Hey folks,

This project is well down the road, but the wife would like me to eventually build her a small (say 10'x10' interior) studio/office space in our backyard where she/we can write, sew, house occasional drop-in guests and family, etc.  The size of space she wants is pretty much ideal for construction over our cinderblock & brick garage.  It's got a 1/2 in 12 sloped roof (essentially flat), with 2x8 roof joists at 10" o.c., running across the "short" dimension of the roof (15' I think?).  Putting the studio there also allows me to kill two birds with one stone, eliminating the crappy torch-down roofing which leaks like a sieve (I'm thinking roof patio for the other half of the garage, cool huh?).

Is SIPs a good idea for a project like this, considering we'll be DIYing it, cost is a factor only insofar as it does not sacrifice quality or longevity, and the size of the space is somewhat flexible to accommodate for materials used.

I'd like to keep it tight, hopefully heating with in-floor electric resistance under tile, run from a small PV system (stand-alone or tied to house?  suggestions?).  Clearly I could frame it up with 2x6 and pack it with insulation, but in a project this small, is SIP more viable?

thanks,
charlie

PV and heating do not go well together.

SIPs could definitely be an option for your project. However, for such a small quantity of panels, your location will likely be a major factor. If you're not relatively close to a SIP manufacturer, say 500+/- or less, then delivery costs may be an issue. The other possibility would be to "piggyback" your materials in with a larger project that is nearby but that always takes some careful coordination, and may or may not be feasible.

As you get a little further along with your project planning, you might want to provide more details in connection with the dimension of your current garage, and your location. Another important factor is the design of the foundation, and whether or not it was engineered to accommodate a second level. Once you do provide more details, such as the ones that I've suggested, along with others that are likely to be forthcoming, I'm sure that you'll get a lot of help on these forums.

The issues of heating and solar, will depend largely on your location, but with a properly installed SIP building envelope, the heating requirements will be minimal for a space that is the size that you indicated. Now, the solar guys can chime in here (or you can start a thread on the "solar forum" on GBT).

Good luck with your research.

With such a small area I would consider a solar-air heater during the day. Cansolair makes one variety utilizing recycled aluminum cans. A small electric heater can provide the minimal heating the room may require at night.