EcoCocon®
Naturally Built.
An ancient practice for modern times…. building with straw has proven to be a safe, healthy and efficient way to build for centuries.
The EcoCocon straw construction system brings sustainable and healthy living combined with exceptional energy efficiency. EcoCocon is the only building component with both Passivhaus and Cradle to Cradle certificiations. Making the most of renewable materials, it was created to have a minimal ecological footprint and to be safely returned to nature after use.
"As it turns out, straw could become a key player in decarbonizing the construction industry."
Magnus Reffs Kramhøft
Industrial PhD fellow, Architect
Natural & Energy Efficient.
The EcoCocon innovative wall system is revolutionizing construction by making the best of natural materials while ensuring healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient living at the same time.
EcoCocon panels are made of 98% natural renewable materials. Making them as close to nature as possible results in high indoor air quality with no harmful substances emitted. The entire system is vapor permeable – it allows the excess humidity to escape – and with no thermal bridges and airtight, it leaves no space for drafts or mold. Natural materials create a healthy indoor microclimate with even temperatures – warm in winter and cool in summer.
EcoCocon®
How to work with us….
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Design with nature.
We work with designers to provide a complete straw panel package based on your plans. If needed, a local design team can be recommended to start designing your dream home!
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Build with nature.
Building with EcoCocon® straw panels is simple! Installation is much faster than traditional framing which saves time and money. If you are looking for a low carbon, fire resistant, natural building material, this is it.
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Finish with nature.
There are many natural materials we recommend for exterior cladding. Lime plaster and charred timber cladding are some of our favorites.
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Live with nature.
The benefits of living in a home built with natural materials goes beyond just being green. Natural buildings create a healthy space to live in, work in, and enjoy life… Naturally!
FAQs
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Straw and wood are both materials that are made to last. The oldest wooden building is more than 1,300 years old. Modern straw-bale building techniques date back to the beginning of the last century. The first houses built in Europe (1921) and the US (1925) are still in pristine condition. We offer a 25 year producer guarantee for the insulation layer and 50 years for structural integrity. However, as long as the installation standards are met, the life expectancy of an EcoCocon building can be measured in centuries.
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Contrary to popular belief, straw and wood buildings resist fire very well. The straw in our panels is compressed at a density of 110kg/m³ (6.9 Ib/ft3), leaving no space for oxygen that would fuel the fire. Straw has a high content of silica, a natural fire retardant. When burning, both materials create a charcoal insulation layer on the surface that protects them from flames.
Combined with interior clay plaster, our wall system is rated to withstand two hours of intense fire according to the REI 120 and REIef120 certifications, meeting strict fire safety requirements. In fact, after two hours of over 1000°C (1832°F) on one side, the other side showed an average temperature increase of only 17.7°C (63.9°F).
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The construction costs are roughly comparable to a passive house. The system pays off in the long run thanks to minimum operating expenses.
As a rule of thumb, using healthy and natural materials is always slightly more expensive compared to industrial products. Just like when you buy organic food. This is due to the so-called “internalised environmental costs”, which means that we as producers look after the future by delivering a product that does not require future generations to pay for cleaning up after us.
Nevertheless, the walls only account for about 10-20% of the overall construction budget. The exact cost always depends on the particular project. Send us your drawings and we will get back to you with a non-binding estimate.
To get a clearer idea of the total price of the house, you will need to consult your building company. We can provide the information necessary for the company to estimate the labour costs for installing EcoCocon.
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Any building company that builds timber constructions should be more than capable of the task. Our team is ready to assist your architect and builders every step of the way. We guarantee that your project will benefit from using our system - by reducing construction time while maintaining full flexibility in design.
Contact us.
karen@buildingwellnessllc.com
970.556.0433