with SIP?
A typical single-family home can be made weather-tight within 1–2 weeks, depending on
design and crew size.

12. Does Quacent also provide on-site assembly?
Yes. We offer assembly support and work with local construction partners in Europe

13. Are Quacent SIP panels certified?
Yes. We provide certificates and test reports for fire performance, structural capacity, and
thermal values. For the EU market, we are working on EPDs and local approvals.

14. Do Quacent SIPs meet European building codes?
Yes. Panels are engineered according to Eurocode standards and meet national building
energy requirements (such as BENG in the Netherlands and Passive House standards).

15. Can Quacent support with technical documentation for permits?
Yes. We provide engineering data, detail books, structural calculations, and PHPP data to
support your permit process.

16. What is Passive House?
Passive House is a performance-based building standard developed by the Passive House
Institute (PHI). It sets extremely low limits for heating/cooling demand and requires
airtightness, continuous insulation, and balanced ventilation with heat recovery.

17. How does SIP help achieve Passive House?
● Large panels reduce leakage points → airtight by design
● High insulation in thin assemblies → excellent U-values
● Minimal thermal bridges with prefabricated joints
● Fast, predictable construction → easier quality control

18. What airtightness can be achieved with SIP?
With proper detailing, SIP buildings regularly achieve n₅₀ ≤ 0.6 h⁻¹ in blower door tests,
meeting the Passive House requirement. Intermediate testing during construction ensures
compliance.

19. Can SIP buildings also be modular and still meet Passive House?
Yes. SIP systems are ideal for modular prefabrication. Prefab modules can be engineered to
meet Passive House requirements consistently.

20. What kind of windows are needed for Passive House with SIP?
Typically, triple-glazed windows with U<sub>w</sub> ≤ 0.8 W/m²·K, installed within the
insulation layer and sealed airtight.

21. What about ventilation and heating?
● Balanced mechanical ventilation with ≥80% heat recovery efficiency is essential.
● Heating demand is so low that small-scale systems (e.g. heat pumps) are sufficient

22. Is Passive House more expensive to build?
The envelope can be slightly more expensive, but savings in HVAC systems and operating
costs often make the total cost of ownership equal or lower.

23. Does Quacent provide PHPP support?
Yes. We can supply PHPP component values, detail data, and technical support for
designers working towards certification.

24. Can Quacent deliver Passive House certified projects?
Yes. With the right detailing, design, and quality control, Quacent SIP systems are suitable
for PHI-certified Passive House projects.

25. Are Quacent SIP buildings earthquake-resistant?
Yes. SIP structures perform very well in seismic zones because they are lightweight yet
structurally rigid. The panel system distributes loads evenly, reducing stress concentrations.
In many cases, SIP buildings exceed the seismic resistance of traditional masonry or
concrete walls. We can provide structural calculations and case references for projects in
earthquake-prone regions.

26. A SIP home can be built much faster than a traditional timber-frame project.
● A well-trained SIP installation team can reduce construction time by up to 55%.
● SIP panels are delivered as complete wall and roof elements, ready to be installed in
one step.
● This eliminates many separate construction tasks such as insulating and interior
finishing.
● Standard electrical conduits are integrated in the factory, so no drilling or cutting is
required on-site

Result: quicker weather-tight shell, less labor, and lower construction costs.

27. Building with SIPs results in significant savings:
● Lower labor costs: fewer man-hours thanks to fast installation.
● Smaller HVAC systems: heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment can often be
downsized.
● Less waste: reduced construction waste and less need for temporary heating during
construction.
● Lower energy bills: homeowners typically save up to 50% on their energy costs