Well, I know this sounds a bit crazy, but where we are building our house is out in hunter-country. We have been out there during hunting season, and have been a bit freaked out by the occasional very loud rifle-shot - seemingly just a few yards away (though probably not).

So, wacky though it may be, I am wondering if there is any solution to this problem, which still using SIPs.

Any thoughts?

Pi

Pi;

Depending on how close fired to building - bullets will go thru all sips, as well as conventional framing. I did price out a job one with a layer of Levlar. But the cost was outragous.
I will say that fireworks sound different in my SIP house they sound more like rice crispies

 

Pi,

I have been a hunter all my like and have never hit a house. I think you are being a little paranoid but understand the concern. I doubt whether anyone with a hunting license would aim at game in front of a house. And if you get a stray bullet, chances are that it wouldn't go through. If your concern is real, use stucco, half logs or stone for the exterior finish to slow down the bullet. And chances are even if a direct fired bullet went through your house, chances are very minute that it would hit a vital area causing death. And if all else fails, paint your house hunter orange.

P.S. what are they hunting? perhaps you need someone to sell you your SIPs and visit during hunting season to erect the structure.

Ha!  Both good ideas. :)

I am only worried about the stray bullets; I am sure no hunter would intentionally shoot at the house. 

The house is surrounded by woods, and folks hunt deer in those woods on the next property over -- about 20 yards from the edge of our clearing, which is another 50 yards from the house.  So, I am worried about when they are shooting in our direction.

We do plan on stucco for the exterior.  Would that stop a .270 bullet when fired from 70 yards away?

Thanks for the reply...

Pi

Look into Ballisticrete by Gigacrete. It's not commercially available yet.

Thanks Orono. I'll call them Monday and see if the product is available yet, and if so, inquire about its cost. They have some interesting products - just doesn't seem like they are ready for primetime yet.

I have also found references here to Permacrete and Monocrete. I couldn't find a web site for the latter (maybe its no longer made?), but they seems like they might work.

Pi

Pi,

We laughed about this a little yesterday as I discussed this with my brother in law who is also a builder. Perhaps you should consider not having any electrical in the bathroom due to the closeness of the electricity. But kidding aside, your problem with stray bullets is going to be more with your glass then anything else. I know that when I am in the family room or laying in bed where the most time is spent, I am more susceptible to a bullet coming through a window then I am through my SIPs.

Here is some rifle, truck, and grenade testing!  LOL

http://pmri95.com/id7.html

I seriously don't mean this in a mean way and apologize if it comes off that way but he solution to the problem of you getting freaked out about nearby hunting is to not live there (unless your DR. can find some type of medication that works).

My thought is that you should rethink your desire to live in the country. If you are this freaked out that you want to build a fortress you will never be happy there. Are you going to be ok when the coyote packs start howling right outside your bedroom window at night?

Please don't move to the country and then expect the area to change to fit you. Don't be like the guy who buys a house by the airport (or highway or train track or race track, etc) and then complains about the noise; or the one who buys on a busy street and complains about traffic; or buys some lowland and complains about flooding. You get the idea, understand ahead of time what environment you are buying into and don't expect it to change. If you are not fully comfortable with what is there now you will never enjoy it.

Rather then bullet proof glass and upgrading the walls, why not get bullet proof vests and wear them during the daylight hours during hunting season?

Guys,

Why such sarcastic remarks? The fellow is asking a question. It's HIS house. HE wants to build it the way HE wants. Its HIS money. I am just surprised from a certain lack of professionalism. If PI wants to build a level III ballistic threat SIP its HIS choice. With regards to HIS question this is a link I came across: http://www.infinitycomposites.com/cgi-bin/infinitydb.pl?bllpnls
These are very expensive composite panels and are usually used to build safe rooms. I believe I saw a product like this at last year's NAHB Builders Show in Orlando. Insalled just like any other sheathing. Under the sheetrock it is unnoticeable. But again, used for safe rooms within the home.

PI, good luck with your project.  BTW, I appreciated your posting with the links to Steel SIPS.  Nicely done.

Leonard