The Straw Build project is a sustainable two-storey extension on a traditional Georgian masonry farmhouse. We provided the structural advice and drawings for the foundations, roof framing, and connections to the existing structure.

 

Together with Claire Lutzow, the architect for the project, and the timber panel supplier, we designed and constructed the extension's walls using prefabricated timber panels with straw infill, ensuring optimal vertical support and insulation. The final touches included sweet chestnut cladding, an oxidised copper roof, and a lime render interior.

 

The walls were insulated with EcoCocon Straw panels, a modular wall panel system that consists of a wooden frame filled with straw and then compressed to create a highly efficient and natural insulation material. When properly maintained, the panels offer long-term durability and resistance to pests, fire, and moisture, which makes them suitable for a wide range of climates. The EcoCocon panels are an innovative, eco-conscious building material that offers both environmental and practical benefits in modern construction.

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