Straw house specialist goes Stateside

A Bristol-based specialist is taking its straw and hemp bale construction business to America after launching an office in San Francisco.

ModCell – which specialises in constructing sustainable buildings from pre-fabricated panels – is currently in talks to develop licence agreements for the US and Canada.

Managing director Craig White said the firm had identified the US as a key growth market.

ModCell’s timber frame panels are filled with straw or hemp and are constructed off-site in ‘Flying Factories’, often in farmer’s barns close to the build projects.

The firm claims the panels provide better thermal insulation than alternative building methods, resulting in an up to 80% reduction in heating bills.

The firm’s move was made with support from UK Trade and Investment South West.

White said: “Our experience to date, coupled with further support from UKTI will unquestionably pave the way for further international development.”