Using Hemp To Build With
CUSTOM BUILT, architecturally stunning, unique home that has been featured in many publications due to its negative carbon footprint Hempcrete structure.
The Power Of Hemp-Based Construction Materials
Written by Casper Leitch
Industrial hemp is making waves in the construction industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Among its most promising applications is hempcrete - a lightweight, insulating, and highly sustainable material that is gaining traction worldwide. This versatile material is composed of hemp plant fibers mixed with a lime binder, forming a carbon-negative solution that absorbs more CO2 than it emits.
The global hemp industry is beginning to embrace the numerous benefits of hemp building materials, from their insulation properties to their ability to last for centuries. As more architects and builders turn to hemp-based solutions, the potential to revolutionize sustainable construction becomes more clear.
Hemp Homes For Farm Workers Is A Pioneering Project
In Fresno County, California, a groundbreaking initiative is using hemp-based materials to build sustainable housing for farm workers. The development consists of 33 single-family homes in the city of Huron, making it the first 'Small Hemp Home Village' in the U.S. This project not only addresses critical housing shortages but also serves as a model for carbon-passive and Eco-friendly residential communities.
Hempcrete is proving to be a game-changer in projects like these, offering superior thermal insulation, moisture management, and durability. Its breathability reduces the risk of mold, making it a healthier choice for residents. Moreover, hemp’s rapid growth cycle - maturing in just 100 days - makes it a better renewable and sustainable option compared to traditional lumber, which takes decades to mature.
The Science Behind Hempcrete
Hempcrete’s unique properties make it an ideal building material for Eco-conscious construction.
Insulation & Humidity Control: Hempcrete provides superior thermal mass, helping regulate indoor temperatures year-round. It also naturally manages humidity, reducing the need for additional synthetic insulation.
Carbon Sequestration: Unlike concrete, which is responsible for nearly 8% of global carbon emissions, hempcrete actively removes CO2 from the atmosphere.
Fire & Mold Resistance: Hempcrete’s natural composition makes it resistant to fire, mold, and pests, enhancing building longevity.
Design Versatility: Hempcrete walls have an attractive texture that can be left exposed or finished with traditional materials, offering architectural flexibility.
While initial costs may be slightly higher - around 20% more than double-brick construction - these expenses will decrease as hempcrete becomes more mainstream and labor expertise grows.
Sustainable Hemp Construction Initiatives Are Leading The Way
Several pioneering organizations are driving the expansion of hemp-based construction:
Old Pueblo Hemp Company (Tucson, Arizona)
Old Pueblo Hemp Company is at the forefront of hemp-lime construction, working with the Tucson Unified School District and the University of Arizona to upgrade existing buildings. Their goal is to improve energy efficiency and educate the community on the benefits of hemp-based building materials.
Asinikahtamwak (Elk Point, Alberta)
This Canadian company is manufacturing lightweight hemp-based concrete blocks designed to be fire-, mold-, and weather-resistant. Their projects range from greenhouses to structural insulated panels, demonstrating hemp’s versatility in various climates.
Historical Applications And Global Expansion
Hemp has been used in construction since ancient Egypt, and modern builders in France, England, and Italy have refined its applications. Notable projects include the Flat House in the UK, Rue Marx Dormoy Social Housing in France, and The Voice of Urban Nature Pavilion in the Netherlands.
The Benefits Of Hemp Construction
Environmental Sustainability: A renewable resource that sequesters carbon dioxide.
Superior Insulation: Reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Fire & Mold Resistance: Naturally resistant to common building hazards.
Durability: Structures can last for centuries.
Non-Toxic: Safe for indoor use and human health.
The Challenges Of Hemp Construction
Higher Initial Cost: Primarily due to labor and limited supply chains.
Limited Availability: Industrial hemp sourcing can be difficult in some regions.
Structural Support Requirements: Hempcrete is not a load-bearing material and requires additional framing.
Maintenance Needs: Regular lime-washing is recommended for long-term durability.
Some Notable Examples Of Buildings Constructed Using Hempcrete
These projects highlight the versatility and potential of hempcrete as a sustainable building material.
Designed by Practice Architecture and Margent Farm, this pioneering project used prefabricated hempcrete panels to create a home with very low embodied carbon. The panels were erected in just two days, showcasing the efficiency and sustainability of hemp construction.
Pierre Chevet Sports Centre, France
Architects at Lemoal Lemoal used hempcrete blocks assembled without mortar to build this sports center in Croissy-Beaubourg. The blocks were treated with hemp plaster on the inside and clad in white cement-fiber panels on the outside.
Rue Marx Dormoy Social Housing, France
Barrault Pressacco used hempcrete sprayed in layers onto gypsum-fiber panels fixed to a timber framework to construct this social housing project in Paris. The building features 15 social housing units and two shops.
The Voice of Urban Nature, Netherlands
Dutch studio Overtreders W created this garden pavilion in Almere using pink-dyed hempcrete within demountable timber modules. The project aimed to demonstrate a reusable building system.
Designed by Antony Gibbons Design, this house is inspired by the Möbius strip and is made out of hempcrete blocks reinforced with concrete. The design emphasizes the connection with nature and the innovative use of sustainable materials.
The Future of Hemp Construction
The momentum behind hemp-based building materials is undeniable. As global hemp markets expand and industrial hemp regulations ease, hempcrete will become an increasingly viable option for sustainable architecture. With rising demand for Eco-friendly housing, hemp-based construction is poised to reshape the industry, providing an alternative that benefits both the planet and its inhabitants.
For those passionate about ending hemp prohibition and fostering a thriving global hemp industry, embracing and promoting hemp construction is a critical step forward. By supporting policies that encourage industrial hemp production and investing in research and education, we can unlock the full potential of this remarkable material and build a greener, healthier future for generations to come.
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Grow Your Own
These hempcrete blocks are a green building material made with a hemp-lime insulation mixture packed around a biocomposite structural frame.
