Alton;

Bingo!  you are absolutely right.... it is the Temperature Difference that matters

and the reason why it is not so important  in moderate southern climates

what system do you think is superior to them all?

I was not saying that one system was superior. OSB, steel skinned or steel framed SIPS each bring different benifits to the table.

I am saying that all other things being equal why would I would chose a steel framed with no thermal bridging over one with thermal bridging. I have not used a steel framed SIP so could not recomend one.

Monolithic thin-shell concrete dome on monolithic ring beam footing and slab.  With no utility penetrations.  And no doors or windows.

I occasionally post my blog here for all to use as a reference and education into new Super Insulated Building Systems.

I don't endorse anyone and try to only promote the modern "Green building industry"

There are several systems that are very close to zero but like most I don't see why we should accept less...... or is that more?

I have worked on the insulated panel designs since 1964 and come-up with several excellent designs that I can't find anywhere in the industry, so I think that nobody cares at least no yet.

My Blog: http://StyroHomeNews.blogspot.com

rnortman;

Yea, a dome home, my deed restricted subdivision would love to see one of those babys in the neigborhood.
And no doors and windows?
 It doesn't matter if it has thermal bridging ,cause you can't get in and out of it anyway?

cmkavala,

Yes, I was only trying to reinforce your point, really, by pointing out that it could be done, but nobody would want to live in it.  Though more seriously, if you're willing to accept some windows and doors and utility penetrations, monolithic thin shell structures are otherwise free of thermal bridging (assuming spray foam insulation, of course).  But then you have to accept the dome shape, so it doesn't come without a price.

Of course, any flat wall system can be clad in rigid foam to cover up any bridging.  Or use spray foam if your walls aren't flat.  This is the only way to build stud walls IMO, and even with SIPs it could help in the areas where there's bridging, such as where the floor joists connect (depending on how you do that, there may be a lot of bridging or only a little).

http://structall.com/content/pdfs/Sec2_PriceBook.pdf

See above link for thermally broken channels that I typically use in my steel SIP building details.