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Hemp Beyond Consumption: Hempcrete
Hemp Beyond Consumption: Hempcrete
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.
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.
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
The Traveling EcoDome
"Hemp House"
The Tallest Hemp Built Building in the World
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.
