We work in various capacities with one goal: spread this straw building technology with the EcoCocon panel system to change the way we build, and farm.

Explain how when we get straw from regenerative farmers, we can heal our soil, produce real organic food and create healthy homes for people and our planet.

To show that bio building can be built to scale and help EcoCocon to create a path for the first production line in the US.

Practically speaking, we work in three ways:

1. Outside of Upstate NY (and Upstate NY): We distribute the EcoCocon panels throughout the US. Meaning we work with you and your architect and builder as consultants on building with the panel system - ensuring quality and efficiency. We can also make recommendations for engineers, architects, and builders in certain US markets who have experience with the EcoCocon system.

2. Upstate NY: We work with your architect and designer and provide engineering and general contacting services on your project.

3. Upstate NY: We offer the full range of services from design and engineering to building as general contractor, helping streamline your dream project.

Additionally, we train builders and engineers on working with the EcoCocon straw panel system and educate architects and developers on our sustainable solution.

In the US, alone there are 11 EcoCocon buildings in 7 different states with 16 more projects on the way.

• Since 2013, more than 4000 EcoCocon buildings have been built in 29 different countries on 3 continents, storing over 10,000,000 lbs of CO2 combined.

• EcoCocon construction costs are comparable to a passive house designs.

• This design and system pays itself off in the long run due to minimal operating expenses.

• High Performance EcoCocon Building: With R39 in the wall and R60 in the roof, a completely finished EcoCocon house costs around $300-$350 per square foot.

• Passive EcoCocon Building: With R50 in the wall and R80 in the roof, a completely finished EcoCocon house costs around $350-$400 per square foot.

• Prices listed are for the Upstate NY area. A local builder will be familiar with your local construction costs.

• Prices vary depending on other material choices, design details, location, labor cost, finishes, etc.

We are glad to help you with an estimate for the straw panels. To start, we need to see an elevation drawing showing all walls and measurements.

Book your intro consultation here.

• 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.

• EcoCocon offers 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.

• With more than 10 years of experience, the EcoCocon system fulfills the highest quality requirements, including the Cradle to Cradle and the German Passivhaus Institute certificate.

• EcoCocon ranked 4th in the first-ever Global Product Innovation Challenge by the Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Institute and received an Innovation Award 2019 for “Regionally available and renewable materials”.

• Find certifications and other technical documentation here.

• No more than brick or concrete buildings. While hay may be attractive for its leafy material, straw only contains cellulose and is not a food source. Rodents enjoy building tunnels and look for cavities. Highly compressed straw is not a suitable environment for them.  

• Insects do not fare much better. Termites have no particular interest in straw. Standard protective measures should be taken in areas where they are active. 

• Although rare, booklice can appear in straw buildings. These tiny insects sometimes multiply in conditions of high relative humidity, and typically disappear on their own in a matter of weeks. While they can be a short-term nuisance, they are harmless to both humans and property. 

• The bottom line is, pests are just as common in straw houses as they are in conventional houses and same prevention measures apply. 

• 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 clay plaster, our panels are 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).

• Find fire resistance and additional technical documentation here.

• Do not mistake straw for hay - whereas hay is grass and contains pollen, straw is cellulose and harmless.

• What’s more, in combination with clay plaster, our walls effectively regulate the indoor humidity and your allergy symptoms might be relieved. 

• Nope. If you can dream it, we can build it. Moreover, if you can build it with lego, you can build it with the EcoCocon panels.

• EcoCocon panels are custom made and precision-cut to every design in 1mm increments.

• There have been schools and public spaces built using EcoCocon panels, as well as multi-family developments. See the next question to read about those.

• Learn more here.

• The EcoCocon system has a load-bearing capacity for up to 6 stories.

• To overcome this limitation, our panels can also be used as insulation in combination with another load-bearing structure.

• Currently, there is a 12 story EcoCocon panel high-rise being built in Sweden, as well as an award winning 14 story high-rise in the Netherlands.

Once we have a finished design, including architectural and engineering plans, the straw panel manufacturing and delivery can take between 4 to 6 months.

• Absolutely! We believe in spreading the wisdom of building with straw with anyone who has interest in building in a new, more sustainable way.

• If you are a builder or general contractor regardless of your location (limited within the US) interested in working with the EcoCocon straw panel system, learn more here.

• Our dream is to create a team of builders across the US who can help with our increasing demand.

• The straw panels are currently produced and shipped from EcoCocon's factory in Lithuania.

• We are actively working with EcoCocon to get a US production facility by 2027.