Comfortable, healthy and robust buildings delivered with Hiberna Modular structural straw panels.
Sustainably designed and manufactured in Wanaka, NZ.
High-performance prefabricated straw panels, the smart building alternative
At Hiberna Modular, we’re all about creating healthier, affordable and more sustainable buildings. Our structural straw panels offer a natural, eco-friendly alternative to traditional timber framing—designed to be strong, efficient, and planet-friendly.
From the energy-saving design of our modular building panels to the low-carbon materials we use, reducing our environmental impact is at the heart of everything we do.
Our systems are not only highly insulated and structurally solid, but also quick to install and cost-effective. Each panel is custom-made to fit walls, roofs, and suspended floors for both residential and commercial projects, making them a smart choice for any build.
Designed for healthy, comfortable living
We care about the well-being of people and the planet, crafting buildings that are as healthy and comfortable as they are eco-friendly.
Our prefabricated straw panels bring a sense of harmony and wellness to every space by maintaining high indoor air quality, consistent temperatures, and a quiet, serene environment.
Plus, they’re easy to integrate into any modern home build or even the most ambitious architectural design.
Thanks to their airtight, well-insulated design, our buildings use less energy to heat and cool, making them a smart and sustainable choice all around.
Specifications
Highly insulating locally sourced, compressed straw (and optional wood fibre board). R Value 5-8 depending on product.
Acoustic baffling, naturally integrated through insulation properties.
Versatile use with any external cladding where a cavity exists, or opt for a lime/lime stabilised earth plaster. We can supply these in bulk pre-mixed (*some design requirements existing for external plaster finishes.)
Strong our bracing panel is stronger than a plywood brace wall at 160 NZ BU.
Designed for comfort with panel thickness at 270-430mm (vs. 90mm or 140mm – standard house), our panels provide comfort, no matter the conditions.
Want more technical information and specifications on our panels? Download our information brochure.
Locally sourced materials sourced entirely from the lower south island reducing carbon miles.
Low carbon our construction method uses around half the carbon of standard construction and helps to store huge amounts from the atmosphere.
Cost effective double the wall width at a similar price to 140mm timber framing (with batts.) No gib stopping or painting required.
Time efficient manufactured offsite, incorporating proprietary fittings designed to improve build/ fit time once on the slab.
From design to build, our sustainable construction systems are just better
Our driving belief is that buildings should be as sustainable as they are beautiful. Our custom panels are innately strong and versatile, helping architects bring their energy-efficient, durable, and stunning designs to life.
We’re also paving the way for a greener, faster, and more cost-effective approach to construction. By sourcing materials locally and manufacturing off-site, we keep our carbon footprint low and minimise waste.
Our pre-assembled SIPs arrive on-site precisely cut and ready to install, making the process quicker and smoother. Plus, they reduce the need for specialist labour, unlike traditional framing methods—saving builders time and hassle.
Carbon-locking in the benefits
Our structural panels are made from wood and compressed straw, low-carbon materials that absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide during growth.
Each Hiberna Modular straw panel stores four times more carbon than is emitted during production and emits just half the carbon of a typical timber frame wall – helping reduce New Zealand’s carbon footprint today, not decades from now.
FAQs
Do I need a cavity over straw panels?
Typically yes - Hiberna Modular Panels can be used with almost any exterior cladding, and like any building requires a cavity between the framing and the exterior cladding. The exception to this is direct plastering over the exterior. This requires a different approach to design to protect the framing (panels) from the elements - again like any framing does. We can provide a risk matrix for your specific design, taking into consideration the need for a cavity, or otherwise. Please contact us for more information.
What is the thickness of the panels?
Our Standard panels are 300mm thick (vs. standard NZ timber frames which are 90mm or 140mm). The thickness of our panels allows for the cosy R Values offered by our product. Thick walls also offer acoustic baffling, structural soundness and impart a feeling of comfort and security.
New Zealand has six distinct climate zones. We manufacture to regional climates to ensure the energy efficiency of buildings. Sometimes we may recommend wood fibre-board as well to boost the insulation value or even a thicker panel if you want to meet passive house standard.Can straw panels get water damage once the building is complete?
Like any building and building materials, if there is a roof leak or poorly installed window, water damage can occur. Water damage in a finished building is no more an issue with straw panels than it is any other building or construction material.
Can the straw panels get water damage during construction?
The panels are protected during construction and until the roof is installed, similar to other framing.
Are these SIPS panels?
Hiberna Modular Panels are structurally insulated panels - with a difference. Rather than use polystyrene as the insulating material, we use compressed, locally sourced straw. The R Values, sound baffling and construction methods are very similar to standard SIPS, however our footprint on the planet during build and for the life of each building is significantly less (if not negligible.)
Why choose Hiberna Panels over timber frames?
The structural quality and buildability of Hiberna Modular panels is similar to a standard timber frame. However our walls are thicker and R Values higher than a 140mm timber frame, insulated with batts. Our panels naturally baffle sound, without specific fixings or additional materials.