Why Build With Hemp?

In Courtney’s latest renovation project, she chose to work with a builder who specialises in sustainable hempcrete construction. Hempcrete is made by combining the inner woody core of the hemp plant, known as hemp hurd, with a lime-based binder and water. The combination of these natural materials creates a lightweight, insulating, and environmentally friendly building material. 

In Courtney’s beach house, a large portion of the back of the house is made from hempcrete, and she chose to leave a section of the wall unrendered as a feature wall in the dining room to showcase the natural hemp. 

Below, she shares five benefits of using hemp in construction. 

1. Sustainability

Hemp is an incredibly sustainable crop. It is fast-growing, requires minimal water and no pesticides, and can be harvested within months. Additionally, unlike traditional building materials like concrete, brick or gyprock, hemp is biodegradable and non-toxic, so it has a lower environmental impact. 

2. Carbon sequestration

Hemp has a unique ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during its growth cycle. When used in construction materials like hempcrete, it continues to trap carbon dioxide, helping to offset the carbon footprint of the building.

3. Energy-efficiency

Hemp masonry walls are almost twice as thick as regular masonry walls and offer excellent thermal insulation. They regulate indoor temperatures efficiently, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling, thus saving energy and lowering utility bills.

4. Better indoor air quality

Hemp masonry walls allow moisture to pass through, which helps to prevent issues like mould and mildew growth. This breathability contributes to better indoor air quality, and the hemp smells nice too!

5. Durability

Hemp fibres have natural fire-resistant properties, making hemp masonry walls less susceptible to fire damage. They are also less attractive to pests like termites, which can be a common issue with other building materials and are unfortunately common in our area. Lastly, hemp walls have good structural integrity and a long lifespan. 

See below for a closer look at the natural texture and colour variation of the hemp wall pictured above!