Structural Engineered Panels (SEP)
The Structural Engineered Panel (SEP) wall system is composed of a solid 1-1/8 to 1 1/2-inch" oriented strand board (OSB) panel. The system must connect with the foundation system in such a manner to support the wall and provide shear strength. A "Pressure Equalized Rain Screen Insulated Structure Technique" (PERSIST) insulation system is applied to the exterior before applying the siding. The factory-sanded OSB panel serves as the interior finish. This surface may be painted, stained or sprayed with a drywall finish material. The advantages of this system include a tight building envelope, elimination of dimensional lumber, and a wall assembly which saves fabrication time since the panels are precut. The disadvantages of the system include the lack of familiarity of the system for the trades; lack of wall cavities for plumbing, electrical, and ducts; and possible volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from some types of OSB and insulations. For cost and environmental implications see the Cost and Life Cycle Analyses below.

Wall System Sources
Cheple, Marilou and Pat Huelman, "Construction Technologies," House One Research Report, Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, 2003.

Lstiburek, Joseph. Builder's Guide to Cold Climates, Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 2000.

PATH Technologies, "Advanced Framing Technologies: Optimum Value Engineering (OVE)" Toolbase Services, www.pathnet.org.

Weber, William, "SIP or Stick?," Architecture Minnesota, May/June 2003