In an effort to improve the energy efficiency of homes, a cooperative in Trelew, Chubut, has found an innovative use for wool, a material that has long been seen as a worthless byproduct in the textile industry.
This new approach offers a sustainable and economical solution to reduce energy consumption in homes.
The concept is simple and revolutionary: transforming discarded wool into a natural insulator for homes. This initiative not only increases the value of rural activities but also decreases heat loss through walls and roofs, resulting in a notable energy saving.
The Cooperativa Lanera Trelew, born after the bankruptcy of a textile company, has managed to process 95% of the country’s wool. This wool, which sometimes ended up burned or in landfills, is now used to build more efficient homes in terms of energy use.
During an event in Chile in 2022, engineer Rubén Contreras recognized the lack of raw material for bioconstruction projects. This led to the development of the LanArq Patagónico Project, a binational collaboration that has already shown its benefits in Chile.
The system uses a dry wood structure and replaces synthetic insulating materials with wool. The cooperative produces and assembles the panels quickly, promising complete homes in approximately 45 days, although the exact time depends on the final design.
A key benefit is the reduction in firewood use by up to 40% compared to traditional homes in southern Chile. Although the initial cost is 10% to 15% higher, the energy savings can reach up to 50%, offsetting the initial investment.
A report from the Argentine Government supports these findings, indicating that this type of insulation can cut energy consumption by 30%.
Additional research, such as that presented at ENCAC/ELAC 2025, confirms that wool mats offer competitive thermal conductivity, comparable to conventional insulators.
In addition to its thermal properties, wool has the ability to efficiently manage humidity, reducing the risk of mold. A 2025 study demonstrated that wool-based materials maintained a more stable relative humidity compared to synthetic ones.
Regarding safety, wool is treated with borax salt, enhancing its fire resistance and protecting it against pests. This provides a certified fire resistance of 54 minutes.
The ultimate goal is to expand the use of this natural insulator to more homes, demonstrating its effectiveness in different climates and conditions. Energy efficiency labeling programs in Argentina are helping to measure the real impact of this innovative material on energy consumption.
