The building sector accounts for over a third of global energy consumption, about 50% comes from heating and cooling. With proper insulatin this percentage can be reduced. Using the natural properties of coconut fibers, Kokus panels are designed to provide superior thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and structural durability.

 
 
 
 

Coconut coir panels made from wasted coconut shells

  • reduce atmospheric temperature by 10°C when used for insulation.

  • reduce noise levels by 5.11 dB.

  • have tensile strength exceeding most hardwood.

  • have antimicrobial qualities that make it mold- and bacteria-resistant.

  • are more sustainible and less toxic then other options in the market.

 
 
 
 

Some production companies already process coconut coir into flat panels for uses like cooling in the fish industry and replacing foam in mattresses and furniture. We are designing the final production steps to adapt these panels for indoor retrofitting in older buildings or as an alternative to traditional materials in new construction.

 

KOKUS TEAM

 
 

  • Founder | Designer


    Berfin Ataman is a Turkish designer and a reseracher. Her work explores humans' interactions with their surroundings and the impacts of design.

    Her works have been showcased in galleries and museums like the CICA Museum and A+D Museum in Los Angeles. Ataman received the Design Award from the Architecture and Design Museum.

    She received her BFA in Theatre Design from the University of Southern California, her Post-Baccalaureate degree from the School of Art Institute Chicago, and her MFA from UCLA, Design Media Arts. She served as lecturer at UCLA Design Media Arts Department untill 2024. Currently she is continuing her gradute studies at MIT.

 

  • Founder | Designer

    Lee Marom is a multidisciplinary researcher, engineer, and computational designer currently pursuing a graduate degree in the SMArchS Computation program at MIT. Her work blends computational design, sustainable materials, and digital fabrication to create interactive public spaces and products, driven by an engineering-informed approach to design. Lee is passionate about leveraging technology to shape experiences that connect people and foster engagement in both built environments and everyday objects.

    Prior to joining MIT’s Department of Architecture, Lee gained diverse industry experience working as a mechanical engineer for innovative art and architecture studios such as Breakfast Studio in Brooklyn and Futureforms in San Francisco. In these roles, she contributed to projects that merged technology, art, and fabrication for customers, including Tiffany Co., Art Miami, and Fontaine Bleau.

    Lee holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in biomechanics and fabrication, along with a BS in Product Design Engineering from Stanford University. During her time at Stanford, she served as a teaching assistant in the Product Realization Lab, mentoring students in design for manufacturing and fabrication processes, and was the dedicated woodshop specialist, helping foster hands-on skills within the community.