Swindon - EcoCocon Straw Wall Panel System
This practical training session is designed for anyone interested in understanding how EcoCocon straw wall panels are used within low-energy and sustainable buildings.
The training combines theory and hands-on practical learning, giving attendees the opportunity to better understand the principles behind vapour-open construction and experience how EcoCocon systems are assembled on site.
As spaces for this training are limited, a refundable £25 deposit is required on booking. This will be fully refunded* following attendance at the session.
We look forward to welcoming you to Swindon this summer.
19th August
Date and time
19th August 2026
9:30am - 3:00pm
Location
NSBRC, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon SN5 8UB
Refundable Deposit*
£25.00Ideal for
- Architects
- Architectural Technologists
- Specifiers
- Building Surveyors
- Contractors
- Consultants (Energy, Passivhaus)
- Historic/Listed Building Consultants
- Damp Specialists
- Students
- Anyone interested in sustainable, energy-efficient building
Key learning
- Understanding the principles behind EcoCocon straw wall panels.
- Understanding vapour-open and moisture-safe construction approaches.
- Practical experience assembling EcoCocon straw wall systems.
- Understanding how EcoCocon straw panels are designed and installed.
- Understanding the role of straw-based wall systems within low-energy buildings.
Description
Understanding EcoCocon straw wall panels through theory and practical assembly.
Join this practical training session to gain a better understanding of EcoCocon straw wall panels and how to use them in sustainable, high-performance construction.
The session will explore the principles behind vapour-open construction, moisture management and low-energy building approaches, while also introducing attendees to the practical assembly process used on site.
Attendees will gain hands-on experience working directly with the wall panels and will better understand how the system is designed, assembled and installed.
Entry Requirements:
Suitable for anyone interested in sustainable and low-energy construction, including:
• Architects
• Architectural Technologists
• Contractors
• Consultants
• Self-builders
• Homeowners
• Developers
• Students
Attendees should wear comfortable clothing suitable for practical activities.
Places are limited to a maximum of 20 attendees per session.
Points Gained:
This training session is a 4.5-hour stand-alone course, providing 4.5 CPD points towards maintaining your professional competence.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of:
- EcoCocon straw wall panels
- Vapour-open construction principles
- Moisture-safe building design
- Panel assembly and installation principles
- Low-energy construction approaches
- Practical assembly techniques
Agenda
Location:
The Build IT Theatre The National Self Build & Renovation Centre Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way Swindon SN5 8UB
The training session commences at 9.30am and finishes around 3.00pm. We request that you arrive at the NSBRC for 9.15am for registration and a prompt start at 9.30am. Please park at the rear of the Centre: NSBRC - Visitor information.
There will be a refreshment break about halfway through the training with tea and coffee-making facilities, and lunch will be provided.
The morning session will introduce the EcoCocon system, covering key principles including moisture-safe construction, comfort, energy performance and the role of straw-based wall systems within modern construction.
During the afternoon practical workshop, attendees will work directly with the panels and learn more about the assembly process, panel connections and installation principles.
We recommend bringing PPE, goggles and steel-toe capped/flat-soled stout footwear. Gloves and masks will be provided if you would like to use them.
To help keep each session on track and as relevant as possible to all attendees, we are offering 1-2-1 appointments after each session. During these appointments you can discuss specific projects or details with our Technical advisors. Please note that you will need to have booked this in advance.
Speakers
Annie Benton
Technical Specification Advisor
Annie has just recently completed her MSC in Green Building and has a passionate interest in building physics and improving the built environment. She is well acquainted with fabric first principles through completing her Passive House Designer Certification and Family Eco-Cocon straw panel home.
She has skills in measuring in-situ building performance of materials and completed her dissertation in this topic. Annie has practical skills in plastering with natural based plasters and experience of spraying natural insulation materials. Annie’s background is in education having worked in Neuroscience research and been a Secondary Science Teacher for 10 years across London and East Anglia.
Annie enjoys walking with her two labradors, growing her own food and enjoying the outdoors.
Dave Judd
Technical Specification Advisor (BSc Hons, MSc)
Dave has extensive experience with energy efficiency retrofits and is well acquainted with the “fabric first” principles of integrating airtightness and insulation in both new-build and existing buildings. He has also worked within the domestic renewable energy sector, with the main emphasis on solar PV, solar thermal and biomass systems. He has a Degree in Environmental Science and an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environment & Energy Studies and recently qualified as a Certified Passive House Tradesperson with the Passive House Institute. Outside of work, Dave enjoys trail running and cycling, growing vegetables and being sociable.
George Mikurcik
Technical Specification Architect
George joins us with extensive experience as a Passive House architect, having led large-scale new build and retrofit projects when working at Architype. He brings a wealth of technical knowledge and support from his time as a Technical Advisor with EcoCocon. George has practical experience of working with natural materials, having designed and built his own award winning straw panel passivhaus family home in rural Herefordshire.
Outside of work, George explores the surrounding countryside by bike and pursues photography and DIY, often accompanied by his English Springer Spaniel Midge.