FAQ

EcoCocon is a prefabricated structural wall panel system made of 98% natural, renewable materials — compressed straw insulation within a twin-stud timber frame, precision-manufactured to custom dimensions.

EcoCocon differs from traditional construction by integrating insulation, structure, and airtightness into prefabricated, diffusion-open wall elements, rather than assembling layers on-site. It also offers high thermal insulation (λ ≈ 0.053–0.060 W/m·K), certified fire resistance, and good airborne sound insulation, with flexible wall build-ups to suit project requirements.

EcoCocon differs from masonry by using large, custom-made prefabricated wall elements instead of small on-site materials. It is a dry construction system where panels already combine structure, insulation, and airtightness, enabling faster build, higher precision, and consistent quality. Compared to conventional methods, it delivers lower environmental impact with CO₂-storing renewable materials and high energy performance suitable for passive standards.

EcoCocon is suitable for single-family homes, multi-family residential buildings, public, commercial, and even industrial buildings, such as logistics and warehouse centers. It can be used in low- to mid-rise buildings up to around 3 storeys as load-bearing walls (or higher with additional structural reinforcement). For taller buildings, the panels can also be used as infill or as an external envelope within a separate load-bearing structure.

EcoCocon panels are custom-manufactured to an architect's specifications, giving you meaningful design flexibility across a wide range of project types and scales. You stay in control of the design; we make sure it performs.

While panels can be manufactured for nearly any design, a few constraints apply: walls must be vertical (not leaning); round panels are not produced (though a curved-wall effect is achievable); gable roof angles should ideally be between 1° and 50°; minimum lintel height is 400 mm (overcomable with Box Lintels); minimum panel width between two openings is 400 mm.

The most effective integration is through coordinated IFC exchange linked directly to panel production and assembly. Architects share 3D outlines or IFC models of the building's external walls; EcoCocon uses these to develop the panel project and returns a full IFC model of the wall system for coordination, review, and confirmation. That same model drives drawings, planning, and automated production — ensuring consistency from design to construction.

For software-specific support: Revit users receive ready-made wall build-ups, and ArchiCAD wall build-ups can be set up using standard tools. Technical details, guides, and ongoing support are available throughout the process to help architects and builders make informed decisions and streamline execution.

EcoCocon delivers high-performance results in a 400 mm wall system with the recommended certified build-up. Fire safety: The system achieves a fire resistance of up to REI 120 / REIef120. Acoustics: The wall provides strong sound insulation of Rw = 54 dB for excellent indoor comfort. Thermal performance: The system achieves a thermal transmittance of U = 0.12 W/(m²K) and a phase shift of up to 25 hours, supporting excellent thermal stability.

We offer a 25-year guarantee for the insulation layer and 50 years for structural integrity. When installed according to recommended standards, the EcoCocon system is designed for a lifespan that extends far beyond these guarantees—potentially lasting for centuries. Straw insulation has over 100 years of proven performance. The first modern straw-bale buildings in Europe (1921) and the US (1925) are still in pristine condition.

An airtight layer on the exterior side of the straw panels prevents warm, moist air from entering the structure and condensing within it. This helps significantly reduce the risk of hidden moisture damage while improving overall energy efficiency and airtight performance. Moisture safety is always assessed as part of the full wall assembly design. Each specific build-up should be verified in advance using hygrothermal simulations (e.g. WUFI) to ensure optimal long-term performance in the given climate and application.

If you already have an architect and drawings, contact us for a non-binding estimate. If you are at an earlier stage, start by engaging an architect (we can connect you with affiliated architects experienced with our system). We then prepare a technical panel project, manufacture the panels, and supply assembly and airtightness materials.

Planning and production scheduling typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on project complexity. Contact our team for a timeline specific to your project.

Minimise small panel sizes by avoiding many small wall openings; keep single-floor heights at or below 3 metres; note that gable roofs slightly increase average panel costs. Sending us drawings early allows our team to flag cost-saving opportunities before production.

Our team supports architects and builders at every stage: from design consultation and technical panel engineering through to on-site guidance. We guarantee that your project will benefit from our system by reducing construction time while maintaining full design flexibility.

Panels are delivered on lorries and can be unloaded with standard construction equipment such as forklifts or cranes. Our team can advise on logistics requirements specific to your site.

The timing is similar to other building systems, including timber constructions, and depends on project size and complexity. For small projects, securing a builder after the building permit is usually sufficient, provided there is enough time to complete the execution project and plan the work. For larger or more complex projects, it’s best to involve a certified builder early—ideally during the design phase—so the architect and building company can coordinate efficient solutions, such as pre-assembly, ensuring a smooth and effective construction process.

Our consultants provide technical support throughout design and construction. We offer a detailed assembly guide, can recommend a professional to visit the construction site, and provide all technical documentation needed for engineers and builders to work with confidence.

You'll find a list of certified architects and builders in the Partners section on our Contact page. If your region isn't covered yet, get in touch directly and we'll connect you with the right people.

EcoCocon's prefabricated panel system significantly reduces on-site construction time compared to traditional methods. The exact timeline depends on project size and complexity – contact us for a project-specific estimate.

Any building company that constructs timber constructions should be capable of working with EcoCocon. Standard equipment such as forklifts or cranes is sufficient for unloading and erecting panels. Our team provides a detailed assembly guide and can arrange on-site professional support.

Yes, the panels can be integrated with CLT (Cross Laminated Timber), glulam frames, or even steel and concrete structures as an infill wall system.

Panels are delivered on lorries and can be unloaded with standard construction equipment, such as forklifts or cranes.

Since 2013, about 500 EcoCocon buildings have stored nearly 6,000,000 kg of CO₂ combined across 25 countries. Each building sequesters CO₂ in both the straw insulation and structural timber, while also replacing carbon-intensive materials like concrete, brick, and polystyrene.

EcoCocon panel is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and a certified Passive House component. Buildings constructed with EcoCocon can achieve the Passive house standard when designed accordingly, and the system is compliant with EU taxonomy requirements for sustainable construction, supporting green finance and public procurement goals. EcoCocon is compatible with the leading green building rating frameworks — LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB — contributing across multiple criteria, including embodied carbon, indoor air quality, material health, and energy performance. Its natural material composition and indoor climate properties also make it a strong fit for projects pursuing the WELL Building Standard.

EcoCocon complies with EU taxonomy for sustainable activities, supporting developers and public procurers in meeting green building and procurement criteria. Our low-carbon, natural-material system contributes directly to embodied carbon targets and circular economy goals.

Construction costs are roughly comparable to a conventional passive house. The EcoCocon system pays off in the long run through minimum operating expenses. Walls typically account for only 10–20% of the overall construction budget, making the premium for natural materials a modest share of total project cost.

Faster construction (quicker ROI), marketable sustainability credentials, and lower risk of cost overruns due to fixed-price prefabrication.

EcoCocon reduces construction timelines, lowers operational energy costs, and enhances building value through superior performance credentials (Passive House, EU taxonomy compliance, low embodied carbon). These factors support faster sales, premium pricing, and access to green finance instruments.

Yes. The exceptional thermal performance (U-values of 0.10–0.15 W/m²K) reduces heating and cooling costs by up to 90% compared to standard buildings, leading to massive long-term savings.