At Kiefer Built Contracting, energy efficiency isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundation. The company’s recent project in Red Feather Lakes, which won the 2025 SIPA Building Excellence Award in the Single Family Homes under 3,000 sq. ft. category, is a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship come together.

This award-winning home is more than beautiful—it’s built for the future. Here’s how advanced building science concepts like SIPs, R-rating, HERS Score, and ACH50 played a key role in achieving outstanding performance.

What Are SIPs?

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are high-performance building panels used in floors, walls, and roofs. They consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings—typically oriented strand board (OSB).

In the Red Feather Lakes home, 7-1/4” EPS core SIP walls and 11-1/4” SIP roof panels were used. These thick, solid panels offer:

• Excellent thermal insulation
• Enhanced structural strength
• Faster installation compared to traditional framing
• Greater airtightness and energy performance

The result is a home that performs better, lasts longer, and supports healthier living.

Understanding R-Rating: A Measure of Insulation

R-rating, or R-value, measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR certified homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. At the top of the list is effective insulation. SIPs provide effective insulation for the house envelope to ensure even temperatures throughout the house, reducing energy use and increasing comfort. SIPs provide effective insulation by providing both insulation and an air barrier in one assembly.

SIPs used in the Red Feather project provide significantly higher R-values than conventional construction, reducing energy loss through the building envelope. This translates to lower heating and cooling costs and more consistent indoor temperatures—especially important in Colorado’s variable climate.

HERS Score: How Efficient Is the Home?

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Score is a nationally recognized index for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. The lower the score, the more energy-efficient the home is. A typical new home scores around 100.

The Red Feather Lakes home achieved a HERS Score of 32—over 60% more efficient than a standard new home. This score reflects optimized insulation, airtight construction, efficient HVAC systems, and pre-wiring for future solar panels.

ACH50: Airtightness That Matters

ACH50 (Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals) measures how airtight a home is. It represents how many times the air inside the home is replaced per hour under pressure testing. Lower numbers indicate better air sealing and higher efficiency.

This home scored an impressive ACH50 of 0.98, well below the common threshold of 3.0 for energy-efficient homes. With minimal air leakage, this home stays warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and healthier year-round.

Built for Comfort, Longevity, and Beauty

Energy performance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how a home feels. The Red Feather Lakes home includes:

• In-floor radiant heating for even, efficient warmth
• HRV (heat recovery ventilation) for continuous fresh air and indoor air quality
• Design resilience to withstand 169 MPH winds, ensuring long-term durability

Aesthetically, the home showcases a modern barrel roof entryway, an open-concept floor plan, and thoughtful material choices that reflect both contemporary style and environmental responsibility.

The Kiefer Built Difference

From enhanced comfort to substantial energy savings, homes built with SIPs and smart energy strategies offer a superior living experience. The Red Feather Lakes project is a model of what’s possible when homeowners and builders invest in sustainability without sacrificing design.

Kiefer Built Contracting continues to lead the way in high-performance residential construction, helping clients build homes that are not only beautiful and functional—but ready for the future.

Interested in building your energy-efficient dream home?

Contact Kiefer Built Contracting to learn more about SIPs, smart building science, and how thoughtful design can transform your space.

Ready to remodel your space or build your dream home?
Kiefer Built Contracting is here to help every step of the way.
📞 Call 970.515.5059 to get started on a home that’s beautiful, durable, and built to perform.