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The EnvironmentWWW.MSINGIAFRIKAMAGAZINE.COM | we tell the true afrikan story 34The EnvironmentSustainable materials are reclaiming their place in modern construction. Among these, straw%u2014a humble agricultural by-product%u2014has evolved from being dismissed as outdated to becoming a key player in green innovation. This shift, driven by advancements in material science and a growing demand for sustainability, highlights how once-ridiculed materials can become pioneers of progress.Straw in Multi-Storey Construction: A Swedish BreakthroughOne of the most striking examples of straw%u2019s transformation is ETC Bygg and EcoCocon%u2019s 12-story project in Malm%u00f6, Sweden. Slated for completion in 2025, this structure is set to be the world%u2019s tallest building using straw walls. The primary structure employs crosslaminated timber (CLT), while EcoCocon%u2019s prefabricated straw panels form the external envelope, ensuring high energy efficiency. The project meets Passive House standards, reducing operational energy demands and significantly cutting down embodied carbon.The building comprises ten stories of residential apartments above a groundfloor caf%u00e9 and retail spaces, with the top floor designated for storage and mechanical systems. The primary structure employs cross-laminated timber (CLT), while EcoCocon%u2019s prefabricated straw panels form the external envelope. This combination ensures high energy efficiency, aligning with Passive House standards, and significantly reduces the building%u2019s carbon footprint.Building in Malmo, Sweden: https: //ecococon.eu/dk/blog/2024/how-ecococonstraw-wall-panels-redefine-building-at-everysize?By Ronald Mbiu, Nairobi Kenya.