Our architect seems dead set against using SIPs.  We have a 1950s brick house and he insists that he can do better with 2 x 6s than with SIPs in our addition.  Is this true?  Has anyone else added new SIPs construction as an addition to a brick house?

He is wrong, sounds like he is too lazy to educate himself about something new ........ get a new architect!

We did a project almost identical to yours about 5 years ago.
Small brick ranch built in early '60's, we added about 500 sf great room. SIPS walls and vaulted roof. Matched existing roof pitch and exterior trim. Were even able to match brick for addition. No problems. Bottom line is that yes it can be done, easily, and the only difference in the end will a much stronger structure that is much easier to heat and cool than stick built.

rlowenthal,

If you want the addition to match the brick exterior of the existing home, brick veneer can be readily attached to a SIP wall. What were your architects reasons for being "dead set against" SIPs? If you tell us we can address each issue for you.

I'm not sure why he seems so against using SIPs.  He states that he can do better with 2x6s and then adding 2 inches of insulation around the entire outside of the building.  He seemed to know a lot about green building when we hired him, which is why we hired him.  So, I'm not sure what his reluctance is.  But just hearing your answers, I'll let him know that it HAS been done for other buildings similar to ours and get him more info on the SIPs so he will change his mind.