SIP Build UK’s Beamish Passive House has been shortlisted at the Structural Timber Awards 2026, recognising the project’s use of structural timber to deliver a highly energy-efficient, architecturally ambitious home.
The shortlist provides further industry recognition for a project that demonstrates what can be achieved when structural design, precision offsite manufacture and careful installation are brought together from the outset.
A High-Performance SIP Solution
Located within the former walled nursery garden serving Beamish Hall, Beamish Passive House is a bespoke home designed around demanding performance targets and a sensitive historic setting.
SIP Build UK worked alongside Preston Farm Developments and GDL Architecture, providing the design, engineering, manufacture, supply and installation of the house and gym SIP/timber superstructures through to weathertight stage.
The project presented a number of technical challenges, including the interface with a Grade II listed garden wall, complex roof geometry, extensive glazing and large structural openings.
These requirements called for careful coordination between the architectural and structural designs, supported by precision offsite manufacture and a considered installation sequence on site.
Performance Beyond the Design Stage
The completed home has delivered strong measured performance, including:
0.98m³/(h·m²) at 50Pa air-pressure test result
0.12W/m²K wall U-value
0.11W/m²K roof U-value
SAP rating of 100 A
Reported primary energy use of 5kWh/m² per year
The house and gym structures were also taken to weathertight stage in approximately five to six weeks, demonstrating the programme benefits that can be achieved through a well-designed and coordinated offsite structural system.
Recognition at the Structural Timber Awards
The Structural Timber Awards celebrate outstanding projects, products and people across the timber construction sector.
For Beamish Passive House to be recognised by the awards is a strong endorsement of the approach taken by the entire project team and the role structural insulated panels can play in delivering technically demanding, high-performance homes.
For SIP Build UK, the shortlist also reflects the work that takes place behind the finished structure – from early design and engineering through to manufacture and installation on site.
We would like to congratulate Preston Farm Developments, GDL Architecture and everyone involved in the delivery of Beamish Passive House on the recognition.
Discover the Beamish Passive House Project
Read our full project case study to explore the design, structural solution, construction challenges and measured performance of Beamish Passive House.
Planning a High-Performance SIP Project?
SIP Build UK provides a complete design, engineering, manufacture, supply and installation service for structural insulated panel projects across the UK.
If you have architectural drawings for a self-build, residential development or other project, speak to our team about how a SIP solution could work for your scheme.
View the full Shortlist
To view the shortlist and discover all the 2026 finalists, please click HERE.