Ecological Building Systems has appointed George Mikurcik as Technical Specification
Architect, reflecting the company’s commitment to advancing innovative straw wall panel
solutions in the UK through its close collaboration with EcoCocon.
The new role follows Ecological Building Systems’ recent exclusive partnership with leading
straw wall panel manufacturer EcoCocon. Alongside supplying the EcoCocon range, Ecological
provides comprehensive technical support, including design consultation, detailing, training and
on-site guidance for the prefabricated straw wall system across the UK and Ireland.
George will technically support Ecological Building Systems’ expanding portfolio while
continuing to drive EcoCocon’s UK straw panel development. Working part-time for both
companies, his dual role strengthens ties between the two organisations and opens new
opportunities for collaboration in natural building innovation.
With extensive knowledge and understanding of the subject, George was actually the first
person in the UK to build a home using EcoCocon’s straw panel Passive House system, which
is made up of 98% of natural renewable materials, offering excellent thermal performance and
indoor comfort. This project won The Passivhaus Trust Award (Small Projects) in 2018.
Penny Randell, UK Director and General Manager of Ecological Building Systems in the UK,
explains: “We are really pleased to welcome George to the business. He has specified and
worked alongside Ecological Building Systems for many years and his in-depth knowledge of
our natural building systems, combined with his expertise and understanding of EcoCocon, will
be invaluable to our customers looking to build sustainable homes.”
Research and development at Ecococon
A leading figure in the sustainable projects industry, George is an architect by trade and has, for
the last seven years, worked as UK Technical Consultant for EcoCocon, a role he will retain on
a part-time basis, focusing on research and development.
George Mikurcik said: “I am enjoying working as part of the Ecological Building Systems team to
provide technical support for architects, developers and self-builders on straw panel
construction. This is an exciting time for anyone looking to build a low carbon, energy efficient
home as the opportunities offered by prefabricated straw wall panels make this even more
achievable than ever.”
EcoCocon has been used in hundreds of projects across Europe and North America, from
schools, apartment buildings and logistics centres to custom homes and co-housing
developments. The system is fully certified, supports circular construction and is designed for
fast on-site assembly, reducing build time and waste.
Award success for EcoCocon
The EcoCocon straw wall system recently won the Prestigious Product award at the 2025
Exemplar Sustainable Buildings Awards (ESBA) in London.
Ecological Building Systems continues to lead the industry in developing innovative solutions
that bridge the gap between environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance, supporting
construction professionals in delivering projects that meet both sustainability goals and safety
standards. The company has grown significantly through supplying innovative and sustainable
high-quality building materials and new systems, backed up by expert advice and product
training.
Ecological Building Systems was set up in County Meath, Ireland, in 2000, with the UK division
established in 2007 and based near Carlisle in Cumbria. Ecological's parent company is
MacCann & Byrne, a family-owned company steeped in history, having been established on the
same premises in Athboy since 1906.
For more information, visit: www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com
