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Hemp Beyond Consumption: Hempcrete

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Hemp Beyond Consumption: Hempcrete

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Hemp Beyond Consumption: Hempcrete

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This month at the Sherpa blog, we're taking a new approach.


Embark with us on this journey, as we explore the vast world of hemp beyond consumption. In this ten-part series, we'll delve into the diverse uses of hemp, both historically and in modern times. We'll highlight its many versatile applications and compare hemp-based products to their market counterparts.

So lace up your hiking boots, as we hit the trail running with,

Hempcrete.

Hempcrete block being used to built a wall.

 France pioneered the use of hempcrete in the 1800s when builders recognized it as an ideal material for restoring old buildings. By the 1990s, the French government began supporting hempcrete, investing in research and development of this plant-based building material and other sustainable options.

Photo of a woman spinning hemp and two others inspecting her work.
Hempcrete is made by combining hemp hurds, the woody core of the plant, with lime. This mixture creates an excellent eco-friendly building material, praised for its sustainability, lightweight nature, and energy efficiency. These properties caught the attention of the architectural industry, and by the 1900s, Europe embraced hempcrete for its environmental benefits. Since then, its popularity has grown, spreading to the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, North America, and Australia.
Photo of a hempcrete block and its benefits.

Advantages of Hempcrete

  • Sustainability: Hempcrete is a carbon-negative material, absorbing more CO2 during the hemp plant's growth than is emitted during its production and use.
  • Insulation: It provides excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
  • Breathability: Hempcrete allows buildings to "breathe," regulating humidity and preventing mold growth.
  • Fire Resistance: The material is naturally fire-resistant, enhancing building safety.

Hempitecture

Several American companies are offering hempcrete for both commercial and residential use. Hempitecture in Ketchum, Idaho, provides hempcrete insulation bundles for homes and more, on bundle specifically fitted for the R7 Van, costing a mere $125 per bundle.

 

Photo depicting layers for a wall made with hemp based materials.

Photo Source:Hempitecture

American LimeTechnology

Another company id like to shine some light on is, American Lime Technology in Chicago, Illinois, leverages its international experience to assist clients with various hemp-based building materials.

 

Process of framing and insulating with hemp based building materials.

Tiny Hemp Houses

Tiny Hemp Houses in Colorado, founded by John Patterson, offers tiny home construction and natural building consulting, with a strong emphasis on teaching others about the benefits and uses of hempcrete. John runs workshops where other hemp enthusisest can come and learn how to build with hemp based building materials. Heres what he has to say

"Join us for a multi-faceted week of education and entertainment centered around building with hempcrete - from sourcing the materials to mixing the recipe and installing it - you’ll apply your newfound learnings, meet people who share a common interest, celebrate the epic structure we’ll create together, & leave with skills to build your own structure or business!
We will be casting hempcrete & installing it onto a wall of a Solviva greenhouse, located on a beautiful 26-acre forested property - home to Diggers Compost Cooperative and the Guzman Family Farm, a 50 min drive from Portland, ME, & 2 hours from Boston, MA.
People of all ages over 18 and of all abilities are welcome to attend, including building professionals, natural & green building advocates, & anyone else excited to partake in this special, one of a kind, training and opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge & practical skills.
Join a movement focused on creating healthier living spaces that can reverse the damaging effects of CO2 emissions! Let’s build our future with Hemp!'

If interested in partisipating check it out here: Evenbrite, Hempcrete Building Learning Experience by Permatours & Tiny Hemp Houses

 

Photo Source:Tiny Hemp House

The Traveling EcoDome

Due to the relatively recent rise in popularity of hempcrete and other hemp-based building materials, their history is limited. However, there are already notable buildings made with hempcrete. The Ecodome has us traveling to the Netherlands & Indonesia, to experience “How green can be integrated into a healthy lifestyle and living environment”. Once perched in the Bogor Botanical Gardens in Indonesia in 2017. 
The Ecodome, a gift from the Dutch government, celebrates two centuries of botanical research, conservation, and public education at the Indonesian garden, where it will be displayed for one year. The structure incorporates hempcrete alongside other sustainable building materials. Its exterior is covered in moss leaves, which absorb air particles and collect rainwater. The dome is a living embodiment of ecological responsibility, and a stunning depiction of what a conscious development and infrastructure.
The Ecodome in the Bogor Botanical Gardens in 2017

"Hemp House"

Another noteworthy property is a residential home found in the Czech Republic, a residential dwelling known as the "Hemp House." This two-bedroom upscale cabin is nestled in Buchlovice, near Smrad’ávka, and originally intended as a winter retreat.
 Photo of the "Hemp House" in Buchlovice.
Photo Source:Grand Design Magazine
Equipped with a basement, a green roof, and a photography studio, this home is one of the firt of its kind. Homeowner Ondřej Koníček and designer Lina Bellovičová, who became his significant other, both fell in love with the home and now live there full-time.
Photo of the "Hemp House" bathroom
Photo Source:Grand Design Magazine

The Tallest Hemp Built Building in the World

Currently in South Africa, what is claimed to be the world's tallest building made of industrial hemp is being erected with promising views of Table Mountain. Located at 84 Harrington Street in Cape Town, the Hemp Hotel is a 12-story building featuring 54 rooms designed to be energy-efficient and low maintenance.
Photo of the 12 story hemp hotel, the Neighbourgood being built.
Photo Source:Vote Hemp
Named the Neighbourgood, the hotel rooms host a number of amenities, including; WiFi,  stylishly Kitchen appliances, Smart TV, Ceiling fans, Double glazed windows, Secure access control & 24/7 security ,Swimming pool and outdoor rooftop deck, Coworking space in the building & meeting rooms, Wellness area, Prepaid Laundry facilities. The Neighbourgood 84 isnt done either, with plans for a Restaurant, Cafe and Bar opening soon.
One bedroom suite at the Neighbourgood 84.
Photo source:Neighbourgood 84 Harrington

The Neighbourgood 84 offers one- and two-bedroom rooms, suites, and apartments ranging from R945.00 to R1,600.00. If traveling from the US, the exchange rate for 1 South African Rand (ZAR) is approximately equivalent to 0.05499 US Dollars (USD), meaning you can stay for as little as $51.97 to $87.98 for the largest room. With the spacious modern rooms, the amenities offered, the stunning views, and the favorable currency exchange rate, it's no wonder the Hemp Hotel is attracting visitors from all over the globe.
Table mountain Cape Town South Africa

In Closing

As we conclude our exploration of hemp's remarkable versatility, it is clear that this plant holds immense potential for sustainable development. From the eco-friendly, carbon-negative hempcrete used in buildings across Europe and North America to the world's tallest hemp building in Cape Town, hemp-based materials are revolutionizing the construction industry. Hats off to companies like Hempitecture, American Lime Technology, and Tiny Hemp Houses leading the charge in the US, and innovative structures like the Ecodome and the Hemp House showcasing hemp's benefits, the future of sustainable architecture looks promising. The Neighbourgood 84 in Cape Town exemplifies how modern amenities and eco-friendly materials can coexist, offering travelers a unique and sustainable lodging experience. As hemp continues to gain traction worldwide, it is set to play a crucial role in creating healthier, more sustainable living spaces.
All photos are soruced from canva unless stated otherwise, feature image source mud dauber building.
By Sherpa Explore

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