BUILDING WITH HEMP: AN ECOLOGICAL, SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
BUILDING WITH HEMPCRETE: AN ECOLOGICAL, SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION WITH A CARBON-NEGATIVE FOOTPRINT
An array of products can be made from the seeds, hurd (the woody interior off the
stalk), bast fiber and microfiber which are materials from the hemp plant.
Hempcrete is a bio-composite material made from hemp hurd mixed with lime-
based binders and water. Its multiple benefits (such as permeability, negative net carbon emissions,
thermal insulation, acoustic comfort and durability) have led to an increase of its potential
on the construction market.
What is the role of lime in the Hempcrete mix?
• Permeability: Allows the transfer of water vaporrs through the walls
• Reduced thermal conductivity: Lower thermal conductivity than classical
cement
• Higher CO2 absorption: More CO2 is absorbed during the carbonation process
in the case of hemp
• Flexibility: Greater flexibility than cement; reduces cracks
• Biocide: due to the high pH, lime acts as a biocide preventing mold.
Hempcrete offers a number of benefits:
• It's a great insulator.
• Hempcrete breathes, helping to regulate moisture.
• It becomes stronger over time.
• During the curing process, it absorbs carbon dioxide.
• It's pest (including termite) and mold resistant.
• Very low flammability, making it a safe material for homes.
Hempcrete offers a number of benefits:
• It’s a great insulator
• Hempcrete breathes, helping to regulate moisture
• It becomes stronger over time
• During the curing process, it absorbs carbon dioxide
• It’s pest (including termite) and mold resistant
• Very low flammability, making it a safe material for homes
• An environmentally friendly product
• Safe to work with
• Fully recyclable
• Sound deadening qualities
• Less embodied energy in production
• Low allergenic
• As it’s hygroscopic, maintains a low humidity indoor environment
As mentioned, an advantage of hempcrete is its carbon sequestration
attributes. Carbon is locked away in the hemp fiber itself, but hempcrete
also continues to sequester carbon long after the building is constructed.
This is due to a process whereby the lime-based binder absorbs carbon from
the air over a period of time, petrifying the hemp shiv in the process.
Hempcrete isn’t load-bearing so it must
be used within a framework of the structure
When used in construction, the hempcrete can be cast on-site. or pre-
cast blocks or studded wall sections can be manufactured off site.
As to its durability, a properly constructed hempcrete wall’s life isn’t
measured in decades, but instead centuries.
Hemp Insulation
Insulation made from industrial hemp fibres comes in a variety of forms,
including batts, rolls and solid panels.
The batts incorporate a small percentage of polypropylene or polyethylene to
bind the hemp instead of chemical agents. Hemp batts have a similar R-
value of other insulation products of the same thickness.
As in other building applications, hemp insulation doesn’t rot, helps to
control moisture and is pest resistant – and is recyclable. Another advantage
is in handling – the level of personal protective equipment used when laying
down conventional batts is not required; although a mask is recommended
to avoid inhaling dust.
When used as an insulation material, hemp offers high thermal resistance
and has excellent sound absorption properties. It can also absorb a
significant amount of moisture without any deterioration in its thermal
performance.
Plastering/Rendering
Hemp based plaster or render is essential the same as hempcrete, just
applied more thinly. It adds a degree of added insulation and sound-
deadening to existing walls. One of the advantages over conventional lime
plasters is that it can be applied more thickly.
This is a product that can really stand the test of time. Hemp plaster
has preserved caves in India that have been wide open to the elements for
1,500 years.
Overall Mission:
The mission is to produce passive, green and sustainable residential structures utilizing renewable
energy.
We envision a future that begins to bridge the gap between sustainability and affordability in our choice
of building materials. We are committed to being mindful of our impact on the environment, to support
our local economy where possible, and to promote the growth and well-being of the planet and of our
fellow human beings.
FRAMING:
The framing of the house will made of steel produced by a PA owned and operated company. Steel
homes deliver major durability and resilience mainly because steel is widely recognized as tough, robust,
stable, and the most durable building material. The benefits of using a steel framed structure has shown
to be able to withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions such as tornados, hurricanes
and fires. Since steel does not rot, upkeep and maintenance are almost non-existent allowing you to
enjoy even more savings.
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR:
A green building and sustainable design will dramatically improve the energy efficiency, yet also have
considerable thermal, acoustic and fire resistance properties
We intend to use hempcrete and hemp insulation so that the structure will reap the following benefits:
• Flame, Water & Pest Resistant
• Naturally sourced, cost saving, sustainable, energy efficient, healthier
• Flame, Water & Pest Resistant
• Long Lasting - Lasts 100’s of years
• Naturally non-toxic
• Incredible Insulation
• Moisture balancing and breathable
• Energy Efficient
• Strong Lightweight
• Carbon negative
With the use of the hemp wood and hemp insulation, the property could properly be more efficient with
energy, temperature and moisture control all the while a healthier solution for occupants.
Additionally, with the installation of rooftop solar panels which go beyond just saving money on your
energy bills; you can take complete control of your electricity use and energy efficiency, reducing or
even eliminating your reliance on utility companies. Even more impactful, it directly lowers greenhouse
gas emissions and your reliance on fossil fuels, which provides a number of tangible environmental
benefits. Also our Rainwater Harvesting system keeps the water clean and cuts the need of fresh water resources and decreases your water bill.
Example Build:
A similar build was just recently erected in Massachusetts in late 2023. Cameron McIntosh, owner of
Americhanvre, was a major partner in making this happen and is also committed to help bring this concept
to Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area.
Hempcrete Sustainable Green Home ideas and plans. Coming Soon!