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.”
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.
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