What is Hempcrete?

July 13, 2021
Construction and environmental sustainability are often caught butting heads. On one hand, we need construction to build essential infrastructure. But on the other hand, reducing our environmental footprint is one of the biggest challenges we face today. 

 

Construction and environmental sustainability are often caught butting heads. On one hand, we need construction to build essential infrastructure. But on the other hand, reducing our environmental footprint is one of the biggest challenges we face today. 


But what if there were a way that the two could meet in the middle? 


Hempcrete is a natural building material made from hemp. And it’s not just a tree-hugging thing that you’d find in an off-grid-living magazine. It’s incredibly feasible. Think: eco-friendly, carbon-negative, durable, lightweight, breathable and a strong insulator. But most of all, it has enormous potential to revolutionise an environmentally harmful (but all-important) industry.


Can we build our way to a greener future? 


Hempcrete – also known as hemp building materials or hemp masonry – is made from hemp fibres, lime and water. It’s not a new development, either. Hempcrete has been used for centuries throughout Europe (and stood the test of time, too). 


It has an earthy, contemporary appearance, boasting organic colours and natural textures. But beyond its striking form, hempcrete’s life cycle is hard to fault. From the farm to your home - let’s take a closer look.  


Hemp farming


Hemp is one of those rare, incredible plants that when farmed and harvested, it leaves the soil in better condition. It regenerates and ‘cleans’ the soil, adding nutrients rather than stripping them. What’s more, one hectare of industrial hemp can absorb up to 15 tonnes of CO2, acting as a carbon sink. Hemp is also fast growing, without the need for herbicides and pesticides, and requires little water if the climate is right. Does it get better than that? 



Hemp processing


Hemp is processed by collecting the hemp “hurd” (woody compounds found inside the stem), and then the lime and water act as a binding agent. It’s commonly used as an insulator, prefabricated panels for walls, a finishing plaster, cabinets and countertops. Creating hempcrete is a low energy process, with no heating required. The only costs involved are associated with running the shedders and crushers. And if you’re looking to shop local, there are a growing number of processing plants right here in Australia. 


Your hemp home 


The advantages of a hemp house are second to none. Here are some of our favourite features:


  • Carbon negative – your building will continue to absorb CO2 even after it’s built, making it stronger over time.

  • Pest resistant – pests and critters aren’t a fan of the lime in hempcrete, creating a natural means of pest management (minus the harsh chemicals)

  • Thermal efficiency – it neutralises outside temperature fluctuations, providing a constant and stable internal temperature (minimising our reliance on heating and cooling). 

  • Moderates humidity – this helps to maintain heating, cooling, ventilation and prevent harmful mould and mildew growth. 

  • Fire-resistant – hempcrete is non-flammable, compliant with Australian construction standards and suitable in bushfire zones. 

  • It’s durable – if built and maintained correctly, hemp masonry can last hundreds of years. 

  • Need we say it looks stunning? Earthy. Natural. Timeless.  


    • Building a hemp house in Australia


    More often than not, there’s bad news concerning environmental sustainability and climate. But amidst all the doom and gloom we find hempcrete – a material that’s promising, practical and beautiful in equal measure. 


    More and more building companies are discovering its worth, and we can only hope that this is the start of something big.